Dartmoor Diner in South Hams

We ended up here after a very unsuccessful morning of trying to find a cafe to have breakfast on or near the moors so as we were heading back into Plymouth we thought we'd stop here for some food and we weren't disappointed it was a really nice breakfast and the lady that served us was really nice, I haven't been here for a long time so it has changed since I was last here and I really like what they have done with it.

I rated this place at 2 stars, prompting the response from the owner below, however I think I have made a mistake, I visited the burger van in the car park, not the diner itself. I do not know if they are connected in any way, but I have never been to the diner. My review of the burger van stands. EDIT: OK, 3 years later I got round to visiting the place properly for an all day breakfast with my daughter. It was very nice and I am happy to give 5 stars.

We used to come here a lot and hadn't been for a while as have moved to another part of Plymouth. We didn't realise it was under new ownership. Decor was ok, bare and more open comoared to last owners, it was very noisy but not many people in. My husband had a burger and chips which he said was ok, nothing special. I had fish and chips. Chips were dry and tasted like supermaket oven chips. Fish was nice but the 'batter' was a let down, no seasoning, looked liked there was not flour in it and the fish had just been dipped in egg or something. Definately not worth the over £40 bill.

Food was ok but not as good as previous visits

Great. Visited here in August 2024 with family. Food was great and a reasonable price, the staff were welcoming, friendly and service was quick. The décor was traditional diner style that was cool; the place was clean and it had a car park. Overall great.

Omg, what has happened. The food was shocking, and the service terrible Has this changed hands?

Have been going to the Dartmoor Diner for a few years my family and I went today when we sat down to eat are meal the meal was cold .Spoke to one of the waitresses and asked if they could microwave the meal to warm it up ,when we got the meals back they were hot but trying to cut up the veg was impossible not cooked properly still hard the meat and potatoes were OK. Not very warm in there either not many customers in there keep this up and your won't be lasting long ,what a shame.

I have been coming hear for years on and off how ever I won’t be returning again. It used to be impossible to get same day bookings hear but I got one today. On arrival it was only half full had to wait 10 minutes before being told were to sit and then another 20 minutes before drink and food orders were taken. We all had carvery’s almost £18 each, went up to get them had to wait for them to bring out Yorkshire puddings. One guy in front of me waiting and my remaining table of 6 behind me and another massive family behind us they bring out 8 Yorkshires so enough for one each leaving one for the family behind us, which was not worth the wait as they were just dough massively undercooked. Returned to the table to find our drinks still haven’t arrived so I had to go up and ask for them a confused waiting looking at me as if I was talking French. The rest of the food on the other hand was awful the beef was very dry that’s probably why they keep it in the kitchen drowned in gravy rather than on the counter, my wife’s even had a clump of string in hers. Swede was very clumpy veg was very undercooked boarder line raw carrots was ok mind. Definitely will not be returning and definitely not worth the money have had a much better carvery at Toby Carvery for a fraction of the price. This place has gone down hill since new ownership.

The place had Litterally been ruined I 6 months of being taken over. Staff scruffy stood in bar more worried about their own drinks. The breakfast was absolutely awful this place has been so good for 15 years but the new owners changes have ruined the place. No wonder it was half as full the place used to be full all the time.

The staff were friendly however we were sat at the table opposite the back door that lead to the outside. The staff kept leaving this open creating a horrible draft which was cold and I had to keep getting up to close the door. They continued to leave it open which was incredibly annoying ruining the experience. Not to mention it is a very cramped place to begin with and I am not a small person so sitting next to someone on the small table was incredibly difficult. The food was also horrendous I ordered the burger and I would go as far as saying it was probably the worst burger I’ve ever had in my life. I thought this could just be mine so I tried another family members burger and it was equally as disgusting, plain and dripping in grease as mine was. Oh and don’t get me started on the tap water, it was foul. We all will never be returning.

Good. Food was hearty and served by friendly staff. Our dog as made welcome.

We had lunch having not been here for a very long time. The staff were friendly but the food was not good. I had the creamy vegetable pie topped with puff pastry and mash and garden peas. My husband had the cheeseburger with chips and salad. Both of the meals lacked flavour and were dry. Most of the vegetables in my pie were sprouts. With two coffees the bill was £35 plus. We were very disappointed and will not be returning. The owners do not seem to be acting on the bad reviews.

Lovely. venue. Very friendly staff, great prices, portion sizes great, had a chicken burger and chips. Staff were fantastic.

Made a special day more special

We were regular customers at Dartmoor Dinner. The food has always been good until now. It has recently been taken over by new owners. we had the cheeseburger and chips the burger was a lot smaller the Chips have been changed they were horrible, and the coleslaw is disgusting. Some of the kitchen staff are not very clean when preparing food. I witnessed a young lad sneezing when preparing vegetables and didn't wash his hands or wash the veg. We won't be going back it has gone downhill. It's a shame. We used to spend a lot of money. Letting in dirty smelly dogs when your eating is not ideal and going for a wee inside the establishment is appalling. I love dogs but not in a food place.

This was my favourite place in Plymouth for a carvery , but when I went last week it was awful they have changed chefs the beef was over cooked very well done & the potatoes were frozen they were like bullets tasted horrible. Not the staffs fault they are lovely.

My friend invited me for a lunch there. Staff were nice and friendly, food was tasty. I'm happy to recommend them to everyone.

Nothing fancy but good food, decent portions and lovely staff

What's happened to this place? Been here many times but today was awful. I booked a table for two and there was a bit of confusion where to sit us, once seated we were waiting ten minutes for our drinks (which initially went to the wrong table) were told our food orders would be taken separately, which they were around ten minutes later. We got our food 50 minutes after arriving. It was luke warm and the chips were hard and dry, the 'gammon' was little more than a slice of bacon, the chicken breast was small and dry. We left half of our meal. When asked if everything was ok I said the food wasn't as it should be, the waitress reported back to the manager who offered a free drink, but we declined as we had to leave (given that we had already been kept waiting). I paid £35 for two soft drinks and two main meals which were all but inedible. The waitress was lovely and apologetic which stopped me taking it further. So disappointed with the visit, I have been ripped off. Maybe it was an off day, but I don't think I will be returning anytime soon, and certainly not for food.

Small "old school" Diner/Cafe/Restaurant. Good honest food, well cooked and served with a smile. A breath of fresh air!

Food is just okay but the portions are good. Christmas music in November was a major turn off

Love the Dartmoor Diner its a lovely place to have a spot of lunch

Friendly and dog friendly. Vist regularly for breakfast/ lunch 🐕🍰

Booked as a family of 4 to mark a very sombre occasion. Arrived to be told the electricity was off but expected back in half an hour. Eventually ordered. Food was cold on hot plates. Turkey was dry. Pie was a pot of cream sauce with a small pastry top. Liver and onions also cold and dry. They reheated the liver and turkey dinner. They came back part piping hot, part cold and mushy. Deeply unpleasant. They didn't charge for the turkey, but this was a very disappointing experience and waste of money and ruined the experience/remberance we had planned. Unless you like pre made microwaved food, I would avoid.

The staff tried to be polite but the food was disappointing. We wanted English breakfast but were told not available after 11:30. Okay, instead we ordered two soups of the day. The soup was disgusting 🤮🤮🤮 no taste, the bread was burnt and the waiter brought the butter later he just threw them in the plate. Not nice at all. We just wanted a good morning breakfast memory from there but unfortunately not.

Won’t be in a rush to go back! Lovely building in a great location with lots of potential, but devastatingly let down by poor customer service, poorly managed, no atmosphere and a stressed vibe from staff. The food is overpriced and sub standard. Hygiene has also been raised in previous reviews and I agree it could also be better. Overall I’d say give it a miss.

Went to this legendary place (still known to the wife and I as "The Green Cafe") for breakfast and had the Hash Brown Stack. It was absolutely perfect and I would recommend it to any growing lad or ladette. Really tasty and crispy. And enough to satisfy my appetite.

Good food and good service. Friendly staff too. Family friendly. Though their prices have increased about 25% recently. But considering the economic difficulties that's to be expected. And it's still good grub at a good price, even now. The Sunday carvery is pretty amazing too - it's so good that you need to book in advance. I go there often.

Awful! Turned up and got seated and we asked to move seats and got sent to a table with a broken chair! Then proceeded to wait ages for any service. All of the staff were not the most appealing and got a weird feeling. Finally got to the carvery and there was no meat, potatoes or Yorkshire pudding!!!! The main part of a roast! After dishing up our meals and sitting down, every bite of food got progressively worse. Especially when the cutlery given to us was dirty!! And to top it of it cost £18 for a carvery. 2/10 wouldn’t not recommend!

Went to the Dartmoor Diner a few days ago and was very disappointed. I was given a new menu , which I found was totally different. The selection was reduced and the prices were higher. When I queried this I was told it was under new management. The service was poor and the food was of a poorer quality. Many other customers were unhappy with the food, value and customer service. I have been going to the Dartmoor Diner for years. I shall not be going again. Such a shame !!!

Absolutely gorgeous carvery. Thanks to all the staff.

I love going to this restaurant, the food is always 1st class, the staff are really friendly and the prices are very reasonable. It's a shame it closes so early, an evening meal there would be good. Definitely recommend you try it out.

First time trying the carvery and I was not disappointed. Everything was fantastic, good choice of meats and fresh veg, all cooked perfectly. Great choice of homemade desserts too. Would recommend and will be back.

What a lovely out the way place to go ! The staff so pleasant and welcoming, the food was delicious I have to say one of the best chicken&ham pie dinners I've tasted ! Well worth a visit

Best carvery I’ve ever had, everything was cooked well, and plenty of choice , staff were so friendly. Definitely recommend .

A lovely carvery enjoyed by all - so friendly too!

Perfect poached eggs and delicious sausages. Lovely (and spotless toilets).Friendly staff.

Lovely food. Very good service, friendly helpful staff . Definitely worth a visit

Allowed to change tables without any fuss. Food excellent and generous portions. Lovely birthday lunch 🎉

Stopped here for a tasty breakfast after a night on the moors. Friendly service and good quality ingredients. We'll definitely be back.

Came for carvery with family on Sunday. Hadn’t been here for few years. The roast was always amazing and good value for money. However the price now is higher than average and was not as good quality as it used to be. My main disappointment was that when I asked if I could get a child’s portion for my dad who has Alzheimer’s and only eats a small amount I was told no I couldn’t do that rather abruptly. Is that really so unacceptable? A little kindness goes a long way and brings back custom. I won’t be back there again which is sad when I have grown up going there since it was the little green hut.

Lovely place, always has been. Best carvery in the south west.

Greeted with a smile, asking if they had room for '2' shown to a table with a lovely view of the edge of dartmoor. A little noisy as other diners competed again the coffee machine to be heard. Main course and dessert served promptly. Food was fantastic, great service, home-cooked taste, relaxed atmosphere and value for money. Nice to be able to chat with a friend with no rush, or being hussled to leave. Will go again.

We sat up stairs, the table and floor were dirty, the stairs up were slippery with grease. The food was average

Really lovely breakfast. Good parking. Friendly service.

Breakfast for 5. Good serving, well cooked and in good time. Will visit again on our next UK trip. Happy Aussie. Thanks.

Amazing little diner for lunch, it was busy and the staff were working non-stop. The service was amazing and the food was fantastic. We had the soup of the day, jacket potato, portion of chips and two coffees for £25.

Great range disishes for all tastes. Service with a smile. Would recommend booking a table.on busy days

The food here is fantastic. So tasty. Absolutely banging 👍🏽

Lovely food, great atmosphere and friendly staff. The coffee is awful but was made up for by a good all round experience.

Beautiful fresh food and very good quality for what you pay for. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. Our dog was very welcome inside with us aswell and pampered 😊. Will definatly go there again and recommend to friends and family. Thankyou.

A truly dreadful breakfast and vastly overpriced, there are much better value for money breakfasts in the city

Stopped off for some breakfast. Beans on toast was top noche. No problem with letting us have a cat, because it was busy they asked if we would mind sitting outside with him which we had no quoms with as it was a nice morning. My teacup was dirty and I asked for a clean one when our food came. She acknowledged that it was dirty, apologised and brought me a clean one right away. Love breakfast stop of point on the way into Plymouth. Did the job!!

Consistent and reliable as ever. Roast dinner was piping hot, service was very helpful and answered any questions we had.

Excellent quality food and good service. Family run diner with a good atmosphere

My wife's always wanted to try this place and the food didn't disappoint.

Been past this place lots of times finally stopped for breakfast and coffees on Saturday but was 28.00 really worth it to be honest no..... the place is not in its prime could do with a deep clean and a good redecoration the gents toilet certainly needs a deep clean floor corners and extractor fan dust collection..... the food was ok rather small quantity of mushrooms no tomatoe 2 rashers of good bacon sausages well hit and miss good fried bread..... but won't be a return anytime soon.

Very good unfussy diner with a good menu. Excellent service. Plenty of parking.

They even supply children's cutlery. Thank you

Very nice place staff where lovely.

Came for a family dinner. Food was great, and the atmosphere was very good. Went back the next night for Tapas and quiz, which we really enjoyed. If you ever get asked how many counties are there is Scotland the answer is 32. Missed out on £500, still a great night though.

We arrived late, right at the end of breakfast service. The staff were friendly and helpful and ensured the chefs were able to get us breakfast even though it was our fault if we missed out. The interior is rather tired but there's a certain charm to it, we sat outside, most picnic benches slightly broken but they did the job. The breakfast itself was unfortunately not made from high quality ingredients. Sausages very bready and other elements rather greasy. Eggs yellowy in colour instead of golden yolks. This could again be our fault as we arrived late and this would be the final pieces of breakfast left over - but I felt it could have been better. Great location, we had a nice walk afterwards into the moor and the breakfast set us up for that.

Good food, my wife said her roast was very tasty. My all day breakfast was good, with a good choice of toast or fried bread. There was a friendly welcome with good service. Prices were average. Yes we will go back, but not top of our list. The only thing we didn't like was the smell of fat as you entered the building, which was a little off putting.

Stupidly expensive, two coffees two small pieces of cake £22.40! And sub standard. My advice, avoid!

Friendly, good hot food, prices reasonable.

Had a nice meal here,didn’t book but it’s worth it if you want a seat down stairs , all staff welcoming

First impressions were of the car park. I thought we were going to break the suspension! There are some serious pot holes that could do with filling before an accudent is had. However, that's really where the negative ends. Staff were super nice and helped out with supplying a high chair. Would be nice for the high chair to have a little tray for food as unfortunately the little one kept dropping her fruit on the floor. Dogs are welcomed and although I'm not a fan of dogs in restaurants, we have to live and let live, right. The place was clean, as were the utensils and cutlery. I enjoyed my breakfast, but I do think one or two items on the 'make your own' could be a little cheaper. £1.50 is a lot for a single hash brown. But it was good to be able to pick your own items as I am allergic to eggs and don't like bacon. Service was quite slow but it was busy and when the food arrived, it was all brought at once and it was deliciously hot. The coffee/latte was very nice too. I think the prices are reasonable for the set menu meals. I live in London so most things cost twice as much when I'm at home. All in all a clean place with good food, nice staff and an old world atmosphere. I would definitely go again.

Good value for money quick service friendly staff

We turned up about half hour before closing! There was clearing up going on etc but still got a good meal and a pleasant welcome.

had the muesli Greek yoghurt breakfast. Very over priced for a 150g yoghurt pot, 125g sachet of Muesli Alpen. Small jug of milk, small pot of honey, 1slice of toast. £9.95. No presentation involved at all. Just all placed on a plate, yoghurt pot in bowl with sachet of muesli. Will not be going back. …More

A very poor and rude welcome upon our arrival from the elderly lady with the wavy brown hair. We weren’t made to feel welcome at all. And we were told we had to vacate our table at midday, but yet it was only 10am at the time!? It took ages to be served, despite numerous staff members. it didn’t have a friendly feel at all. We didn’t eat but the food didn't look great. The fried breakfasts looked like they were made up of cheap sausages and bacon etc but they weren’t asking for cheap prices for their food and drinks. And judging by the hygiene standards in that place, I wouldn’t want to eat there. The cutlery was dirty and greasy. Not properly washed at all. We had hot drinks only. £5 for a pot of tea for two!? Madness and greed. Yea bags cost tuppence and you’re asking the same similar prices for tea like the overpriced coffee there. The men’s toilets weren’t priority cleaned. The toilet seat was broken and was just laid in place, not fitted and it had not been cleaned for days. The floor in the men’s was disgusting. Filth everywhere. It’s not been deep cleaned in months. These things give you a good insight into what the kitchen must be like. I shudder to think.

Had roast carvery priced £17.95 each. It was nice but not the best i have eaten. However the homemade treacle tart is absolutely delicious. Plenty of parking but be aware of lots of pot holes.

If you can get a table, the food is great and make sure you don't leave before trying a slice of cake. Not cheap but you pay for what you get and ours was good

Lovely 50s style diner in Dartmoor! Great service, the fish and chips were very good.

Just been for breakfast with my family down from Bristol for the day. Can’t fault the breakfast well done. Not been here for a few yrs but will definitely be back.

Excellent food made with lots of care. Burgers were great and moussaka which I only just found out was vege was the best I’ve tasted if slightly salty. The lamb roast was excellent. Overall very happy and will return. You must come here. The decor is a bit dated and could be updated but the food and the fact it was full speaks volumes. Happy happy customers.

Never again. The waitress there was so rude when I politely asked where my tea was after a wait. Then she came back and was rude again! Sorry, but very poor form and I'll never go back.

Yesterday we had lunch at The Dartmoor Diner. Three of us, accompanied by my Guide Dog. Two All Day Breakfasts, and Egg & Chips, with tea all round. Delicious, and extremely good value for money. What really made the experience special for me though, was the reaction, and attitude towards my Guide Dog and I. It’s sadly rare to be treated with such tact and respect. You placed us on a table with plenty of room for a large Labrador to lie underneath in comfort, completely ignored the dog, and the gentleman who waited on us very calmly told me whenever and wherever he was putting something on the table. Things like this make such a difference. Thank you, we will be back.

Great little diner off the main road. Excellent fish & chips. The carvery looked good as well.

Family late breakfast - excellent all round. Food lovely, staff very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend

Filling, tasty, fresh, delicious, great service. Would highly recommend The Dartmoor Diner for a meal.

This pace is still going strong. Great for breakfast and food during the day. Plenty of parking.

Lovely food well cooked, very clean establishment, will definitely return.

Really great service and excellent food.

Good food, good service, will definitely go again

Once again we were very satisfied with our visit. Being Mother's day it was busy which gave a great vibe when we walked in and were greeted by staff. We sat upstairs for the first time and the view was breathtaking. The service was 100% from the very cheery staff. The food was well cooked, fresh and plentiful. Desert, my choice of rhubarb and apple crumble with custard certainly did not disappoint. Thank you and see you soon.

Dog friendly . Warm and cosy Good food Helpful staff Clea n toilets Parking Convenient for Dartmoor

Would rate it 0 stars if possible. Food was terrible and service was even worse. Would suggest you don’t eat here.

Excellent quality of food and service roast chicken was excellent with good quality fresh vegetables

The food was excellent, however I was left standing by the door before I was seated. A simple I'll be with you in a minute would have gone a long way.

The food was lovely; the moussaka is amazing and the staff are kind, professional and caring. Really nice atmosphere in there

Yummy all day breakfast, only downfall was the sausages but everything else was spot on. Will be back. Friendly staff and very clean.

Good food, they forgot a coffee off the order and chatted really loudly by the front desk struggled to hear it own conversation. However I would go again.

Just had drink but what food l saw looked very good. Will be visiting again and have something to eat

Bad service ordered food never got it had to ask for it again what a joke..

Wait times far too long, when food arrived we had to get our own cutlery, no one came to clean the table after previous customers. Asked if we could order told yes will be right with you that was 15 minutes ago. Food quick to arrive, service very slow Miusaka very salty. Kids enjoyed their meals & great that their meals were £1 thank you for this. Not sure we will be back again

Always nice in this resto dartmoor diner is best staff and reasonable price as we been there last wenesday we going again in wenesday valentine treat ahh wishing only the soup could be change to tomato or ministronie not the potato leek haha well just get away from soup for us other people like it

Proper cafe. Genuinely good service, warm and professional. We had a coffee and pot of tea, with just a few items off the cooked breakfast menu, all well prepared and good quality. Solid choice for a cuppa and bite to eat! We'll be back

Friendly service no long wait for food, good value. Highly recommended.

Great food and really friendly warm service. Will definitely be coming back again! Lovely views of the moor out the window and everything was immaculately clean!