The 20 Best Restaurants in Dawlish

Woody's Cafe offers classic café fare such as cooked breakfasts, bagels, and sandwiches served in generous portions and brought to the table hot. The interior is bright and modern, with a small outdoor terrace adding to the appeal. Staff are generally friendly and attentive, contributing to a pleasant, informal atmosphere away from the seafront.

Salty Dog Kiosks is a small seaside spot offering freshly prepared light snacks, from filled rolls and wraps to jacket potatoes, smoothies, and sweet treats. Coffee is a highlight, often served with a homemade cookie or small cake. Guests appreciate the personable service and simple outdoor seating that suits a relaxed coastal walk stop.

Le Cygne is a charming café and deli known for wholesome, flavor-focused dishes and thoughtful presentation. Guests praise satisfying options such as aubergine bakes served with artisan bread, along with a tempting selection of freshly made cakes. Well-crafted coffee, including specialty preparations, stands out. Spotless surroundings, considered decor, and welcoming staff create a comfortable, inviting setting.

The Home Kitchen is a welcoming café known for its strong focus on gluten-free cooking while also offering options for other diets. Guests appreciate the wide choice of gluten-free dishes, including quiches, scones, and homemade treats such as doughnuts and cakes. Attentive staff routinely check for dietary requirements, creating a relaxed and reassuring experience for those with specific needs.

Daisy's Tea Room offers a cozy, welcoming setting for classic café fare, from sandwiches and panini to salads, soups, and homemade cakes. Food is freshly prepared with attention to satisfying portions and simple, well-balanced flavors. The space is kept clean and comfortable, and the attentive staff contribute to an easygoing, inviting atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of guests, including those with dogs.

The Castle Inn is a small village pub offering well-executed, traditional British dishes in a welcoming setting. A concise menu focuses on quality, with favorites such as Sunday roasts, seafood linguine, and ribeye steak often praised for their flavor and cooking. Guests note the comfortable ambiance and attentive, personable service that contributes to an enjoyable dining experience.

Gay's Creamery Ltd is a long-standing Dawlish favorite known for its classic ice cream, often enjoyed with clotted cream and a chocolate flake. The shop serves traditional pasties, sausage rolls, cakes, sweets, and cream teas, with light scones made on the premises. Friendly, efficient staff and a nostalgic, family-friendly setting create an appealing stop for a casual treat.

Shooters is a welcoming pub known for hearty, home-style dishes such as homemade chili, pizzas, and classic breakfasts. Guests appreciate the friendly, accommodating staff and a sociable atmosphere suited to families and groups. The pub offers games to keep all ages entertained and is a popular spot for watching football, enjoying live music, and hosting private functions.

The Cove Café is a small seafront spot offering freshly made coffee, tea, and a range of casual bites. Guests note hearty burgers, snacks, sandwiches, cakes, and ice creams, served with attention to simple, satisfying flavors. Outdoor seating allows for relaxed people-watching by the water, and the café welcomes dogs. Sustainable packaging adds to the laid-back, modern feel of this coastal stop.

Forest Fungi offers a mushroom-focused café experience with creative dishes such as eggs with champignon and mushrooms on toast, alongside hearty breakfast options. Plates are carefully presented and emphasize flavorful, high-quality ingredients. An intimate, relaxed atmosphere and attentive, welcoming staff enhance the visit, and the on-site shop features a range of mushroom-related items. Occasional dining events pair multi-course meals with an informative tour for a distinctive experience.

Brunswick Arms is a traditional, old-fashioned pub offering hearty, home-cooked pub classics in a welcoming setting. Guests mention generous portions, including dishes such as steak and ale pie and lasagne, alongside a wide selection of ales, lagers, and ciders. A lively mix of locals and visitors enjoy the friendly service, family- and dog-friendly spaces, and classic pub games.

Chip A'Hoy is a classic seaside fish and chip shop known for freshly fried cod with crisp batter and hot, fluffy chips. Takeaway orders are packed neatly in trays, with condiments added to taste. Guests highlight the friendly team and easygoing atmosphere, making it a convenient stop after a walk along the beach.

Sticky Rice Restaurant offers a genuinely Thai dining experience, with an all-Thai team serving freshly prepared, flavorful dishes. Guests highlight the delicious noodles and other classic Thai favorites, as well as efficient, attentive service. The dining room is clean and neatly presented, creating a pleasant setting for both sit‑in meals and takeaway orders.

The Smugglers Inn is a traditional public house offering a popular carvery with generous portions of roast meats. Guests mention attentive service both at the bar and in the dining room, with staff who remain responsive throughout the visit. A log burner and comfortable bar area contribute to a cozy atmosphere. The venue also accommodates larger groups and special gatherings with organized table arrangements.

The Old Mill Tea Room offers a traditional Devon cream tea experience in a picturesque setting. Guests enjoy freshly made sandwiches, warm scones with jam and thick cream, and an array of homemade cakes. The space is noted for its cleanliness, welcoming staff, and dog-friendly atmosphere, creating a relaxed stop for tea and light bites.

The Beach Bar offers hearty café-style dishes, from cooked breakfasts and sandwiches to classic comfort plates, accompanied by coffee, beer, and other drinks. Guests appreciate the generally friendly, helpful staff and their attention to dietary needs and allergens. Dog-friendly outdoor seating, some of it covered, allows diners to enjoy views of the sea and passing trains. Clean facilities and a lively atmosphere complete the experience.