The Boathouse, Instow

We were luck enough to get a table for four without booking. The staff were exceptionally helpful and general customer service was outstanding. We ordered scallops starter, linguinie main x2, cauliflower main, ham and eggs main, all food was cooked to perfection and well presented. To drink we had a highball cocktail and a few shandies. Nice views of the sea from the window tables. Lovely bathrooms on site (my niece liked the sardine and lobster wall paper). Parking outside was limited. We took a walk along the beach after dinner as it was low tide. Would 100% return and recommend.

Had a beautiful lunch in this lovely restaurant on the estuary.The service was exemplary and our server Amy was a pleasure to speak to.The food was well portioned, fresh and tasty. Thoroughly recommend the seafood platter to share.Great atmosphere and can’t wait to go back when we’re next in Devon.

I wanted to book an outside space on the deck, but was too late. So I tried to book inside too. The website was a little confusing trying to make the booking, it didn't ever say 'not available'. Availability seemed to stop at 2.30pm. So I emailed them asking if they had any space, they did not respond. I phoned many times and nobody answered. We were in Instow for the day, so I popped inside, and asked about making a reservation. They confirmed the deck was full, but gave us a space inside later on that day. I was happy – as perseverance pays off! The food was very good overall. A nice chowder and a deliciously crispy fishcake (maybe a little under-seasoned?). The generously sized Caesar salad with a side of prawns, made a great main. The prawns were zingy and succulent. The crab and prawn pasta was only adequate. It looked good, had a good amount of seafood and a decent flavour but the sauce was too watery and having been more concentrated could have been superb. The location is excellent as we thoroughly enjoyed watching the sun go down over the beach.

Have always enjoyed everything about this place over the years, and coming back this time was no differentWe’d enjoyed a Memorial and Celebration for my Mum the day before, with lunch at The Boathouse, and had a lovely meal (20 people), with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly serviceThis visit was a sunny day, and we were meeting family for a dog walk after lunch, so Instow seemed the perfect choice. Sarah was in again, and greeted us warmly, asking how the Memorial had beenWe were seated quickly, ordered drinks promptly, as well as a shared Starter and a couple of sausages for our dogThe food was incredible, as I’ve always found it to be. We shared a Dessert alsoA welcoming, warm, comfortable establishment, with great views, fresh, well-crafted menu items, good quality drinks, and friendly service2 adults (and a dog) – Thursday lunchtime – no reservation – beginning March 2023

Fantastic location and dog friendly. Having a balcony seating area right on the beach front means the boathouse is ideal for grabbing a drink or something to eat after a day on the beach. The service was fine and the food was as you would expect for the area.