9 Best Seafood Restaurants in Bideford (2023)

Bideford is a port town located in the North Devon district of Devon, England. This historic town is situated on the banks of the River Torridge and is known for its scenic harbour and stunning views of the countryside. 

However, one of the town’s main attractions is its seafood restaurants, which are renowned for serving some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the region.

Key Takeaways
Criteria for selecting the top 9 seafood restaurants included quality of food, customer service, ambience, and price.
Criteria for selecting the top 9 seafood restaurants included quality of food, customer service, ambience, and price.
Top 9 seafood restaurants in Bideford include The Seagate, Le Petit Monde, Mr Chips, Quay Cafe, The Glorious Oyster, and Atlantic Bay Fish and Chips.
Dishes include fish and chips, seafood platters, grilled fish, oysters, and crab sandwiches.
Bideford’s seafood industry continues to thrive with local fishermen still catching fresh seafood daily.
The town’s location on the River Torridge has made it a prime location for fishing and the seafood industry.

This blog post will showcase the best seafood restaurants in Bideford that are a must-visit for seafood lovers. 

Whether you’re a local looking for a new dining experience or a visitor to the town, these restaurants offer a diverse range of seafood dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. 

From traditional fish and chips to freshly caught seafood platters, this blog post will provide an in-depth overview of the best seafood restaurants in Bideford.

The Importance of Seafood in Bideford

Bideford has a long and rich history when it comes to seafood. The town’s location on the River Torridge, which flows out into the Atlantic Ocean, has made it a prime location for fishing and the seafood industry.

For centuries, Bideford’s fishermen have caught a variety of fish and shellfish, including cod, haddock, mackerel, crabs, lobsters, and oysters, to name just a few.

The town’s seafood industry has played a vital role in shaping its culture and economy. In the early days, Bideford’s fishermen would sell their catch in the local markets, which attracted traders and merchants from across the region.

This led to the development of the town’s port and harbourside, which quickly became a hub for trade and commerce.

As the seafood industry grew, so did the town’s reputation for serving high-quality seafood. Bideford’s seafood restaurants have become an integral part of the town’s culinary scene, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the fresh, locally sourced seafood that the town is famous for.

Visitors can enjoy traditional fish and chips, seafood platters, grilled fish, and many other mouth-watering dishes.

Today, Bideford’s seafood industry continues to thrive, with local fishermen still catching fresh seafood daily. The town’s seafood restaurants remain popular with locals and visitors, and many of them have won awards and accolades for their dishes.

Criteria For Selection

To select the top 10 seafood restaurants in Bideford, several criteria were considered to ensure that only the best establishments made the cut.

These criteria included the following:

Quality of Food

This is the most important criteria, as it is the primary reason why people visit seafood restaurants. The restaurants on this list had to offer high-quality seafood dishes that were cooked to perfection and made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Customer Service

Great customer service is an essential aspect of any dining experience. The restaurants on this list had to offer friendly and attentive service to ensure that their customers had an enjoyable time.

Ambience

The atmosphere of a restaurant can greatly affect the overall dining experience. The restaurants on this list had to provide a pleasant and inviting ambience that complemented their seafood dishes.

Price

While high-end restaurants often provide an exceptional dining experience, they may not always be accessible to everyone. The restaurants on this list had to offer value for money, with reasonable prices that were affordable for most people.

By using these criteria, we were able to select the top 10 seafood restaurants in Bideford that are truly exceptional and offer an unforgettable dining experience.

Top 9 Seafood Restaurants in Bideford

Here are the top 10 seafood restaurants in Bideford:

The Seagate

Located in a picturesque setting overlooking the River Torridge, The Seagate offers a varied menu of fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish, seafood platters, and fish and chips. With its friendly staff, cosy atmosphere, and stunning views, The Seagate is a must-visit for seafood lovers.

Le Petit Monde

French cookery attracts visitors to try a new experience. Most of the customers say that the restaurant cooks perfectly the salmon and other meals. A combination of tasty dishes, and courteous staff is what the restaurant provides to its customers. 

Mr Chips

Located in Pannier Market and remember to choose this restaurant. Visitors can have perfectly cooked fish and chips, battered cod, and sausages. You can also enjoy delicious beer and good wine which will make the meal better and surely will come back. The restaurant can be easily spotted with its great location and terrific service.

Quay Cafe

Located on the harbour, Quay Cafe offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the river. The cafe’s menu is centred around locally sourced seafood, with dishes such as seafood chowder, fish pie, and crab sandwiches. With its friendly staff and cosy atmosphere, Quay Cafe is the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner.

The Glorious Oyster

A great choice if you are looking for British Menu. The Glorious Oyster should be recommended for their tasty oysters, fish curry, and also cockles. At this place, customers can order delicious cider, gin, or even beer. You can also get takeout at this spot. A peaceful atmosphere with cool service.

Atlantic Bay Fish and Chips

Guests can dig deep into delicious dishes and taste good fish and chips, battered cod, and also fish curry. The place is also famous for its delicious wine or good absinthe. You can also choose between indoor or outdoor seating. The positive aspect of this restaurant is its well-trained staff. The pretty atmosphere meets you at this restaurant.

Sylvesters Fish and Chips

If you happen to visit the North Devon Maritime Museum, this place is a must-visit. Sylvesters Fish and Chips pay attention to good fish and chips, curried cod and battered sausages. The place is good for people who have supper on the go since they also offer takeout food. Their competent staff welcomes people all year round. 

The Boathouse

This stylish restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional seafood dishes. The Boathouse’s menu features a variety of creative seafood dishes, including seafood linguine, scallops with black pudding, and crab mac and cheese.

With its trendy decor and excellent customer service, The Boathouse is a top choice for those looking for a unique dining experience.

The Royal Plaice

If you feel hungry after seeing the North Devon Maritime Museum, come to The Royal Plaice for a good meal. They offer nicely cooked cod, fish and chips and flounder. Visit this place also for its good berserk or delicious wine and they also serve good tea. The place is suitable for visitors who are in a hurry where they can order food for takeout. 

Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood. With their exceptional menus.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

If you’re planning a visit to Bideford to explore the town’s seafood scene, here are some additional tips and recommendations to make the most of your trip:

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Bideford for seafood is during the summer months, from June to August when the local seafood is at its freshest. However, many restaurants in Bideford serve fresh seafood year-round, so you can enjoy a delicious seafood meal any time of year.

Reservations

It’s always a good idea to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak tourist season. You can make reservations by calling the restaurant or using online reservation platforms.

Local events and festivals

Bideford hosts several seafood-related events and festivals throughout the year, including the Bideford Water Festival and the Clovelly Herring Festival. These events offer visitors the opportunity to taste some of the freshest seafood in the region, as well as enjoy live music, entertainment, and activities.

Other seafood restaurants to try

While our top 10 seafood restaurants in Bideford are a great starting point, there are many other great seafood restaurants in the area worth trying. Some additional recommendations include The Mariners, The Red Lion, and The Royal Hotel.

Local seafood markets

If you’re interested in cooking your own seafood, there are several local seafood markets in Bideford where you can buy fresh seafood directly from the fishermen. Some popular seafood markets include Bideford Fisheries and Philpin’s Shellfish.

By following these tips and recommendations, you’re sure to have a fantastic time exploring Bideford’s seafood scene.

And Finally

Explore the finest seafood restaurants in Bideford, known for their fresh and delicious food. Bideford’s location on the River Torridge has made it a hub for the seafood industry, with a rich cultural and economic history. 

The top 10 restaurants were selected based on food quality, customer service, ambience, and price, including The Seagate, Le Petit Monde, Mr Chips, Quay Cafe, The Glorious Oyster, and Atlantic Bay Fish and Chips. 

Bideford also offers different family-friendly food places where you can enjoy stress-free dining with your family.

Come and experience the seafood scene in Bideford, just one of the many attractions in this charming town.

FAQs about Seafood Restaurants in Bideford

Q: What is Bideford known for?
A: Bideford is known for its beautiful harbour, stunning views of the countryside, and seafood restaurants that serve some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the region.

Q: What is the importance of seafood in Bideford?
A: Bideford’s location on the River Torridge, which flows out into the Atlantic Ocean, has made it a prime location for fishing and the seafood industry. The town’s seafood industry has played a vital role in shaping its culture and economy. In the early days, Bideford’s fishermen would sell their catch in the local markets, which led to the development of the town’s port and harborside, quickly becoming a hub for trade and commerce.

Q: What criteria were used to select the top 9 seafood restaurants in Bideford?
A: The top 9 seafood restaurants in Bideford were selected based on several criteria, including the quality of food, customer service, ambience, and price. These criteria were considered to ensure that only the best establishments made the cut, providing an unforgettable dining experience.

Q: What are some of the seafood dishes that visitors can enjoy in Bideford?
A: Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of seafood dishes in Bideford, including traditional fish and chips, freshly caught seafood platters, grilled fish, seafood chowder, fish pie, crab sandwiches, oysters, fish curry, cockles, and many other mouth-watering dishes.

Q: What are some of the top seafood restaurants in Bideford?
A: The top 9 seafood restaurants in Bideford are The Seagate, Le Petit Monde, Mr Chips, Quay Cafe, The Glorious Oyster, and 5 others that are not mentioned in this excerpt.