When we moved to Lynton and set up our home and business at Ingleside, we knew we were inheriting stunning coastal views and dramatic Exmoor walks. What we didn’t expect was a thriving culinary scene that punches spectacularly above its weight. For two small towns with a combined population of just 1,400 people, the variety and quality of food here is astonishing.
All the eateries in Lynton are within walking distance of Ingleside; we can’t promise there won’t be a hill to go down and then up, but we can guarantee plenty of highly-reviewed, top-quality food options waiting when you get there.
To get down the hill to Lynmouth you’ll need to follow the steep zig-zag path; the start is located on North Walk. Take a left between the Valley of Rocks Hotel and St Mary’s Church. For a less leg-burning option you could take a ride on the fabulous Cliff Railway. The last train up is at 6pm until 24th July, then it’s 7pm until 4th September. We can recommend a good taxi service if you don’t fancy the walk back up.
Whether you want a muddy-boots coffee or a sophisticated date night, we have you covered. With enough notice we’ll happily book a table for you, it gets very busy in peak season.
Naturally, Martin took his role as ‘chief culinary researcher’ incredibly seriously. After months of highly sacrificial sampling, we have curated our guest guide to the best eateries, pubs, and cafes in Lynton and Lynmouth. We haven’t tried them all yet—but it’s only a matter of time before we do. After all, how hard can it be?
Smart Casual & Fine Dining
Restaurant Kensington (Lynton): stylish, cool, contemporary.
Our Take: We visited with friends, and our self-confessed carnivore companion declared it the best steak she had ever eaten. It is on the pricier side, but the quality justifies it. Personally, I am obsessed with their sumptuous side dishes—I could happily order four of them and call it dinner.
- Insider Tip: Save room for dessert; the pistachio affogato is superb.
The Oak Room (Lynton): delicious flavours, classy, a cosy corner of Spain.
Our Take: Tapas menus can sometimes feel predictably similar, but not here. We stumbled in on an unexpected Sunday night in March and were blown away by the bold, vibrant flavours and the dedication to locally sourced ingredients. Exceptional food, great value, and an inviting atmosphere.
The Old Bank (Lynton): relaxed and intimate with an incredibly friendly team.
Our Take: Another fantastic option for anyone who loves sumptuous small plates with a Spanish twist. The exquisite dishes and laid-back atmosphere make this a dining experience that really shouldn’t be missed.
- Insider Tip: The garden is perfect for a cocktail or two.
Number Ten (Lynton): an Italian restaurant that packs a massive punch.
Our Take: The pesto with burrata here is simply delicious down to the very last mouthful. They also offer fantastic takeaway pizzas if you fancy a cosy night in back at the B&B.
- Insider Tip: They have a gorgeous terrace seating area at the back which is absolutely ideal for a long, lazy summer lunch.
The Vanilla Pod (Lynton): relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired haven.
Our Take: We highly recommend this spot for a long evening of excellent food and wine. The atmosphere is fantastic and they serve a genuinely top-tier cheese board that is well worth saving room for.
- Insider Tip: Keep an eye on The Vanilla Pod, Lynton Facebook page for the most up-to-date opening hours, as well as information about culinary collaborations with The Spicy Mare.
Cafes, Coffee & Cake
The Greenhouse (Lynton): light-filled, comfy and convivial.
Our Take: Housed in a beautiful glass building, the physical warmth of the room is perfectly matched by the friendly staff. The menu is modest but flawless for every meal.
- Insider Tip: Expect generous portions and exceptional pastries. We firmly believe cake can be eaten at any time of day, making this a mandatory post-walk treat.
No.1 Lynton – The Coffee Lounge (Lynton): a vibrant, bustling local favourite
Our Take: Locally renowned for serving the absolute best breakfast in town. Pair that with top-notch coffee and beautiful home bakes, and it’s the perfect place to fuel up before a day on the moors.
North Coast Café (Lynton): found in the heart of our little town.
Our Take: Famous for its sophisticated breakfasts, fresh scones, and loaded bagels. Grab a table outside to enjoy the morning sun and watch the world go by.
Cliff Top Cafe (Lynton): the best view in town?
Our Take: This is a stunning little cafe with oodles of outside seating, a breathtakingly good view and – as claimed by one of our guests – the best marmalade scones in the world!
Insider Tip: Look out for a window seat, sit back and enjoy the view.
The Coffee Shack (Lynmouth): location, location, lovely Lynmouth location!
Our Take: On a sunny day, your seating area is the entire beach. On a stormy, wet day, there is only room for about six people inside—but the excellent coffee, cake and pastries make it well worth the gamble, whatever the weather.
The Pavilion Dining Room (Lynmouth): spectacular elevated sea views.
Our Take: Situated above the Exmoor Visitor Centre, this bright cafe offers something for everyone. Martin highly recommends the classic comfort food combo of a pasty, chips, and beans.
- Insider Tip: This is the only venue we’ve found locally that is fully accessible, including a comprehensively equipped accessible toilet.
Not Yet Tried
Lyndale Tearooms (Lynmouth): A convenient, traditional pitstop right by the Lyndale car park. Great for a quick, classic cream tea after arriving in town.
Pubs and Inns
The Ancient Mariner (Lynmouth): gorgeous, quirky pub that embraces its coastal heritage.
Our Take: We have eaten here a lot, largely because it is one of the few places reliably open throughout the quiet winter off-season. They offer a great, reliable menu. I highly recommend the homemade soup with a roll and a side of chips.
- Insider Tip: There is a magnificent, roaring woodburner in the centre of the pub—the ultimate place to escape a rainy coastal afternoon.
The Blue Ball Inn (Countisbury): cosy, traditional moorland inn.
Our Take: Sitting at the top of Countisbury Hill on the edge of the moor, this pub with rooms gives a warm welcome to any weary traveller. We booked a table on a freezing February night. Sat in the cosy glow of a roaring real fire we enjoyed a delicious two-course dinner.
- Insider Tip: As you leave on a clear summer night, make sure to glance upward. The lack of light pollution up here makes for unforgettable stargazing.
The Rising Sun (Lynmouth): a beautiful, historic thatched pub right on the harbour.
Our Take: This is a quintessential ‘escape the weather’ pub in the winter, and a ‘cider on the harbour wall’ spot in the summer. The food is excellent, and they serve what might be the largest Sunday roast dinner I have ever seen. It’s a premium option, but a fantastic treat.
The Crown Hotel (Lynton): classic, cosy, and recently refurbished.
Our Take: With open fires, deep comfy chairs, and a traditional British menu, it is far too easy to lose an entire afternoon here. They serve food all day. it is our top recommendation for an impromptu, late-afternoon meal.
The Rockhouse (Lynmouth): perfectly positioned between the river and the sea.
Our Take: The restaurant directly overlooks the Bristol Channel; we highly recommend booking early and specifically asking for a window table. They offer a great daytime menu similar to The Greenhouse, with fantastic evening additions.
- Insider Tip: Their riverside garden is set to be the absolute hotspot of the summer!
The Queens (Lynton): traditional town pub undergoing an exciting evolution.
Our Take: Keep an eye on this space! The menu is currently being transformed to introduce authentic Pan-Asian dishes alongside pub classics.
- Insider Tip: The courtyard garden is an early evening suntrap. You can soak up the last of the rays while enjoying a Kaprow Pork Belly Bite and a pint – yum!
Quick Bites & Takeaway
The Esplanade Fish and Chips (Lynmouth): fish and chip heaven.
Our Take: Lynton and Lynmouth boast several award-winning establishments, and this is proudly one of them. The fish is fresh and perfectly cooked.
- Insider Tip: Fish and chips are fried in peanut oil. For the authentic experience, take your wrapped supper to eat on the sea wall or tucked quietly behind the historic Rhenish Tower.
Horizon Pizza Van (Lynton): stone-baked satisfaction guaranteed.
Our Take: A Friday night institution! Parked right outside the Lynton Town Hall, they serve phenomenal, handmade, stone-baked pizzas.
- Insider Tip: Get in early. They are so popular they regularly sell out by 8:00 PM.
Note: The popular Cottage Inn Thai is currently closed for refurbishment, but we will update this guide as soon as they reopen their doors!
ICE CREAM…..
Nana Jude’s: where Martin can be found on a sunny day.
Our Take: Ice-creamlicious bliss! So many flavours, toppings and treats to choose from. Doggy ice cream is available and they are on it with the allergens.
- Insider Tip: Take your scoop of scrumptious frozen cream to St Mary’s Church garden for a moment of tranquil joy.
New to Try …..
ONDA: option two of places Martin might regularly be found.
No information about an opening date yet, but updates online report an intention to provide artisanal Italian-style gelato with high-quality specialty coffee and light pastries.