Reviews in Devon

The best celebration restaurant. We celebrate our 25th anniversary at The Soar Mill Cove and they could not have gone to more trouble to ensure we all had a fantastic evening. Great food, really attentive service and a very special venue. Not an every day restaurant but well worth a drive for that special occasion

THERE'S nothing like an incomprehensible menu to transport you to another country for a few hours, and forget about dark nights and drizzle. At least that's a feeling I get while staring up at a board marked 'Piatti del Giorno' near my table in an alcove of Bianco's in Torwood Street, Torquay. For anybody with less than than an Al Pacino-level of Italian, the phrase means 'daily specials' — or more literally 'plates of the day'. Such is the Italian way of making even the relatively mundane sound appealing, as if your modest hatchback has been given a Ferrari engine. Together with the surroundings of dark wood and bare stone, it is enough to make you feel like you have stepped off a street in Rome or Florence — not a blustery South Devon. The dishes outlined on the board are equally mysterious to non-Italian speakers, at least until the waiter arrives. Soon I understand that 'Spigola alle Erbe' (£18.95) is a dish of sea bass with an olive oil and herb sauce, and that 'arragosta' is lobster. Dishes on the menu are also in Italian, but with descriptions in English. Not that 'Ravioli Ricotta E Spinaci' (£9.95) needs much translation (it's ravioli with ricotta and spinach in case you are wondering). But ordering in Italian is just one of the genuine touches provided by owner Mauro Pettinelli at his cosy trattoria. On top of 'antipasti' starters, there are lighter options from a separate 'to share' section, titled 'Da Mangiare Insiemi'. Among the dishes is marinated olives (£3.45). There are more than 30 choices for main course (including the specials), providing something for virtually everyone. There are also several Italian beers to choose from and a reasonable wine list, though only house wine is available by the glass. There also are several 'deluxe Italian cognacs' to finish off, if so desired. Pleasantly, these slices of Italiana come off without any pretension or cliche. You can also order a bitter from the drinks menu, or a fillet steak. Being so close to Torquay Harbour Marina, however, it should be no surprise that the restaurant lists seafood as a speciality, with plenty of choices on the 'Pesce del Giorno' (fish specials) board. To test this claim out, my dinepanion decides on the sea bass. I opt for the ricotta ravioli. Individual packets of rosemary breadsticks on the bread plate of every table are great for fighting off any hunger pangs, and a bread basket is also brought around. Not that there is much of a wait on the food. The sea bass is soft and well presented, with a fresh salad and vegetables. There is a drizzling of the herby oil sauce, not a soaking. It falls apart as soon as touched by a knife. The ravioli is chunky, with a rich tomato sauce, and parmesan is spooned over at the table. Though the ricotta and spinach is a touch dry, the sauce compensates and the three flavours work well together. At half the price of the sea bass, it offers a value-for-money option. Despite the hearty portions served up for the main course, there are still a dozen options for dessert. Two have already sold out. We opt for a chocolate mousse to share. It is rich and thick, with a sugary sauce and a whipped cream top — enough for two. In fact, the dessert sums up the food: tasty, without pushing back the boundaries of gastronomy. And certainly enough to forget about drizzle for an evening. Herald Express

We recently needed to book a party venue for my husband's 50th birthday. We chose Eclectick on Fore Street, Ilfracombe and what a fantastic choice! The pleasant surroundings of the restaurant & bar were perfect for our party of 20. The buffet food was plentiful and delicious and the hosts Geoff and Chrissie couldn't have been more accommodating and attentive. We had a really wonderful evening, with my husband deciding it was his best birthday ever!

Visited this restaurant and was very impressed with the service and food. I had the Seafood/ chiili tagliatelle pasta which was the best Ive ever tasted. My wife said her Lasagna was tasty and cooked to perfection. Really top food and a genuine Italian experience. Even enjoyed being watched by a Picture of Sophia Loren on the wall.

visited Prezzo 3 times last week everytime we had fresh tasty food, lovely filling salads. tasty starters. all reasonably priced. service everytime was excellent, very smiley etc and surrounding are very pleasant. too stuffed all times to try a dessert so can't comment on those!

What a lovely evening with our inlaws. Lovely food, great atmosphere.Truly recommend just Williams for their presentation and welcoming ambiance. Thank you. You really should go and enjoy yourselves

My comment falls in to 3 distinct categories: 1) Four of us ate here on 26th October 2009. Two parents & 2 students. The food was good. A fair price. Clear descriptions on the menu. It all represented what I had seen on their website, and what appealed to us. 2) Less positive; within 5 minutes of being seated we had been asked twice if we were ready to order. Even allowing for my poor reading skills, I felt this was a bit quick. 3) The music was so loud we could not sustain a conversation. To this I add that we were also 'pushed' about ordering our next course(s). For the first time ever the bill arrived before I had time to ask for it. My main impression; come in eat, pay & leave so that we can re 'sell' your table. Will we go back: I leave you to decide?

fabulous food my family love it there best ever burgers - cheesecake to die for order dessert with your starter as the good ones sell out fast - when we went there was only one portion of malteser cheese cake left and it was tragic we had to share. Great omelette's and good Sunday lunches......proper Christmas card type of pub.

Chulmleigh Tandoori always provides great food, both take away and eat in. We have been customers here for nine years and have never found a fault.

The Flintlock is a Great HOME cooked Food, Restaurant / pub Great Friendly staff. Great Bar or Restaurant Manu. Everything is cooked to Order. Go try for yourself you will Love it.

Probably the most flavoursome food we've had for a long time. We ate here with friends and will be back. Excellent choice of draught beers and good wine range. Efficient friendly service too.

Came here with my husband on the evening of 6th October 2009 whilst on holiday in North Devon. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Special mention to our waiter Rob. He delivered 1st class customer service. Managers please take note of this young man. He is a credit to you. Will certainly be back to eat here again.

Nice place for the start of a night out with friends, lively and fun. If you crave authentic Thai food then probably not for you...

When you first enter the Start Bay it is with some trepidation. Will I get a table? How long is the queue? How many people are waiting at the bar to get served? Let me assure you - it is well worth it! The fish is excellent and they serve Otter ale and Sharpham wine. We have been here so many times I can't even count and have never been disappointed, even when we have had to share a table with complete strangers... Wow!

I ate here at 10.10pm on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009. I am writing a partially negative review as the issue I have irritated me greatly. The venue itself was pleasantly laid out, the food was good and served promptly. However we were made to feel uncomfortable and hurried by our waitress. The last sit down was at 10.30pm, and we arrived at 10.10pm. Throughout the meal we were watched in close proximity by our waitress and she asked us two or three times if we were finished eating before we were done. Also, once we were done eating, my companion went to use the ladies' room and the waitress after maybe 5 minutes, went up to the ladies and knocked on the door to hurry her along. To add insult to injury, the waitress had the audacity to ask me when paying the bill by visa, if I wanted to add a gratuity. I feel that if I eat out and pay forty pounds for the experience, that I should not be herded in and out of the restaurant like cattle. Basically we were the only customers in the restaurant and we were plainly an annoyance to this waitress to be dealt with, as opposed to us being new and potentially regular customers. This has incensed me so much that I will not be eating at The China Orchid again.

I've been here a couple of times for dinner and it is excellent. There is a good variety of superb quality locally sourced fish and meat available, the setting is very relaxed and the waiting staff are lovely. My only beware is that the portions are a little large so I struggled to eat all the gorgeous food!

lovely old coaching inn, food was super, i had liver & bacon on mash with real ale gravy. my wife had fish & chips. nice staff, warm, cosy atmosphere,

Thanks for a good night. The food was great and we had a lovely evening, why haven't you got any rosettes with food like that, that is something you should go for. I have eaten in many 2+ places and the food you do is well worth 2. Thanks again we will be back when we are next in plymouth. Tony