The Restaurant at Gara Rock — Restaurant in South Hams

Amazing views of the beach and the headlands towards Prawle Point and the new building is decent although missing in the character of the old hotel. The food was of good quality and very tasty. The Tomatoes and goat curd starter converted my partner to eat raw tomatoes for the first time in her life and my crab was tasty. Mains were also decent. My rack of lamb was really well cooked and good flavour with the fat rendered down nicely. Super tasty little sage flavoured sausage role as well. My partners veggie main was not as good but still a pleasant dish which she enjoyed overall. We often find the veggie options can struggle to hit that same standard as the more traditional meat/fish dishes. The wine was recommended by our waiter and was a tasty Argentinian Malbec, which hit the spot for a reasonable price. Deserts were good. Cheese board excellent. Chutney seemed to be more an apple sauce and less than expected. No real ‘chocolate’ option on the menu always seems a mistake IMO but the white chocolate torte was very tasty. Overall a really pleasant evening and we were well looked after by the staff. Four stars as I found it priced a little higher than the quality although the location is exceptional. I still object to paying for bread at the start of the meal. But it was a decent kitchen baked sourdough so I...

You know a place is going to be great to eat at when you can smell the outdoor BBQ being used by one of the chefs to griddle the aubergines for their smoky baba ghanoush! It did not disappoint. Not only is this a fabulous location for a restaurant with sweeping views of the sea, but the decor is also brilliantly appointed. Relax in one of the super comfy armchairs after eating. Lovely cocktails and a good wine list are a nice compliment to a reassuringly short but well thought out menu. There are also daily specials. It would have been easy to eat everything if only time and an expanding waistline would allow! The highlights were of course the baba ghanoush with a delicious focaccia and a nicely spiced seafood pil pil with crab, prawn, clams...

I really want to be talking about the great food, friendly helpful staff and amazing location which are all true. BUT I have to register disappointment at a ludicrous requirement that we sit inside to eat on a beautiful May day when there was space outside, just because there were 12 of us - hence only 4 stars overall and for service which was otherwise great. This approach is ill considered and marred an otherwise great lunch, especially as not mentioned before hand even though we had had to pre-order our food. Prices are a bit high, especially for dessert which we therefore skipped and burgers really should come with chips as standard, but in general justified...