A Taste of Torbay: Food Festivals & Coastal Flavours in South Devon

The English riviera and the surrounding South Devon coast are a haven for food lovers, especially those with a passion for seafood. With a calendar brimming with vibrant food festivals, immersive culinary experiences, and acclaimed restaurants, the region offers a delightful journey through its coastal flavours. Whether you’re here for a weekend break or a longer holiday, there’s always something delicious happening nearby.

🐟 South West Sardine Festival – A New Summer Tradition

Have you ever celebrated sardines in true Mediterranean style? Making its debut in 2025, the South West Sardine Festival in Brixham on Saturday 3 August 2025 brings a taste of southern Europe to the English Riviera. Featuring sizzling BBQs, communal tables, live music, and fireworks, this new summer highlight puts the spotlight on the British sardine.

Why sardines? They’re sustainable, delicious, and MSC-certified, and this festival celebrates the small but mighty fish with flair. At this food festival you can expect street food, sea views, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for families and foodies alike. Join celebrity chefs Nathan Outlaw, Mitch Tonks and Mark Hix amongst others to celebrate the humble sardine.

Are Pilchards and Sardines the same? Yes, pilchards and sardines are the same species of fish, scientifically known as Sardina pilchardus.

🦞 England’s Seafood FEAST – A Coastal Culinary Celebration

Each autumn, the shores of Torbay are filled with the scent of fresh seafood and the buzz of food lovers during England’s Seafood FEAST. Running from 26th September to 12th October 2025, this annual celebration highlights the very best of the English Riviera’s fishing heritage, in the towns of Brixham, Paignton, and Torquay.

Rather than a single site food festival, England’s Seafood FEAST is a region-wide event, woven into the fabric of local restaurants, cafés, producers, and fishing communities. It’s not about fast food stalls and quick bites—this is a relaxed, sit-down affair where guests can savour beautifully cooked seafood and connect with the people who catch, prepare, and serve it.

What to expect at this food festival?

Throughout the two-week celebration, you’ll find an exciting calendar of events designed to immerse visitors in all things seafood. Expect:

• Chef-hosted feasts in renowned restaurants, where menus showcase seasonal and sustainable fish landed just hours earlier in Brixham.

• Cookery demos and workshops, giving you tips from top chefs and fishmongers on how to handle and cook local fish.

• Tasting evenings, pairing South Devon wines, gins, and ciders with seafood tapas and platters.

• Coastal foraging walks, where local guides share knowledge on edible sea plants, shellfish, and the region’s natural bounty.

• Meet the fisherman events, offering insight into the life at sea and the journey from catch to kitchen.

One of the highlights of the Seafood FEAST is the way it gives diners access to truly fresh seafood, caught sustainably by Brixham’s fleet. From hand-dived scallops to line-caught mackerel and crab straight from pots, it’s a celebration of quality and provenance.

Community and Collaboration

What makes the Seafood FEAST particularly special is the collaboration it encourages across the area. Independent restaurants, harbourside cafés, markets, and even local schools get involved. You’ll find themed dishes on menus, guest chef pop-ups, and friendly, welcoming venues excited to tell their stories.

This event also encourages sustainable choices. Many venues highlight their MSC-certified fish and explain how diners can support local fishers and responsible consumption. It’s a festival rooted not just in flavour, but in care for the coast and its communities.

Whether you’re enjoying a seafood platter with a sea view or watching a trawler land its catch at sunrise, England’s Seafood FEAST food festival is an unforgettable way to experience the richness of South Devon’s culinary coast.

🍇 Dartmouth Food Festival – A Feast for All Senses

Wondering what makes the Dartmouth Food Festival a must-visit? Scheduled for 24th to 26th October 2025, this well-loved event is all about celebrating local ingredients, passionate producers, and a community that loves good food.

Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, food and wine pairings, hands-on workshops, and talks from chefs and food writers. From artisan cheese to small-batch gin, there’s something to tempt every taste bud. It’s also a great way to explore the town itself, with its historic streets, riverside views, and welcoming local businesses.

🐠 Brixham Fish Market Tours – A Behind-the-Scenes Experience

Have you ever wondered what happens before your fish supper hits the plate? The Brixham Fish Market Tour offers a rare glimpse into the heart of England’s most important fishing port. Taking place early in the morning, these tours give visitors a front-row view of the bustling fish auction and the incredible variety of seafood landed daily.

After the tour, you’re treated to a proper seaside breakfast at Rockfish—just the thing after an early start. It’s a wonderful way to learn about the local fishing industry and support sustainable seafood in the process.

🍽️ Culinary Highlights: Michelin-Starred and Bib Gourmand Restaurants

Looking for a special meal out? South Devon’s restaurant scene includes several highly regarded spots that make the most of local seafood and produce:

The Elephant, Torquay

Overlooking Torquay harbour, The Elephant is a Michelin-starred restaurant run by chef proprietor Simon Hulstone and his wife Katy. It was the first restaurant in Torquay to be awarded a Michelin star in 2006 and has retained it ever since, offering high-quality modern British cuisine .

Circa, Totnes

Housed in a charming 18th-century building, Circa in Totnes offers a modern take on dining with its sharing plates format. The menu incorporates fermented elements and open-flame cooking, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and local produce

Andria, Dartmouth

Located in the heart of Dartmouth, Andria is a modern European bistro that has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its good quality, good value cooking. Head chef Luca, born in Paris and raised on Italian home cooking, offers an original selection of small plates, with ingredients from Brixham and Torbay taking centre stage.

The Seahorse, Dartmouth

Situated along the River Dart, The Seahorse is renowned for its simple, high-quality seafood dishes. Fresh fish arrives daily from small boats landing just a few miles from the door, and the menu changes daily depending on the market’s best offerings .

🌊 The Jetty at Beverley Holidays – Local Flavours with a View

Where can you enjoy stunning sea views and the freshest catch of the day? At The Jetty Restaurant, Bar and Terrace, right here at Beverley Holidays. Whether you’re starting your day with a hearty breakfast or settling in for dinner with family, our menu features ingredients sourced locally—especially seafood straight from the boats in Brixham.

Why does that matter? Because it means your meal supports local fishers and offers true flavour from the coast, just as nature intended.

Plan Your Culinary Adventure

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply enjoy fresh, local flavours, the English Riviera and South Devon offer a rich tapestry of culinary experiences. From vibrant festivals and market tours to acclaimed restaurants and seaside dining, there’s something to delight every palate.

So, pack your appetite and explore the coastal flavours that make this region a true gastronomic gem. Book your stay at Beverley Holidays now.

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