Eat & Drink
This is where we take a personal view and add our places where we like to hang out and enjoy the ambience, food, drink, and service. You are free to recommend places and use the contact form.
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Locals already know where they want to go; visitors may not be as well-educated and could be looking for direction. As mentioned, this is what we like. Plenty of advertising and booking sites exist if you want generic "all-market" advice. Below are just a couple mentioned with links, or read on for our favourites.
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Try OpenTable for Restaurants - or - Best Pubs Guide to Torquay
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Ollie's Restaurant
What they say:
We're only as good as our ingredients. That's why at Ollie's, we nurture long-term relationships from across Devon to get the best produce. The restaurant delivers an informal and social setting where the surroundings are as vibrant as the food.
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Ollie's is located on Torwood Street in the heart of Torquay. This new restaurant has undergone a complete refurbishment and provides a classic setting and the highest-quality cuisine.
What we say:
Ollie's is a family-owned and-run business named after the head chef, who has a unique character. We like it because they do what they say (read on below) plus the service is excellent.
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The small bar to the restaurant's left is well worth a pre-dinner or after-dinner cocktail—conveniently named "The Bit on the Side!"
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01803 297 177
34-36 Torwood Street,
Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1EB
Photograph courtesy of Sue Vaughton Photography
Portofino Wellswood
Beer, Wine, Gin, Pizza and Pasta
What they say:
Visit us for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks & Ice cream
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We are bringing you a hint of the Italian Riviera in the English Riviera.​ Portofino is the gem of the Italian Riviera; it’s the spirit of La Dolce Vita — a place and time you’ll never want to leave. Sashay to Wellswood and experience it for yourself …
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What we say:
We keep going back, again and again and again.
It is very often busy, so book; it is incredible how busy early Friday nights may be. Service and smiles are always on hand! Locals love it!
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Portofino Restaurant & Bar
21 Ilsham Road
Wellswood
TQ1 2JG
01803 927057​
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Opening Hours
Monday - Closed
Photograph courtesy of Sue Vaughton Photography
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The Elephant
by Simon Hulstone
What they say:
Run by chef proprietor Simon Hulstone and his wife Katy, it was the first restaurant in Torquay to be awarded a Michelin star & the only one for retaining it, which it has maintained Since 2006.
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The Elephant is relaxed and friendly and serves the best value Michelin-starred lunch in the UK.
We aim to source our ingredients locally and sustainably, many from the restaurant’s dedicated farm in Brixham but we do look further afield if it’s something we’re excited about. All the dishes change regularly depending on which locally grown and reared ingredients are at their best.
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What we say:
Having eaten there again recently, the food is outstanding and the service impeccable, but this is what a Michelin Star is all about!
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The Elephant Restaurant,
3 & 4 Beacon Terrace,
Torquay,
Devon TQ1 2BH
Phone: 01803 200 044
info@elephantrestaurant.co.uk
Photograph from the Elephant Website
The Drum
At Cockington
What they say:
Dating back to 1936, The Drum's claim to fame is its architect, the world-famous Sir Edwin Lutyens (www.lutyenstrust.org.uk). Lutyens designed the pub as the focal point of the village, and today, his beautiful vision retains all its traditional charm thanks to a recent million-pound restoration project that replaced its thatched roof, restored its beautiful gardens, and made the most of its superb views.
Our menus are full of hearty favourites and country pub classics, as well as our seasonal dishes, and we’ll be ready with a well-stocked bar, including cask ales, fine wines and British gin to suit every taste - which will taste all the better when enjoyed either in our beautiful gardens or by our crackling log fires.
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What we say:
Walking the dogs at Cockington, come rain or shine, or just visiting this famous village, there needs to be a decent pub for families and friends. The Drum is just this, and their description fits well. In the sunshine, sit outside; in the winter, there is a warming fire. There is also plenty of room in the car park, too (paid), and often down the road.
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Cockington Village, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6XA
Call us on 01803 690264
Open 11.30 til 1opm every day.
