Fish and Seafood on the English Riviera

The English Riviera is renowned for its exceptional fish and seafood, with daily catches landed along the South Devon coast. From seafood cuisine to everyone’s favourite fish and chips, you’re spoilt for choice when you eat out in Torbay. With harbourside restaurants and traditional fish and chips to fine dining seafood experiences, the region offers fresh, locally sourced dishes shaped by its strong maritime heritage. You will not get fresh fish and seafood any fresher anywhere in Devon. Whether you’re looking for casual seaside dining or award-winning cuisine, discover some of the best seafood in Devon right here on the English Riviera.

Fish and Chips by the Sea 

No trip to Devon is complete without trying traditional fish and chips along the seafront. Whether you’re sitting on the harbour wall in Brixham with a steaming paper-wrapped portion, or tucking into a plate at a top fine dining restaurant in Torquay, the combination of ultra-fresh local catch and traditional South Devon charm makes the experience distinctly special. 

Brixham Fish Market

So why is fish and seafood such a big deal here? Each year over £40million worth of fish is landed at Brixham, at the bottom corner of the English Riviera. The catch is sold on at Brixham Fish Market and can then be found in some of the top restaurants and fishmongers across the UK and Europe thanks to the exceptional quality. But our local chefs also get in on the action. They’re there at 6am, picking up the best buys from Brixham Fish Market to serve to you often within 24 hours of it being pulled from the sea – when they say it’s the catch of the day, they’re not exaggerating!

Top Seafood Restaurants across Torbay 

With access to the highest quality fresh fish, it’s little wonder some of the country’s top seafood chefs choose to work in this beautiful corner of the world. Acclaimed chef Mitch Tonks runs a series of restaurants and takeaways locally, with a strong commitment to taste and sustainability. Try his Rockfish Brixham restaurant located right on the fish market, with a strong claim to being the restaurant closest to its source of fish in the country. Also near the harbour in Brixham, check out Beamers, Simply Fish and the Prince William.

Alternatively you could head along the coast to Paignton, where the team at Cantina will give you the warmest, relaxed welcome to all the family including dogs and some of the best seafood you’ll eat. Further on you reach Torquay - sample the day’s catch given the Michelin-starred treatment at The Elephant, courtesy of award-winning chef Simon Hulstone. Or head next door to the celebrated No.7 Fish Bistro, where seafood is prepared under the watchful gaze of head chef Oliver Stacey.