Memories Bistro in Torbay

Great local fresh food cooked to perfection at a reasonable price. We loved the place the food and had great service would recommend and we will go back.

This lovely little Bistro is a real gem. It is run by Jesse, such a friendly lady & what a good cook too! Had a wonderful 3 course meal there . The bistro is charming and very clean she takes real pride in it. My husband had a steak which he said was perfection & I had the seabass, lovely. The veg & sauces were super & our starters were very generous. Could not get over the reasonable price for our wine and beer. What a change to pay a reasonable price at a restaurant how rare is that! Just remember that Jesse has to ask for cash rather than card payments to keep her overheads down. When we are next in the area it will be the first restaurant we go to & we have tried many over the years in the Torquay area. I wish we had this in our hometown. Thank you Jesse and all the best. Gill & Dave

Jessie is very freindly and put us at ease, the food was very good and reasonably priced

Was a little anxious when I walked in and it was quiet, with only 1 person working, yet no need to worry. Our food was served quickly and good quality. The carrots were fresh and the lamb excellent.

Our main course arrived after 2 hours and 10 minutes of waiting (the restaurant was not busy and there was only 1 lady doing service and cooking) We were expecting rice as side dish and we received vegetables instead because “the menu was not updated” without informing us before ordering. The couple close to our table left because after the long waiting they receive the wrong dishes and the staff tried to give the false hope that everything will be ready in 10 minutes….. Food was okay but the service was terrible and affected the whole night out. AVOID

Our main course arrived after 2 hours and 10 minutes of waiting (the restaurant was not busy and there was only 1 lady doing service and cooking) We were expecting rice as side dish and we received vegetables instead because “the menu was not updated” without informing us before ordering. The couple close to our table left because after the long waiting they receive the wrong dishes and the staff tried to give the false hope that everything will be ready in 10 minutes….. Food was okay but the service was terrible and affected the whole night out. AVOID

Very good evening was had by all birthday party of 7 Excellent food served hot and fresh cooked to order 🍲 Very welcoming 😀 Great host 😀 Looking forward to returning 😀

We booked a table at memories bistro for my birthday during Christmas week. Having previously been a year ago and had the most lovely meal with the previous owners, my husband thought it would be nice to try it out again with the current owners. We knew that the current owners had been given extensive training and all of the previous owners recipies etc so expected things to be great still! Unfortunately things were far from great. Upon walking in the door of memories we were greated with friendly faces but the most horrendous smell. It reminded me of my university days when I worked in a care home for the elderly, stale, fousty and very unpleasant. But we tried to ignore it and continue. Initially we were surprised to see that we were the only people in the entire restaurant in the week leading up to Christmas. . . .in a restaurant that only a year ago you couldn't get a table for weeks and weeks in advance. This was our first alarm bell. We ordered our food, surprised to see the menu was quite different from previously and had a dish called 'chicken cheese cakes'. As the majority of the starters were fish I chose this on the recommendation of the owner who said that customers love them and they came with a cider sauce. Our starters came and I was presented with two cakes resembling fish cakes in what I can only describe as a liquid that looked and tasted lile dirty dish water. Both starters were accompanied with a slice of cheap bread from a loaf and a packet of butter- very random and not quite ehat youd expect from a restaurant. The chicken cheese cakes were tasteless and very very strange. I described this to my husband as reminiscent of something I'd have made for my children as finger food when weaning- a random mix of ingredients mashed up together and lightly fried. My husband had the salt and pepper calamari which he enjoyed. Whilst eating our starters we were very anxious about what was to come from our main courses. Especially when we heard the microwave beep over and over again. Our sides to the main courses arrived- boiled new potatoes and rock solid not the chips as described to accompany our fillet steaks. We sent these back as they were inediable and asked for chips to be told by the owner- 'no I've made you these'. The carrots and asparagus were cooked well but sprinkled with a random mix of what appeared to be grated carrot and onion. The steaks arrived and despite ordereding one peppercorn sauce and one blue cheese sauce, they looked smelt and tasted almost identical. The steaks were grey, overcooked (ordered medium and barely a bit of pink to be seen). The texture was strange and I can only assume they were defrosted in the microwave. One steak was bad but just about edible and the other tasted absolutely disgusting and was totally inedible. The potato's were returned and were still hard, tasteless and inedible. Feeling very uncomfortable and disappointed my husband explained that his steak tasted very bad and that he was unable to eat it. The owner proceeded to tell us how its not possible as both steaks were from the same packet bought from morrisons 🙈. She did not offer an alternative meal or an apology and just attempted to tell us this cannot be correct. She offered a discount on the meal, to which my husband declined as he said he hasn't eaten and will not be eating the meal. The owner became quite upset and angry telling us this was desperate times and we can't do this and offered him to pay 50%. After then shouting at my husband we asked for the bill and were keen to leave ASAP. We then got overcharged and the owner also tried to charge us for the steak sauce on a steak that was inedible. Having thought on our visit in hindsight, I can only assume all of the food is frozen and microwaved as they simply do not have the bookings to be keeping large amounts of fresh food available. They are cutting corners at every possibly opportunity (slice of bread, panda pop style lemonade bottle to name a few) and unfortunately this shows in the quality of the food they are producing. The meal was in part inedible and what was editable was barely this. It's very clear the owners are not chefs and have got little customer service training. We left memories bistro sad, hungry and upset and will not be going back again. I've never left a negative review for anywhere in my life but I genuinely don't want anyone else to waste their money.

We had a lovely meal in this restaurant yesterday There is lots of interesting decorations from the past and Jess was very welcoming nothing was to much trouble. We ate starters and main courses as was to full to enjoy one of the deserts. Everyone in our group of 4 finished their plates as the food was very scrumptious I had the salt and pepper squid for Starters followed by a fillet steak Can’t wait to visit again next time we are in the area Thanks for a great night

Great food all cooked fresh and a lovely host Jessie she couldn’t do enough for us. All the food was cooked fresh and tasted great not sure why the place wasn’t full? If you’ve not been go it’s defo worth it.

The food was fantastic and so tasty. Had the King Scallops as a starter and King Prawns as the main. The main came with some sides, as you can see in the pictures. The food was hot and service was quick, we were the only ones in on a Monday. As i had booked months before and despite the changing of the opening hours to now be closed on Mondays the owner honoured our booking and actually opened us for. All emails were always quickly responded too. I would certainly return to Memories and hope it continues and succeeds.

The vintage advertising signs give memories a distinct look, made more special by a warm welcome from chef Jess. My wife passed on a starter as she wanted a desert. I had the King Prawns stir fried  in garlic, lemon, parsley & Butter as a starter and they were delicious. For a main course I had Salmon fillets with garlic lemon pepper sauce which again were just so, so tasty. My wife had Sea Bass, simply cooked to bring out the freshness of the fish from Brixham. My wife ordered the Baileys & White Chocolate Pudding and I really intended not to have a dessert, but the Tia Maria Rum dark chocolate pudding was too good to pass up. The food was delicious, and the service was attentive without being overbearing. The cost of the wine was really quite reasonable too. All in all a very enjoyable meal. Warmly recommended.

Unfortunately Food was bland and tasteless steak very well done and chewy!, no choice on sides with meal cold lumpy mash! Waiting time for food and drinks was ridiculous! Owner was lovely and wish her all the best for the future!’

Reviews looked brill but what a disappointment. Fish was cooked well but served with the strangest assortment of veg - fried onions and carrots grated and cold. Chips were cooked in really old fat and tasted poor. The lady was cooking serving and washing up . Also when you are paying what they were charging you don’t expect the plates to be scrapped in front of you. As the lady was very pleasant and on her own didn’t want to complain as she may have been doing her best but I would not recommend from our experience a very poor meal at a fairly top end price

Lovely meal and Jessie was a great host food was cooked well will definitely visit again

We were offered a table early so thought the place was full being Easter Saturday . On arrival door locked but was opened by Jessie and we were given a warm welcome at the door. Invited in and we were the only diners until about 30/45 mins later. It wasn’t full. We ordered squid for started and fish for main. It was pleasant. Reading through the last three reviews I agreed with some of the comments written. Jessie is a warm friendly host Food pleasant to eat Restaurant area and toilet clean Now I know Jessie is starting out and I wish her all the success so don’t want to be negative however feel it’s important to share as you won’t know how to make it a success. I see you responded to previous comments in defence but not picked up on ways to improve. Jessie not sure about the hat and jumper if cooking. It’s got to go and professional work clothes on. Open up the place by taking the nets down so people can see you are open. More inviting for people who will approach as passing etc. it looks shut up and possibly you will and are losing customers. People think it’s closed. Side dishes. I enjoyed the noodle pea and carrots but needed more choice with sides. Very small dish which I found not filing or getting value for the money. I don’t think it suited the main. It was unusual. I think I would prefer potatoes and veg. New staff arrived but possible should have been shown around and inducted prior to guests being seated etc. My experience was like I had gone to a friends home and had an enjoyable supper. But I wasn’t at a friends I was out paying for a restaurant experience. In what we received I felt it was over priced. One small piece of salmon and noodle veg plus some type of fries that were not great was not quite worth the cost. If it was cheaper by half then forgiving and acceptable. Memories are charging the same as other restaurants providing far more quantity. choice and restaurant experience. Would I return … sadly if it stays the same no but love to support new owners and if all feedback from customers are listened too then possibly yes. Good luck.

We had our first visit to Memories on a Saturday evening and were surprised by the lack of other diners. Nevertheless we were warmly greeted by Jessie who was the only person working that evening. She cooked the meals which were truly delicious. At the end of the meal we had an enjoyable discussion with Jessie, finding out that she had taken over the restaurant in January. Although we could not describe the ambiance as ‘buzzing’, the food and the host were excellent. Definitely worth a visit to help Jessie build her marque in Torbay.. We’ll certainly be going back!

Sorry but have to agree with the last review, 4 of us had a meal in January it spoilt the evening. Most things related to the previous review over done veg, underdone potatoes & only enough for 2 literally tasteless.

Great place. Great food Great service

Awful time. David, the waiter/owner hardly spoke, he was wearing slippers whilst serving. We had scallops which were absolutely tasteless, I’d came with a fish and lemon sauce. Couldn’t taste any of that, just tomato. The fillet steaks we had were more well done than medium rare, which we asked for. The juice was everywhere on the plate. The peppercorn sauce was thrown all over the steak. They served sprouts as on of the veg with the steak, very odd. I told David about the steak being over cooked and he just looked at me and said ‘oh’. Then tried to charge us full price. No thanks! Most definitely won’t be going back or recommending!

My friend and visited this lovely little restaurant this evening. I was greeted at the door by Jessie with "Hello Jacqui" a nice personal greeting, much appreciated and a welcome start to the evening. Our meal was delicious, my friend having hake and myself having beetroot bourgignon. A nice cosy restaurant and lovely hosts. Will definitely be back and thoroughly recommended. Thank you x

 How lovely to see that this delightful bistro has reopened and is now opening during the week. On our visit a couple of weeks ago, we were given a warm welcome from the new owners, Jessie and David. We enjoyed our meal very much. I had the hake, which was fresh and cooked beautifully. My husband enjoyed his fillet steak too. We both felt that portion sizes were very good, and my husband didn't want a dessert after his steak. My piece of hake was definitely a good size. Later, Jessie came out to chat to us. She and David are a lovely, friendly couple and we wish them every success with their restaurant. (I am puzzled by the TripAdvisor message above that this place is closed until May. We walked past last night at 6pm and again at 10 pm. It was definitely open.)

This wonderful little restaurant is under the new ownership of Jess and David. They are the sweetest and loveliest people one could meet. Originally from China, passionate and caring. My wife and I were here last night with two friends, we are all very local, and were charmed when David took the trouble to walk our elderly friend home who was feeling tired and was ready to leave early. We stayed a little longer to finish our wine. The food here continues to be excellent and the best change they have made is to extend the opening hours. Whilst it may be fair to say "if it ain't broke don't fix it" we all felt some changes would be beneficial. We're not restaurateurs but serious punters and would suggest a few changes. Seasonal veg. Keep the curtains open so locals and passers-by can see how lovely the place is and see that they are actually open! Advertising pays so maybe a leaflet drop around the area and get a feature in the local press. Provided it's safe and legal, an A board outside. Whilst a long menu is best avoided have a couple of Chinese daily specials. The main restaurant is at street level and is lovely but there is a simply wonderful cellar below. I took a sneaky look and it has the potential to be a fab bar/bistro area. We shall return and best wishes to you both.🇬🇧🇳🇿

I always do my research and this restaurant had a lot of good reviews. It also had one poor but laughable review. In this particular review the customers stated that it was not long after they ordered that they heard the “ping” of a microwave… as if this was a bad thing! They obviously know nothing about restaurants as microwave cooking has been used to advantage for many years. For example, on the menu is Beef Bourguignon. This is a slow cooked dish that can take upwards of 3 hours to prepare and cook. Do these customers think that this is going to be done whilst they wait? Obviously this is a dish that is suited to pre-cooking and reheating when necessary. Our taxi was on time and we were soon outside the attractive restaurant. Going in we were rather surprised to be met by a lovely, middle aged Chinese lady closely followed by her Chines husband. Were we in the wrong restaurant? No, after years of working in hotel catering they had bought this very English/European restaurant. As it turned out we were the only customers for the evening this being a cold Tuesday night in January. Needless to say we were very well looked after. Jean ordered her usual tonic and Pauline a bottle of sparkling water. For me it was a bottle of Stella. These were quickly on the table and we settled back to read the small but interesting menu. We had, as usual, decided to forgo a starter in the hopes of a desert later. Jean went for the Beef Bourguignon whilst Pauline and I decided on the rack of lamb. These were on the table after a reasonable wait. No sound of a microwave “ping” was heard from the kitchen. Maybe our old ears were not up to it? On Jean’s plate were several nice pieces of beef in a rich gravy. The plates of Pauline and myself were each topped with four nicely dressed lamb chops in a red wine and rosemary sauce. On the table were hot dishes of carrots, pease and sweetcorn and sauté potatoes. All had been nicely cooked and presented. Jean had not eaten beef for a long time due to teeth problems but she wiped her plate clean as the beef was very tender. The sauce was, she said, delicious. Our chops had been properly chined and we were able to pick them up by the bone and eat them a la Henry VIII. Very nice. We decided in he end that we did have room for pudding. Jean and Pauline decided on the Bailey’s and white chocolate iced pudding. Whilst I went for the Tia Maria Rum dark chocolate iced pudding. These were served in a shallow bowl sitting in a small pond of thick cream. An absolute dream for us chocoholics! Total bill was about £75. So not a cheap meal but we all felt as though we had had value for money. We sat and chatted with the owners for a while whilst we waited for our taxi. Many thanks for a lovely meal in comfortable surroundings.

04-02-2022 Have been a patron of Memories for many years . Thank you to Hazel & Gordon . The new team of Jess & David made us feel very welcome and maintained the excellent choice on the menu and provided a wonderful meal . Most...

Tried Memories after new owners took over. Was very happy with the standard of food. Matched the previous owners quality. But after all they did mentor the new owners Jessie and David. Will definitely go again. Fish was excellent, so was the steak which was what we had this evening.

New owners, hadn't realised. Food extremely poor, had beef Bourgognon, beef and one piece of mushroom. That's not Bourgignon. Had no lamb and only one piece of chicken available, this was on a Thursday evening with only one other couple in the building. The proprietors...

It’s changed hands food nothing like the previous owners. Very small portions. Nothing on there site said they had sold the business so I booked a table.

Lovely birthday meal. We came to Torquay for a weekend birthday celebration. We visited Memories having read such good reviews. We were not disappointed. New owners Jessie and David were perfect genial hosts, and the food was very good. Would recommend, and will definitely visit...

Absolutely five stars from start to finish. Scallops and the king prawns were delicious . Fillet steaks in the most delicious sauces, accompanied by the most delicious sides (carrots, peas, sweet corn and home made chip potatoes) The chocolate puddings were divine. Service went above...

We booked a few months in advance as we were having a long weekend in Torquay, and we were so glad we did. Food is exceptional, we were spoilt for choice. We really felt looked after, Hazel even went to the trouble of booking a...

I phoned Memories in late July to make a booking. They were fully booked until 5th November, so we booked and thought ‘this place must be really something’. Hazel phoned us a couple of days before to check we were still coming. By then wild...

Hazel & Gordon resturant is excellent, always welcoming, food and service excellent. You need to book well in advanced.

Its been a while since we last ate out at Memories and what a great night we had , our starters of crab cakes & John dory were simply divine We both had fillet steaks for our main and they were cooked to perfection ,...

We visited Memories last Friday, our first visit since before the first lockdown. Hazel (and later, Gordon - when he'd finished cooking) were the most hospitable hosts, giving us a friendly welcome. Impressively, Hazel even remembered that my husband is a keen Torquay United fan,...

A wonderful meal, beautifully cooked. The Scallops , John Dory and Turbot are amazing. Very friendly hosts too.

We had such a lovely evening tonight , food was fabulous and hazel was the most lovely host . Gordon a fantastic chief . We will be booking again . Can recommend this highly. Thank you so much for making us feel so welcome ....

We had an exceptional meal this evening, Hazel and Gordon are so warm and welcoming hosts, we had starters of king scallops and breaded king prawns which were amazing, followed by a mouthwatering fillet steak and lamb cutlets, the sticky toffee pudding was really Morish,...

I’ve been trying to contact this bistro now for two days, do they ever answer the phone? You cannot contact them by email. Might be popular but extremely poor and frustrating customer service in this respect! You can request a call back but just rings...

We love coming to Memories when we are visiting the area and once again we had a lovely meal and evening!!

I have been going to Memories for some years now, even when I moved back to London, I would make a reservation before I even arranged a visit back to St Marychurch! Memories holds a very special place in my heart and Hazel and Gordon welcomed me with such care and attention during a very sad time in my life. The food is absolutely superb, the wine selection very classy and the attention that Hazel gives to customers is second to none. Sadly, I have been unable to secure a reservation for my next visit in August as I understand that the restaurant is fully booked until October. I'll be back when I can! Have now arranged to be back in the area on the weekend of 10 September but Memories are so busy that no further bookings are being taken. I am so sad but will wait until later in the year (not sure when you close?) or next year. Susan x Susan Revell

I have never before composed the review before the performance. I know Gordon's food will be divine. I know the prices will be extraordinary, complemented by a bottle of Aotearoa wine. I know the portions will be generous. I know Hazel will be leader on...

Absolutely the best restaurant in Torbay Gordon &Hazel go above and beyond in service and Quality of food We can't wait to return again for another wonderful meal and memorable evening Highly recommended 5 star from us

We visited Memories Bistro in June and cannot wait to go back. Great food (the best Rissoto I have ever had) great service and wonderful surroundings its like a restaurant in a museum. 5 stars plus in my opinion! Jaqs from Surrey

We couldn't get a table here the last time we were in the area, so I made sure this time by booking 3 months in advance. We were greeted by Hazel & instantly made to feel at home. Our starters of King Scallops & Crab...

What more can one say? Back again following previous visits and whilst it has been some time Hazle remembers us and background. This place is a treasure where Hazle leads from the front while Gordon prepares simply the most divine food. Fully booked I understand...

Wonderful! So fresh and beautifully cooked. The best John Dory, Turbot, Scallops I have had in any restaurant anywhere. Coconut tart what a treat too.

We visited Memories earlier in the year and had the most wonderful meal. Such great value for such good quality food. The service from Hazel is very friendly and efficient. We will be booking again soon.

Absolutely gorgeous, good value, food. Very friendly and welcoming. Hazel and Gorden are stars, we always enjoy our evenings there.

The food in this bistro is incredible. Scallops to start and turbot for main course, for me it doesn’t get better than that. Absolutely outstanding. Many thanks Hazel and team.

As always Hazel and Gordon gave us an amazing experience, with great service and the most amazing food. My partner is still raving about the John Dory starter and his Lamb Cutlets . As for my steamed Apricot and Almond pudding WOW! I cannot recommend...

Lovely efficient and attentive host. All 4 meals were perfectly cooked, starters and mains with desserts. I can recommend the king escalopes, fillet steak, and liquor coffee. All spot on! We shall return, cheers guys

I took my mum to Memories for her annual birthday treat. She always chooses Memories, it's our favourite restaurant in the bay! We both had scallops and turbot... Cooked to perfection by Gordon. As usual Hazel was the perfect host and we had an amazing...

Outstanding food. Outstanding value. Outstanding Hazel's service and memory as she remembered us and background after only our 3rd visit in as many years. Only open Friday and Saturday evenings. Absolutely essential to book as they are full to the end of the year. Outstanding.

Hazel was attentive as always, with that lovely sense of humour ! As always the food was excellent, thank you Gordon ! Recommend it all, but two of my favourites, Fillet Steak & Turbot. Mel had the Scallops, which she said were best ever. If...

Please if you can get a reservation go to this bistro it will be the best meal and service you will ever get!! Hazel and Gordon make the most wonderful team and the food is out of this world!! My husband had king scallops and...

Cannot recommend this place enough, ingredients are excellent, well cooked and presented. Some of the best food I have ever eaten, and I have eaten in a lot of places.

This is a lovely bistro, where you are made to feel very welcome. We enjoyed a lovely evening and had great meal. Definitely recommended - you do need to book.

The restaurant is small & intimate which leads to a relaxed friendly atmosphere, perfect for enjoying some of the best food we have eaten in a long time. There was a decent selection of starters & mains with additional daily specials to choose from.Hazel made us welcome & sat us down & chatted with us about the menu & specials. I had the John Dory fish starter which was excellent followed by the rack of lamb which again was delicious. My wife (a small eater) just had the steak with a sauce as a main course which was cooked to perfection. Both mains were served with a selection of fresh vegetables. Story Hazel but no room for sweets.A nice bottle of Argentinian red went well with the meal.We have friends coming to the area in April so I took the liberty of booking for 4 on the Saturday they are here. Can't wait to go back.You need to book well ahead as unfortunately they only open on Friday & Saturday evenings.

Great place. We were taken to Memories by friends and we found the food excellent, fabulous value for money. I almost did not write a review so that it doesn't get too popular! It is a small restaurant but great friendly service and people go back time and time again.

Another fantastic meal and the service from Hazel was lovely. The turbot was perfect. This really is a unique and relaxed place and probably why you have to book well in advance to get in!

Great hospitality, beautifully cooked food. Souffle to die fir. Roast lunches perfectly cookrd and presented. Desserts, light and flavoursome. I will certainly return very soon.

We went with a couple of friends to this restaurant on a Friday evening, our friends had seen this restaurant and were keen to try it out based on it's excellent Trip Advisor recommendations. We had to book a couple of months in advance because it is only open on a Friday and Saturday and is very popular. The menu is relatively small but that's because there is one chef and his wife is front of house. We had a starter, main and pudding and all were excellent. The fresh fish particularly looked lovely and when we go again I will be trying that. The wine was also very good and the prices for food and wine were really reasonable. The lady who is front of house was very welcoming and friendly. The restaurant feels like a large version of someone's front room, it's slightly quirky but this adds to the atmosphere. I will be taking my slightly fussy Brother and his Wife here in March as I know they will like it. Thanks for a good evening and I wish you continued success.

We're never let down by bistros. So quaint, cosy. Food is outstanding. Always a frequent visitor here.

We are a group of 4 who have visited numerous times over the last year, not sure I wanted to review as don’t want everyone to know how good this restaurant is. It’s a combination of food and service Hazel and Gordon are wonderful hosts it’s like visiting friends. Menu has something for everyone and desserts are amazing. Already booked in our next visit.

Another visit to Memories to enjoy a fantastic dinner with superb starter and wonderful fillet steak and delicious fish dish finishing with the famous b & b pudding. A delightful evening overall. Already planning next visit.

Well what can I say, we love this place and book on a regular basis as it is very sought after there are normally 4 of us.We are working through the menu and everything we choose from the scallops to the steak, fish, lamb etc is beautifully cooked and delicious, this is the only place we have the three courses and as we cant resist the food.Hazel & Gordon are great hosts and everyone is made very welcome.This lovely restaurant is not to be missed if you love great food at very reasonable prices, cant wait for our next visit - January 2020

A revisit with friends following our visit last year. The food here is absolutely delicious and you are greeted by affable Hazel, co proprietor. A cozy "front room" in this historic building. Two courses each and two bottles of wine (a budget Australian merlot and an Aotearoa sav) between four diners for only £104 representing great value. The servings are generous. Rack of lamb declared perfectly tender and pink, superb fish from Brixham. Beef in the bourguignonne pronounced a little dry. Surprisingly and notwithstanding a proper independent green grocer almost next door, the veg was not seasonal. Well worth a visit but this place is incredibly popular with limited covers so book well in advance! Next opportunity I understand is February. Amazing.

Visited Memories again last weekend, every time we go it just gets better, We both had steaks and they were the best ever, finished off with Bread and Butter puddings to die for.

It's been a very long time since I last come across a restaurant with the kind of setting that I like to dine in. The place was cosy and tables not packed to the hilt. The one staff immediately made us feel comfortable and relaxed. Our fish and meat selection were very nicely done and tasty. Cannot find any fault. A warning though, hard to book a table here.

We are regular visitors to Torquay and had this bistro recommended to us. We booked a few weeks in advance as we were told they were always busy, the restaurant is open Friday and Saturday nights only. We arrived on Saturday night to a lovely warm welcome from hazel, we both had starters of king scallops and chicken strips which were delicious, then fillet steak and beef bourginoun with a huge portion of vegetables. We managed to find room for homemade sticky toffee pudding and homemade ice cream, we thoroughly enjoyed our evening, hazel was a lovely warm friendly host, and Colin although we didn't get to meet you, Thankyou for such a delicious meal, cannot wait to return, I can honestly say we went to the old Vienna and orange tree restaurant but memories was much nicer food and very reasonably priced.

This is a dining experience in a business model that might seem a little weird. Tables are booked by the time and only open on Friday and Saturday. I phoned to book and the message said we have one table at 6:15. I wanted it (have you seen the reviews?) Hazel phoned said you have to be there at 6:15, no worries I said. She checked again at breakfast. The business model is amazing tables arrive at intervals, meaning you get very personal service from Hazel, Gordon gets to cook personally for you. Lots of local fish and bistro meals. Starters were superb. Scallops and crab cakes x2. Brill, turbot and confit pork, coconut and vanilla tart, white chocolate and Baileys parfait and dark chocolate and Tia Maria parfait. Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc. Ludicrously cheap prices. This restaurant is a gem! Oops forgot the carrots. Quite frankly the best carrots I have ever eaten, that includes Quatre Saisons. This is the best double act in restaurant land, try it but you will have to wait ‘til December they are fully booked

Amazing warm welcome food delicious best scallops and main course fish ever tasted in Torquay can't wait to go back again !!

Revisited Memories again last night this place just seems to get better, We both had Fillet steaks with fantastic sauces and finished off with Gordons home made ice cream, we cannot wait for our next visit

My husband and I visited Memories

WOW !! What an amazing dining experience. Table of 4 completely blown away by the quality of the food and service .

Superb birthday meal have been quite a few times and the standard of Gordon's expertise in the kitchen never falters super cooking not forgetting hazel always greets you with a smile hope to see you next year

The restaurant has a warm and welcoming feel. The hosts were so helpful with my fussy appetite, and catered to my needs. Would totally recommend Memories to anyone visiting Torquay.

This is the third time we have been here and I can assure we will keep going back. It's only open Friday and Saturday evenings and you have to book. The food is fresh and sourced locally. Fish is to die for and I had the 13oz Turbot which was gorgeous. Hazel as always is so polite and professional and is a great Front of House. As for her husband Gordon as the Chef the food speaks for itself.

Wonderful food. If you remember the bistros of the 70s, you'll love it here! Hazel is a great hostess while Gordon creates lovely food in the kitchen. They only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights so, if you'd like to eat here, you'll have to book in plenty time. They're usually booked up at least a month in advance - which speaks for itself, doesn't it?!

Lovely relaxed atmosphere, great personal service. Food is excellent, great range of fish dishes. Brilliant for Birthdays & Anniversaries, need to book well in advance as extremely popular ! Jewel of St. marychurch !

WOW ! From starters to desserts .... a culinary delight.

Just been to Memories for a lovely Anniversary meal with my husband. As always good personal service. Unique cosy atmosphere that can.only be from a small local business The food was excellent Steak cooked just right and sauce amazing. Looking forward to our next visit.

Quirky , low key, excellent traditional home cooked food. Get there quick before they re gone.

The first meal out in Torbay that left me with no reason to complain for a long, long time... Perfectly cooked and seasoned local produce at a very reasonable price, I now know why they are booked up in advance....

Went with a few friends fab fresh fish excellent service all enjoyed will so l go again could not fault

Our evening was brilliant. We were made to feel welcome as soon as we walked through the door, so friendly. The food was out of this world and really good value we'll be going back on our own and with friends. Thank you

Fabulous Bistro, well worth the wait. Excellent service and food was exquisite, fantastic flavours. Unique little place and I will be booking again very soon, I now understand why it is always fully booked! Janine Holloway

Had a lovely meal at Memories, the food is always delicious and excellent quality. In particular we love the steak, scallops and garlic king prawns! One of our favourite restaurants and we always have a great evening here. Do remember to book in advance 💕

As always, wonderful soup starter and beautifully cooked fillet steak and vegetables followed by superb home made pudding. Thoroughly recommendable and looking forward to next visit.

Food was lovely. Nice atmostphere. John Dory was a lovely starter. Lamb was very tender and far better than the lamb I had at the Elephant (which was rubbish). Nice desert.Will go back.

We recently revisited Memories Bistro again , the experience just gets better, we started with Scallops and Crab Cakes followed by the catch of the day which was Fillet of Brill and finished with Sticky Ginger Puddings, everything was gluten free and fabulous. Hazel who is the owner was very attentive as usual.

Sorry about the delay in writing this Hazel! Went to my favourite restaurant with my Aunt at the end of September. Met by the lovely Hazel with a great big hug, a smile and a wonderful welcome for my aunt. We were helped with our choices, Hazel explaining the contents of the dishes and making sure that we were comfortable with our menu. Gordon again exceeded his culinary skills - I knew he would and Pam was so impressed she actually stated, "This is the best food I have eaten for many years". Thank you again Hazel and Gordon for the wonderful welcome, food and your generosity of sprit. See you again very soon. Susan xx

Been meaning to try this little place since moving to St Marychurch last year. Arrived with some trepidation and intrigue with our neighbours. Welcomed by the delightful and engaging co owner, Hazle. Immediately feel in love with the place which is like sitting in someone's living room! We all had different dishes which were all absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked. Amazing good value for money. Later met husband and chef Gordon. We shall be back but so popular with advance bookings we shall have to wait until after our next return from Aotearoa New Zealand. Our only minor concern was that the food arrived a little too quickly. This is very much an early diner so we shall book earlier next time, say 19.00 hours and order courses one at a time.

Well what can one say we went back a year later and the service, food is just as good as it was last time. The Brill is to die for and you get a choice of weight, along with all the fish. All ingredients are locally sourced and the tastes are superb. No wonder you have to book at least 6 weeks in advance, they are only open two nights a week and there is only a few tables but its worth it. Hazel is front of house and has a lovely persona. Her husband Gordon is the chef, and what a chef. A must to visit.

From start to finish if you want to experience a fantastic meal cooked and served by husband and wife team Hazel and Gordon in a relaxed enjoyable dining atmosphere come to this little piece of heaven in St Marychurch.

OMG what a little dainty restaurant this is, I’ve lived in Torquay all my life and never been here, why not.....the food was excellent all freshly cooked and tasted absolutely amazing, hazel was/is fab, atmosphere was lovely too,, will defo be going back,

I have been here several times and it never fails to make me feel special, no matter what the occasion this is a place to visit. Great food relaxed surroundings, good company, lovely wines...... Hazel and her husband have made this their home, you can taste it in their food.The prices for such Delicious food is amazing, you can leave a tip! The atmosphere is relaxed, Hazel is welcoming and always serves with a smile.

Booked a taxi to get to this very friendly and welcoming restaurant. It is an extra expense worth every penny for a lovely meal. Lovely friendly couple running this 'hidden' gem in Torbay. And the Bread and butter pudding was out of this world. Yummy!

Amazing food, would highly recommend the fish dishes! Hazel and Gordon are really welcoming, creating a lovely atmosphere. We love coming to Memories when we are visiting Torquay!