Eat and Drink - In Ilfracombe
In no particular order, here are our recommendations for places to eat and drink in Ilfracombe.
For dinner reservations we always recommend booking in advance wherever possible.
These are some of our favourites, more can be found via the Visit Ilfracombe site here
Giovanni and Luca
Authentic Italian Cuisine - Wilder Road, Ilfracombe - www.giovanniandluca.co.uk - 01271 869394
Run by Giovanni and Donatella, this wonderfully traditional Italian restaurant has been an Ilfracombe favourite since 2010. A great and friendly atmosphere, in true Italian style, they are always very welcoming and feature an extensive menu. They also feature many Vegetarian dishes, and are happy to make these Vegan without fuss at your request.
The Terrace Tapas Bar
Great tapas in a relaxed atmosphere - 62 Fore St, Ilfracombe - www.terracetapasbar.co.uk or call 01271 863482
A favourite in Ilfracombe, The Terrace always delivers a great dining experience (along with some amazing cocktails) and is always popular with our guests. Please note: not a good spot for Vegetarians and Vegans sadly.
The Lime Kiln
Modern eating with amazing views - Larkstone Gardens, Ilfracombe - www.thelimekilncafe.co.uk or call 01271 863482
With spectacular views over the Harbour from Larkstone Beach, The Lime Kiln is fresh, relaxed and contemporary. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, it's a great spot to enjoy a relaxed meal. Some Vegetarian and Vegans options are usually available - always check beforehand if needed.
Johnny C's
Wonderful coffee and lunch spot - 17 High St, Ilfracombe - find the on Facebook here or call 01271 269137
A lively spot in the High St for great coffee & cake, brunch, lunch and perhaps a cheeky cocktail - Johnny C's is one of our favourite spots on the High St and well worth a visit. Some yummy Vegetarian and Vegan choices available.
The Cookery at No.28
Friendly café for daytime eating - 4 St James' Place, Ilfracombe - www.no28thecookery.co.uk or call 07790 725933
A real down-to-earth family vibe - The Cookery is run by Lucy and Stu and is one of our favourite spots for breakfast, brunch or lunch (and the odd evening pop-up event). The food and drink is really very good - and best enjoyed on their sun-trap front terrace. Not one to be missed - plus, always some yummy Vegetarian and Vegan options.
hand:plant
Where arts and crafts meet coffee and cake - 76 High Street, Ilfracombe - visit them online here
A vibrant creative space, offering lots of work by local artists and creatives - plus amazing Coffee, homemade cake, breads and soups - all Vegan, every day. A real favourite on the high street.
Annie & The Flint
Stylish café and coffee house - 125-127 High Street, Ilfracombe - visit them online here
A buzzy café in the heart of the High Street - offering Breakfasts, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches plus sweet treats and pastries. Vegan items often available - call or pop in to check.
The Thatched Inn
Relaxed pub with dining - Hillsborough Road, Ilfracombe - www.thethatchedinn.pub or call 01271 864450
Perched at the top of Larkstone Lane, this Ilfracombe landmark offers a friendly welcome and good pub dining. On warmer days their large terrace is a ideal spot to enjoy a bite to eat and a view towards the Bristol Channel. Please note: not a good spot for Vegetarians and Vegans sadly.
The Rock Inn - Georgeham
Excellent Pub Restaurant - Rock Hill, Georgeham - www.therockinn.biz - 01271 890322
A short drive from The Earlsdale - probably 10/15mins, but totally worth it. A traditional pub vibe, but with a very nice menu. Very warm and welcoming with a familiar and cosy feel - the food is excellent for lunch or dinner and comes highly recommended. The menu usual features a good selection of Vegan choices
Seventy One
Traditional bistro - 71 Fore Street, Ilfracombe - www.seventyone.biz or call 01271 864450
Always a popular choice, so get booked early! A pleasingly intimate Bisto with a traditional menu. Open from Easter through to October. Please note: not a good spot for Vegetarians and Vegans sadly.
Santiago's
Relaxed restaurant - St James' Place, Ilfracombe - find them on Facebook here or call 07798 634606
Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. An intimate space boasting a large sunny terrace perfect for the warmer months. Please note: Some Vegetarian and Vegan options are usually available but best to check.
Blacksands
New restaurant for 2026, St James' Place, Ilfracombe - find them on Facebook here
Brand new for 2026, Blacksands is a restaurant and events space with a local Bistro vibe. At time of writing menus are still being confirmed - but we hope it will be Vegan friendly - visit their Facebook page for more information.
Lucia's Pantry
Café and shop, Fore Street, Ilfracombe - find them on Facebook here
Really nice café offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and the occasional special evening event - plus a lovely pantry shop offering lots of local produce. Some Vegan choices available on the menu and definitely worth a visit.
No.11 The Quay
Drinks and light nibbles with Harbour Views - The Quay, Ilfracombe - www.11-thequay.co.uk or call 07798 634606
A wonderful spot to enjoy a cool glass, tempting nibbles and watch the world go by - all perched on the edge of the harbour. Not Vegan friendly sadly - though plant milks are available for hot drinks.
George and Dragon
Welcoming family pub - Fore St, Ilfracombe - www.georgeanddragonilfracombe.co.uk or call 01271 863851
A truly welcoming local pub with evening entertainment, a simple food menu and extensive drinks selection - always a friendly and happy atmosphere. Some Vegetarian and Vegan dishes on offer.
Levain
Relaxed European dining - 79 High St, Ilfracombe - www.levainrestaurant.com or call 07435 853389
Exciting menus and a vibrant atmosphere - Levain is enjoyed by many of our guests for evening dining. All Vegetarian dishes can be made Vegan on request.
Hele Bay Cafe
Coffee, Cakes, Pastries, light lunches and Sandwiches - The Beach at Hele Bay - find them on Facebook here
Situated right on the beach, this cute café has a lovely of food and drink, and usually has a variety of Vegan options available. A lovely sunny terrace is great when the sun is out, or plenty of seating indoors if not!
The Brasserie at The Carlton
A lovely hotel restaurant just 10 mins walk away, Runnacleave Road, Ilfracombe - find out more here here
Offering something for most occasions covering lunch and dinner, plus special evenings throughout the season, The Carlton hotel has a relaxed modern vibe and is worth a visit - Vegan options usually available.
Sage Cottage Tearoom
Traditional tearoom and cafe - 63 High St, Ilfracombe - find them on Facebook here - or call 07895 514474
Old school in the best possible sense, serving traditional tearoom treats. Please note: not a good spot for Vegetarians and Vegans sadly.