The Best Places to Eat in Plymouth
Whether you’re a visitor, or you’re a resident, when you get the hunger – Plymouth has plenty of places to tempt you. If you’re trying to find the best place to eat in Plymouth, we’ve run down our favourites.
To make it easy, we’re going to segment this list of the best eats in Plymouth by area – so if you’re hanging out at the Barbican, cruising the Royal William Yard or even take a trip across the water, we’ve got you covered.
So… Where to get some great food in Plymouth?
The Barbican
As the pretty tourist hub in Plymouth, this is where most will find themselves looking for something to eat. And, if you’re looking for seafood you’ll be spoiled for choice. There are LOTS of fish and chip places.
Rockfish; Next to the National Marine Aquarium, PL4 0LB
For our money, this is probably the best of the fish and chips places to eat in Plymouth, and definitely on the Barbican. They have a great outside seating area too, and have recently opened the sardine bar outside.
Enjoy a variety of locally caught fish, and even feast on unlimited chips for an extra £1. All this washed down with a great selection of local and international drinks too.
££
The Catch Bar; 47 Southside Street, PL1 2LD
Hole in the wall fish bar with some truly excellent dishes on the menu. They even have fresh fish in the window (yes you can buy to take home and cook yourself). Wash it down with a cocktail or glass of bubbly.
£££
The Barbican Kitchen; The Gin Distillery, 60 Southside Street, PL1 2LQ
On the first floor of the old gin distillery, this is regularly rated as one of the best restaurants in Plymouth. Offering modern British food in a relaxed contemporary setting (with maritime theme), we can heartily rate the Barbican Kitchen for quality food. Their lunchtime menu is a great deal as well!
£££
The Ship Inn; The Barbicam, PL1 2LZ
There are a number of options lining the Barbican promenade, but we rate the Ship for consistent quality and choice of pub food. There are even some good veggie and vegan options. Plus, if you have kids in tow, this will be a good choice too.
££
Quay 33; 33 Southside Street, PL1 2LE
This popular and long standing eatery on Southside street serves up some classic British fare such as fish pie and lamb shank. There are also some good options for kids too, although the options for vegetarians and vegans is pretty limited. That said, it’s still one of the best places to eat on the Barbican and Plymouth…
£££
Monty’s Cafe; 13 The Barbican, PL1 2LS
This popular cafe is a hit with the locals as well as visitors – so surely an easy contender for the best places to eat in Plymouth. Think British classics, full English breakfast, and top notch sandwhiches. Also an affordable option compared to several others on this list.
£
The Hoe/The seafront
Want to take in that spectacular view of Plymouth sounds while you enjoy your meal? Yes, there are some great places to eat on the foreshore too…
The Terrace; PL1 2NY
In prime position overlooking the lido and the stunning views of the Sound, The Terrace is rightly popular with locals and visitors alike. The food is fairly standard British fare, like pasties, fish and chips and sandwhiches. But you’re here for the view, so whatever eh. There are also regular DJs and live music during the summer months.
££
Ocean View at the Dome; PL1 2NZ
Only opened in 2021, the Ocean View has finally given a new lease of life to the old Plymouth Dome – a failed tourist attraction from the 80s. And to be fair, it is a great location and a top quality restaurant too.
Expect high quality British fare – such as fish and chips or beef stew, with excellent cocktails and drinks. Considering the location it’s also not that expensive.
Just want a snack? You can also dip in for afternoon tea any time.
££
Pier One; 135 Madeira Road, PL1 3DE
The sea front location makes this a popular stop, and with both open air and covered seating, it’s a good option in bad weather too. They offer excellent fried breakfasts and popular classics like burgers, fish and chips and salads. Also a good option if you just want a coffee and cake… Relatively cheap too!
£
Maritimo; Hidden behind the Coffee Shack
Follow your nose behind the coffee shack and down a flight of stairs to this popular tapas bar. It’s reliably decent, but if you’re Spanish (or have spent any time in Spain) you will probably be underwhelmed. Don’t let that put you off though, it’s always a good option if you want a quick tapas with a view.
££
The Waterfront Pub; PL1 3DQ
Run by the same team behind the Ocean View at the Dome – the Waterfront is often on lists of the best places to eat in Plymouth. The menu consists of pretty standard pub fare, but done to a high standard. However it is pretty pricey, especially for Plymouth. £10 for a sandwich…. Great location though.
£££
Royal William Yard & Stonehouse
The revamped Royal William Yard, or RWY for short, is mostly home to a selection of local and national chains. Think Wagamama or Pierres. However there are some decent local options too… We’ve also included the Stonehouse area surrounding RWY in this list of best places to eat in Plymouth.
Seco Lounge; 4 Royal William Yard, PL1 3RP
Popular bar/restaurant serving small plates, big plates and a good selection of drinks too. Reliably decent food – but probably not THE BEST place to eat in Plymouth. Nice location by the harbour makes for great sunset drinks.
££
Hubbox; PL1 3RB
Local chain serving burgers, fried chicken and American treats. Also good craft beers. One of the best burger options in town…
£
The Fig Tree @36; 36 Admiralty Street, PL1 3RU
Lovely local restaurant serving some top notch British fare in a home cooked style. Possible contender for the best place to eat in Plymouth? The menu changes regularly and is seasonal. Book ahead if you can.
Fixed menu from £30 is a great deal for the quality of the food you get here.
££
Elvira’s Cafe; 7 Admiral’s Hard, PL1 3RJ
No frills style English caff – popular with the locals. The type of place where you’ll get a full english breakfast and a cup of tea for well under a tenner. Top quality stuff.
£
The Dock; King Point Marina (The Ferry Port), PL1 3EF
This is one of those gems that even the locals don’t really know is there. Nestled just outside the ferry port in Millbay, the Dock offers views across… well, the dock. And there is a great and affordable selection of British favourites such as all day breakfasts, fish pie, steaks and burgers. Well worth the trip.
££
City Centre & North Hill
If you’re looking for quality dining in the city centre, there are options beyond the standard chains. Yes, you’ll find Nandos, Brewdog, Zizzi and Las Iguanas in the barcode – so if you’re looking for reliable and what have you, there is that. But there are also some gems here too…
The Box Cafe, North Hill
The cafe inside Plymouth’s top notch museum is also one of the best places to grab a light bite at lunch. Expect premium all day breakfasts, tasty British fare, excellent coffee and cakes too.
££
at Kitchen; The Market
Excellent Asian food, such as banh mi rolls and noodle soups on the top floor of the covered market. Great for lunch.
£
Zephyr Burgers; Drakes Circus
Not just the best burger in Plymouth – but also one of the best burgers in the UK. No joke – the owners won the accolade in 2022 and you can put them to the test yourself. Are they that good? (Spoiler alert; yes).
£
The Treasury; Catherine Street
This bar also offers classic British fare such as fish and chips, burgers and nibbles.
££
Manuka; 40 Drakes Circus
Excellent pizzas in the heart of student land. Probably the most authentic Neapolitan pizza you’ll find in town… Good beers too. Check out our Manuka Review.
£
Cosmic Kitchen, Palace Street
Veggie and vegan food, including raw food and whole food salads. A great spot for lunch, their seitan and jackfruit wraps are excellent – and their salad bar is a thing of wonder. Definitely one of the best places to eat in Plymouth for those on a plant based diet. Also, as a bonus, they host regular events such as house music nights with local DJs. A proper local gem.
£
Mutley Plain
Although it might still be a bit shabby around the edges, and very much the heart of student land, Mutley has a selection of great eateries too.
Early Bird; 51 Mutley Plain
Yes they mainly focus on pastries, coffee and croissants. But they also do some seriously indulgent all day breakfast style items like pancake stacks, smashed avo on toast, and all the benedicts (y’know, poached egg with bacon, salmon or spinach). Proper all day fuel. Oh there is now one of these in town too…
£
The Little Kitchen; 40 Mutley Plain
Top notch breakfasts and burgers. Excellent coffee too and they also serve up a bottomless brunch (with booze) for £30 a pop all through the week.
££
The Kickin’ Caribou; 13 Mutley Plain
Seriously indulgent Canadian fare which basically means poutine (which is cheesy chips with gravy but wayyy better). Lots of options for toppings including seriously meaty through to vegan. They also do hot dogs and burgers and a nice beer selection too.
£
Others of note…
You may have noticed that we’ve focused mainly on ‘British’ style food in this list, so we’ve (mostly) avoided Thai, Indian or Middle Eastern etc. But, just so you know, there are plenty of great places for international cuisine.
Out reccos for great international food include:
- Cinnamon Garden, Bretonside – for South Indian dishes including dosas and idli
- Eastern Eye, Notte Street – excellent Indian food
- Yukisan, Notte Street – Top quality Japanese food (check out the wasabi steak)
- Dunya, Derry’s Cross – Top notch levantine and Turkish fare
- Kapadokya, The Barbican – Turkish fare again
- The Greek, Mayflower Steps – Hut serving souvlakis and Greek beer
- Suphas, Sutton Harbour – Lots of great Thai in town but this one is excellent, with great views too
What have we missed? Let us know in the comments or on social…
