National Marine Aquarium Cafe in Plymouth

Waves restaurant is inside the Aquarium. Had a nice falafel wrap and a latte. Mastercard cards accepted. Friendly staff. Cafe was clean

(NB. Aug 22 Review). This is part of the National Marine Aquarium, and although the cafe is not great, limited seating and "tourist rate" pricing, when we went it was packed and there was a massive queue. Food is edible at least. But view over the harbour is pleasant. I'd recommend taking your own food to these tourist places or wait until you're out and find a local cafe. But if you want something warm and not finished your visit, then you don't really have a choice!

Came to the aquarium on a wet July day, it was busy but hardly rammed. 25% of the exibits including a few big ones were closed for refurbishment. We stopped at the cafe because we forgot our packed lunch. Tables were dirty and i had to clean it myself with wet wipes. No staff cleaned a single table while I was there. They had run out of sandwiches by 12:00 after only being open for 2 hours? The kids meal minus sandwhich was charged at full price, no discount was offered and they wouldn't make any sandwiches fresh. The staff looked overwhelmed and completely frazzled. Our meals took 20 mins to arrive for a couple of toasties... the chicken in the toasties was really tough and chewy, the chips were fine but it was overpriced for what it was. It's not even school holidays yet. If they can't run a simple cafe with a small menu now god help them on a really busy day. Dissapointing. Bring your own packed lunch.

Lugar encantador, buena comida junto con buena música de baile después de arriba. Volvería para una ocasión especial nuevamente. Un punto negativo fue que le pidieron a un grupo muy grande de mujeres que se fueran, aparentemente tenían quejas de que eran ruidosas, más como un grupo de mujeres jóvenes que tenían un buen tiempo de Navidad, nuestro grupo se sorprendió mucho por esto, especialmente cuando la comida no era barata y se fueron antes de los postres. .

Mi esposa y yo visitamos en un húmedo día de septiembre. El café es normal pero tiene una buena selección para niños. Hay agua gratis. Me dieron el helado más grande que he probado pero fue un día tranquilo.

Went to have some lunch here about 2 o clock. Thought we would have cornish pasty and chips. Pasty was Ok but nothing to write home about. Decided against the chips as they looked thin and dried up and at £2.50 (I think it was) were not appealing. A piece of cake was expensive. I thought overall the food was over priced, the tables not that clean, and on future visits I would definitely bring a packed lunch.

would have welcomed a coffee and bite after a long visit, but every table available was covered in rubbish and so many staff (Kids) were just standing about looking at it and not doing what they are paid to do...... Needless to say we moved on and got food and drink elsewhere.

We were so blown away by the 1st time we came here 4yrs ago we came again as we were in Plymouth, & it's got better. With over 400 different species of fish & so much information this is a must if you are in Plymouth. You will not be disappointed.

All through the aquarium they talk about the over use of plastics in society, then in the cafe they wrap the sandwiches in cling film. Practice what you preach

Took the kids lots to see cheap day out in the rain we will return . Had our lunch there not expensive. You need to be quite mobile

My friend & I visited the Aquarium this wk & we really enjoyed it! My friends little girl was sooo excited to see all the fish & especially the sharks! We had a lovely meal in the cafe & we didn't have to wait long.....very efficient service & the food was piping hot too! It was very reasonable in price too. Would definitely recommend a visit.

Have made a comment in my overall review on the Aquarium, that the range of food on offer seemed limited when we visited and the resultant bill was very pricey. Sorry, but not recommended !

Popped in with the family for a look round, stooped for four Capuccinos, three cakes and a slurpee = 17.95 Perhaps I'm being stingy the coffee wasn't bad considering the hand of man hadn't touched it!

Lovely lunch not expensive and the staff are very friendly and helpful. They cater for all diets nice choice on the menu.

A lovely trip to the Aquarium today. The kids really enjoyed watching the sharks and the fish and I love the part where you can stand under the main tank. Easy to navigate with a buggy and they are helpful if you have special needs or disabilities, as my daughter does. The staff are very friendly and encourage the kids to explore and learn more. It's a really good idea to apply for the free re-entry; such good value for money and a good opportunity to take a trip back. Gift shop is nice with a range of stuff from pocket money prices upwards. Highly recommend.

Stopped by for lunch during our visit to the aquarium. The restaurant has excellent views across the marina and towards the Mayflower Steps, a nice atmosphere. The food is fairly typical for what you might expect, but the local specials e.g. the sausages and pies are very nice and tasty. Overall a nice place to sit down and take in the scenery over a tasty lunch.

We visited whilst on holiday and really enjoyed our time here. Our trip included our 3 YO son and his Grandmother and we all found it very entertaining. Although the entrance price is surprisingly expensive you can go back as many times as you like in a year which makes it better value for money, plus you know your money goes towards preserving marine life. Would definitely go back again.

Decent range of food but you must wait and try to get a table before ordering. Staff should ask people who aren't eating, just sitting at tables, to move on to free space up.

Vine aquí para almorzar con dos nietos durante media a largo plazo. Rápido servicio eficiente, pollo y patatas fritas para los niños y vamos a presentar sabroso. Comí una ensalada falafel con pan y plana que homous era excelente. Estaba bastante concurrido, pero pudimos encontrar una mesa con vistas sobre la barbacana. El precio de la comida era razonable.

a really good Moring out with some amazing views of the fish. and other waerborn wild life. simply amazig just wish we could of spent longer there

Better than usual quality at the normal price for a cafe at an attraction. The view is very good too. Shame you have to pay for entry to use the cafe!

Great value for money and really fun for the children as there always seem to be activities and shows.

Paramos para tomar un café después de una visita al acuario. El servicio era bueno, aunque el café no estaba muy lleno. El sol salió y con todo lo que se convirtió en cristal muy cálido, lo que hizo aún más de un contraste cuando...

Muy buena elección de los precios de los alimentos fríos y calientes y un montón de asientos razonable que da sobre el mar

I took my 8 month old daughter to the aquarium for the first time, I hadn't been for years!! I stopped to give baby her lunch and have a bite to eat myself.I stood waiting to order a jacket potato but staff were so busy yapping they didn't even notice me. Went to the till to order instead, the girl at the till turned around and said "jacket potato, this lady should have ordered it with you lot"! I paid and was offered no help with my food and coffee balanced on my tray and pushing the pram. Jacket potato was cold and hard. Cafe was messy and dirty. Won't stay for lunch again!

Curling sandwiches, grotty tables, slow and confused service. Nobody seemed to be in charge.We only wanted an ice cream at 4pm but it all seemed too exhausting. Also the server was wearing a large number of friendship bracelets, the ends of which dangled soggily in the ice cream tub as he tried to scoop it out.yum.

Had a lovely time here, there was a lot of different marine life and the staff were very informative and helpful, they clearly love they're jobs !

I first visited Plymouth Aquarium in 1966 and this is nothing like it was; it's a zillion times better.As well as having 4,000,000 litres of water in the building there is a lot to see and do. Although I'm in my 60's and reasonably well read I learned a huge amount about the marine environment as did my 4 year old granddaughter.We will visit as frequently as we can so that the grandchildren we can facilitate their education on marine conservation.

Very enjoyable day, the kids loved it. Abit pricey though. Can see everything in about a hour and a half. Staff very freindly and knowledgeable.

Food was okay, bit pricey, basic cafe feel. Was a bit messy but it may have been the end of a bust spell

Having gone around the aquarium where better to enjoy a hot coffee and some fresh baguettes for refreshment along with a super view across the marina and Plymouth Sound.

Not expensive with limited choice; not amazing quality of food but definitly convenient when visiting the aquarium instead of rushing it.

I'm always dubious when they say you can come back within next 12 months free!!!! £40 for maximum 1 hour. This is one of the worst attractions I've ever paid for. I suppose it's ok for a rainy day, however they need to reduce their prices vastly.

We had another very enjoyable time walking around the Aquarium (came 2 years ago) and as it was late afternoon why not stop for a cream tea we were in devon after all. The scone was so thick I could cut it into thirds rather than the normal half as the pot of cream was so big I had enough to cover my three slices, there was not only normal tea but a nice selection of others. The views across the water and the activity of boats and the river taxi to plymstock is just lovely and an added bonus to a good cuppa and delicious scone. Staff were helpful and friendly and the cafe was clean and tidy

Queued in the rain outside for ten minutes, took ages to buy tickets despite almost no one being in the queue (appalling organisation), got to the cafe at 11:05 to be told they'd stopped serving breakfast at 11:00 and wouldn't start hot service again until 11:30. Customer service and care obviously isn't of any interest. Prices were expensive, food (when we went back at lunchtime) was uninteresting and unappealing so didn't bother. They'd all but run out of baguettes despite being a dull Thursday in March. Expect much better.

The trip from moor to sea is fantastic it gave a great insight into Dartmoor and all the way to the sea I would recommend this for both entertainment and education.

I have enjoyed a handful of events held in the body of the aquarium beside the impressive unmatchable big tanks and the catering has been good and appropriate, but my three experiences of eating in the aquarium cafe have been depressing with poor predictable contract caterer style food heavily priced and served in an impassive indifferent way. My advice is that once your walk around the aquarium is complete and whether or not you need to daly in the merchandise shop between you and the exit, it is easily worth going outside to eat, maybe at the takeaway counter of the fish restaurant right outside or walking in one direction or the other around Sutton Harbour to one of the dozens of snack and real meal places.

Local produce available. Limited menu. Staff pleasant and efficient. Good view of local harbour. Like rest of building need revitalizing

Very good food and not the typical burger and hot dogs. Friendly staff, good value for money, quick service and beautiful views!

Sited on the second floor, sunny side with great views of Plymouth Sound and the entrance to Sutton Harbour. Food is good and a super place to rest after viewing the wonders of the deep.

Situated on the second floor of the aquarium the café has nice views over Sutton Pool and Mayflower Steps and the Citadel which overlooks it all. It was clean and the food on offer was reasonably priced though we did think the sandwiches were a bit on the expensive side - but they are catering for a "captive audience"!We went for a coffee and unfortunately followed a coach party of senior citizens into the café. The tea and coffee is self service from a machine and the machine is very slow, delivering one cup at a time (though the tea is made from a hot water boiler alongside. Unfortunately said pensioners had queued from the wrong end of the counter so consequently they couldn't find the cups as they were beyond the machine then they had problems operating it. Before anyone complains about my comments I must add that I am a pensioner myself but just a little more observant!The slowness of the machine is the only reason I'm giving the café a four and not a five as I was very satisfied with the food and the politeness of the staff.

overlooking the harbour ideally placed to chill out. Food reasonably priced. the views were wonderful and my grandchildren were very happy looking at the ships going by

brilliant food . cooked well , childrens meals were lovely, lots of drinks to choose from, staff are very friendly and helpful and have a delicious ice cream counter too xx

Great choice of beverages but poor coffee I'm told. However there is a soft play area and great views of the swing bridge and small harbour.

Held our RFC end of season dinner here. It's an amazingly different venue for an awards dinner. Dinner in front of the large tank, with really good food. The bar upstairs was great with views over the barbican and harbour. Would go back again.

this café was better than the aquarium with loads of choice. play area kept kids occupied and loads of space. I would recommend this restaurant.

Food was good and the children enjoyed their sandwich pack however the queue to pay was very long and they decided in the lunchtime rush to put a trolley in the small area that people had to walk to restock the fridge. I think that this could have been done a lot simpler by putting the trolley behind the counter and walking across and filling the fridge - we were there a good 15 minutes waiting and all this time the trolley was in the way for every customer.

Clean with reasonable prices and choices - use local and ethical products as well. Good a play area for little ones that is kept smart

Went for a snack to eat after touring the Aquarium and sorry but I must say this, but I would never ever pay that price for that quality food.Food was bland and warm.The food and soft drinks were very close to the price of the aquarium entry itself!Would not recommend and certainly satisfy my appetite somewhere else.

Gets very busy in the cafe area, as that's were the soft play area is, and it's quite expensive food snacks as well.

Mmmmm, mixed reviews I am afraid. Although the aquarium is good the experience was ruined by them selling out of date food in their cafe. When questioned, received negative comments and was made to feel very uncomfortable that I had complained about their inability to check dates. I was polite and was met with the manager first of all denying the rolls were out of date by two days. The situation was dealt with very badly and no apology made when the refund given. To top it off whilst having a drink (that had been purchased at the same time as the rolls) the manager came over and asked me to complete a refund voucher. I did, but not very impressed as would have preferred to actually eat something. If it had been my fault I would have been fine, but not really acceptable having to complete a form when they were at fault. We promptly left and will never return! Please admit with courtesy that you are in the wrong. Go to the aquarium but avoid the dreadful cafe!

Welcome to an untidy, almost 100% self service rip-off joint where quality and healthy eating is reserved for the marine creatures that we've all come to see!

We took our young grandchildren to visit the aquarium and we all had a fabulous time. Then we had to go and spoil it by visiting the cafe. The last admittance to the attraction was 4pm and we had reached the cafe at about two minutes past four, plenty of time we thought. Oh no, we were greeted by "we close at half past and you've got 20 minutes". And a very pleasant welcome to you too!!! The food and drink wasn't cheap and the speciality tea was very good but we couldn't enjoy any of it because we were rushing. The tables were filthy and many not cleared from previous occupants. The floor obviously hadn't been swept all day. There were 5 staff wandering about and were quite clearly resentful of all of the cafe customers at that time. Where was a manager? Are they aware that people who have visited the not-cheap-but-worth-the-money aquarium definitely do not wish to be greeted by this shambles of an eating experience. Not even truck drivers in the 1970s would have stood for this! Next time we visit, we will fin another cafe in which to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Four of us had a coffee / soft drink and a small square of cake. It cost as much as fish and chips all round in the Barbican the previous day. I wouldn't have minded that if it had been an enjoyable experience but the tables and the floor were filthy and there did not seem to be any staff doing anything about it. There are plenty of good places to eat nearby so I would recommend going elsewhere.

Miserable, inhospitable, inconsiderate and on the face of it only self-interested. The space and view set aside for the cafe is enviable. High enough up and looking in exactly the right direction. The food selection is acceptable, could be better but that's not the real problem. It's the staff or some high profile individuals. They have a great asset that should be conducted and presented better. Tables are not cleared cleaned or monitored adequately. Areas are cordoned off for no reason other than it seems the staff want to wind the cafe down early before closing so that they can get away promptly. A noticeable lack of common curtesy too. Maybe this place is for holiday workers and not a stepping stone towards better catering posts but basic standards and better attitudes should apply.

After a great trip to the aquarium, we decided to get some lunch. After waiting a long time to be even noticed by the staff serving behind the counter I was served with my food. We went to pay for our food the guy on the till was on the edge of rude! I choose a carton of juice for my daughter, when I got to the table I realised there was no straw, I went up to the guy on the till & told him, I said should I get another carton he just said yes no apology nothing, he had just abruptly told another lady there was no tomato sauce left. The food was very average and overpriced with not the best choice, the eating area was very noisy and not the cleanest. Will defiantly give it a miss next time!

An afternoon visit to the National Marine Aquarium. A really enjoyable visit with masses to see and watch - excellent !At the end of the visit, about 2 hours before the Aquarium was due to close, it was time to have something to eat and drink. The selection of food and drink was reasonable and of a reasonable price for this sort of cafe. The main cafe area was busy and noisy. My fiance had been diagnosed with cancer and was awaiting chemotherapy - so we spied a quieter seating area overlooking Sutton Harbour. Having settled down at a spotlessly clean table, a male member of staff told us in no uncertain terms that this area was closed to the public until the next day as they had cleaned it. Even when I suggested it was more suitable for us, he ignored our request to stay and told us to move. Quite what the problem was with us staying was (and still is) beyond us. Had we been asked nicely we wouldn't have minded so much but the volume of his voice was pretty much akin to shouting. There were some foreign visitors also sat in the same area - they looked at him in some bewilderment before leaving the cafe.We did move as 'requested' and sat in the main area at a dirty, sticky table with food and wrappers on the floor - not quite what we wanted for a cancer patient. Meanwhile, Mr Shouty made himself busy on his mobile phone.Everywhere else we had gone had been exceptional - all in all, a great afternoon out at the aquarium spoilt by the questionable attitude of one of the staff in the cafe.

What a loverly team of staff and Chefs, whilst the food is canteen style it is mostly ethical and local, the kids always enjoy using the soft play and there is always fresh sandwiches and cake, and the veiw is world class! great little place :)

If you plan ahead and order shortly after you've just eaten, you may get your food in time for when you're next feeling hungry. Food is average, on a par with most canteen or service station food. Service is painfully slow. Maybe we caught them on a bad day or at a bad time, but they seemed to be woefully understaffed and underprepared for customers.

There seem to be two eating options. We have only been to the first which is a fairly routine family cafe selling most regular snack meals including fish but, because of where and what it is, only sells sustainable fish and therefore no cod or tuna. It's OK bit feels a bit institutional. The other dining area is only open during school holidays but has good views and sells simpler food. We also saw signs inviting people to eat on the benches outside.