Devon is a beautiful part of the world – located in the South West of England it’s a perfect place to escape busy city life and get some sea air and delicious gluten free food.
Finding safe coeliac choices in Devon is totally doable, you just need to plan ahead and do some research to find the best gluten free Devon local gems. Luckily, I have done a good chunk of the work for you!
This guide expands on my original gluten free South Devon guide, working in some of my more recent Devon tips. Plus links to some extra recommendations from my Devon-based coeliac friend Sarah, who runs the Gluten Free Blogger website.
Towns are listed in alphabetical order.
Have a read of my Gluten Free Cornwall guide too, for recommendations for places close to Devon, such as Bude and Morwenstow.
Appledore
Market Street Kitchen – a fantastic little cafe, which was brilliant for gluten free options. They have coeliac friendly preparation methods in place and the food I had was delicious. Choices include sandwiches, cakes and cream teas. They’ve a lovely garden area out back too, with plenty of tables.
Flame Factory – for gluten free pizza and burgers prepared in a dedicated gluten free zone. Thanks @gfblogger for the recommendation!
The Coffee Cabin – a cafe with various gluten free options available, including bread and cakes.
Johns of Appledore – this cute delicatessen had a few gluten free options tucked away on the shelves and on their main counter.
Ashburton
Anran at Tidwell Farm – if I could quit my job and move in permanently to this beautiful B&B I would. One of the the best bed and breakfasts I have ever stayed in, they also did a wonderful job of catering for my coeliac needs. Chef Yarsley made us excellent breakfasts with gluten free bread, gluten free sausages and proper free range eggs.
Live and Let Live Pub – what a great find, this pub had a coeliac barman when we visited who was extremely helpful at letting me know what I could and couldn’t have. Rustic pub grub serving massive portions and even the chips were gluten free, hooray.
Ashburton Cookery School – Naomi Devlin occasionally runs her gluten free cookery courses here (including a gluten free patisserie one, which sounds amazing), so if you are interested send them an email to find out about any upcoming gluten free courses.
Barnstaple
Charlie’s Cafe – a fully gluten free cafe! Surely a must visit in Barnstaple.
Check out my coeliac friend Sarah’s fantastic gluten free guide to Barnstaple for more tips about visiting this town. She is local and recommends loads of places to eat.
Berry Head
Not far from Brixham, Berry Head nature reserve is the perfect place for a clifftop walk and explore of the Napoleonic fort. Once you have stretched your legs, head for the cafe for a well-deserved cuppa and a piece of gluten free cake.
The Guardhouse Cafe – we stopped off for a light bite and tried the gluten free carrot cake, which they store separately and serve with dedicated tongs. They also have some more substantial gluten free lunch options here, which were clearly marked on the blackboard menu.
Bideford
The Farmers Arms – this fancy pub is a real foodie haven, with a gorgeous outside terrace for a sunny day. We had a delicious meal and staff were very helpful at letting me know which choices were coeliac friendly and which dishes could be adapted.
Bridestowe
The White Hart – a tip shared by a local coeliac, Erin, who told me the staff and owners at this pub are really knowledgeable. She says: “Their mentality is if it can be GF, why not make it GF. They have a dedicated fryer too! Its a typical country pub. They do specials alongside the main menu & they try for at least half to be GF or GF option. I do recommend booking if possible & letting them know you are Coeliac/GF especially if going for Sunday Roast Lunch.“
Bearslake Inn – Erin also recommends this pub. “Really delicious food, a bit more upmarket but the pub area & outside is casual. Great understanding of GF & happy to help explain what’s safe.”
Alder Vineyard – and this beautiful little winery in the countryside with great views. It’s a family run place and they are excellent at catering for allergies of all sorts. They have a specific gluten and dairy free menu and are really clued up.
Brixham
David’s Fish & Chips – proper battered gluten free fish and chips available any day of the week, hurrah! They cook the gluten free choices separately from the gluteny ones and make good efforts to keep all the preparation away from gluten products. They won Gold at the FreeFrom Eating Out awards too.
Rock Fish – their whole menu is available gluten free and that they have special preparation processes to ensure items are safe for coeliacs. I had scampi and chips with a gluten free beer!
Rockfish is accredited by Coeliac UK and the whole menu can be made gluten free. They have a few restaurants across Devon – find them in Brixham, Dartmouth, Plymouth and Torquay. The Brixham restaurant is baby and kid friendly (changing facilities and space for buggies, plus a lift to get the buggies upstairs).
Miss Jones Tea & Coffee Shop – wow, they had some killer gluten free cakes here and use dedicated tongs to serve them. It’s a quaintvintage tearoom cafe, so either sit and relax or grab a slice to take away.
Oats Healthy Living Store – a health food store on the high street, which sells lots of gluten free products. They have a small cafe out back and offer various gluten free (and dairy free) treats. They also have some vegan options.
Croyde
Blue Groove – I’ve seen this bistro mentioning their gluten free credentials online, with a coeliac friendly selection of dishes.
The Manor – a pub with gluten free options, plus it’s very family friendly with a play area in the pub garden.
Dartmouth
Cafe Alf Resco – this cafe offers some gluten free choices, including locally made fresh gluten free bread and cakes. They also have dairy free options.
Rock Fish – their whole menu is available gluten free and that they have special preparation processes to ensure items are safe for coeliacs. Rockfish is accredited by Coeliac UK and the whole menu can be made gluten free.
Taylor’s Restaurant – able to cater for coeliacs, they will readily adapt dishes on the menu to make them gluten free and have a good understanding of coeliac requirements.
Dawlish
The Home Kitchen – an outstandingly good place for coeliacs, they have a huge range of gluten free items on the menu and take great care to prevent cross contamination. They are also able to cater for other allergies and intolerances. Apparently they are even offering homemade gluten free doughnuts not!
Exeter
On The Waterfront – shortlisted for the Free From Eating Out awards in recognition of its excellent gluten free offering. The gluten free choices (and dishes that can be adapted) are clearly marked on the menu.
Tea on The Green – for brunch, lunch or afternoon tea, nearly everything on the menu can be made gluten free. They also have gluten free beer.
Jasmine Thai Restaurant – we had a really nice thai meal here (I was sconed and pastied out after a week in rural Devon) and staff were very helpful. They made me a gluten free pad thai, which was delicious.
Ilfracombe
Terrace Tapas Bar – one of my readers sent me this addition, which she says was brilliant for coeliacs with gluten free options and even Toblerone fodue for dessert!
Kingsbridge
Ashby’s – a rather random little shop but our AirBnb was located right next to it and they had loads of good gluten free products and a dedicated gluten free section. Not worth going out of your way for, but handy if you are staying nearby.
The Old Bakery – a lovely little restaurant offering tapas and other Spanish food. They have plenty of gluten free options and will provide you with a marked up menu upon request.
The Pantry Deli – I had a totally delicious salted caramel brownie from here. They store the gluten free cakes carefully and serve them with dedicated utensils.
The Crabshell Inn – a beaut place restaurant overlooking the water. Note they do have gluten free pizzas but the chef told me that these are NOT coeliac safe. They were able to prepare me some safe gluten free seafood dishes though, accompanied by warm gluten free bread rolls. Staff were really helpful and it is also very kid friendly.
Lydford
Castle Inn – a local coeliac reader recommended this pub for inclusion in my gluten free Devon guide. She says they have excellent food and a really knowledgeable team. She says it’s a nice upmarket place, perfect for birthdays and celebrations, with a seasonable menu. Book in advance and let them know you are coeliac.
Lynmouth
Lynmouth Bay Cafe – a great spot for gluten free cream teas, as this cafe does excellent gluten free scones. They also have a good range of other gluten free options, including cakes and sandwiches.
Okehampton
Graylings – Mondays only, they offer gluten free fish and chips that are coeliac safe.
Paignton
The Green Table Cafe at Dartington Hall – this was a perfect little lunch spot with a menu full to the brim with gluten free options. When we visited they had several homemade gluten free cakes (all stored seperately), delicious salads, gluten free bread for panninis and other hot food options. It’s also super kid and baby friendly.
Paignton Pier Chippy – gluten free fish and chips, accredited by Coeliac UK – hooray!
Sebastiens Foods – this deli has a few gluten free items to pick up, including bake-at-home gluten free pasties.
Plymouth
Bonne Sante – a restaurant in Plymouth that a follower recommended. Everything on the menu can be made gluten free. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and have an outdoor terrace for when the weather is good.
Harbourside Fish & Chips (Barbican) – a fully gluten free fish and chip shop. Note the same company also runs a regular fish and chip shop at another location, so make sure you are at the Barbican branch for the fully gluten free chippy. They serve gluten free versions of all the great British chip shop classics and also have a children’s menu.
Rock Fish – their whole menu is available gluten free and that they have special preparation processes to ensure items are safe for coeliacs. Rockfish is accredited by Coeliac UK and the whole menu can be made gluten free.
Princetown
Fox Tor Cafe – full gluten free menu deisgned for coeliacs. The gluten free options here include scones and cream teas, pasties and even full meal options such as spaghetti.
Salcombe
The Salcombe Deli – a brilliant place to stock up on gluten free picnic treats – from Kent & Fraser gluten free cookies to deli counter gluten free quiches, pies and pasties, they have it all.
Plaice Restaurant – gluten free grilled fish and chips with mushy peas, but they also have a full gluten free menu here including gluten free pasties, tarts, pizza, etc. The chips are cooked in a separate fryer to ensure they are safe for coeliacs as this chip shop also serves gluten options.
The Jetty – lovely views across the water and they are very capable of catering for coeliac gluten free needs. This restaurant focuses on local, seasonal food. They offer gluten free high tea here, just give them a call in advance to prebook. I have to say though, I was slightly disappointed with their gluten free scones – perhaps I had an old batch as they were a bit dry. The other food was delicious though.
Salcombe Coffee Company – worth popping in to see what the menu of the day is, as sometimes they have gluten free cake or some gluten free food options available.
Sidmouth
- Guesthouse & Restaurant – The Salty Monk – this B&B and restaurant is able to cater for gluten free customers, when notified ahead of time. They even offer a gluten free afternoon tea, all home made.
Teignmouth
The Crab Shack – buckets of giant crab claws with lobster, covered in garlic butter were the order of the day here. Chips were gluten free and there were lots of other gluten free options available. Staff knew their stuff. A follower of mine when recently and confirmed their gf offering is still really good.
Finley Brown’s – we didn’t eat here, but they did have some gluten free options on the menu and I’ve seen positive reviews.
Finn McCools – they do proper battered gluten free fish and chips on Sundays.
The Old Java Coffee House – they had gluten free cakes available here.
Torquay
Jacksons Gluten Free Bakery – a dedicated gluten free production unit bakery, where you can collect preordered items from or chance your luck and pop in. They also deliver to the local area – see their website for full details. It’s hidden in the market hall, but go and have a good look and you should spot it.
Rock Fish – their whole menu is available gluten free and that they have special preparation processes to ensure items are safe for coeliacs. Rockfish is accredited by Coeliac UK and the whole menu can be made gluten free.
Totnes
This little town is brimming with amazing independent shops and there are plenty of delicious gluten free eats to be had.
Wild Fig Cafe – all of the cakes here are ususally gluten free, plus they offer a variety of gluten free savoury options including quiche and pies. I had a DELICIOUS slide of smoked salmon broccoli quiche and a insanely good slice of chocolate cheesecake to take away. They have measures in place to prevent cross contamination. Find them halfway down the high street in Totnes.
Saveurs – a pastisserie with some epic-looking gluten free cakes on offer. Please enquire about cross contamination processes as I didn’t get a chance too (#kidlife!).
Westward Ho!
Tea on the Green – wowie what a spot! I went with my local coeliac friend Sarah and jad a triple decker gluten free sandwich, woohoo. They have safe processes in place and a cabinet full of cakes, many of which are gluten free. Speak to staff if you have any questions, they are very clued up here.
Woolacombe
Fudgies Bakehouse – gluten free pasties available. You can preorder then go back 45 minutes later to collect.
If you enjoyed this gluten free Devon guide, why not have a read of some of my other UK gluten free guides:
Or for extra gluten free Devon tips, check out Sarah’s guide:
Happy gluten free travels! x
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