The 7 Best Places to Eat in Plymouth, United Kingdom

Plymouth is a port city located on the south coast of England, with a rich history that has significantly impacted British cuisine. As a port city, Plymouth has been a hub for trade and immigration for centuries, resulting in diverse cultural influences on the local food scene with many great places to eat in Plymouth.

One of the most significant contributions that Plymouth has made to British cuisine is its role in developing the traditional British dish, the Sunday roast. The city was a major meat supplier to London during the 17th and 18th centuries, and the Sunday roast became a popular way for families to enjoy a hearty meal using the cuts of meat traditionally sold on the weekends. Today, you can still find some of the best Sunday roasts in Plymouth, with many traditional pubs and restaurants serving this classic dish. The Ship, a popular waterfront pub, is a great place to enjoy a traditional Sunday roast with a view.

Another culinary tradition that Plymouth has helped to shape is the British pasty. The pasty is a baked pastry that originated in Cornwall, located just west of Plymouth. As a major port, Plymouth played a key role in the distribution of pasties across the country, and the city has its own unique version of the dish. Plymouth pasties are typically filled with a mixture of meat, potatoes, and vegetables and are known for their distinctive crimped edge. To try some of the best pasties in Plymouth, head to Barbican Pasty Co, which offers a wide range of traditional and modern pasty flavors.

Finally, Plymouth has a long seafood production and consumption history and is particularly known for its fresh and delicious crab. The city’s location on the coast makes it a popular destination for seafood lovers, and there are many restaurants in Plymouth that specialize in seafood dishes. The Boathouse Cafe is great for enjoying a seafood lunch or dinner, with fresh fish and shellfish dishes cooked to perfection.

The food scene in Plymouth, United Kingdom

Plymouth is a coastal city with a diverse food scene that reflects its rich cultural history and location on the south coast of England. With a range of options from traditional British dishes to international cuisine, there are plenty of places to eat in Plymouth that will satisfy any foodie.

Plymouth has many options for those looking to sample traditional British cuisine. The Boathouse Cafe, located on the historic Barbican, is a popular seafood restaurant with a wide range of dishes that feature fresh, locally caught fish and shellfish. The Ship, a traditional waterfront pub, is great for enjoying a Sunday roast or classic pub fare, such as fish and chips or a ploughman’s lunch.

Plymouth is also home to a number of international restaurants that offer a taste of the world. For example, the B-Bar, located in the city center, serves a range of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, while The Ganges, an award-winning Indian restaurant, is known for its authentic and flavorful curries.

In recent years, Plymouth has also seen a rise in the number of independent and artisanal food outlets. The Column Bakehouse, located in the historic Royal William Yard, is a bakery and cafe that offers a range of artisan breads, cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and other lunch options. Meanwhile, the Good Coffee Cartel, a local coffee shop with multiple locations in the city, is known for its excellent coffee and homemade cakes.

Finally, for those who want to sample some of the city’s best street food, Plymouth has a vibrant food scene that is showcased in events such as the Flavour Fest food and drink festival. Regular food markets and pop-up events are also held throughout the year, offering a range of delicious street food options from around the world.

7 Places to eat in Plymouth

If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Plymouth, you’re in luck! This post will provide a list of some of the best restaurants in the area so that you can enjoy a delicious meal during your stay.

Honky Tonk Wine Library

If you’re looking for a fun and tasty dining experience in Plymouth, look no further than Honky Tonk Wine Library. This family-run restaurant offers the ultimate sharing board with baked camembert, Chorizo sausages, ‘Honky’ Bhaji, chicken wings, and more, beautifully presented with olives, grapes, and apples. They also offer vegetarian and fish options and a new breakfast board. With an extensive wine list featuring 250 wines in stock and 30 available by the glass, Honky Tonk also hosts events that cater to everyone, including those interested in developing their wine knowledge, as well as comedy and food fairs.

The interior of Honky Tonk Wine Library is warm and welcoming, with a social atmosphere that emphasizes good food and good wine. Their social calendar includes events like comedy nights, food fayres, and opportunities for developing wine knowledge. Although the waterfront view has been temporarily obscured by nearby construction, the restaurant’s community has rallied to create an outdoor garden space for guests to enjoy on sunny days.

For a delicious and fun dining experience in Plymouth, Honky Tonk Wine Library is a must-visit. The restaurant’s extensive wine list, warm atmosphere, and social events make it the perfect place to catch up with friends and family. Don’t let the temporary construction in the area dissuade you from visiting – the upcoming outdoor garden promises to be a great addition to the restaurant. When looking for places to eat in Plymouth, make sure to add Honky Tonk Wine Library to your list.

Knead Pizza

For pizza lovers, Knead Pizza in Plymouth is a hidden gem that should not be missed. This restaurant offers a dreamy dining experience with an Italian courtyard setting, fresh drinks, and delicious food. Located in one of the oldest buildings in Plymouth, Knead Pizza provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere away from the town center’s hustle and bustle.

The interior of Knead Pizza is thoughtfully designed to transport customers to an Italian courtyard. With fresh smells, smiling faces, and cheering glasses, the ambiance is perfect for a relaxing meal. Knead Pizza’s pizza dough is a standout feature, perfected and cooked under a wood-fired pizza oven, giving every slice a rich flavor and warmth. The restaurant offers a variety of delectable toppings and sides, including the popular Oh Gosh! It’s Squash pizza and Deep Fried Ravioli, all at affordable prices.

If you’re looking for a delicious and affordable meal in Plymouth, Knead Pizza is a great option, whether you’re dining in or taking it away. The restaurant’s focus on perfecting the pizza dough and warm atmosphere sets it apart from other pizza places in the area. 

The Boathouse

For those looking for places to eat in Plymouth, The Boathouse Café is a charming seafood restaurant located on the Mayflower Steps in the city’s historic Barbican neighborhood. Their specialty is the freshest fish and shellfish caught by their own day boats and a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes made using locally sourced, seasonal produce. Guests can choose to dine in the beautifully designed, cozy interior or outside on the quayside terrace while enjoying breathtaking waterfront views.

The Boathouse, Plymouth is renowned for its classic seafood dishes, such as South Devon crabcakes with chili jam, baked cod with white bean cassoulet, and scallops and chorizo served in the shell. Their special menu changes regularly based on what’s available from the fishing boats and the season. 

The restaurant offers a selection of wines, beers, local ales, Fairtrade Fat Roc coffee, and a variety of delicious cakes. With its relaxed atmosphere and waterfront location, The Boathouse Café is a must-visit for seafood lovers and anyone seeking quality cuisine in Plymouth.

The Fig Tree @ 36

The Fig Tree @ 36 is a restaurant located in Plymouth’s Stonehouse area, with a simple menu that hides intense and complex flavors. The dishes are carefully prepared and presented, focusing on sustainability and local ingredients. Head chef Ryan Marsland, who has worked in various popular Plymouth restaurants, runs the kitchen, while his partner Tanya takes care of the service. The restaurant has received a Michelin Plate and a Taste of the West Gold award for two consecutive years.

The interior of Fig Tree @ 36 is welcoming and relaxed, with friendly service and attention to detail. The restaurant’s namesake fig tree can be found in the garden, and the house-baked bread with smoked butter and fig leaf oil is a must-try. The atmosphere is calm, and Tanya’s attentive service ensures a pleasant dining experience.

The food at the Fig Tree @ 36 is a highlight, with dishes like the monster fishcake made from Plymouth-landed hake, accompanied by a Devon crab and celeriac mayo, and the Cornish fillet of pork wrapped in parma ham. The menu also features sustainable and local ingredients, such as the Creedy Carver duck breast with a duck leg croquette, a squash caponata, and a pea and fig leaf dressing. The desserts are also worth trying, with silky-smooth ice cream and honeycomb. If you’re looking for places to eat in Plymouth, the Fig Tree @ 36 is a great choice for a delicious and sustainable dining experience.

The Dock

The Dock is a family-run café and restaurant located in Plymouth’s King Point Marina. Its stunning sea views, delicious food, and ocean-themed interior make it a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you choose to sit outside on the balcony tables or inside, The Dock provides a beautiful ambiance that captures the essence of Plymouth.

If you’re looking for places to eat in Plymouth, The Dock is definitely worth a visit. With its unbeatable combination of great food and coastal views, it’s a perfect spot to catch up with friends or just relax and enjoy Plymouth’s oceanic beauty. Along with the fantastic food spots available in Plymouth, you can find a variety of cuisines, from pizza and pies to fish and seafood.

Fletcher’s

Fletcher’s Restaurant in Plymouth provides a luxurious fine dining experience with delicious food and an elegant atmosphere. The restaurant is located behind the Theatre Royal and offers a pre-curtain-up sitting before the evening service. The front-of-house team, led by Jessica Harkcom, provides exceptional service, while Fletcher Andrews, the talented chef, creates culinary masterpieces.

The menu at Fletcher’s Restaurant is carefully crafted, with both set and à la carte options that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to complementary flavors. If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, be sure to try the Chocolate Orange Double Decker. 

Overall, Fletcher’s Restaurant is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-end dining experience with exceptional food and a lovely atmosphere in Plymouth.

The Greedy Goose

If you’re looking for a top-notch dining experience in Plymouth, look no further than The Greedy Goose. Run by the talented duo of Ben and Francesca Palmer, the restaurant has become a local favorite over the years. With its modern menu, sophisticated ambiance, and impeccable attention to detail, The Greedy Goose has truly established itself as one of the best places to eat in Plymouth.

One reason for The Greedy Goose’s success is its exceptional food, which has earned the restaurant two AA rosettes. The menu features a range of delicious options, from the perfectly cooked rump steak to the piping hot broccoli soup. Ben’s experience as a quarter-finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2011 is evident in every dish, and the desserts are just as impressive. You won’t want to miss the Bit of a raspberry mess, which features whipped raspberry cream and delicate meringue.

But it’s not just the food that sets The Greedy Goose apart. The restaurant’s historic building provides a solid structure for the dining experience, with quirky touches and an overall sense of sophistication that is hard to come by. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for casual and special occasions. 

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