Reviews in Ilfracombe

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.

This is the best pub food in the Ilfracombe area by a country mile. Quality and consistency from Simon are signs of an excellent chef. Barbara serves an excellent pint of real ale

My two friends and I had a meal on 02/02/08 which was a Saturday night. We were lucky enough to be seated straight away, and it was immediately obvious that we would be in for a great night. The smells were amazing and we couldn't order our food quick enough!! We opted for the sampler meals (along with a couple of other dishes) which meant we all got to share a little of everything. All of the dishes were wonderful, as was the tolberone fondue we have for dessert (with fresh fruit and marshmallows to dip in!). Price was really reasonable - under £30.00 for 3 of us (including a bottle of wine). I have to say it is the best meal I have had in a long time (and I eat out twice a week on average). In fact it was so good, it inspired me to write an online review (which I've never done before!!). I would DEFINITELY recommend this place and hope to return soon (even though I live in Birmingham).

When Damien Hirst announced plans to open a swanky bar and restaurant-cum-art gallery in the down-at-heel Victorian resort of Ilfracombe, 10 minutes from his Devon home, the locals scoffed. Who would make the trek to the seaside town that time forgot? Well, loads of people, as it happened. Three years after it opened, the bar and its attached restaurant, 11 The Quay, boasts a clientele that includes Damon Albarn, David Bailey and Keith Allen - and Hirst is slowly having the same one-man regeneration effect on Ilfracombe that Rick Stein brought to Padstow. Standing on the quayside, it's easy to see the appeal. With its gleaming red-brick facade sandwiched between olde-worlde seaside shops, The White Hart is like a glistening pearl in a muddy Devon oyster. And when the sun dances on the clear blue waters of the harbour and reflects back through the bar's huge windows, the White Hart comes into its own. Enormous French doors open on to a south-facing terrace with fantastic views of bobbing fishing boats. Back through the doors, the small but perfectly formed menu of cocktails includes favourites such as the sea breezes and fruit-based margaritas. The White Hart also offers 20 wines by the glass as well as local beers and ciders. For a quick nibble before you repair upstairs to the Atlantic room for a slap- up dinner, crack open a bottle of Ruinart Brut Rose ([pound]80) and savour oysters caught by local fishermen from nearby Lundy Island.

Could only afford to eat their once during the holiday, but on a wet weekend it was a warm inviting place to eat, with a good atmosphere. My lad especially liked the wi-fi connection.

We dined in the Atlantic restaurant upstairs. The decor was tranquil and service excellent. The menu choices were limited, but the dishes served were excellent. The risotto was one of best we had tasted and belly of pork was also very good. Alas I cannot say the same for the Oysters and Lobster as the bout of food poisioning (or allergic reaction) I suffered 4 hours after eating the meal was unfortunate.

Stumbled across Cook Island whilst on holiday just outside Ilfracombe. We thoroughly enjoyed the carvery at £8.95 per adult. Vegetables were cooked beautifully and there was a great selection too. Great play area for children aged 3 to 15 years. Very clean. Only problem was not enough tables. Staff very friendly.

This is a really fantastic place to eat. Small and cosy, with lots of atmosphere and truly great chefs doing interesting, delicious food with fresh local produce. This is better than Rick Stein!! It is a bit more expensive than some places but is far less poncey than The Angel and definitely worth it.

While on holiday in Hele Valley came across Hele Billy's and found the food and the staff good. We ate there on several occasions and also just popped in for a drink and a few games of pool. Great since the no smoking ban came into force and the place has been steam cleaned. Nice atmosphere

Great restaurant owned by Barbara and Simon since December 2005, assisted by daughters Farah and Maxine. Many home made dishes, freshly cooked and great quality. Relaxed atmosphere and good fun. Only a small place so make sure you book at weekends.

Yuuuummmmmmmyyyyyyyyyy. Fantastic food and the service was great too. Will definitely be visiting again soon

A really relaxed evening which began at the bar on a sumptuous sofa with an elegant glass of wine and ended with the best French tart outside of France. The menu is excellent with the best quality ingredients used. This place is the highlight of our holidays in Devon, a real treat.

Fresh cooked food in a homely atmosphere - customers treated like friends

Lovely little find!

Had lunch outside the front, watching the world go by. We tae a wonderfully fresh gilt head bream simply cooked with a champ mash and a few side dishes. Washed down with an excellent Italian white wine. Couldn? fault it. definitely the best in the town and worth a visit for the decor.

Gorgeous. The chicken skewers were lovely.

The Cook Island was an ideal stop off point travelling from the Beach at Woolacombe to Ilfracombe and the food and service was good here and an added advantage was a children's game room along with pool table

My Husband and I visited the tapas bar last weekend on a night away trip to ilfracombe (the tapas bar was recommended to us by our B&B). I am Spanish & have lived in London for 3 years & have not had such good authentic tapas since moving here, the Gambas Pil Pil was perfect & such good value for money as was the the Albarino Wine. The service was also very special they employ spanish waitresses on university holiday to help them in the restaurant & also to help the girls improve their english, (which must be commended as most people would not be bothered to put themselves out!) I look forward to returning to Ilfracombe very soon, not only for the beautiful scenery but to eat at the Tapas Bar for home from home cooking.