Eat.
North Devon isn’t just a surfer’s paradise, it’s a haven for foodies too.
From sea-view brunch spots to cosy pubs serving Sunday roasts and local ale, this coastal corner is full of flavour.
Whether you love browsing farm shops for artisan cheeses and fresh sourdough, or prefer to dine out every night, Woolacombe offers a delicious mix of relaxed and refined. Wander from beach to table, discover seasonal menus showcasing Devon’s finest producers, or indulge in fresh seafood straight from the Atlantic.
Prefer nights in? No.9 Putsborough’s kitchen is beautifully equipped for effortless holiday cooking, and you’ll find independent delis in Braunton and Ilfracombe, plus the brilliant Lee Meadow Farm Shop just minutes away – perfect for stocking up on local treats.
Below is a handpicked collection of our favourite places to eat in Woolacombe and beyond.
Check AvailabilityRestaurants
Miss Fea’s Bistro
Nestled in the charming hilltop village of Mortehoe, Miss Fea’s Bistro is one of the best places to eat in North Devon offering a contemporary twist on classic dishes using fresh, locally sourced North Devon produce. The imaginative menu pairs perfectly with a carefully curated wine and cocktail selection. Friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and just a short drive from No.9 Putsborough, make this a must-visit spot for food lovers exploring the North Devon coast.
- How far?5 minutes' drive
- When can I go?Pretty much all year round
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 a coastal gem serving the freshest locally sourced seafood. Enjoy views of Woolacombe Beach while indulging in a relaxed, stylish dining experience. Perfect for couples, families and dog-friendly visits, it’s a must-stop for a memorable North Devon meal.
- How far?A tiny walk
- When can I go?March-October
The Lime Kiln Cafe & Bar
Perched on the harbour’s edge in Ilfracombe, The Lime Kiln Café & Bar serves panoramic sea view dining in Woolacombe with a side of style. Overlooking Damien Hirst’s iconic 66ft sculpture Verity, it’s the perfect spot for long lunches, seafood suppers and golden-hour cocktails. After sunset, the vibe shifts to live music and relaxed coastal evenings. One which wins the ‘view’ award and just a short drive from No.9 Putsborough.
- How far?15 minutes' drive
- When can I go?All year round
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, it’s the kind of place that feels like an effortless holiday treat. A table here at sunset is pretty unforgettable.
- How far?40 minutes’ drive
- When can I go?All year round
New Coast Kitchen, Croyde
New Coast Kitchen is one of the most exciting Croyde restaurants on the North Devon coast. Featured in the MICHELIN Guide and awarded two AA Rosettes, this intimate restaurant delivers refined, ingredient-led cooking with a creative modern edge.
The menu celebrates seasonal produce and coastal flavours, crafted with precision yet full of soulful character. Elegant without being formal, it offers a warm welcome and a genuine passion for food, making it a favourite with locals and visiting foodies alike. A truly special night out by the sea; try the Tempura Hake – simple and perfect!
- How far?20 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
Tucked just a short stroll from No.9 Putsborough, South Street Food serves up vibrant, flavour-packed street eats with a coastal twist. 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 the perfect grab-and-go stop before a beach day on the sand.
- 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 blends Sri Lankan flavours with a relaxed surfside vibe. From Thursday to Sunday, enjoy their legendary curries, to rival those of Barricane Beach, while soaking up the views — perfect for family and dog friendly visits close to No.9 Putsborough.
- How far?20 minutes' drive
- When can I go?Pretty much all year round - weather permitting
The Glorious Oyster
Tucked behind the dunes, The Glorious Oyster is a seriously cute seafood takeaway in Instow serving oysters and the freshest local ingredients from its shack. Grab a take out and enjoy your treats outdoors with estuary views stretching to Appledore, just a short drive from No.9 Putsborough.
- 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 the ultimate relaxed beachside dining experience for all the family.
- How far?A short walk
- When can I go? April-September
Pubs & Bars
The Barn Woolacombe
The only sea view pub in Woolacombe, the iconic Red Barn reopened in March 2025 with a fresh, stylish makeover. Its sun-soaked terrace gazes towards the sea, perfect for a leisurely glass of chilled rosé. With a relaxed surfer-bar vibe, it’s ideal for family and dog friendly visits and makes a perfect pitstop to and from Woolacombe beach!
- 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 low-beamed pub with character and charm. Enjoy homecooked dishes, its own locally brewed ales and small-batch gin in a relaxed, family and dog friendly atmosphere — all just a scenic drive from No.9 Putsborough.
- 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 wins the view award with its sun terrace gazing over 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 above the surf.
- 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 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
Located right on Putsborough Beach, our namesake beach café is just a scenic stroll from No.9 Putsborough. Whether you’re here after a walk with the dog, a surf session, or a bracing winter swim, the café’s terrace offers unbeatable sea views and a cosy spot to relax. Enjoy freshly prepared snacks, hearty lunches and seasonal specials in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Dog-friendly and perfectly positioned to soak up those unforgettable North Devon sunsets, Putsborough Beach Café is a must-visit during your stay.
- 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
Baked on the Beach
Perched right on Woolacombe Beach, Baked on the Beach is the coolest post-surf stop during the summer months. Grab a freshly brewed coffee, buttery pastries, or light snacks from this airstream trailer while taking in the sea views — ideal for beach days with children or four-legged friends, just a short stroll from No.9 Putsborough.
- How far?10 minutes' walk
- When can I go?May-September
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 and jump from No.9 Putsborough, Snack Shack is the ideal spot for families to pick up pasties, coffees and ice creams galore! Personal favourite – 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! A guaranteed hit with kids and a perfect beachside treat for all.
- How far?Various locations – Appledore, Bideford, Ilfracombe, Instow and Westward Ho!
- When can I go?March-October