Where to Eat in Dartmouth: The Pick of a Very Good Town

Short answer: Dartmouth has more good places to eat per square mile than anywhere on this coast. Alf Resco opens at seven with a covered courtyard, the Cherub has about seven tables so book, and Bespoke does the best coffee.

Breakfast

Café Alf Resco is the Dartmouth institution — open from seven, with a covered courtyard, excellent breakfasts and brunch, and famously dog friendly. If you only do one thing here before nine, do this.

The best coffee

Bespoke, a tiny coffee shop off the main streets, is the best coffee in Dartmouth on most accounts.

The characterful one

The Cherub Inn is the oldest building in Dartmouth and the most characterful pub in it — real ales, a small upstairs dining room, and about seven tables. Book, or you will not get in.

The pubs

• The Royal Castle on the quay — recently refurbished sympathetically, with window tables over the harbour.
• Dartmouth Arms on Lower Street — a river view, sensible prices and a menu beyond standard pub food.
• The Floating Bridge by the higher ferry, a short walk out — known for its Sunday roast. Three parking spaces, so walk.
• The Sail Loft on Foss Street — the roomiest room in town.

Gluten free

Dudley's on Lower Street has one of the best gluten-free menus on this coast — a full separate menu rather than two options. Small, warm, and closed Wednesdays.

With a dog

Alf Resco, Dudley's and the Sail Loft all take dogs, which makes Dartmouth one of the easiest towns in Devon to eat well with one.

Practical

Park once and walk — the streets are narrow and the town is compact. Book Christmas and Boxing Day lunch in November; Dartmouth's pubs fill weeks ahead.

Small Devon restaurants have small dining rooms. Book at weekends and always for Sunday lunch, and ring rather than relying on a booking form out of season.