Eat.
Good food, just a short walk away
One of the joys of a self catering holiday in Woolacombe is having so many good places to eat within walking distance. From breakfast after an early beach walk to Sunday lunch in the pub or dinner and drinks without anyone having to drive, there’s plenty of choice right here in the village.
We have our favourites, of course, and part of the fun is discovering yours. There are relaxed cafés for breakfast and lunch, pubs and restaurants for dinner, and some brilliant independent delis and farm shops around North Devon when you fancy bringing something good back to the apartment.
Prefer a night in? No.9 Putsborough has a properly equipped kitchen, so cooking on holiday needn’t feel like a compromise. Pick up fresh bread, local cheese and something nice to drink, then stay in for the evening — particularly appealing after a full day on the beach.
Below you’ll find a handpicked collection of our favourite places to eat in Woolacombe and beyond.
Check Availability“What a beautiful place! ….stumbling distance from several great pubs and restaurants!”
Restaurants
The Beach House
One of our top places to eat in Woolacombe and just a few steps from No.9 Putsborough, The Beach House is one of our favourites for really good food close to home. The menu makes the most of locally sourced produce and fresh seafood, with views towards Woolacombe Beach. It’s relaxed enough for families and dogs are welcome too — particularly handy when you can wander back to the apartment afterwards.
- How far?A tiny walk
- When can I go?March-October
Miss Fea’s Bistro
In the hilltop village of Mortehoe, Miss Fea’s Bistro is one of our best places to eat in North Devon when you fancy something a little more special. The menu puts a modern spin on classic dishes using local produce, with a good wine and cocktail list alongside. It’s friendly and relaxed rather than formal, and only a short drive from No.9 Putsborough.
- How far?5 minutes' drive
- When can I go?Pretty much all year round
Beyond The Break
If you remember New Coast Kitchen, you’ll now find Beyond The Break in its place. Under new ownership, but with the same amazing Head Chef in the kitchen, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a relaxed, street food-inspired vibe.
It’s high on our list to try, so do let us know what you think if you visit before we do!
- How far?20 minutes’ drive
- When can I go?All year round
The Lime Kiln Cafe & Bar
Overlooking Ilfracombe Harbour and Damien Hirst’s Verity, The Lime Kiln Café & Bar serves sea view dining near Woolacombe and wins our award for the view. It’s a great spot for lunch, dinner or drinks, with seafood on the menu and live music on selected evenings. Just a short drive from No.9 Putsborough, it’s one of our favourite places to combine something good to eat with a wander around the harbour afterwards.
- How far?15 minutes' drive
- When can I go?All year round
Street Food
Inspired by culinary travels around the world, North Devon has an array of street food to offer and the Devon Street Food Festival is hosted annually in Ilfracombe, just 10 minutes’ drive.
South Street Food
Just a short stroll from No.9 Putsborough, South Street Food is a great one to know about for breakfast, lunch or something to take down to the beach. Think lobster rolls with melted butter, skin-on fries, breakfast burritos, toasted wraps and still-warm pastel de nata that are seriously hard to resist. Open from 9am daily, it’s particularly handy for grabbing something on your way to Woolacombe Beach.
- How far?A short walk
- When can I go?Pretty much all year round
The Beach Café Downend
Just steps from Croyde Beach, The Beach Café Downend is one to try if you love the Sri Lankan curries at Barricane Beach. Their own Sri Lankan curries are served alongside the sea views, with families and dogs welcome — a good excuse to combine lunch or dinner with a trip to Croyde.
- How far?20 minutes' drive
- When can I go?Pretty much all year round - weather permitting
The Glorious Oyster
Tucked behind the dunes in Instow, The Glorious Oyster is a little seafood shack serving oysters and dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Grab a takeaway and find a spot outside overlooking the estuary towards Appledore — a lovely addition to a day exploring Instow.
- How far?20 minutes’ drive
- When can I go?April-October
Barricane Beach Café
The stuff of legend with stunning Sri Lankan curry on the beach in Devon – grab a blanket, your favourite drink and settle on the golden sands to watch the sunset for a chilled beach experience. An easy stroll from No.9 Putsborough, it’s one of those Woolacombe experiences you really shouldn’t miss.
- How far?A short walk
- When can I go? April-September
Pubs & Bars
The Barn Woolacombe
The only sea view pub in Woolacombe, The Barn — formerly Woolacombe’s much-loved Red Barn — reopened in 2025 following a major refurbishment. It’s a great spot for a drink, lunch or dinner after a day on the sand. From the terrace, you can sit and watch the sea, and families and dogs are welcome too. Its location right by Woolacombe Beach makes it an easy stop on your way back to No.9 Putsborough.
- How far?A tiny stroll
- When can I go?All year round
The Grampus Inn
Nestled in the oh so lovely village of Lee Bay, The Grampus Inn is a traditional low-beamed pub full of character. Expect home-cooked food, locally brewed ales and its own small-batch gin, with families and dogs welcome too. It’s a lovely choice after a walk around Lee Bay or when you fancy exploring somewhere a little away from Woolacombe.
- How far?10 minutes' drive
- When can I go?All year round
The Farmers Arms
The best Sunday roast in North Devon? Our top pick is The Farmers Arms, a beautifully restored 16th-century inn in Woolsery which blends heritage charm with chic rustic style. With excellent value for money too, it’s a real crowd pleaser. Expect seasonal menus crafted from locally sourced produce and legendary Sunday sharing roasts that draw food lovers from across North Devon. A memorable countryside dining experience worth the drive from Woolacombe for the interiors alone.
- How far?55 minutes' drive
- When can I go?Open all year round
Bar Electric
For sea view dining in Woolacombe, this laid-back café restaurant bar has a sun terrace with lovely views towards Woolacombe Beach. Whether you’re in the mood for a colourful Lebanese mezze salad, a juicy burger or their famous chocolate brownie with salted caramel gelato, this is an easy-going spot for sunset dining and casual cocktails with a view of the sea.
- How far?A tiny walk
- When can I go?Pretty much all year round
The Pyne Arms
Tucked away in the pretty village of East Down, this award-winning countryside pub is a true North Devon gem. Consistently voted among the Top 50 UK Gastropubs, The Pyne Arms champions local produce with a modern twist and bold flavours. The Tempura Coconut King Prawns are legendary, while the weekly changing menu features everything from seasonal fish dishes to beautifully cooked Sunday roasts. A relaxed rural dining experience — just a short drive from No.9 Putsborough.
- How far?20 minute drive
- When can I go?Open all year around
The Boathouse, Instow
We love this beach bar and restaurant, one of our favourite spots for beachfront dining in North Devon. Set right on the sands with dreamy estuary views across to Appledore and out to the Atlantic, it’s dog friendly, child friendly and all-round super friendly.
Whether you’re basking in sunshine on the Top Deck terrace or getting cosy indoors by candlelight, iit’s a brilliant place to settle in for a long lunch or dinner by the water. A table here at sunset is pretty unforgettable.
- How far?40 minutes’ drive
- When can I go?All year round
The King’s Arms
For those searching for one of the top fireside pubs in North Devon, The King’s Arms is a true find. This tried and tested much-loved local is a little bit special and combines combines rustic charm with hearty comfort — think flickering log fires, great local ales, and homely classics like their famous pie of the day or a fragrant vegan curry. A warm and welcoming spot to unwind after a day exploring the coast, just a short drive from No.9 Putsborough.
- How far?20 minute drive
- When can I go?Open all year round
The Rock Inn
Just a short drive from Woolacombe in the picture perfect village of Georgeham, The Rock Inn is one of our favourite spots for the best Sunday roasts in North Devon.
Warm, welcoming and full of character, it’s the kind of place where you settle in by the fire and linger over lunch. With five roast options to choose from, great local ales and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s everything you want from a Sunday in the countryside.
- How far?20 minute drive
- When can I go?Open all year round
The Jube
Loved by surfers, locals and visitors alike The Jube captures everything we love about Woolacombe life — laid-back beach style, friendly faces and great North Devon food served with a smile.
It’s the kind of place where you are welcomed straight of the beach and every meal feels like part of your holiday. A true taste of Woolacombe’s relaxed coastal spirit.
- How far?A short walk
- When can I go?Open all year round
Cafes
Putsborough Beach Cafe
Right on Putsborough Beach, our namesake beach café makes a great destination for a walk from No.9 Putsborough. Whether you arrive after walking the dog, a surf session or a bracing winter swim, you can stop for coffee, snacks or lunch with a rather fabulous view of the beach. Dogs are welcome too, and on a good day there are few nicer places to sit outside and watch the world go by.
- How far?A scenic walk along Woolacombe Beach
- When can I go?All year round
Meraki Coffee Co
Meraki Coffee Co is one of Woolacombe’s best cafes and a hidden gem for coffee lovers. Start your morning with a freshly brewed speciality coffee or dig into their homemade nutty granola — perfect for a light breakfast before a beach stroll. With cosy seating and a friendly, local vibe, it’s one of our favourite cafés to relax and soak up the North Devon atmosphere.
- How far?A short walk
- When can I go?Open all year round
The Porthole
Woolacombe’s best coffee shop for the views alone! Perched above the dunes of Woolacombe Beach, The Porthole is a must-visit café for anyone seeking fresh, seasonal fare with a view. Try their kimchi sausage rolls or vegan feast boxes while watching the tide roll in. A scenic walk from No.9 Putsborough, it’s a serene spot to enjoy a relaxed breakfast or an afternoon coffee in North Devon.
- How far?A medium walk
- When can I go?Open all year round
Heartbreak Hotel Coffee
Swoon-worthy North Devon Coffee and Donuts? Yes please! This cute café in Braunton serves the most divine speciality coffee and artisan donuts.
- How far?A medium drive (20 minutes)
- When can I go?Pretty much all year round
Stacc Bakes
An incredible patisserie and coffee shop in the pretty harbour town of Ilfracombe. Every cake is a work of art and baked in house e’ry day!
Stacc Bakes is a little slice of heaven for cake lovers and coffee aficionados alike. Nestled in the pretty harbour town of Ilfracombe, every cake and patisserie is crafted in-house daily and is a work of art! Relax with North Devon cream teas and cakes or devour one of their artisan treats – all just a short drive from Woolacombe.
- How far?A short drive (10 minutes)
- When can I go?All year round
Town Farmhouse
If you’re craving one of the best North Devon cream teas, Town Farmhouse in the pretty hilltop village of Mortehoe is a must. This charming 19th-century tearoom has a peaceful walled garden overlooking the village church and serves homemade scones, local clotted cream and delicious light lunches. A perfect post-walk treat after exploring Morte Point – and yes, dogs are welcome too!
- How far?5 minutes’ drive
- When can I go?All year round
Takeaways
Stoned
Grab a delicious wood-fired pizzas from Stoned, a beachside takeaway just a short stroll from No.9 Putsborough. Probably the best pizza in Woolacombe (if not North Devon!) and perfect for a casual meal on the dunes after a day on the beach.
- How far?A short walk
- When can I go?April-October
Woolacombe Fryer
The best fish & chips in North Devon are always eaten on the beach! Just a short walk from No.9 Putsborough, Woolacombe Fryer serves up classic fish and chips – a firm family favourite and a quintessential North Devon seaside treat.
- How far?A short walk
- When can I go?February-October
Ice Creams
Snack Shack
The perfect pitstop for Woolacombe ice creams! Just a quick hop, skip and a jump from No.9 Putsborough, Snack Shack is the ideal spot for families to pick up pasties, coffees and ice creams galore! Personal favourite: the vegan Keralan pasty. Don’t knock it till you try it!
- How far?A short walk
- When can I go?March-December
Hockings Ice Cream Vans
Hockings Ice Cream Vans serve up delicious traditional North Devon ice cream from its charming vintage vans throughout the summer months. You’ll find them at Appledore, Bideford, Ilfracombe, Instow, Torrington and Westward Ho! If you spot one while you’re out exploring, joining the queue is practically a North Devon tradition.
- How far?Various locations – Appledore, Bideford, Ilfracombe, Instow and Westward Ho!
- When can I go?March-October