Restaurants in South Molton

The George

1 Broad St, South Molton

Beautiful place to stay Room and all areas clean and tidy Staff very friendly and breakfast was fantasticOK so they don't have a restaurant but plenty of local places and fully recommended The Bell a pub a short drive away but worth itPrivate car park at rear of The GeorgeLovely shops to look aroundWill definitely returnRooms: Excellent room all spotlessIroning boards & iron available from the hallHairdryer in roomElectric shower and bath in our room No trying to get the right temperature in the shower all set press button and shower ..resultNearby activities: Our visit to Rosemoor Gardens a joy as alwaysFood & drinks: Tea and coffee in roomWell stocked barBreakfast all freshly prepared

Superb75 Reviews 4.9

The Masons Arms, Knowstone

Knowstone, South Molton

I was disappointed.I’ve rated this as a 4* experience in comparison the the ‘average’ restaurant/pub, had I rated this against any other Michelin Starred restaurant it would have been lower.It was a lovely start, a cocktail and canapés in a lovely snug. The service was warm and friendly.We chose our meals - peppered seared tuna with oriental salad (checked the sear was light so it was basically raw/rare), followed by roast Guinea Fowl with potato gratin and veg; hubby had rabbit and ham terrine with pickles and the pork belly.We were taken to our table, the warm unopened sparking water was on there along with butter/oil/balsamic. The water was never poured.We had bread - all very nice, shortly after while we were tucking into the bread the starters arrived, my tuna was three small cylinders, not peppered and because of the small shape not seared lightly but I’d describe as nearer medium. The salad was lovely, but the flavour was overwhelmed with seasame oil. The terrine was okay, but I’m told ‘nothing special’.Mains, the guinea fowl was a little dry, the potato was a wedge of buttery boulangere, a couple of steamed brocollini, half a roasted carrot, morels and a tasty gravy. I felt like I could have made everything to the same standard at home in less than an hour, except for the delicious gravy.The pork was okay (apparently mine in the airfryer is far superior), the potatoes very overworked so the starch made them sticky and gluey rather than light and fluffy - unpleasant to eat. There was a decent black pudding bonbon, and nice apple sauce.In under half an hour after sitting we were 2 courses in, it had felt rushed.We then waited around 40/45 mins for desert (we shared the platter). This was really average - trifle which was compote with cream floating on it, the tiniest cube of sticky toffee (if that was 1/4 of a full desert I’d have been very unhappy), a lovely crème brûlée type desert and a rhubarb crumble tart which had far too much thick pastry and very little crumble which lacked any crunch.We weren’t asked if we wanted any coffee at any point. We had to go hunting for the bill because 25 mins after the desert was cleared there was no sign of anyone. After the initial rush we now felt forgotten about.It was very off putting through the evening that the table next to us was used for trays to and from the kitchen; i get bringing trays of food out to serve tables at the same time but I’ll never understand picking dirty plates up, from a whole table to a table in the middle of the restaurant to stack them noisily before being taken to the kitchen, not dissimilar from a canteen. It was out of keeping with the situation.I was so excited to eat here, influenced by the chefs outstanding CV and reputation, and the Michelin Star - that’s why we travelled for this. When we ‘fine dine’ we expect to be excited, try interesting and inventive flavours, have outstanding service and eat food with the technique and skill a home cook couldn’t replicate. This felt more like a Sunday lunch in a pub up the road, not anything special and in many cases food I would cook to the same standard myself . Maybe we missed its heyday ?‍♀️.It’s not a patch on the Elephant which to me is what outstanding food and service is all about.

Superb60 Reviews 4.9

Rachel's tearoom and Bakery

East St, South Molton

The best bacon & egg sandwich in Devon and believe me I have tried most cafes and butty bars.You get what you pay for and it applies here; it wouldn't be a spot to get a morning butty each day as when you include a coffee you are approaching the £10 mark however as a weekly treat it is worth every penny.The cakes and buns are a thing of beauty and amaze me each time I pop in.

Superb75 Reviews 4.8

Poltimore Arms

Yarde Down

Popped in one afternoon as it was near to where I thought I was staying for the weekend (turns out the postcode I was given was completely wrong, but how fortunate in the end). Was made to feel so welcome by everyone I met (including the cat and dog!). The beer was excellent, the natter even better. Love that there is a camping field at the back too, I will definitely be back!

Superb45 Reviews 4.8

The Welcome Fryer

24 Broad St, South Molton

Very friendly place for takeaway. There was an issue with our order, something missing, and they were very friendly and helpful about it. The fish and chips was very nice as were the mushy peas, but the Whitby scampi was really good!

Delivery

Superb44 Reviews 4.3

Log Cabin Diner

Moortown Barton, South Molton

Called in here after doing a delivery to some premises just behind the diner.Had a fantastic bumper full English which was delicious and worth every penny.I'll definitely be making another visit next time I'm down that way.

Good65 Reviews 4.1

The Mill Inn

Bish Mill, South Molton

This is as a traditional pub as you are going to get. Owners were really friendly and the food menu was spot on. This pub is located off the main road but is very easy to find. Not much parking outside but there is a road opposite, which is where we parked.These sort of hidden gems need to be supported so definitely pop in if you are local, even if it's just for a drink.

Good7 Reviews 3.4

Fred's Charcoal Grill

82 South St, South Molton

I love a good kebab and chose a Chef's Special from the extensive menu, to be delivered. The delivery charge was £1.90 (02/2024) which is reasonable but there is a minimum amount to spend before they'll deliver. Told 30 minutes but arrived in about 17 about a mile from the shop, which was a major bonus. Driver polite, honest and engaging. Kebab handed over and i immediately realised how heavy it was! There were essentially three parts to it; a large container filled to the brim with doner, kofta, lamb and chicken meat (simply that); a smaller tub (about half the size) filled with a delicious fresh salad and perhaps a little lemon juice; and two soft pitta breads. There were also two (largish) tubs of hot sauce and garlic mayonnaise which meant I could put as much or as little on as I required (I liked a lot and there was still some left over). I wrongly thought that £16 was the going rate for a large doner (as it is where I'm from), but no, this is the rate for what must be two to share. Amazing price! This is a cheap meal for what it is, in essence, two kebabs. The meat was succulent and juicy, well cooked, and minimal fat seepage, meaning the pittas stayed dry when eating. This was the best kebab I've eaten, and called to tell them so! There was also so much of it that I made a second kebab, wrapped and placed it in the fridge, and ate it for lunch the next day, which was also lovely microwaved. All in all a very positive experience, let down by not accepting debit cards, but which didn't detract from a wonderful meal, and five stars. I'm looking forward to going back!Edit: Don't use WhatsApp for ordering as they don't pick it up.

Delivery

Good22 Reviews 3.8

The Corn Dolly

79 South St, South Molton

Popped in for a coffee while waiting for my bike to be mot at local garage.Clean and tidy, good looking cakes in the display.Great coffee, cake portion was huge, probably too big in reality.Lovely staff, girl with ink was funny, chatty and I would definitely pop back in next time I'm in the area,

Good38 Reviews 3.6

Zest

135 East St, South Molton

Previous visits to South Molton seeking food and drink have been disappointing. Today was the exception. I came across Zest where the friendly and efficient staff served me very well in a cafe with a pleasant ambience. The coffee tasted good and was beautifully presented. The scrambled eggs on toast with salmon flakes was excellent and flakes is an understatement: it was a generous portion. If I am passing through South Molton again this will definitely be the place I visit.

Good38 Reviews 3.4