10 Best English Riviera Restaurants with Sea Views
The English Riviera has always known how to do seaside glamour, from sweeping crescents of sand and palm-lined promenades to yacht-dotted marinas. But beyond the beaches lies a dining scene shaped by uninterrupted views across Tor Bay serving the catch of the day.
Stretching from elegant Torquay to colourful Brixham, this UNESCO Global Geopark coastline offers restaurants where the horizon is part of the foodie theatre and the tide sets the menu. From relaxed beach cafés to Michelin-starred dining rooms, the English Riviera offers a sea view restaurant to suit every palate and budget.
These are ten of the best English Riviera restaurants with sea views, where the seafood that landed at dawn sets the scene for a gastronomic feast by the sea.
Torquay Sea View Restaurants
Pier Point Restaurant & Bar
Style: Contemporary seaside dining | Price guide: Mid-range
This restaurant sits at the edge of Princess Pier in Torquay with a terrace stretching-out towards the shimmering marina and the sea beyond. Floor-to-ceiling glass keeps the view ever-present while the menu offers modern British fresh seafood in generous portions, ideal for relaxed lunches or sunset suppers. Signature dishes include pan-fried local fish with seasonal greens and classic deserts with quality ice cream. They have an award-winning Fish ‘n’ chip shop next door if you can’t get a booking.
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Rockfish Torquay
Style: Premium seafood | Price guide: Upper Mid-range
Overlooking Torquay harbour, Rockfish promises a super cool Riviera dining experience. Fishing boats bob below while plates of just-landed fish arrive with mouthwatering simplicity. The terrace tables are prime real estate on warm evenings so book ahead. The pricing reflects the quality and freshness, slightly above casual dining, but far from formal. Their fresh fish is outstanding and their take on classic deserts is inspiring.
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The Elephant Restaurant
Style: Michelin-starred fine dining | Price guide: Special-occasion
Overlooking the marina from a discreet vantage point, the Michelin starred Elephant Restaurant delivers refined coastal dining at its most accomplished. If you can, try and book dinner for when the twilight harbour lights reflect off the water, you’ll be glad you did. The menu is unpretentious and designed to indulge the senses by showcasing local Devon produce with precision and creativity. This fine-dining experience falls into the special-occasion category with the tasting menus being the best choice for first-timers.
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The Cary Arms
Style: Boutique Inn dining | Price guide: Upper Mid-range
On the other side of the headland, above Babbacombe Beach, lies the most dreamy restaurant, which is part of The Cary Arms & Spa Hotel. A meal here feels like a luxury beach holiday, especially on their terrace overlooking Lyme Bay’s turquoise waters. The menu is both polished and comforting and prices sit in the upper mid-range, reflecting its exceptional setting and quality.
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Paignton Sea View Restaurants
Cantina Kitchen & Bar
Style: Beachside Mediterranean | Price guide: Casual to Mid-range
This colourful, vibrant family restaurant serves everything from breakfast to dinners whilst overlooking Goodrington Sands beach from the terrace. Their food is super fresh, their deserts and coffee are exquisite, and their sundowners are perfect for enjoying twilight over the bay. It’s relaxed and sociable, with accessible pricing be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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TJ’s Restaurant
Style: Contemporary British | Price guide: Mid-range
With elevated views across Paignton Harbour, TJ’s dining room frames the sea beautifully, particularly from the terrace at sunset. The service is effortless and everything on the modern British menu covers seafood, meat and classic deserts. Pricing is mid-range and suitable for family celebrations or informal date nights.
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The Boathouse
Style: Harbourfront seafood | Price guide: Mid-range
Set beside Paignton’s charming harbour, The Boathouse delivers intimate waterside dining. Fishing boats and paddleboarders drift past while plates of locally sourced seafood arrive with understated confidence. It’s authentic with mid-range pricing aligned to quality ingredients and its prime harbour position.
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Brixham Sea View Restaurants
The Prince William
Style: Classic harbour dining | Price guide: Casual to Mid-range
This gastro pub sits bang on Brixham’s waterfront, along the South West Coastal Path, capturing the bustle of this fine British fishing port. Out on the terrace you can enjoy sea air and harbour views without the offshore winds. The menu is broad with seafood dishes, grills and comfort food favourites to suit every budget. This is the perfect restaurant for easy, relaxed occasions.
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The Breakwater Bistro
Style: Scenic coastal bistro | Price guide: Mid-range
Breakwater Bistro sits right on Breakwater Beach enjoying panoramic views across Tor Bay and out to sea. It feels pleasantly removed from the bustle of the harbour, offering a refined beachy vibe with large windows and a beach terrace. The menu offers something for everyone, from breakfast to dinner with produce sourced locally, serving modern British classics. If seafood is your thing then don’t miss the pan-seared Brixham scallops.
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Olive
Style: Contemporary Mediterranean dining / wine bar | Price guide: Mid-range
Overlooking Brixham’s colourful working harbour, Olive brings a classy Mediterranean energy to the English Riviera. Its elevated position on The Quay offers uninterrupted views across fishing boats and open water, making it particularly atmospheric at sunset when the harbour glows. Inside, the décor is warm and elegant, while the terrace tables promises one of the most enjoyable waterside dining spots in town. The menu draws inspiration from Italy, Spain and Greece, combining small plates with fresh local seafood, like paella. The wine list is amazing.
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Book an English Riviera Seaside Cottage
The English Riviera’s restaurant scene combines fabulous sea views with exceptional, fresh seafood. The fish lands in the morning market and magically appears on your table that day. The same horizon you walked beside earlier now glows beyond your wine glass, and this interplay between landscape and plate should be savoured, slowly, with the rhythm of the tide.
If you are planning a trip to the English Riviera and need accommodation, then check out the wonderful collection of sea view cottages in Devon listed with us. And for foodies who are considering other UK coastal locations, take a quick look at our list of beachfront restaurants in Sussex, all of which enjoy wonderful sea views.