Top 8 Exmouth Seafood Restaurants – Best Places for Fresh Fish and Coastal Dining

Exmouth is one of Devon’s most appealing coastal destinations for seafood lovers, offering everything from freshly caught fish and traditional British dishes to Mediterranean seafood and refined waterfront dining.

Situated where the River Exe meets the English Channel, the town provides an attractive setting for enjoying fish, shellfish and seasonal dishes while overlooking the estuary, marina or seafront.

Whether visitors are planning a romantic dinner, a family meal, a special celebration or a relaxed seafood takeaway, there are several excellent options to explore.

This guide covers eight Exmouth seafood restaurants and dining businesses, including their specialities, atmosphere, locations, contact details and published opening hours.

Why Is Exmouth One of Devon’s Best Destinations for Seafood?

Exmouth’s position on the East Devon coast makes it particularly appealing to people who enjoy fresh seafood and relaxed coastal dining.

The town sits beside the Exe Estuary, with access to fishing communities, local seafood suppliers and the wider South Devon coastline. Restaurants can take advantage of regional produce, including fresh fish, crab, mussels, prawns and other seasonal ingredients.

Another attraction is the variety of dining experiences available.

Visitors can enjoy a meal overlooking the marina, reserve a table at a floating restaurant or choose a traditional fish dish after spending the afternoon exploring the beach.

Some establishments specialise in British seafood, while others incorporate Spanish, Italian and Asian cooking techniques.

The surrounding coastal scenery also contributes to Exmouth’s popularity for anniversary dinners, weekend getaways and family celebrations.

Visitors looking for a wider selection of dining establishments can explore the best restaurants in Exmouth, which include options beyond seafood-focused establishments.

How Can You Choose the Best Seafood Restaurant in Exmouth?

Choosing the right seafood restaurant in Exmouth depends on the occasion, preferred cuisine, budget and type of dining experience.

For visitors who prioritise freshly prepared fish, dedicated seafood establishments such as Rockfish and River Exe Café are particularly attractive.

Those arranging a romantic dinner may prefer a more refined environment, with marina views, attentive table service and carefully presented courses.

Families often benefit from relaxed venues offering a combination of seafood, meat and vegetarian options.

There are several factors worth considering before booking.

• Seafood selection: Look for restaurants offering fish of the day, shellfish, seafood platters and seasonal specials.
• Location: Decide whether marina views, waterfront seating or a central town location matters most.
• Dining style: Choose between fine dining, traditional restaurants, casual eateries, takeaways and catering services.
• Budget: Review the latest menu, particularly for whole fish, lobster and seafood platters, which may carry variable prices.
• Reservations: Book early for popular weekend dining periods and special occasions.
• Opening hours: Check seasonal operations, kitchen closing times and any special dining arrangements.
• Dietary requirements: Contact the restaurant about allergies, seafood preparation and vegetarian alternatives.

For seafood enthusiasts, the freshest seasonal option is not necessarily the most expensive dish. Asking about the day’s catch and its preparation can help diners choose something suitable.

Top 8 Exmouth Seafood Restaurants and Fish Dining Spots

1. River Exe Café – Best for Unique Floating Seafood Dining

Located on a floating barge in the beautiful Exe Estuary, River Exe Café offers one of Exmouth’s most distinctive seafood dining experiences.

Unlike traditional waterfront restaurants, this establishment is situated directly on the water, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views of the estuary while dining.

Visitors normally reach the restaurant using the Puffin Water Taxi from Exmouth Marina, making the journey part of the overall experience.

The floating setting creates an unusual atmosphere, particularly during warm summer afternoons when the surrounding water reflects the sunshine.

River Exe Café focuses on modern British cooking, with particular attention given to locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients.

The restaurant works with local fishermen and food producers to showcase regional flavours, with menus featuring seafood dishes alongside meat and vegetarian choices.

Seafood platters, fish specials and carefully prepared shellfish are among the types of dishes that make the restaurant appealing to seafood enthusiasts.

Guests can choose between covered seating areas and outdoor spaces, depending on the weather and availability.

For special occasions, the upper-deck Crow’s Nest provides an additional dining experience with expansive views across the estuary.

The restaurant is particularly well suited to anniversary celebrations, birthday meals, romantic lunches and memorable experiences with friends.

Important: River Exe Café operates seasonally from 1 April until 30 September. Its 2026 season has finished, and bookings for 2027 are scheduled to open on 1 November 2026.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01395 620022
• Website: riverexecafe.com
• Price range: Menu-dependent; return water taxi fares are charged separately
• Best for: Floating dining, romantic occasions, seafood lunches and exceptional estuary views
• Cuisine: Modern British and locally sourced seafood
• Access: Water taxi or private boat

2. Rockfish – Best for Freshly Caught Fish and Relaxed Waterfront Dining

Situated at Pier Head, Rockfish is one of Exmouth’s established seafood restaurants, combining freshly prepared fish with attractive views across the River Exe.

The restaurant occupies a waterfront location overlooking the estuary, creating a relaxed environment for both residents and visitors.

Its coastal atmosphere makes it particularly appealing to families, couples and groups looking for a seafood meal without the formality of fine dining.

Rockfish specialises in fresh fish and seafood sourced from the South West, with particular emphasis on fish landed at Brixham.

The restaurant celebrates traditional British seafood cooking, allowing the natural flavours of its ingredients to remain the main attraction.

Its changing selection can include grilled fish, fried seafood, shellfish and classic fish and chips.

The availability of particular species depends on the daily catch, giving returning guests an opportunity to explore different varieties of fish.

Rockfish also places importance on responsible seafood sourcing and maintaining relationships with the region’s fishing industry.

During warmer weather, visitors can enjoy outdoor seating overlooking the water, while the indoor dining area provides a comfortable alternative on colder days.

The combination of straightforward seafood cooking, waterfront scenery and informal service makes Rockfish particularly suitable for lunch after exploring Exmouth Beach.

Its proximity to the marina and town centre also makes it convenient for holidaymakers spending the day in the area.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01395 272100
• Website: therockfish.co.uk
• Price range: Depends on the fish and seafood selected
• Best for: Fresh fish, family meals, casual seafood lunches and estuary views
• Cuisine: British seafood and fish dishes

3. La Mar Exmouth Marina – Best for Elegant Seafood Dining and Special Occasions

Situated on Victoria Road overlooking Exmouth Marina, La Mar offers a refined restaurant experience combining modern presentation, seasonal ingredients and attractive waterfront surroundings.

Its sophisticated setting makes it particularly appealing to couples celebrating anniversaries, birthdays and other important occasions.

The restaurant’s carefully designed dining environment creates a more intimate atmosphere than a typical seaside café or casual fish restaurant.

Views across the marina add to the experience, particularly during evening dining when the surrounding waterfront becomes quieter.

La Mar offers an evolving menu incorporating international culinary influences and locally sourced ingredients.

Guests can choose from seasonal à la carte dishes, while selected dining experiences include a lunchtime Chef’s Table menu and special tapas evenings.

Its approach to cooking gives seafood enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy fish and shellfish prepared in a more contemporary style, depending on the current menu.

The restaurant also offers private dining arrangements, making it an attractive venue for smaller celebrations and organised events.

One of La Mar’s distinguishing features is its focus on combining food, setting and service into a complete dining experience.

Visitors looking for a sophisticated meal with attractive marina views will find La Mar particularly appealing.

Guests should be aware that the restaurant welcomes children aged eight and over and does not permit dogs inside.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01395 742725
• Website: lamarexmouthmarina.co.uk
• Price range: Varies by seasonal and à la carte menu
• Best for: Romantic dinners, anniversaries, private celebrations and marina views
• Cuisine: Modern European and international cuisine with seasonal seafood options

4. Loluli’s Fire & Fish – Lucky Fish – Best for Flame-Cooked Seafood and Asian-Inspired Takeaways

Located on St Andrew’s Road, Loluli’s Fire & Fish introduces a different approach to seafood preparation in Exmouth.

Rather than concentrating exclusively on traditional British fish dishes, the business combines seafood with live-fire cooking techniques and internationally inspired flavours.

Its Lucky Fish concept focuses on pan-Asian-inspired seafood prepared over fire, creating an alternative to the more familiar fish and chips establishments found around the town.

Cooking over flames allows ingredients to develop distinctive roasted and smoky characteristics.

This approach makes Loluli’s particularly interesting for people who enjoy seafood prepared with bold seasoning and contemporary cooking techniques.

The business places emphasis on creativity, flavour and the visual appeal of live-fire cooking.

Alongside its takeaway operation, Loluli’s is involved in events, pop-ups and private dining experiences.

These additional services make it suitable for customers organising private celebrations or looking for something different from conventional restaurant catering.

Lucky Fish is particularly convenient for visitors wanting to collect seafood and enjoy it elsewhere, whether at home or as part of a casual evening.

Its combination of Asian-inspired flavours and fire cooking provides a distinctive alternative within Exmouth’s seafood scene.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01395 904580
• Website: lolulis.co.uk
• Price range: Depends on takeaway and event selections
• Best for: Seafood takeaways, adventurous flavours, private dining and fire-cooked dishes
• Cuisine: Pan-Asian-inspired seafood and live-fire cooking
• Dining style: Primarily takeaway, events and private dining rather than conventional restaurant seating 

5. Saveur – Best for Refined European Seafood and Intimate Dining

Situated on Tower Street in Exmouth town centre, Saveur provides an intimate dining environment centred on carefully prepared European cuisine.

The restaurant occupies a quieter pedestrianised location, offering an alternative to the busier waterfront dining establishments.

Its understated atmosphere makes it particularly attractive to couples, food enthusiasts and visitors who value a relaxed meal with attention to culinary detail.

Saveur has developed a reputation for modern European dishes using seasonal ingredients, including locally sourced fish and shellfish.

Rather than relying on elaborate presentation alone, the restaurant emphasises flavour combinations, ingredient quality and careful preparation.

Its menu can incorporate fresh seafood alongside meat and vegetarian choices, allowing guests to select dishes according to their preferences.

The focus on local ingredients gives the kitchen an opportunity to showcase the variety of produce available across Devon.

Saveur also offers different dining formats, including à la carte and prix-fixe selections, making it suitable for both leisurely lunches and evening meals.

The restaurant reports having received two AA Rosettes over eight consecutive years, reflecting its established culinary credentials.

Its quieter setting is particularly appealing for romantic dinners, birthday celebrations and occasions when guests want to concentrate on the food and conversation.

For visitors researching a wider range of high-quality dining experiences, the best restaurants in Devon provide further inspiration.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01395 269459
• Website: saveursrestaurant.com
• Price range: Depends on à la carte and prix-fixe choices
• Best for: Fine dining, romantic meals, seasonal seafood and intimate celebrations
• Cuisine: Modern European and British-influenced seasonal cooking

6. Paella Lovers – Best for Spanish Seafood Paella and Special Event Catering

Based on Exeter Road in Exmouth, Paella Lovers specialises in traditional Spanish paella prepared using carefully selected ingredients.

Unlike a conventional seafood restaurant, the business primarily operates through food delivery, event catering and paella preparation for private celebrations.

Its focus on Spanish cooking provides an alternative for seafood enthusiasts who enjoy rice-based dishes incorporating fish and shellfish.

The business offers various paella recipes, including seafood paella, lobster paella and combinations featuring chicken and prawns.

Traditional Spanish ingredients play an important role in its cooking approach.

Paella Lovers uses Valencian paella rice, olive oil, saffron and specially selected seasonings to create dishes inspired by Spanish culinary traditions.

The combination of rice, seafood and aromatic ingredients makes paella particularly suitable for sharing among family members and larger groups.

One of the company’s main attractions is its ability to cater for weddings, birthday celebrations and private events.

Customers can arrange freshly prepared paella for gatherings rather than visiting a fixed restaurant dining room.

The business also supplies paella cooking equipment and ingredients, making it relevant to people interested in preparing traditional Spanish dishes themselves.

For seafood lovers organising a private occasion in Exmouth or the surrounding Devon area, Paella Lovers offers a flexible dining alternative.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 07472 188624
• Website: paellalovers.co.uk
• Price range: Depends on paella choice, quantity and catering requirements
• Best for: Seafood paella, family gatherings, weddings and private celebrations
• Cuisine: Spanish and Mediterranean
• Dining style: Delivery and catering service rather than a traditional sit-down seafood restaurant 

7. Ristorante Sapori – Best for Italian Seafood Pasta and Romantic Evening Meals

Situated on Victoria Road in Exmouth, Ristorante Sapori combines traditional Italian cooking with a welcoming restaurant environment.

The establishment is particularly attractive to visitors who enjoy Mediterranean flavours and want seafood prepared in an Italian style.

Its location near the town centre makes it convenient for an evening meal after exploring Exmouth’s shops, marina and seafront.

Unlike seafood-only establishments, Sapori offers a broader Italian menu that includes pasta, risotto, pizza, meat dishes and fresh fish.

Seafood enthusiasts can explore dishes such as linguine ai frutti di mare, featuring mixed seafood in a tomato-based sauce.

Other options include seafood risotto, king prawns, scallops and fish of the day, subject to menu availability.

These dishes provide alternatives to traditional battered or grilled British fish.

The restaurant’s Italian approach places emphasis on familiar Mediterranean ingredients, including olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, herbs and carefully prepared sauces.

Couples looking for a relaxed evening meal may appreciate the combination of seafood pasta, Italian wines and traditional desserts.

Ristorante Sapori is also suitable for mixed dining groups because its menu offers choices beyond seafood.

Its balance of classic Italian dishes and seafood options makes it a good choice for visitors who want something different from Exmouth’s specialist fish restaurants.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01395 222037
• Website: ristorantesapori.co.uk
• Price range: Published seafood pasta and risotto main courses include options around £19; other dishes vary
• Best for: Italian seafood, romantic evenings, pasta lovers and relaxed celebrations
• Cuisine: Italian and Mediterranean 

8. The Octagon – Best for Seafront Seafood Dining and Family Celebrations

Located on The Esplanade, The Octagon offers an attractive seafront dining experience combining modern British cuisine with views across Exmouth’s coastline.

The restaurant occupies a distinctive building that has been associated with Exmouth’s seafront for decades.

Following its redevelopment, the venue now combines its traditional seaside character with a modern restaurant environment.

Its coastal location makes it particularly suitable for visitors wanting to enjoy a meal after walking along Exmouth Beach.

The dining area provides an appealing setting for relaxed lunches, family gatherings and celebrations overlooking the sea.

The Octagon focuses on fresh regional produce and offers a varied menu incorporating seafood, meat, vegetarian dishes and other British favourites.

Seafood choices include beer-battered market fish, mussels and seafood linguine with prawns, calamari and mussels, depending on the current menu.

Its published menu also includes a range of sandwiches, burgers and other dishes, making it suitable for groups with different tastes.

The restaurant serves food at different times throughout the week, with breakfast, lunch and evening dining available according to its operating schedule.

Visitors can combine their meal with a stroll along the promenade or time spent exploring nearby seafront attractions.

The Octagon is particularly appealing to guests who value sea views, accessible British dishes and a comfortable environment for social dining.

Restaurant details

• Contact: 01395 891008
• Website: theoctagon.uk
• Price range: Published menu examples include battered market fish at £19 and seafood linguine at £26; check current prices
• Best for: Seafront dining, family meals, seafood lunches and coastal celebrations
• Cuisine: Modern British with seafood specialities 

Which Exmouth Seafood Restaurants Are Best for Romantic Dinners and Special Occasions?

Exmouth offers several attractive dining establishments for couples planning romantic dinners, anniversary celebrations and special occasions.

The ideal choice depends on whether visitors prefer waterfront scenery, fine dining or a more informal atmosphere.

River Exe Café provides one of the most unusual experiences because guests travel by boat to a floating restaurant surrounded by estuary views. Its seasonal availability makes advance planning especially important.

La Mar Exmouth Marina is particularly appealing to couples who prefer an elegant atmosphere, refined dining and views across the marina.

Saveur offers a quieter experience, with carefully prepared European cuisine and a more intimate town-centre location.

Ristorante Sapori provides an alternative for couples who enjoy traditional Italian dining, seafood pasta and Mediterranean flavours.

For visitors who value coastal scenery, The Octagon combines seafront views with a modern British menu, while Rockfish is well suited to a relaxed seafood meal overlooking the estuary.

When planning an important celebration, checking the restaurant’s booking arrangements, current menu and available seating can help ensure the experience matches expectations.

What Should Visitors Know Before Booking a Seafood Restaurant in Exmouth?

Booking a seafood restaurant in Exmouth requires consideration of several practical factors, particularly during busy holiday periods and summer weekends.

Waterfront restaurants can become popular when the weather is warm, while smaller establishments may have limited tables available during evening service.

Visitors should consider the following before making arrangements.

• Seasonal availability: Some restaurants operate only during part of the year. River Exe Café, for example, opens between April and September, meaning it cannot accommodate ordinary restaurant visits during the autumn and winter closure.
• Seafood availability: Fish and shellfish selections can change according to supplier deliveries, seasonal catches and market availability. Guests looking for lobster, oysters or a particular fish should check before travelling.
• Transport and accessibility: River Exe Café requires boat access, while other establishments can generally be reached by road or on foot. Anyone with mobility requirements should confirm suitable arrangements in advance.
• Restaurant type: Not every business listed offers conventional sit-down dining. Paella Lovers focuses on delivery and catering, while Loluli’s Lucky Fish operates as a takeaway concept.
• Menu and service charges: Check the latest prices, potential supplements for premium seafood and any discretionary service charges before visiting.
• Family arrangements: Some restaurants have age restrictions or particular booking policies. La Mar welcomes guests aged eight and over, while River Exe Café has additional age conditions for evening reservations.

Visitors interested in exploring other East Devon seafood destinations can also discover the best fish restaurants in Sidmouth, which provide additional dining options along the coast.

Ultimately, Exmouth’s seafood dining scene offers something for different occasions and budgets. From relaxed fish meals at Rockfish to refined dining at La Mar and the unusual floating setting of River Exe Café, choosing the right establishment comes down to the food, location and experience each visitor prefers.

FAQs About Seafood Restaurants in Exmouth

What Is the Best Seafood Restaurant in Exmouth?

River Exe Café is popular for its unique floating dining experience, while Rockfish is an excellent choice for fresh fish, traditional seafood dishes and waterfront views.

Where Can You Eat Fresh Fish in Exmouth?

Rockfish, River Exe Café and Saveur are popular choices for fresh fish and seasonal seafood, with menus that vary according to availability.

Which Exmouth Seafood Restaurants Have Sea Views?

Rockfish overlooks the Exe Estuary, The Octagon offers seafront dining, and River Exe Café provides panoramic views from its floating restaurant.

Are There Any Romantic Seafood Restaurants in Exmouth?

La Mar Exmouth Marina and Saveur are suitable for romantic dinners, offering intimate dining environments, carefully prepared dishes and an atmosphere suited to special occasions.

How Much Does a Seafood Meal Cost in Exmouth?

A seafood main course may cost approximately £15–£30, while premium fish, shellfish platters and fine dining experiences can cost considerably more.

Do Seafood Restaurants in Exmouth Offer Vegetarian Options?

Yes, several establishments, including Rockfish, River Exe Café and The Octagon, offer vegetarian alternatives, although availability depends on their current menus.

Do You Need to Book Seafood Restaurants in Exmouth in Advance?

Advance booking is recommended for popular establishments such as River Exe Café, Rockfish and La Mar, particularly during summer weekends, bank holidays and special occasions.