The Best Plymouth Restaurants (so far)
- Grace Edmonds
- Aug 22
- 9 min read
If you don’t already know, I only moved back to Plymouth last year.
My family are from here, I studied here at University, I left, now I’m back.
I tell you this to say that, while I try and support local businesses where I can, I’m still making my way round the glorious food scene of the city. So if there’s anything missing from this list, it’s likely because I haven’t been yet (or I’ve forgotten), not because I didn’t like it!
What’s my criteria for identifying a good restaurant in Plymouth?
As with most people, there are two things that matter when I dine: The food and the service. And honestly, there are a lot of things I can forgive in the kitchen, but I cannot stomach bad service – there’s just no excuse (and yes, before you ask, I have worked in service).
If the food is bad, you’ve got the opportunity to rectify it. If the service is bad? That’s leaving a foul taste in my mouth. I will never stop yapping about the incredible food scene in Plymouth, and the South West generally, because I think it’s entirely overlooked.
So that being said, here are my favourite recommendations for Plymouth’s best restaurants, in no particular order:
Cafes and Places To Grab Coffee and Brunch in Plymouth
£ | Spanning Sea Views
The Mess Room is a really lovely independent café in Plymstock. Situated in the middle of the boat yard, it serves great coffee and casual brunch/lunch fare right at the water’s edge. The coffee is also very good (a bonus point in my book!) Order at the counter and fresh, lovingly made food is brought to your table. The waffles are a stand-out choice if you have a sweet tooth.
The Mess Room is tucked away at Yacht Haven Quay, Breakwater Road, PL9 7HJ
£ | The Cutest Sugar Rush
Mila’s was started by local entrepreneur Paige Brown and her husband Dan. Named after their adorable dog, Mila, they serve amazing cakes and bakes throughout the city. With cutesy pink branding, this is definitely one to visit for great Insta shots but don’t be fooled; they mean business. Their range of sweet treats, from brownies to cookie pies and everything in between, is unrivalled in my opinion. We can rarely resist a visit if we’re passing through town!
While they do have mobile vans dotted around, we always go to 21 Old Town Street, PL1 1DA
£ | Portuguese Delights
Lisbon is one of those places I really wish I could visit more often. With an outstanding English breakfast and counter of wondrous baked goods, they really are a great spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Serving excellent value for money and exceptional coffee, you can sit inside or out – either way, be sure to sit back and take in the delicious fare.
You can find Lisbon at 22 Frankfurt Gate, PL1 1QD
££ | Brunching In Style
Fig & Thyme is the perfect spot for your girly brunch dates. It’s got the vibes. With their neutral decoration and minimal style, it’s the perfect spot to get a cute photo while enjoying something yummy. They also do sharing boards (great for groups!), are open 7 days a week and host theme nights – so be on the look out for those.
Fig & Thyme are located at 58 Southside Street, Plymouth, PL1 2LA
Best Pub Grub in Plymouth
£ | Elevated Pub Food on The Hoe
Usually our first stop for an afternoon of wine and beer, the Gipsy Moth is ideally located just between the City centre and The Hoe. Run by local landlady Donna, it serves a superb selection of drinks and has a great quality menu. We’ve eaten here a few times and tried a range of dishes, each has been delicious. The portion sizes never disappoint and I have it on good authority that the Sunday roast is something to rival! They also have screens dotted around the pub, making it a great spot for sports fans.
Find The Gipsy Moth at 159 Citadel Road, PL1 2HU
£ | Great Pub Grub With A Glorious Sea View
From St. Austell brewery, this is another regular for us! The menu is everything you’d want from a nice pub, but done really well. They have great value deals on through the week (Pie & Pint for £15 on Thursdays, bottles of Prosecco for £16 on Fridays, etc.) and regularly host events like Sip & Paint. The only thing that occasionally lets The Waterfront down is slower service – but that’s not the end of the world and if you’re happy to sip and eat, it’s no problem at all.
The Waterfront is situated at 9 Grand Parade, PL1 3DQ.
£ | Truly A Hidden Gem
With a slightly more adventurous menu – featuring gumbo, donburi and, of course, heaps of fresh seafood – it’s like a classic British pub but with a joyful twist. The décor and atmosphere inside are sophisticated but relaxed. There’s also a local cat who can often be found asleep on a barstool. The food is excellent, service is friendly, and there’s a great selection of drinks. What more could you want?
Stroll in to The Fishermans Arms at 21 Lambhay Street, PL1 2NN
Brilliant Casual Dining in Plymouth
£ | The Best Pizza & Pint You’ll Have
Talk about finding good food where you least expect it. Nestled in the centre of Peverell, Roam know their niche and do it fantastically. With a super friendly team in the bar and kitchen, you should look no further for a pizza and pint in the City. Alongside a crisp pint of their own-brewed beer, you can enjoy an incredible sourdough pizza for less than £13. Do not miss them while they’re open between Thursday – Sunday!
You can find Roam at New Victoria House, Weston Park Road, PL3 4NU.
£ | LA Style Burgers In Devon
Recreating their favourite LA-style burgers in the heart of London, Oz & Sheena first started out on the street food scene before making their way back to Plymouth to open Zephyr. In the middle of the City, it’s an ideal location to sit down with an epic burger, some tasty sides and a cold, crips drink. If burgers are your thing, you absolutely will not be disappointed with these ones!
Be sure to visit Zephyr Burger at 8 Drake Circus, PL4 8AQ.
££ | An Unexpected Flavour of Asia
Tucked away on Notte St, Yukisan is totally unsuspecting from the outside but full of great food. With a super relaxed atmosphere, you can take your pick from their hugely varied menu to find something for everyone. Whether you want a more authentic experience with sushi and sake or prefer a taste of Japan infused in your steak and a signature cocktail; Yukisan is a great shout for the nights you want something different without getting all dressed up.
Yukisan is tucked away at 51 Notte Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AG.
££ | Tapas and Waterside Drinks
This could be put in many categories, we love the V.O.T! Even just for a drink, it’s a great spot if you’re near Royal William Yard, the Cremyll ferry or passing through Stonehouse generally. However their tapas is absolutely scrumptious. The lamb koftes are NOT to be missed!
You can find The V.O.T. at 10 Cremyll Street, PL1 3RB
££ | Curry Night Done Right
Nibana is in my top three curries in the City (honourable mentions to Café India in Stoke and the former Gurkha Spice in Southway.) A great place to have a sit-down dinner, whether it be in a couple, with friends, or for a family get-together. It’s your classic (British) Indian menu with all your favourite dishes, but they’re all cooked The only thing you need to remember is that it is seriously echoey in here. If there’s a large group, you might seriously need earplugs.
Nibana is located at 9 Morshead Road, PL6 5AD
Excellent Restaurant Experiences in Plymouth
££ | Relaxed Fine Dining
Listen, I’ve talked a whole bunch about Fletcher’s. It’s elite, in my opinion. The food is absolutely outstanding, the service is warm and it really elevates the food scene in the City. We’ve never had a bad experience. It’s also way better value for money than people seem to think – we’ve paid the same price for a similar meal at a few restuarants round the city, and this still takes the cake. If you enjoy the finer things, do not miss a visit to Fletcher’s.
Fletcher’s is situated at 27 Princess Street, PL1 2EX
££ | Luxe Japanese Feasting
Sip boujee cocktails under the cherry blossom and pretend you’re in Japan as the scent of the hibachi grill wafts under your nose. The food at Kuku is superb. We found the best way to do it – under the friendly advice of our waitress – was to order a few bits, then order some more. With a complete range of Japanese cuisine, from the typical sushi to the more obscure, it’s a delight from start to finish. Don’t miss the Niku Hibachi – it is to die for.
Kuku is located at 19 Princess Street, PL1 2EU
£ | Homestyle Italian In The Heart Of The City
Italian is our favourite cuisine so we were thrilled to find great Italian food in the middle of Plymouth. Stone walls are lined with pictures of the Amalfi Coast, classic Italian desserts are illuminated in a traditional glass cabinet and dark wooden chairs fill the room. You’d forget you were in a busy street in Devon. All the food tastes brilliant, and authentic, and the desserts are something to marvel. Be warned: if you order the calzone, you will need a doggy bag!
Positano can be found at 36-38 Mayflower Street, PL1 1QX
££ | Good Grub, Bistro Style
Nora’s does comfort food… on steroids. Their tagline is quality meats, comfort eats and pukka wines and honestly? Accurate. Everything from starters to sides to desserts is utterly delicious. The service is warm, just like the ambient lighting. It promises to be a neighbourhood restaurant, and I think that’s exactly the vibe you get.
You can find Nora’s at 40 Drake Circus, North Hill, PL4 8AB
Cocktail Bars and Where To Drink in Plymouth
£ | Pints & Pizzas
Not the most obvious location, but a great shout if you’re in Stonehouse or looking for a drink before a show at the Theatre Royal. With a sheltered beer garden and cosy indoor seating, The LHA is a brilliant little pub. They’re now full time home to Slab Pizza (check them out on Instagram if you can risk the drool-factor) and host regular quiz nights.
Head to 33 Stonehouse Street, PL1 3PE to find the Lord High Admiral pub.
£ | Kooky & Comfortable
We love stopping at The Hyde Park, whether it’s a sunny Sunday walk or a Friday night pub-crawl, it’s often on our list. Outside is a sun trap that you might not expect but that’s not the best thing about this place – head inside for the adult version of Aladdin’s Cave. With trinkets, treasures and memorabilia covering the walls (and the ceiling!), you will spot something new every time you visit. I can’t help but wonder how long this impressive collection took to curate.
You can spot the Hyde Park at 88 Mutley Plain, PL4 6LG… you can’t miss it!
££ | Happy Hour In The Heart Of Plymouth
A firm favourite for us, The Treasury serve excellent cocktails, a good selection of beer and offer heaps of seating. The atmosphere is a notch up from the pub – more sophisticated, but not pretentious. Again, the décor is easy on the eye. They offer plenty of deals on their cocktails (which are made to order, as they should be in any self-respecting cocktail bar) and often host live music and theme nights, plus bottomless brunch.
The Treasury is at Catherine Street, PL1 2AD
££ | Hidden Gem
We haven’t visited Tiger Milk at peak hours yet, so have had the fortune to enjoy ample seating and a quieter atmosphere. The El Presidente cocktail completely knocked my socks off and speaks to a serious cocktail menu that’s been developed to offer balanced flavour and exotic ingredients.
Head to Pilgrim House, 17 Derrys Cross, PL1 2SW to enjoy Tiger Milk’s cocktail menu.
£ | Typical Irish Pub
Every City needs a good Irish Pub, right? Kitty is ours. It’s everything you’d want or need from pub like this. Always a popular choice for live sports (although it will require some sharp elbows to get to the bar) and the perfect mid-point stop on a beer-tour of the City.
Kitty’s can be found at 5 St Andrew Street, PL1 2AH
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