Cafe Alf Resco in South Hams

Visited again this morning and this place never lets you down. A genuine independent venue with bags of character. Best breakfast in Devon. 👍👍☕️🥓 🍳

When you see this place, you really want to sit outside as there is so much to look at as well as the passing people and cars; great place for people watching whilst eating some excellent food. The staff were so friendly and accommodating and made sure we had everything we needed. We had brunch, which for me was a full English but thankfully a sensible sized full English for someone with a small appetite. There was a bigger option. It’s clear the staff think about what the customer wants and boy do they deliver, could not fault the place, the food nor the staff. Thanks Guys, we will be back.

We have visited Alf's for many years with the various anniversary mugs to prove it. Over the last few visits, since the change of ownership, the energy, service and quality has taken a dip. As such, sadly, Alf’s is no longer our “go-to” place the moment we arrive in Dartmouth.

Had a fantastic breakfast here, had to sit outside but the staff were so good, the Alf's full English was delicious, my partner had the scrambled egg on toast which was also delicious, totally recommend this cafe.

We had visited cafe al fresco on both our recent visits to Dartmouth and were very keen to try it again this year. I’m sure that on our previous visits they had a front of house member of staff offering seating indoors and outdoors. We sat outside for 10 minutes and didn’t see a member of staff, so I ventured indoors and realised the service was from inside! The food was excellent and the young staff were working extremely hard. Disappointed there was no menu for dog treats, but the young waiter obtained a sausage for us to share between our two labradors. Despite the couple of negatives, it was still an enjoyable visit.

Visited twice for breakfast & what a treat it was, beautifully presented & sooooo tasty 😋 definitely recommend this quirky delightful place

We came here last year for lunch with the family while doing the Round Robin trip. Returned for a day trip and didn’t disappoint . Mushroom and feta open toastie with a red onion marmalade was delicious . Love the semi outside seating. We were just in time to order our lunch as last orders taken at 2 and was very quick to arrive

Excellent handling of a complaint! Last year we had a minor problem with long queues. I made a formal complaint to the manager Andy Green. He apologised sincerely and this year we all had free breakfasts as compensation! As usual the food was excellent. Now that is terrific Customer Service!!

Alfresco must have changed ownership Service is not as attentive and much slower to be addressed and seated People were left waiting at entrance without being greeted Owner/ chefs taking breakfast at 9.30am whilst people were waiting to be seated No water melon whilst waiting in queue No sausage for dogs No toast before breakfast New tables Milkshakes in plastic cups No orange machine at front entrance No atmosphere Food was good but it has certainly lost the “Alfresco Sparkle “ Shame

Grande déception ! J'ai connu ce café qui était une véritable institution il y a quelques années .... Ce matin en famille nous avons dû attendre plus d'une demie heure avant d'être servi ! de telle sorte que le café servi chaud se retrouve froid, et le jus d'orange servi froid se retrouve chaud. Tout cela malgré une pléthore de jeunes serveuses et serveurs ( j'en ai compté plus de 10 !!!) qui semblent désœuvrés et nonchalants ! De plus les prix sont devenus prohibitifs ! Je déconseille a mes compatriotes de se rendre dans ce qui est devenu un piège a touristes !

Went on spec for breakfast while waiting for the ferry to take us to Greenway (Agatha Christie's holiday home). I'm vegetarian and tbh there isn't much in Dartmouth so I wasn't hopeful. However, my vegan breakfast was delicious. Sourdough toast with smashed avocado, chickpeas and coconut and lime dressing. Very tasty. My husband the granola which he loved - needed more yoghurt which was brought without a fuss or extra charge. Nice cuppa and good service too. Definitely recommend and will return.

Went twice in the week wearing builders clothes and was charged £9.70 both days then go on a Saturday morning dressed in normal clothes and was charged £13.20 for the same thing when I asked how could this be the girl just pointed to the till and said that’s the price I won’t be going back again now !!!!!

New table service did not work for us, toast arrived ten minutes after ordering and coffee didn’t arrive. We asked a member of staff about our coffees after a twenty minute wait and she gave us a refund for our coffees. We are regular customers and have told many friends about the virtues of Alf Rescos, we enjoy the atmosphere and the food. We felt sad that today our visit was spoilt and we ended up buying coffee by a fire in a local pub and it took four minutes to be served.

Family of 6 for brunch. Good Vegan as well as meat options. Standard breakfast was great value as was Avocado and eggs on toast. Some checking need for dietary allergies but staff were very helpful. Excellent location.

I live in Dartmouth so have been visiting Alf’s for 20+ years 🤩 on this occasion I visited with my daughter and her friend as a birthday treat 🥰 Kelly was great, very helpful and we didn’t have to wait long to be seated, I think the table service idea really works, no more queuing to place your order 😅 I like the new menu, still some original Alf’s favourites which is good to see, along with some new ones 🤩 Still the great rustic cosy atmosphere, looking forward to our next visit 🥰

Few weeks since we've been and everything seems to have changed Now table service but nobody came to take our order. And no bacon sandwiches on the menu which were always fabulous. The food looked appetising on the next table apart from the standard sliced bread - Alf's always had lovely rustic looking bread before! As a local will go elsewhere in future. Walked out due to lack of service this time. Shame

First time back in a few years and still fantastic. The breakfast was so good you almost want another one with excellent coffee, especially the turmeric version but Pea Shoots on a fry-up! No, please stop. Special thanks to Kelly our server, the perfect mix of efficiency and friendly service.

We enjoyed a great lunch at Alf Fresco. My daughter enjoyed the cinnamon toast, my smoked salmon and scrambled eggs were excellent and my wife thought the vegetarian full English breakfast was the best she’d ever had. The service was cheerful and attentive too. Many thanks.

AMAZING Cannot praise it high enough. We came for breakfast and have had the best in years. Atmosphere, staff and food 10/10 and so nice for somewhere individual with character.

This is an iconic venue in Dartmouth for Breakfast/Brunch /Lunch /Coffee A firm favourite with all our family and friends and our dog who gets a Dog Sausage each visit - great service from the team / Abbi

Stumbled across this place when looking for somewhere for lunch and thought to give it a try. We were quickly and politely attended to by Jack who was excellent throughout. The food was excellent and served timely. Atmosphere was relaxed and just a nice easy place to stop for a bite to eat.

Great to be back after a years break after coming a couple of times a year for the past twenty odd years. It’s changed hands but still the same great ambience, wonderful breakfasts and coffee and now great table service, thanks Kelly. Loved the sage green 2023 hoody and used to buy the colourful t shirts and hoodies but very sadly not on sale, perhaps in the future?

After 25 years or more this establishment that was once an excellent place is now NOT any more.New format is not good. Holiday makers preferred over locals who usually support through thick and thin!!!

We haven’t been to Alf’s since last summer, popped in today whilst visiting friends. Delicious breakfast & coffee as always, the table service is a welcome addition, we won’t leave it so long next time, we promise!! Oh and very happy to see a familiar face, we remember her from a few years ago (another Dartmouth restaurant) thanks for a great morning Kelly.

Beautifully created breakfast cooked to order ❤️ Loved the whole experience and the staff made it extra special for my weekend away!

All the food was excellent. Lovely service and we loved the music in the cafe. Will be back this week with friends once again!

Superb breakfast. The new format is most welcome and refreshing. It’s a lot cleaner now than in previous visits. Our server, Kelly, couldn’t have been more helpful and attentive.

Whenever I go to Alfs for my breakfast I have the cinnamon toast it’s always been thick wonderful bread lashings of cinnamon not now though it’s thin greasy barely any cinnamon I would be ashamed to serve it at my home !!! It arrives-small and limp from grease on a large plat which makes it look even worse total rip of nearly £4for a thin piece of tasteless toast what has happened to this place ?😞 The coffee is no better either

Always loads of blokes drinking coffee, stood outside each morning. They are intimidated and don’t move out the way when you try to walk past! They seem to be friends of the new owner and take great pride in blocking the public pavement!

Alfs been the place to visit for 15plus years for food etc. But last year new ownership took over. Since food is basic and limited choice with new format and no children size portions on offer. Sorry, will be going elsewhere from now in

Having been our go to place for breakfast for many years, we recently took visiting family. Of course we had raved about how it is the best place for breakfast etc etc. Unfortunately it really isn’t anywhere near the best place anymore, after waiting an...

10/10 for the all day breakfast. Probably the best English breakfast I have ever tasted. They welcomed us with our two dogs, service was great too.

On holiday, spotted this place and it was just what I needed, a cool, bustling place, friendly staff and great food. We all loved it, couldn't fault it. The club sandwich was huge, kids food great.

Having come here for many years it’s disappointing to see that Alf’s has slipped under new ownership and sad to see that it’s losing it’s ‘je ne sais quoi’. Excessive price rises, losing its rustic feel with shiny ‘new’ tables, and a complete change of...

I have to echo another reviewer in that standards have dropped at Alfs. I too have been frequenting Alfrescos for years and have always enthused as to what a wonderful place it is for breakfast but the last few times has left me unenthusiastic! I...

Had many visits over the years & this lovely place hasn’t changed one but & still delivers on food & service Just delightful with a fabulous breakfast, cooked to perfection & served by wonderful staff Love cafe Alfresco SO MUCH ❤️

Fantastic little spot! Tried a tumeric latte here and loved it. Dan really looked after us :) can't wait to go back!

It is a shame to experience the noticeable decline of standards at the beloved breakfast/lunch cafe colloquially known as ‘Alfs.' Over the course of many years, I have been a loyal patron, consistently relishing both the service and the quality of the food. However, this...

We waited until after the regatta week when it was more quiet to give this place a go. It was a lot quieter the following week, but it was not worth the wait. Staff as mentioned on many other reviews don’t seem to have a...

Beautifully curated space with a touch of magic. Smoked Salmon and scrambled eggs with chilled Prosecco on this rainy day in Dartmouth was an absolute joy. With professional and friendly staff in this busy cafe that attended to all our needs throughout the breakfast. Spot...

Oliver was fantastic. Coffee really helped us get started today. Great place for a morning breakfast with locals. A most for an early morning in Dartmouth.

Popped in early morning for a takeaway. Lovely company from Jack, Tyler and Emilie. The food was amazing I would definitely recommend café alfresco’s to anyone down on hoilday or come over for the day ps Ryan

I recently came for regatta with some friends and we popped in to have a coffee(which was really nice) We were served by Abbi who was extremely helpful and polite and made great coffee. All in all it was a pleasant experience. I will be...

Fully appreciate that Regatta weekend is busy and we had to queue outside for a long time. Fully appreciate that it’s not a ‘fast food’ place. However, after waiting a considerable amount of time for 3 meals, to have them come out in instalments is...

Awful service we stood where it said please queue it was only us a girl serving takeaway drinks said nothing to us on and on two occasions staff members came out to her still no one acknowledged us we could see seats available in side...

We walked into Dartmouth via the coast path from Stoke Fleming looking for somewhere to eat and happened upon Alf Rescos. What an amazing place! The atmosphere was great, the menu extensive, the service was quick and the food was really tasty. We had smoked...

Came here for breakfast after walking past and seeing the crowds and busy tables. We were not disappointed, the food was great and service too. It’s not your average cafe, this place is unique with a really good choice of food. You have to try...

An exceptional atmosphere. Bustling cafe serving really good breakfasts to suit just about every taste by including vegan. Served by the man himself with a big team offerings excellent service. You haven’t had breakfast in Dartmouth until you have been here!

Oh dear. Very disappointing. We're local and don't usually go here due to queues. We had guests who wanted to go. We waited a long time to get a table(expected) and a further hour to get food(not an acceptable time). Yes, it was busy. The...

Great Food, Fabulous Ambience, it’s a pity that the teenagers who staff the place don’t have better manners.

So our first day in Dartmouth dawns, and it’s time to think about breakfast. The guide book in our AirBnB states that Alf’s is the place the locals go to eat so off we went to check it out and I fully agree - it...

Great atmosphere! Have been coming here for years and since my children were young, I understand that the place is in new ownership and very little has changed great food, reasonably priced, lovely atmosphere all in one of the nicest towns in the country Highly...

A really lovely cafe with helpful, welcoming and friendly staff. They are brilliant with and so welcoming of dogs - they even give them sausages! A great place for families and friends. I’d highly recommend and can’t wait to come back!

Yet another fabulous full English at Alf's! My family all love it there especially as one of my children is a vegetarian/gluten free and it's the only place the bread is really good. The atmosphere and staff are second to none and the breakfast is...

We visit here from time to time and whenever in the area , at this time of year they serve crab sandwiches and salads etc , my wife and I are both lovers of seafood and we both agree that the crab sandwich has to...

Cafe Alf Fresco is a Dartmouth institution and a place that we have enjoyed, as a family, for over 10 years. Sadly, our visit this week was really disappointing and there were several worrying signs: - They no longer serve poached eggs. Seriously?! This is...

Finished off our lovely stay in Dartmouth with a superb breakfast at Alf Resco. Everything was so good. Lovely muesli for 1 and fried breakfasts for the rest. Lots of Jams, marmalade and various spreads on offer too. I must have been in the zone...

We always make a point of visiting this cafe when we are in Dartmouth. We had heard it had changed owners but are glad to report it still seems as good as ever. The team of young staff worked hard and responded to our various...

What a great place. All of the people working there were welcoming, helpful and attentive. The breakfasts I’ve had here have always been fantastic and perfectly cooked to order. Great mix of locals and tourists and all happy to interact with each other. If you...

Looked twice before entering. This quirky food stop doesn’t disappoint. Pretty varied menu at reasonable £££’s. A food experience.

Alf’s has been my favourite cafe for many many years having first visited it when it opened. The quirky decor, outside space, delicious food and fantastic atmosphere has always made it my ‘go to’ place for breakfasts and take my friends to when coming to...

What a gorgeous spot for breakfast. Dogs welcome and provided with a sausage for breakfast. The smoked salmon and scrambled eggs was perfect and a lovely bacon sandwich washed down with a good latte

As always - simply amazing ! Great food , great setting, nice and friendly staff ……. The lunch menu is just as amazing as the breakfast menu

We’ve been going here for years when down on holiday in the area It has avgreat atmosphere and very good service, with a lovely mix of locals and holidaymakers. It’s consistently good and does a great cooked breakfast that sets you up for the day.

We ate here every morning of our 4 day break in Dartmouth. Totally unable to resist the cinnamon toast (as good as I remembered from our last visit almost 12 years ago!!). The friendly greeting and service made us feel so welcome and we looked...

I’ve been visiting here since I was a child, it’s as amazing now as it was back then. We had an amazing breakfast, our dog even got a treat as well. Really welcoming staff and a great atmosphere, highly recommended and can’t wait to visit...

Very tasty and reasonably priced food, friendly and speedy service. Perfect as we were waiting for the ferry and train back to Paignton after a river cruise. Vegan all day breakfast was superb.

Been a few times and food and drinks always great but sadly this morning the guy taking the orders was just rude. The rest of the team were happy , welcoming and friendly and our breakfast was delicious.

Excellent breakfast in a quirky establishment in Dartmouth, not far from the waterfront. I discovered Hogs' Pudding which is now up there in my list of breakfast delicacies alongside Black Pudding and White Pudding. The Orange, Sultana and Cognac marmalade is a bit special too....

Living appropriately 40m minutes away we are regular visitors to Dartmouth and breakfast at Alf’s is a must have. However a really fantastic birthday treat from my daughters, son and partners was a 2 night stay for me and my wife at the Capt’s Cabin...

A visit to Dartmouth (Our flat is opposite so we can watch the queue from there!) wouldn't be complete without Breakfast at Alf's at least once (or thrice !!) Great as always and the best gluten free toast I have ever tasted. Recently changed hands...

Caterfood Delivery lorry arrived at 7.10 on Saturday morning and was left running with air con system for 25 minutes.

After trying to find a café that wasn’t closed and sold jacket potatoes… on a quiet Monday, we were delighted to find this restaurant sold what we desired. The young man behind the counter was absolutely humourless and not at all welcoming. We all wanted...

Always wanted to try this place, finally was able to with family, we asked could they sit 9 of us, and the girls showed us to a table, and said if we could order inside and our order would be brought to us, my husband...

Popped in for breakfast a couple of days after Xmas. By 09:30 the inside area was already full so we sat outside sheltered from the elements by an awning. It all seemed a little chaotic but in fact service flowed well and we did not...

Fantastic friendly service with a smile from people who clearly enjoy what they do Probably the best breakfast I have ever Eaten with amazing coffee

We felt so welcome in this cosy welcoming cafe. What could be better than a woodburner keeping you warm whilst eating toast and marmite. Good coffee and good range of jams and marmites.To top it all there was mandarins and sweets on the table and...

Stopped here for coffee and brunch. What a fantastic place great cheerful staff. Good size meun and one of the best atmosphere I've ever come across in a coffee shop. It's not overly big but lots of outside seating that I'd covered

Every year we stay in Dartmouth for the Christmas market and lantern parade. Unfortunately the market and parade are no more and every year Dartmouth's charm gets eroded by more art galleries, knick Knack shops and even a Costa but Alf Resco is still going...

We were recommended to go for breakfast here and will be coming back. The breakfast was freshly cooked, with a vibrant atmosphere, great selections of sauces. We were sat outside, with very accommodating staff, with lovely smiles. We even got a sausage for the dog....

We stopped here for lunch during our stay in Dartmouth. The cafe staff are friendly and welcoming and there is a great atmosphere in the cafe. We sat outside and our food arrived quickly. We recommend a visit.

Wow what a popular and vibrant place. It was so busy when we arrived but we were greeted immediately and we were found somewhere to sit with our two dogs (who were offered a sausage of their own) we placed our order and we were...

This place is popular at breakfast time and we had to wait a little for a table - it was absolutely worth it. Good, freshly cooked breakfast in a quirky setting. The choice of jams etc that you can have with your toast is extensive....

Seems like the “in place” in Dartmouth. We tend to head there on every visit! Lovely little cafe, very popular for breakfasts and coffees - all delicious. Highly recommend but be prepared to wait for available tables.

.……an excellent breakfast to set up the day. Efficient service, with tasty produce. Always delivers.

Pretty standard breakfasts but nice ambiance if a little noisy due to the cramped lay out. The tables need a good clean though. The spaces between the slats are full of crumbs and spilled food!

Really value the attentive and fast service, not to mention great food for breakfast. Free hot water for tea topups generous with the toast … we will be back

Really good atmosphere, and great food. We had a 20 minute wait and they handed out water melon whilst we waited. All the staff were friendly and seemed motivated.

As usual, excellent and fast service. Food was well cooked and staff very friendly and helpful. . Good value too!

I can not praise Alfs enough. Kate and the team are brilliant, the food is always delicious, the atmosphere is great and it's all a very reasonable price. We are a large group (13/14 of us visit for the regatta every year) and they always...

To look at this place is a little ‘shabby chic’ but please don’t let this put you off. Lovely food, very friendly staff and because of this extremely busy. The food is really well presented and very decent quality.

Over trading and as a result you wait for nearly an hour for food ONCE you get in. Real pity as we have been coming here for ages but that was really poor. I felt so sorry for people with children and a bit of...

Breakfast should not take 2 and a half hours to get, especially when it’s mediocre. Sad because this place used to be a favourite but perhaps it’s best days are over.

My family and I have walked passed Alfs everyday of our holiday during Regatta. As it was out last day, we finally decided to try our luck. We queued for 40 minutes waiting for a table of four but we’re warned of the wait to...

Getting there for breakfast at or just before the opening time of 7am is ideal - choice of tables is easier, as it very quickly fills up with locals, visitors and boaters. It is also a great way to start the day. Breakfast choices are...

Great atmosphere, cool vibe. Staff are very efficient and very capable in a busy setting whilst the female owner has a friendly genuine manner with all customers. Could sit here all day. Food is great and well set up with drinks on order and food...

We ate breakfast here, was busy but worth the wait, we had the avocado on toast, one with salmon and the other bacon. WoW is the best comment, we both had a perfectly cooked egg. Give it a go, you won't regret it 😘

The best breakfast in Dartmouth. A great selection with great quality breakfast choices. Fab breakfast Butties and granolas. Nice coffee with speedy service. A free sausage too so the dog was happy. Best place for breakfast in Dartmouth

Best avocado on toast I’ve ever had!! Staff were friendly & attentive. It was busy but food came fairly quickly. Everyone was pleased with their choice of food and there was clean plates all around.

We went to our obligatory yearly trip to Dartmouth. There we found Alf Resco. We ordered breakfast and sat down for a fantastic visit. Sit back in the rustic surroundings and enjoy the family atmosphere. The decor sends you back in time and outside you...