The Smugglers Restaurant
Quick info
About The Smugglers Restaurant
On The Quay in Ilfracombe, The Smugglers Restaurant is a family-run restaurant overlooking the harbour. Inside, the decor follows a smugglers-cave style, with nautical items hanging from the roof and walls. The à la carte menu centres on seafood, with steaks and British classics alongside, including fish pie and cod and chips. Surf and turf pairs steak with garlic prawns. Desserts include sherry trifle, chocolate fudge cake and New York cheesecake. A Sunday lunch carvery is on offer, and vegetarian options sit on the menu. The restaurant opens in the afternoon. Tables fill quickly, and bookable tables can run out. Walk-ins are still taken, though they may wait for a table.
Good to know
“A family run business offering à la carte menu with a wide variety of seafood, steaks and British classics. Vegetarian options and a kids menu also available.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, seating
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention surf and turf, fish pie, nautical smugglers cave decor and sunday lunch carvery.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention surf and turf, fish pie, nautical smugglers cave decor and sunday lunch carvery.
Customer Review Summary
Surf and turf is the dish reviewers return to most, with the 8oz steak and garlic prawns described as very good, the steak medium rare and the prawns fat and juicy in garlic butter. Close behind are the Sunday lunch and carvery, called good value, along with a fish pie, cod and chips, steak and kidney pie, chocolate fudge cake and sherry trifle. Reviewers describe the nautical, smugglers cave decor and the harbour views, and several call the staff friendly, with one waitress happily leaving off the cauliflower cheese. The main recurring snag is getting a table. Several were told no bookable tables remained, and one waited about an hour as a walk-in, though others were fitted in or phoned back when a table opened. Food complaints are few: one reviewer found the fish pie lacking taste and the garden peas a little hard, one called the prices a bit overpriced, and one noticed slow service on a quiet evening. One reviewer suggests booking in busy periods. One couple's table came with a phone call from the restaurant, just as promised.
Customer Review Summary
Surf and turf is the dish reviewers return to most, with the 8oz steak and garlic prawns described as very good, the steak medium rare and the prawns fat and juicy in garlic butter. Close behind are the Sunday lunch and carvery, called good value, along with a fish pie, cod and chips, steak and kidney pie, chocolate fudge cake and sherry trifle. Reviewers describe the nautical, smugglers cave decor and the harbour views, and several call the staff friendly, with one waitress happily leaving off the cauliflower cheese. The main recurring snag is getting a table. Several were told no bookable tables remained, and one waited about an hour as a walk-in, though others were fitted in or phoned back when a table opened. Food complaints are few: one reviewer found the fish pie lacking taste and the garden peas a little hard, one called the prices a bit overpriced, and one noticed slow service on a quiet evening. One reviewer suggests booking in busy periods. One couple's table came with a phone call from the restaurant, just as promised.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Popped in around tea time for some dinner. This was a lovely, cosy place with plenty to take in. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Food was really tasty decent portion sizes. There were plenty of choices on the menu. The chocolate fudge cake was to die for. This made our trip even better with such a lovely find and stunning food.”
- Google user
“Lovely traditional restaurant with harbour views. Good choice on menu. We chose the Sunday Lunch option which was good value, but we chose not to have the cauliflower cheese simply because we just don't like it. The nice friendly waitress said it wouldn't be a problem and the plates were still full without it.”
- Google user
“Beautiful restaurant with delicious food, well cooked and presented. Prices are reasonable for the quality, menu isn't large but what options are available are done to a high standard. Doesn't open until the afternoon and gets full quickly, would advise booking if visiting during a busy time of year.”
- Google user
“A lovely place to enjoy it's unique nautical atmosphere. We were given a very warm welcome by the staff and time to select food from their menu. As it was a Sunday we selected their good value carvery which did not disappoint. We looked forward to visiting in the future”
- Google user
“We tried to book but was told no room at the inn. We went along and they said they would phone us in a while when a table was available. We received the phone call as promised and had a wonderful meal. Thank you for fitting us in. The last day of our holidays and we will take away lovely memories. Thanks once again.”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Restaurants near The Smugglers Restaurant
- Depot Eatery4.41,9262.2 mi£10–20Good for kidsReservations
stone-baked pizza, pulled pork dishes, tacos
- CATCH Fish and Chips4.51289.3 mi away£10–20Good for kidsReservations
fish and chips, sausage, chips
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Smugglers RestaurantWheelchair accessible | 4.5597 | — | — | surf and turf, fish pie, nautical smugglers cave decor |
| Depot EateryGood for kids · Reservations | 4.41,926 | 2.2 mi | £10–20 | stone-baked pizza, pulled pork dishes, tacos |
| CATCH Fish and ChipsGood for kids · Reservations | 4.5128 | 9.3 mi away | £10–20 | fish and chips, sausage, chips |
The 2 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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