Fine Dining in the South West – The Best Restaurants in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset

September is set fair which bodes well so for those lucky enough to be able to take holiday after the schools have gone back! Many of us will be heading to the UK’s beautiful South West where foodies can discover some truly wonderful venues that are definitely worth seeking out.

Gidleigh Park Hotel and Restaurant (2 Michelin Stars, 5 AA Rosettes)

Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8HH

One of the most respected chefs in the UK, Michael Wignall has won Michelin stars in every kitchen he has headed since being awarded his first star in 1993. Awarded two Michelin stars after just nine months at Gidleigh Park, Michael offers a memorable culinary journey, creating unique dishes full of flavour and underpinned by a contemporary, less formal approach to cuisine. The hotel is distinguishable in its own right – an impeccable black and white mock Tudor building in idyllic gardens on the River Teign winning countless accolades for the hospitality of this small and intimate privately owned property.

Menu example: Poached and torched Lemon sole, salt cod boudin, miso scented potatoes, seaweed butter

Luxury Restaurant Guide member benefits not currently available – click here for booking details

Restaurant Nathan Outlaw (2 Michelin Stars, 4 AA Rosettes)

6 New Road, Port Isaac, Cornwall, PL29 3SB

 

Chef’s chef Nathan Outlaw moved his eponymous restaurant out of St Enodoc Hotel early in 2015 to resettle above the picturesque village of Port Isaac. Boasting panoramic sea views from its two level dining space, the team within the new site remain the same as does the much celebrated seafood tasting menu. Restaurant Nathan Outlaw offers a seafood tasting menu for lunch and dinner as well as a set lunch menu.  The menu highlights the finest sustainable seafood caught off the Cornish coast by small day boats. It’s Nathan’s unique approach to seafood cookery coupled with the respect given to every tail and scale that hits his board that provides a truly memorable dining experience.

Menu example: Cured monkfish, tomato and sea purslane

Luxury Restaurant Guide member benefits not currently available – click here for booking details

Lympstone Manor

Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 3NZ

Lympstone Manor is a contemporary country house hotel overlooking the Exe Estuary with 21 luxurious guestrooms and suites, a world-class wine cellar, 28 acres of gardens, grounds and parkland, all set in the beauty and tranquility of East Devon and the Jurassic Coast. Acclaimed fine dining cuisine by Michael Caines is an exceptional experience in every way.  In the beautiful fine dining rooms of a Georgian mansion, Michael Caines is able to fully express his vision of modern British cuisine that is fresh, seasonal, original, and exciting, utilising the bounty of the Exe Estuary, East Devon and the Southwest.

Menu example: Fillets of Darts Farm beef braised cheek, horseradish and shallot confit, celeriac, mushroom puree and red wine sauce

Enjoy privileges at Lympstone Manor Dining Room with The Luxury Restaurant Club. For bookings call 01395 200920

 

Paul Ainsworth at No 6 (1 Michelin Star, 4 AA Rosettes)

6 Middle Street, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AP

Here we have a true Cornish delicacy. It’s awash with gorgeousness. The food is exciting, exceptional and bulging with flavour, depth and delicacy. The atmosphere reflects the same excellence; warmth pervades and the camaraderie of skill and professionalism is a joy to experience. In Ainsworth’s words: “I’ve tried to showcase Cornwall’s great artisan producers”. Fittingly set in a lovely Georgian terrace in the centre of Padstow, the interior is as composed and elegant as the menu – not too formal, not too casual. Inspiration comes from local supplies and the seasons, and there is always something new and appealing to eat here.

Luxury Restaurant Guide member benefits not currently available – click here for booking details

 

Driftwood (1 Michelin Star, 3 AA Rosettes)

Rosevine, Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5EW

 

Driftwood is spotless and perfectly done, like its food. Stylish and seaside-fresh, the restaurant instantly appeals. Its Cornish chef, Chris Eden, produces a menu worthy of his name. The divine, locally caught fish and game work in perfect harmony with the tinglingly fresh local produce that abounds on the chic tables. The incredible view is an infinitely inspiring backdrop to some astonishingly good dining and a deeply satisfying, calm and elegant interior. An epicurean joy for all seasons, with a secret path to a private beach to boot.

Menu example: Mylor prawns, crisp Porthilly oyster, curried celeriac and pickled seaweed

Luxury Restaurant Guide member benefits not currently available – click here for booking details

Hotel Tresanton (3 AA Rosettes)

St. Mawes, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5DR

Perched on the hillside overlooking Cornwall’s stunning Roseland Peninsula, Hotel Tresanton is a former yachting club which has seen a stunning transformation at the hands of owner Olga Polizzi. Now best described as ‘Seaside chic at its finest’, Hotel Tresanton is a delightful fresh mix of white washed walls, watercolours and mozaics.  The elegant restaurant is flooded with natural light from the windows on two sides making the most of the beautiful sea views. Outside, a delightful two tiered terrace enables you to really make the most of the setting.
Head Chef Paul Wadham of course makes the best use of the wonderful local produce within the daily changing menu and introduces a hint of Italian to the otherwise eclectic cuisine.

Menu Example: Octopus carpaccio, hand dived scallops, clams

Enjoy privileges at Hotel Tresanton Dining Room with The Luxury Restaurant Club. Bookings call 01326 270055

 

The Lugger (2 AA Rosettes)

Portloe, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5RD

In the cove at Portloe, an unspoilt Cornish fishing village, sits the remarkable coastal boutique hotel The Lugger. A building carefully extended from an original boat builder shed and house to surround the small water inlet where you can sit and dine both inside or out on the small balcony and watch the local fishermen bring in their hauls. Much of the catch is used in their exceptional restaurant creating amazing British cuisine. During the summer months we also recommend a walk before or after dinner across the headlands straight from the hotel and along the coast where you can marvel at the stunning views of the land and sea for miles.

Menu Example: Gurnard with red lentil dahl, onion bhaji, carrot and coconut puree

Enjoy privileges at The Lugger with The Luxury Restaurant Club. For Bookings call 01872 501322

 

Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa (3 AA Rosettes)

Plymouth, Devon, PL7 4DP

Discover why Boringdon Hall has been named “the enchanted place on the hill”. Food and drink is at the epicentre of Boringdon and they offer an insanely delicious experience. Dining at the exquisite 3 AA Rosette awarded Gallery Restaurant should not be underestimated. Specialising in intimate, classic, memorable dining, underpinned by discreet and attentive service. With two places to dine, you can experience fine dining in the Gallery Restaurant which showcases the finest dishes using locally sourced ingredients, or enjoy a tempting afternoon tea, a cocktail, or light lunch in The Great Hall.

Menu example: Summer truffle risotto with peas and fresh mint, crispy onions and chives

Enjoy privileges at Boringdon Hall with The Luxury Restaurant Club. For bookings call 01752 344455

Hotel Endsleigh

Milton Abbot, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0PQ

Hotel Endsleigh is a stunning Grade I former shooting and fishing lodge which has been delicately transformed into a perfect modern date retreat.  Set on the edge of Dartmoor with amazing views over some of Englands’ most natural landscapes, Hotel Endsleigh is the sister property to Cornwalls trendy Hotel Tresanton. Brought back from the brink of decay in 2005 by Olga Polizzi and her daughter Alex, Hotel Endsleigh has been reborn as a highly acclaimed and luxuriously intimate hotel. The Restaurant is located in the original dining room featuring beautiful original features such as wood-panelling and the Duke of Bedford and friends’ family crests. It was in Italy that Head Chef Jose Graziosi learned that food is about both quality and company. At the heart of all cooking is the spirit of conviviality, the pleasure that comes from sharing a meal with others. At Endsleigh the result is an intricate combination of the freshest Devon produce with that Italian philosophy.

Menu example: Sea bream, parmesan gnocchi, cavolo nero, crab bisque

Enjoy privileges at Hotel Endsleigh with The Luxury Restaurant Club. For bookings call 01822 870000

 

Bovey Castle – The Great Western (3 AA Rosettes)

North Bovey, Dartmoor National Park, Dartmoor, TQ13 8RE

The Great Western is designed in the art deco style, an era of elegance and fine living. Candlelight, hand-painted chinoiserie wall coverings and immaculate service will surround you. As Bovey Castle’s main dining experience, The Great Western Restaurant offers a superb atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy Bovey Castle’s exceptional cuisine.

Menu example: Roast Squab pigeon, gooseberry & radish, toasted couscous and basil

Enjoy privileges at Bovey Castle with The Luxury Restaurant Club. For bookings call 01647 445007

 

The Mount Somerset Hotel – Dining Room (3 AA Rosettes)

Lower Henlade, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 5NB

The Mount Somerset is a beautifully traditional regency country house hotel, cradled by both the Quantock and Blackdown Hills, sitting in an elevated rural position, The Somerset Dining Room at The Mount is an elegant space for refined dining, there are no loud colours or busy décor here. Muted tones and classic finishes provide a relaxed and restful finish, leaving you free to concentrate on the wonderful flavours of the dishes. Views over the terrace and gardens add to the sense of a truly special dining experience, standing out amongst restaurants in Taunton.

Menu example: Roast chicken breast, mushroom cannelloni, wild leeks, truffle

Enjoy privileges at The Mount Somerset Hotel Dining Room with The Luxury Restaurant Club. For bookings call 01823 442500

 

The Coach House by Michel Caines (2 AA Rosettes)

Kentisbury Grange, Kentisbury, North Devon, EX31 4NL

The Coach House by Michael Caines is located in the grounds of Kentisbury Grange and is a masterpiece of contemporary rustic design and innovative yet classic cuisine. From the restaurant you can enjoy views of the chefs at work through the kitchen window, lending an element of gastro-theatre to the proceedings.  The menus have been carefully designed to reflect the seasonality of fresh, local produce, and everything is created from scratch by the talented kitchen team, handpicked by Michelin starred chef Michael Caines.

Menu example: Exmoor beef sirloin, watercress puree, wild mushrooms, smoked marrow, madeira jus

Enjoy privileges at The Coach House by Michael Caines with The Luxury Restaurant Club. For bookings call 01271 882295

 

Enjoy the best of the West…