A visit to the coast wouldn’t feel complete without a portion of fish and chips by the sea. North Devon has plenty of excellent places serving this classic British dish, from traditional chip shops to seaside pubs overlooking the water.
Whether you prefer to eat on a harbour wall watching the boats or take your food down to the beach, there are several well-known spots across North Devon where you can find freshly cooked fish and chips.
Here are some popular places to try.
Squires Fish Restaurant – Braunton
Squires Fish Restaurant
4.7•Fish restaurant•Open
Located in the village of Braunton, Squires is one of the best known fish and chip restaurants in North Devon. The restaurant has been serving seafood for decades and is widely recommended by locals.
Fresh cod or haddock is cooked in light batter and served with chunky chips and homemade sauces. It’s both a takeaway and a sit-down restaurant, making it a good option if you want a more relaxed meal.
Lynbay Fish and Chips – Ilfracombe
Lynbay Fish and Chips
3.9•Fish & chips restaurant•Open
Situated near the harbour in Ilfracombe, Lynbay is a popular stop for visitors exploring the town. It’s known for generous portions of freshly cooked fish and crispy chips.
Many people grab a takeaway and walk down to the harbour wall to eat while watching the boats in the harbour.
Scoff’s Original – Barnstaple
Scoff’s Original Restaurant & Takeaway
4.4•Fish & chips restaurant•Open
Scoff’s in Barnstaple is a long-established chip shop that has built a strong reputation with locals. It offers both a restaurant and takeaway service and is well known for large portions and freshly cooked fish.
Because Barnstaple is the main town in North Devon, it’s often a convenient stop for visitors travelling to or from the coast.
Woolacombe Fryer – Woolacombe
Woolacombe Fryer
3.9•Fish and chips takeaway•Closed
Located just a short walk from the beach, Woolacombe Fryer is a classic seaside chip shop. It’s a popular place to pick up fish and chips after spending time at the nearby beach.
Many visitors take their food down to the sand at Woolacombe Beach to enjoy with views across the Atlantic.
The Pelican – Barnstaple
The Pelican
4.6•Fish & chips restaurant•Open
The Pelican is another highly regarded fish and chip restaurant in Barnstaple. It focuses on fresh fish and traditional cooking methods, with light batter and well-cooked chips.
Many visitors recommend the cod, which is known for being flaky and cooked to order.
Eating Fish and Chips by the Sea
One of the best ways to enjoy fish and chips in North Devon is simply to take them down to the coast. Sitting on a harbour wall or beach while watching the waves is part of the experience.
Popular places to enjoy fish and chips outdoors include:
- Ilfracombe harbour
- Saunton Sands
- Appledore quay
North Devon’s seafood scene benefits from the surrounding coastline, where many restaurants serve fresh fish alongside locally grown ingredients.
A Classic Seaside Tradition
From traditional chip shops to harbour-side cafés, North Devon has no shortage of places serving fish and chips. After a day exploring the beaches or walking the coast path, a hot portion of fish and chips is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to end the day.
Whether you eat them on a bench overlooking the sea or take them back to your accommodation, it’s a tradition that many visitors look forward to whenever they visit the North Devon coast.
