Reviews in Devon

After being recommended Hooks by a friend in Torquay, I decided to travel down from Exeter to see what all the fuss was about, and i must say the whole experience surprised me... on entry i was greeted by a lovely door host who seated me in one of the most charming parts of the restaurant, overlooking the open plan kitchen... however the fault lied in management. we ordered our food with a very snappy general manager, who acted like he was on something other than just a power trip... the kitchen didn't seem to undetstand what we had ordered (simply a starter as a main) and the general manager attempted to resolve their confusion by shouting at the kitchen staff across the restaurant, when my husband and i (as well as other customers) were trying to relax. our food was incorrect, perhaps because the gm didn't record our order correctly (due to lack of care or concentration) or perhaps because of the kitchen staff's confusion with the order. the food was in fact wholesome and beautiful - the chef did a fantastic job of cooking my steak (eventhough the incorrect size) to perfection! the door host cleared our plates as the general manager seemed to have been too busy swearing at his 'shipmates' over the kitchen - perhaps it was a private joke, however we could hear the taunts crude between them and found it highly unflattering to our evening. the host apologised to us and we asked for our bill the general manager brought us the bill and we asked to pay by card, he shoted at the host to bring him the machine - an unprofessional role for any manager to play. in conclusion, the food was beautiful, the service was brilliant, however the owners should rethink the management, as at most times it seemed like the gm was simply ordering people around and shouting obsenities, which intimidated my husband and i, as well as other near by customers

the best indian restaurant in torquay the staff cannot do enough for you! the food comes quickly and correctly! the food is gorgeous and not too oily! the restaurants location is perfect if you're going to/from town! the ambience is lovely - with the new fish tank in place, i haven't seen another indian like it! 10/10 everytime i've been...

Staff were very very and flexible when we asked to move around several tables so that we could all talk together. The food, wine and beer were all excellent.

Top food and enough to feed a small army in each portion. Barbara is a great host and this place really is fantastic on all fronts. Interesting artwork in the gents as well

We arrived as a big group of 24 and the service was great. All the food orders came out simultaneously with no mistakes. Food was good value and quality. A very enjoyable evening and we were very well looked after by the staff.

Spent the weekend in Devon diving. Went to Hele Billys 3 nights on the trot. The service and the food was outstanding every time. The staff were friendly and welcoming with a good sense of humour. Put this on the "must visit list" if visiting the area.

Two great meals (Chilli, then half shoulder of lamb) over two nights and traditional puddings. No fancy messing with layers. Good, well looked after, beer too. Always a plus ;-) If the busy night I saw last w/e is anything to go by, booking ahead is recommended too.

Superb Food and a great welcome. we dined at Hele Billys 3 times over the past weekend on Saturday we squeezed 23 into the restaurant and couldn't have been happier with the service

We booked this restaurant on all the good reviews it has received, when we entered the restaurant the staff were very rude to us, then we ordered our food and what we ordered and what turned up i wouldn't feed to my dog, then as we were just about to get the bill the side orders turned up, we sent them back to the disgust of the waitress.....so if it's a special occasion stay well clear

Absolutely lovely restaurant, relaxed dining at its finest. Very impressed with the menu, wine and service. Top class.

Just got back from a disappointing evening at the Terrace Tapas bar. We went for the £15.95 per head menu with started off with some nachos that were burnt around the egdes - on the up side I suppose this means they were done under the grill and not the microwave! So for your £15.95 you get 1/3 of a sausage, a jalapeno pepper deep fried, a mozzarella stick deep fried (obviously bought in frozen), one prawn frozen and over cooked on a BBQ, one two inch beef skewer and half a cherry tomato with a leaf garnish, and a chicken wing accompanied by frozen cubes of deep fried potato decorated with mayo and ketchup. To finish gross watery toblerone fondue gets the thumbs down. Needless to say we were all starving and enquired about some further dishes in am attempt to fill our empty tummies - but when we were told the size they would be, we decided to pass and planned our trip to the chip shop for dinner. This is a very poor attempt at a tapas bar, with a menu full of bought in frozen nasties and dangerously tiny portions and massively overcharging.

We ate here recently and were very disappointed. The calzone was particularly bad, with stodgy bread dough, nothing but thick wads of cheese and a bit of ham inside. No attempt was made to make it attractive - it was just slapped on the plate with no salad/sauce etc. Maybe we were unlucky, and the staff were fine, but the meal was NOT good.

we went to this restaurant on a recommendation from some friends who had been and said that they had had a fabulous time, well ! 8 of us booked and turned up as planned, we had an absolutely brilliant night the place was busy but the staff were fab no panic yet always attentive. The Thai Green curry was to die for and all my friends said their food was great too, the only moan was that some of us had to wait a bit for our mains to come but they were worth waiting for ! fresh tasty and good value. If you want a truly good meal in a great environment but real honest authentic thai food this is the place !

Great food, friendly service and very good wine list for a Indian restaurant

Highly recommended for its food, service and atmosphere. Ideal for a romantic evening. Excellent menu and wine list. From the bread to the dessert, it was a lovely experience. Our compliments to the Paul (chef) and his wife Sarah (waitress). Maria and I really enjoyed our evening, and we will return.

Bad atmosphere when you walk through the doors, food very tasteless and over priced and would not recommend to anyone, very disappointed as was recommended myself. Not sure what the manageresses problem was but obviously not happy. Very poor:(:(:(:(

I attended this restaurant a while ago with my friend who says the Thai Food is some of the best she has tasted. I then visited more recently at lunchtime and we were literally the first customers in the place but the jacket potato I received was from the previous night - this was confirmed by the waitress. The noodle soup we had was also reheated from the night before. It's a shame because my previous visit was a success. So give it a go. You might get lucky.

A very homely restaurant with French style "shabby chic" decor where you feel instantly at ease and relaxed. A great selection of drinks to enjoy while you choose from a varied menu and specials board. The food is superb, delicious and good portions, you do not leave feeling hungry nor guilty as you sent so much back, just comfortably full as you had to squeeze in the last tasty mouthful. The staff are great, friendly and attentive. It is also excellent value for money.