Local secrets, hidden gems and how to experience the English Riviera like a true insider
Torquay might be known for its palm-lined promenades, sandy beaches and classic seaside charm, but dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover a destination full of flavour, flair and unexpected delights. This is not your average guidebook round-up. This is the Torquay locals whisper about. The one your best friend would write for you. From tucked-away trattorias and wine bars with a view to Sunday roasts worth travelling for, we’ve gathered the most mouthwatering, memorable food experiences in town. When you are planning a laid-back weekend or a self-catering holiday by the sea, these are the places worth making time for.
Friday Date Night
For a relaxed evening that still feels special, head to Portofino in Wellswood. Think classic pizzas, rich pastas and generous sharing boards stacked with cured meats and three types of mozzarella, including a burrata so creamy it could be the main event. Leave room for dessert. There’s a monster tiramisu that’s hard to ignore and an authentic Mr Whippy-style gelato you can pair with a shot of espresso or something a little stronger. Follow their socials for live music nights that make dinner feel like a holiday celebration.
Dish not to Miss: Portofino’s Porchetta Sunday Roast. Rolled, slow-roasted pork belly with crispy crackling and lashings of Italian seasoning. Comfort food, Italian style.
Feeling Romantic?
And for the ultimate pre-dinner drinks spot, No.7 Wine Bar on Beacon Hill is the locals’ secret. Choose from over 100 wines by the glass while the sun sets over the bay. It’s intimate, elevated, and totally unforgettable.
Saturday at the Beach
Looking for something cool and casual by the sea? Cantina at Goodrington Beach has exactly the right balance of surfy charm and seasonal dishes. Local fish, grilled meats, pizzas, ice cold beer, cocktails, and live music most weekends. It’s totally dog and kid-friendly, with garden games and an on-site ice cream van serving all day long.
Dish not to Miss: Cantina’s Crabby fries. Crispy chips layered with fresh white crab meat, a drizzle of sriracha, and a cooling crema. Perfect with a cold cider and a sea breeze.
The Best Sunday Roast
If you do one thing on a Sunday, book a table at Olive in Brixham. This isn’t your average roast. It’s choices like filet mignon or slow-braised lamb shank, and all the trimmings, served in a setting that blends maximalist Mediterranean interiors with serious culinary precision. Their self-serve enomatic wine system lets you explore premium bottles by the glass, one sip at a time, so you can try something new with every course. It’s intimate, unexpected, and absolutely unforgettable.
Dish not to Miss: The fish of the day, caught just metres away at Brixham Fish Market and cooked simply to let the freshness speak for itself.
In Torquay, eating well isn’t a luxury, it’s a way of life. And with a self-catering stay at Astor House or Trinity Mews, you’ve got the freedom to try it all. No set hotel meal times, no room service trays, no schedules. Just your own space, your own pace, and a whole world of flavour waiting outside your door.
Ready to discover your new favourite dish on the English Riviera? Book your self-catering holiday with Plumlocations and taste the real Torquay, one unforgettable bite at a time.
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