Take Thyme Lobster & Fish Restaurant
A charming harbor-side restaurant specializing in fresh, local seafood and West Country steaks, known for its personality and warm hospitality.
Highlights
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Take Thyme Lobster & Fish Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming harbor-side restaurant specializing in fresh, local seafood and West Country steaks, known for its personality and warm hospitality.
Reserve during peak times
Book ahead for busy evenings and peak season (April-September) to secure your table.
Confirm off-season hours
Call to confirm opening times during March and October to December as they may vary.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1271 867622
Address
1 Fore St, Ilfracombe, EX34 9ED, United Kingdom
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh, Locally Sourced Seafood
Experience the best of the sea with dishes made from the freshest local catch, ensuring pure, unadulterated flavors.
Mediterranean Fish Stew
A rich and flavorful fish stew, bursting with Mediterranean spices and tender chunks of fish, a must-try specialty.
Warm Hospitality and Ambiance
Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff who make you feel right at home, perfect for any occasion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve during peak times
Book ahead for busy evenings and peak season (April-September) to secure your table.
Confirm off-season hours
Call to confirm opening times during March and October to December as they may vary.
Don't miss specialties
Be sure to try unique dishes like the Mediterranean Fish Stew or their popular squid starters.
Lobster sells out fast!
Order fresh Lundy lobster early, as it's a popular item and can sell out quickly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve during peak times
Book ahead for busy evenings and peak season (April-September) to secure your table.
Confirm off-season hours
Call to confirm opening times during March and October to December as they may vary.
Don't miss specialties
Be sure to try unique dishes like the Mediterranean Fish Stew or their popular squid starters.
Lobster sells out fast!
Order fresh Lundy lobster early, as it's a popular item and can sell out quickly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about the incredibly fresh, locally sourced seafood and the warm, welcoming hospitality that makes every meal special. While many praise signature dishes like the Mediterranean Fish Stew and lobster, some reviews note that portion sizes can be on the smaller side and that certain dishes might lack the expected depth of flavor. However, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.
"Absolutely love this restaurant. Best fish and chips I’ve had in years and the fish chowder is so yum. All the team are so friendly and welcoming. A really special meal in a lovely place."
Janet Gaeta
"We called in without booking on a Wednesday lunch time. A few tables free but filling up by the time we left. My wife had the sea bass with new potatoes which she enjoyed. I had seen a photo of the fish stew in another review so I went for that. I was expecting a really deep fish flavour but it was just a simple tomato sauce with just one type of fish and a few mussels. It comes served with 4 bits of a small baguette. Portion sizes are on the small side. Service was prompt and good. Wish I had gone for the lobster as it looked amazing on a table near ours."
Ken Duerden
"This is only a small restaurant, café sized really, but what fabulous food. The owners are a couple who are apparently the (highly talented) chefs whilst front of house are two lovely, funny and very efficient ladies.
We shared a dish of olives and a plate of scallops, then had mussels in a creamy sauce and fish stew. We wanted pudding but the generous helpings made that impossible! Everything was precisely spiced and delicious. All the produce (well, apart from the olives!) is locally sourced, the fish landed yards away earlier that day. It may be on the menu, but if it wasn't caught, it isn't cooked. Oh and a Bellini and a Combe Cooler added a little something to the lunch."
Catherine Sheen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
During high season (April-September), they are open Tuesday-Sunday from 7 p.m. In low season (March, October-December), they are open Wednesday-Saturday, but it's advised to call ahead to confirm hours.
It is recommended to make a reservation, especially during peak times or busy evenings, to ensure you get a table.
Signature dishes include the Mediterranean Fish Stew, fresh lobster, squid starters, and locally caught fish and seafood.
Yes, the restaurant emphasizes using fresh, locally caught fish and seafood, with an emphasis on letting the natural flavors shine.
Yes, in addition to seafood, they offer steaks from animals reared on nearby Exmoor.
The restaurant has a relaxed, informal, and charming atmosphere with a touch of personality, ideal for lunches and small group gatherings.
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With dishes like roasted Sardines with lemon and sea salt or steamed Sea Bass with white wine and tarragon alongside juicy Devon and Exmoor steaks, the focus at Take Thyme centres around fresh, locally caught fish and West Country reared steaks. All prepared with little fuss, straight forward ingredients are allowed to speak for themselves. You'll find Take Thyme at the very bottom of Fore Street, a lovely little restaurant with a touch of personality.
The Best Restaurants In Ilfracombe
Take Thyme is located just 50 metres away from Ilfracombe harbour. It has a relaxed and informal atmosphere and specialises in locally caught fish and seafood, as well as steaks from animals reared on nearby Exmoor – the kitchen uses fresh, local produce wherever possible. The restaurant has a frequently changing specials board and a range of top-shelf spirits, prosecco cocktails, and wines to match all its dishes.
Best Restaurants in Ilfracombe - Top 10 Places to Eat– South West Mag
Nestled in the heart of Ilfracombe, Take Thyme Lobster & Fish Restaurant is a true seafood lover’s dream. This charming eatery offers a delightful dining experience with its focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. As the name suggests, their specialty lies in serving up mouthwatering lobster and fish dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
10 seafood restaurants in Devon you need to try
Take Thyme Fish Restaurant is located within 50 yards of Ilfracombe harbour. Take Thyme specialises in locally caught fish, seafood, and Exmoor reared steaks. Wherever possible fresh local produce is used and the emphasis is on letting the simple, clean flavours of the West Country shine through onto the plate.
Best Fish and Seafood Restaurants in Devon
Sit back and enjoy a simply lovely fish lunch, just a stone’s throw from Ilfracombe Harbour. Take Thyme prides itself on its reasonably priced, locally caught seafood menu, served in friendly surroundings. Fresh Lundy lobster is on the menu this year but it sells out quickly, so get your order in early.
Where to Eat & Drink This Summer!
For a relaxed dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, head to Take Thyme Fish Restaurant. Nestled on the harbour, this informal gem serves freshly caught fish alongside Exmoor-reared beef. It’s an ideal choice for a romantic lunch or a cosy meal with friends.
Eating out in Ilfracombe - Dining in Ilfracombe
Opening Hours: High Season; April – September Tues – Sun from 7 p.m. Low Season; March & October to December Wed – Sat (Please call to confirm opening hours particularly in off season.. TIP:They specialise in fresh local fish & seafood and Exmoor steak.
Seafood restaurants in Devon: 10 of the best places to go
Take Thyme restaurant can be found in North Devon in the picturesque seaside town of Ilfracombe. Located only a short walk away from the harbour, you can watch the hustle and bustle of the town from the window as you enjoy locally caught fish.
Visitors Guide to Ilfracombe
Take Thyme is a delightful seafood restaurant that specializes in mouthwatering lobster and fish dishes, offering a delectable dining experience for seafood lovers. Address: 1 Fore St, Ilfracombe EX34 9ED, United KingdomPhone: 01271867622
50 Best Things to Do in Ilfracombe
Take in the harbour views at Seventy One: Tucked away in the picturesque Fore Street, Seventy One is only 100 yards from Ilfracombe Harbour and offers plenty of fishy dishes.
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