Love sun, sea and food? Us Brits are getting better at waterside dining. Exmouth dishes up a good selection of places to eat, catering for all occasions. This review covers the best of Exmouth sea-front dining from coffee and cake, sit down restaurants and posh crab sandwiches to take away.

Hungry on a bank holiday Sunday in Exmouth was a good reason to look around and see who was offering the best options. I have visited a lot of these favourites over the years, however, I’ve learned there is always something new to try.

Exmouth has a wide range of visitors, the traditional seaside holidaymakers, day-trippers, locals as well the yachting crew down at the marina. I hadn’t chosen the sunniest of days to visit, perhaps keeping it real when it comes to the British seaside. The best part is that all (apart from the takeaway options) have indoor seating options as well so – in case – the weather isn’t as desired, you’d be covered, literally.

Best Family Café – Pavilion

You might miss this café, it is situated inside the Pavilion leisure complex on the Esplanade. I can vouch for the fish and chips, ham egg and chips and cake! There is a seated outdoor area with grassed lawn area just outside. Open 7 days a week, all year round. £3.75 for cake and a hot drink when we visited. Pavilion Café. If you like a tribute band the Pavilion has a packed itinerary of events throughout the year. Some of these are free.

For the Best Crab Sandwiches in Exmouth

For Best Crab Sandwiches, cockles and hot take out fishcake – try Fish on the Quay, located in the Marina area. Fantastic fish monger so you know its going to be good. Exmouth is famous for it’s mussels, you’ll find them on a lot of the regions menus.

Ultimate Experience for Dining ‘at’ Sea – in Exmouth

First on the list has to be the floating café, technically it is floating on the Exe estuary, situated just as it opens out into the sea. You will certainly be guaranteed amazing views of the estuary as well as fantastic food. Booking ahead is highly recommended, there is high demand. As you would expect you can only arrive by boat, either by a Puffin Water Taxi or by your own boat. When booking you will be presented with the option of booking the water taxi as well. The boat trip to and from the café only adds to the adventure. The floating café is open between the 1st April – 30th September each year. Overall this is sure to be an absolutely fantastic experience and would be thoroughly recommended for seafood fans. Book a table

Marina Restaurant for Dining or Coffee

Honourable Mentions of Where to Eat & Get Coffee in Exmouth

The Pizza Garden – not too far from the shore, and it’s so good it had to be included. The Pizza Garden cooks traditional Wood Fired Pizzas – cooked in 90 seconds – from a converted vintage horsebox based at Greenfingers Garden Centre in Exmouth.

For evening cocktails you will need to go slightly out from the seafront – the Hat or Lemon – a wonderful cocktail bar inside the Manor Hotel. Happy hour is 5:30pm to 7pm every day, boasting a menu of 25 plus cocktails on the menu.

Looking for Michelin Experience Dining?

For the extra special dining, ultimate in the area, you’ll need to head to Lympstone, a short 20-minute drive just outside of Exmouth. Dining at Lympstone Manor will award you the pleasure of a Michelin starred restaurant menu and the surroundings of a grade II Georgian mansion, with views over the Exe estuary.

Their kitchen is also open for afternoon tea, a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, scones, local jams and preserves as well as a selection of cakes and French pâtisseries, made daily in their kitchens. The restaurant at Lympstone Manor is run by one of the UK’s most notable chefs, Michael Cains.