Reviews in Barnstaple

We have been to Maiden Arch maybe six or seven times and it is universally excellent. It simply is the best food in Barnstaple, a real pleasure and feels like a special occasion to eat there every time. Thoroughly recommend it, and great value for money for what is basically Michelin star food in North Devon.

By some distance the stand out restaurant in Barnstaple. The menu was the best we have enjoyed at Maiden Arch, with a very well balanced selection of dishes which complemented each other beautifully as the evening developed. Will be back, soon.

Delightful to sample gourmet standard food in North Devon. Each dish on the tasting menu a work of art and some intense flavours and colours. First time for a delicious Oyster from Porlock! .‘Treats’ from the attentive waiter a bonus and worth a visit. No printed menu due to IT glitch and unable to have a glass of champagne on arrival. Prosecco a second best on my very special occasion & reason for visit. Cheese course not served as delivery problem. Would like to have congratulated chef Rob and talked about local suppliers. Another time? Thank you for a pleasant evening.

Our second visit in a month and once again excellent food with a well balanced selection of exquisite dishes. There were enough tweaks and changes in the menu between the two visits that we did not feel the experience was a repetition. Occasional slips in service were more than compensated by the jolly welcome and generous spirit (we were told there had been some last minute staffing challenges). Given the small number of covers and the technical nature of the cooking the margins must be very tight- it certainly is not cheap but I believe it is good value.

I love this restaurant so much. The food is incredible, the ambiance is just right and I definitely will be returning

Truly a hidden gem! We have just experienced the most perfect evening at Maiden Arch; the food (7 course tasting menu- which we highly recommend) was a gastronomic delight to the senses, everything so well though out and balanced, the flavours exquisite, with fusions of unexpected ingredients, interestingly delightful textures. The relaxed but atmospheric setting, the music piano covers of modern tunes which both me & my partner loved, and last but not least, the waiter, was truly exceptional, friendly, polite, professional, personable and just an absolute joy to have met. Incredibly talented chef, more than deserving of a Michelin Star! Thank you so much for an unforgettable evening, we will be back!

My wife and I went for an anniversary meal. First time at Maiden Arch , the welcome was warm and friendly, the table was good and seats comfortable. The food was exceptional every course looked beautiful and was full of great flavours. Particularly liked the prawn bisque and the chocolate desert, both full of rich lovely flavours. The service was attentive and appropriate. The cost was high by North Devon standards but definitely the best meal we’ve had in the last 10 years

Excellent in every way, too class dining and service. Will return soon

Great food and fantastic service, the menu was exciting and the ingredients fresh. It was let down by its atmosphere and lack of attention to detail. The music was instrumental guitar solos, with lowlights including “this is how you remind me”, and “you’ve got a friend in me”. In 2023 there is no need to put your diners through this when Spotify exists. The flowers on the table were plastic and the dining room didn’t feel like a place where you would be spending north of £100pp. If the dining room had a lick of paint, some better music and a few nice flowers it would have lifted it hugely.

Indulging in a culinary journey at Maiden Arch was an extraordinary experience. Every aspect surpassed expectations, from the impeccable service from Jason to the artfully crafted courses. The harmonious blend and balance of flavours, exquisite presentation, and attention to detail showcased Rob's expertise. A true haven for discerning palates seeking an unforgettable fine dining adventure.

The best restaurant experience I have had in forty years. Generally I’m not one testing menus but this was a well-judged delight.Exceptional service from the knowledgeable and highly entertaining Jason. Can’t wait to go back.

An amazing experience to. Food, wine and service was fantastic. Tastes were incredible, such a great afternoon. Thank you to all involved, something we would definitely recommend and revisit.

Superb creative food with excellent wine pairing presented and served knowledgeably with a sense of humour cresting a relaxed atmosphere If this restaurant was down south it would be fully booked months in advance Never the less an absolute gem to find in Barnstaple

Fabulous atmosphere and service and fantastic food. Will definitely book again when next in the area

Superb food as always and first class service from Jason. The Sharpham wine is a must. We will definitely be dining here again.

Eccellente

Fantastic food and service. Really enjoyable evening- we will be back

Lovely food and very attentive staff. A nice atmosphere with lots of space between the tables. The best restaurant in Barnstaple by a long way.