Seventy One in North Devon

Run by Peter (Chef) & Jane for 21 years, we've been visiting for five of those years and this year we've managed three visits so they must be doing something right. The whole package is just superb. The set menu is reasonably short but with sufficient choice for most and probably why every choice is excellent. Often a couple of seasonal 'specials'.

Hidden gem of a restaurant. Food was exceptional as was the service. Book in advance as limited seating. You will not be disappointed

We made a booking based on Trip Advisor reviews and all agreed we had a really good evening. I had rack of lamb followed by cheese and biscuits and everything was very good. Rest of our party had pork belly or steak and we all enjoyed our meals. It is only a small restaurant so best to book. Service was attentive and friendly. Wine prices are reasonable and a good selection. Highly recommended, a real gem of a place.

Lovely restaurant, with nice atmosphere good friendly service and excellent food.

Fantastic service and the food was brilliant. Only a small restaurant so you would need to book well in advance. The food from starters to mains and desserts was spot on.

The food was very good quality and really excellent value for money. We had 3 courses, beers, g&t’s, a bottle of wine and digestif’s afterwards and it was under £150 inc service. It would have been half that if we’d been on a drink-free-day which is great value for the quality of food. The service is prompt and amiable and the overall I think the place is a small gem. I would highly recommend eating there if you’re in the area.

The seafood felt very fresh and sauces and flavourings were done really well by the chef. Service was friendly and the small restaurant created an intimate atmosphere. Most highly recommend

Had dinner there my wife and I, the food was absolutely superb, one of the very best meals I’ve had for a long time

Food was amazing:)Lovely service..wll definitely return..

Terrible service. Better food from the service station across the way. Then get a car parking charge notice

Good for dinner. We had two courses, starter and main. Everyone enjoyed their meal. As a vegetarian, I was grateful that the chef accommodated me (no veg main on the menu).

Excellent food and service. Well recommended

Fantastic food. Was recommended this place by a local whilst here on holiday. Top class food and service

This restaurant is definitely one not to miss. I would recommend that you book as it is a small restaurant. Great menu choice. Everything is cooked fresh and absolutely delicious. Hosting was about spot on. Loved the backyard music. We had a wonderful evening thank you.

We went with friends and it was lovely, the service was really efficient and friendly. The food was exceptional well cooked and well presented, the charge for either two or three courses which is such good value for money . You must book as they only cater for a few . Do yourself a favour and make a visit

Not the cheapest but the best! First time here and the restaurant, owned by Peter & Jane for 21 years, is just superb. Peter is the chef and Jane is front of house/waitress and all round very good. The atmosphere is just super friendly and the food is delightful. In fact it was so good that my wife and I had eaten everything before we even thought of photographing it.

We had an absolutely delicious dinner cooked by Peter at Seventy One. Jane is a superb hostess, service was excellent and we didn’t have to wait. This is a boutique restaurant with lovely decor run by a dedicated couple. Can’t recommend it enough

First visit to seventy one. Definitely won’t be our last. The service was excellent and the food gorgeous. Moules starter extremely tasty, steak main cooked to perfection. The pork belly main was outstanding ….. well worth a visit. The interior decor was so beautiful too.

My partner booked this restaurant for a birthday treat . I personally this is very much overrated . We chose the option of 2, courses for a cost of £27 95 per person . We chose a duck starter with dough bread .but the pate was not much bigger than a 50 pence piece . I ordered the surf and turf . But the steak came overcooked when i asked for medium and a little on the chewy side . .. i didn't like to complain as it being my birthday .didnt want to upset my partner . His meal was a lamb chop but not much meat on that .. but the biggest thing was on the bill which the lady serving added a surcharge of £6 45 which i thought was out of order . I will give a tip if the service and meal is good .but to be honest i wasnt very impressed with any of it; . Not to go on my list to visit again . There is no where to park either .

First time we’d been to Seventy One. What a fabulous experience from start to finish. Both the service and food was excellent! The pork belly was the star of the show! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great meal in North Devon!

Such a wonderful cosy restaurant. Made very welcome and the food was excellent and just the right amount to savour the fabulous flavours. Definitely return when next in Ilfracombe. Thank you

Lovely setting on a cobbled lane down to the Harbour. Small restaurant, family run with a great menu. Something a bit special about this place. A mixture of fish & meat. We were all happy with our choices. Good recommendations from staff about additional places to visit whilst in Devon. Thank you

Wonderful atmosphere in a small very friendly environment service was spot on and food was amazingly reasonable and very tasty. Thanks

My colleague and I had a business dinner here recently. Both our steaks were very ordinary. With wine bill came to £75 and they added a service charge on over £7 as well. Finally there was an off-putting smell of dampness in there too.

Plats bien présentés et bien équilibrés. Très bonne Shellfish chowder, la poitrine de porc et le gibier étaient excellents.

Relaxed, intimate little bistro. Simple classic dishes, all perfectly cooked, and really good value. Highly recommended!

Food was delicious and the best food I've had in a long time. Definitely recommend 👌 p.s the chocolate nemesis was to die for

Found this on Trip Advisor so booked at short notice. Inventive menu and well cooked and presented. Friendly service and pleasant front of house. I would definitely go there again and that applies to the three of us. Cost is reasonable considering this is high season for tourists.

Dinner for 4 on 1 Aug. Nice and cosy small restaurant which can sit about 16. We had clam chowder, fish cakes and mussels au gratin to start. Lamb chops and pan-fried hake with potted shrimp for mains. Food and service were excellent and good portions. Wish we had space for dessert but sadly not. Excellent dinner place.

Lovely restaurant lovely food and the service was brilliant Would recommend this restaurant which is run by a husband and wife.

Fantastic meal, why haven't Michelin given you a recommendation! Every starter and main was fantastic. If you are in Ilfracombe you have to go!

Another trip to Ilfracombe & another visit to 71. Lovely meal again, had to go with the 3 courses great value. Thanks to you both for great cooking & service.

This was our final mini break of this summer; here in North Devon based in Ilfracombe. We had made a dinner reservation for our second night, here in this town centre restaurant. I received a text from the restaurant asking me to “Please try to avoid arriving more that 5 minutes either side of your booking”. Whereas we always endeavour to be on-time, so I did feel this was a bit unusual but, hey why not? We arrived at 20:05 for our 20:00 booking. The wine we chose was a Sauvignon Blanc Touraine, ‘Domaine de Marcé’. This had subtle, but complex flavours, of gooseberry, lime and pea pod, spot on. This wine is from one of our most favourite wine regions on the Loire; to which we have travelled many times. Dinner here is priced according to the number of courses: £29 for two courses, or £35 for three courses. We chose the three course option (why not). We both started with ‘Monkfish Fritters’ with tartare sauce and lemon. This was served with a side of good wholemeal bread and butter. The monkfish and the batter was incredibly light; so beautifully cooked. For mains, again we chose the same plate ‘Crusted Rack of Lamb’ with red wine and rosemary jus, served with new potatoes and a serving of mixed veg (carrots, peas, fine beans, spring cabbage and broad beans). Once again, so beautifully cooked, the lamb was pink, succulent and so tasty. The veg had a proper bite to it, and the jus captured the essence of the meat and worked so well with the veg. Proper traditional cooking at its best. For my Partner the last plate of the evening was the ‘West Country Cheese Plate’ with crackers, apple and chutney (£3.00 surcharge). This was very pleasant with a soft cheese (probably brie), a smoked hard cheese (maybe Applewood) and a crumbly medium cheese (best bet was a Cheddar). I chose the ‘Chocolate Nemesis’ (a rich flourless mousse like cake) served with raspberries and ice cream. All I can tell you was that it was incredibly chocolatey and quite dense, but being dark chocolate it wasn’t too sweet. The raspberries were covered in a light syrup and the ice cream was smooth, creamy and thick. Outstanding. The restaurant was not full and I think that only one couple arrived after we did. By the time we had finished, we were the last to leave and we spoke to the lady that did EVERYTHING in the dining area (and efficiently). She had shown us to our table, took our orders for starters, mains and dessert plus our wine, opened and served wine, brought water, served our food, cleared tables, laid-up new tables, washed glasses, made up our bill and probably turned-off the lights. We learned that the business was run by her husband (the Chef) and herself. They had no staff, and they can’t find anyone to take-on to lighten the load. It wasn’t clear whether this was the position every evening or only on certain evenings. When there is a shortfall in staffing levels, everything must work to a strict booking system that relies on their customers arriving on time; hence the text. It was extremely sad to hear all this, and especially so, as the restaurant is clearly producing excellent plates of food.

Really enjoy our evening here. Good quality food at reasonable prices.

Very enjoyable evening at this small restaurant run by a husband and wife team.We we’re made very welcome.All our food was excellent.I had monkfish goujons to start which were homemade with light crispy batter and fresh tartare sauce plus some nice granary bread.I then had sea bass on a bed of vegetables with sautéed potatoes with a tasty sauce.My husband had the fresh mussels au gratin and the steak with an outstanding sauce containing tarragon.I had affogato to finish.We also had a bottle of good wine. I can honestly say we enjoyed every mouthful.The mail was very good value.

Didn’t manage to get to this restaurant last year so I’m so pleased I booked this year. Had an absolutely delicious meal of Daily Market Fish (Hake) and my husband had Surf and Turf which was a 6oz Rump and a small Lobster. Chips are good too! Lovely little restaurant, reasonably priced and we’ll definitely be back.

Pretty little bistro, with a nice "feel" to it. The service (from Jane) was friendly and quick. Menu choice was varied and good. My steak was cooked exactly as I asked ("very well done") and my wife enjoyed her freshly caught hake. Good sized portions at reasonable prices. Recommend!

Jane and her husband are the perfect partnership. An amazing chef 👨‍🍳 and amazing host . As always a fantastic evening at restaurant 71. thank you 😊

A very small restaurant which looked to have a good menu - and we were not disappointed. All three of us enjoyed our meal - 3 courses for a fixed price, and a great selection from which to choose and we absolutely had to have...

Lovely evening food was brilliant

Excellent food and good service, The cheese board was disappointment but didn't detract from what was a very enjoyable experience. We will be eating there again.

Had an amazing meal last night. The food was delicious. Jane was so welcoming and the service was excellent. What can I say other than go there!

A great little restaurant in the harbour area. Very welcoming and highly recommended.

My partner and I ate here in between Christmas and New Year during a one night stay in Ilfracombe. We had for starters Smoked Haddock Kedgeree and Duck and Pork Rillette, both were lovely (rillette was a little cold though). For mains we had Slow...

Nice little bistro run by (I think) a husband and wife team, him in the kitchen and her front of house. Really tasty starters of chicken noodle soup and a “deconstructed” kedgeree with crispy coated egg that had a nice runny yolk. Mains were excellent...

This is a quaint little restaurant that serves a small very reasonable menu of quality food. My personal experience was a rather sandy razor clam, my only issue with the chowder and everything else was excellent. The service charge is a tad excessive and due to the intimacy of the venue one feels unable to challenge or rejected said charge.

We visited the restaurant for my mothers birthday and could not have expected any better! From the moment we walked in until we left we were well looked after by Jane. The five of us chose a variety of staters and main courses and we...

Had a table booked here on the final night of our holiday. This place deserves the number 1 slot of places to eat in Ilfracombe (and we ate at all places bar 1 that appear higher in the rankings!) We received a very warm and...

It was SO close to being absolutely outstanding - sadly they fell at the hurdle that British restaurants so often do -overcooked lobster. Really this is criminal in a seaside restaurant that offered fresh, local caught lobster. The ambience etc was fine - we’re not...

Perfect meal. A warm, friendly welcome and a lovely decorated restaurant with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The menu offers a good selection of dishes and the food on our visit was cooked to perfection and lovingly presented. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal. I would advise...

Perfect meal. A warm, friendly welcome and a lovely decorated restaurant with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The menu offers a good selection of dishes and the food on our visit was cooked to perfection and lovingly presented. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal. I would advise booking in advance, as during our week in Ilfracombe this restaurant was fully booked on the evenings it opens.

Fantastic location on historic Fore Street. Lovely intimate restaurant great selection of dishes. Lovely presentation great taste. Recommended.

We arrived early and were able to sit at our table where we had a few drinks pre meal. The wine list is good and not overly expensive. The menu offers a good choice of meat and fish. Service is good.

Excellent food. Friendly cosy place. Gourmet standards. Wonderful menu

Started off ok with a friendly late booking and early table that suited us. Restaurant is small but cozy and quite “old school”. But all was not what it seemed. Something changed early on. Maybe my wife’s question about the wine availability or the pricing...

Excellent little Bistro, very intimate only seats 16 . Brilliant menu choice, good idea on pricing, 1 price for 2 courses & 1 price for 3. There is a 10% service charge but it is marked on menu. Food and service excellent would highly recommend.

this is a super place to eat. the food is delicious and the service is friendly and efficient. would definitely go back again

My partner and I had a fantastic meal at no. 71 and would highly recommend this small, independently run restaurant. We had monkfish fritters and cheese and onion croquettes for starters followed by stone bass (the fish of the day) and baron of lamb (aka...

Great choice on menu good service and tasty food. Husband especially enjoyed the cracking on pork. Lovely local cider too.

A small hidden gem of a place, visiting with friends to celebrate a birthday. We all had a delicious meal and my only regret is its not nearer to home so I could visit more often! Would definitely recommend.

Booked for our wedding anniversary and so glad we did. What a lovely family restaurant. Superb food, beautifully cooked and served. Would definitely recommend

A perfect little gem and a must dining experience at least once while staying here. Booking is essential as the restaurant only seats 16 and tables are not re allocated. A wonderful husband and wife team - Peter creates the most amazing meals in the...

Classic bistro menu - brilliantly executed, impeccable service. That’s it. Tripsasvisor doenst let me write such a succinct review

We booked here to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary whilst on holiday with my parents, not knowing the town at all as we are not local I looked on trip advisor for recommendations! I am so glad I did! We were warmly greeted by Jane...

I booked Seventy-One for my husband's birthday last week as we were staying in Ilfracombe and the menu looked very interesting. The restaurant is very small so booking will be advised. The food was delicious and the service was excellent too. Thoroughly recommend eating here.

Small family run restaurant, open Wed-Sun. Booking well in advance essential. Excellent quality and choice of food. Service cannot be faulted. Great dining experience. We will be back for more.

Very much form over substance when it comes to the menu, the usual pretentious twaddle for dish descriptions, food very mediocre.

We loved this restaurant. The service, menu, quality and presentation of food were all excellent. The place only offers 16 covers so book ahead! Feels very personal and friendly. It is incredible value for money - we can’t believe the objection to there being a...

This restaurant is run by a husband and wife team with a helper in the kitchen. The husband runs the kitchen and his wife runs the front of house single handled. We had a lovely meal of starters and mains. But, here is the kicker,...

Beautiful little restaurant, ran by a lovely couple. Great food, great value. Would highly recommend. Book in advance.

This was a welcome hidden gem of excellent food amongst the all the disappointing eateries in Ilfracombe. Delicious fresh food, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. Very efficient and friendly service and extremely good value for the quality of the food. I highly recommend, but you...

A perfect end to our stay on Lundy Island - thank you for an excellent meal.

Thank you Jane and Peter for the best meal that Paul and I have experienced in the whole of Ilfracombe. We have been to the Smugglers, The Pier Brewery Tap, the Tapas on the Terrace, the Spice Lounge, Maddy's, and your food and great service...

Peter & Jane thank you a fabulous meal, great service and lovely atmosphere

Visited Illfrecombe over Easter and stupidly did not precooked ant restaurants. Seventy one had been recommended so we went to check it out. Looked nice so trued to book. Fully booked for over a week. We emailed anyway with fingers crossed. We were delighted get...

Having been recommended to try Seventy One, I have to say we were disappointed by our visit. The proprietor was not particularly welcoming and had run out of the wine we ordered. We accepted an alternative, which although palatable, was not great. The meat served...

Lovely quiet restaurant though all tables were booked. Meant conversation could be heard easily over the music and general chatter. Good covid precautions. The food was so scrummy and well proportioned. Wish I'd had a starter too!! Parked around the back of the restaurant. Steps within so not especially wheelchair friendly. Went for a friends 30th and it was really special. Would recommend the lamb and guinea fowl dishes especially.

A wonderful little gem of a restaurant located on Fore Street. I had the most superb sea bass for my main. It was cooked to perfect in that it was so tender. The samphire, light sauce & shell fish complimented beautifully.

This probably my third, forth or even fifth visit to No. 71 to my amazement they never disappoint me or my party of guest, I read some of the reviews and some people are not in the same world. The service, menu( drinks and food)...

It's a small but perfectly formed front room of a restaurant with space for a dozen diners. Booking in advance is essential. Yes the food is very good but so is the wine list which is where the expertise lies.

A group of 7 of us really enjoyed an excellent meal. The service was first class and all our chosen meals were very well presented. Definitely worth a visit.

Fantastic food and excellent service. Would highly recommend Seventy one. When we visit again we will be booking a table. Thank you very much

We would highly recommend this resteraunt. The service and food were excellent. It was beautifully presented, and really good value for money. Anyone visiting the area needs to book! Neil and Deb

My partner and I ate here on the evening of the 24th of September and we are both still talking about it now! I booked quite far in advance after seeing the delicious menu online and the extremely reasonable price and I would definitely advise...

We had excellent food in this restaurant. I had monkfish scampi which were to die for. Honestly the lightest puffs of delicious air I've ever tasted. Husband had mussel gratin which he really enjoyed. I had the lamb cutlets and he had the pork belly....

Had three courses, all cooked lovely including lobster and rack of Lamb from the specials board. Nice atmosphere and efficient and friendly service. well done chef , you got everything spot on and service was great.

We all had two courses for £27 at this restaurant and the food was outstanding! We all really enjoy it and left feeling very satisfied. Was well worth the money and staff were very friendly and welcoming on arrival.

Amazing food and lovely relaxed experience

Great food excellent service. monkfish and surf and turf were the standout items. We really enjoyed the lobster. We would definitely go back again.

Excellent meal ! Rack of lamb to die for !

Lovely intimate atmosphere. Delicious food and friendly and efficient service. Great value. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting the area.

Husband and wife run this restaurant and only have 5 tables per night. We booked 8 weeks in advance knowing the difficulty in booking anywhere to eat nowadays. I had the sea bass with the most delicious sauce of oil, lemon, samphire, small chopped tomatoes,...

Small bistro with quality food and service. Two courses 27 pounds. Worth every penny. Must book early to have any chance of a reservation.

A small restaurant, food presented well. Chose steak which would not normally go for , thoroughly enjoyed it. Portions of veg could increase 1 mushroom half of a tomato a little sparse. Grandson did not want mushroom never offered alternative. The lady did well on...

What an amazing night we had on Thursday 12th Aug. The food, service and atmosphere was extremely good. Nothing was too much trouble. Would highly recommend it.

Small family run restaurant with just 14 covers. Excellent food and very friendly service. Nothing was rushed as the tables are not booked out again. Good Covid measures still in place. Would definitely return.

First class, service very friendly and helpful. The food was spot on my compliments to the chef. Excellent value for money, thoroughly recommend this venue, thank you.

Small restaurant offering a very good value high quality three course meal. A limited number of covers and so booking is essential. Recommended.

My wife and I had our anniversary meal here this evening, beautiful food, small but perfect restaurant. Would highly recommend it.

What a fantastic little restaurant. Limited capacity and concise menu, but its none the worse for it. The food is nothing short of outstanding for the price they charge. If they were to sell their chips wrapped in newspaper out of the door there would be a queue right down the street and riund the harbour. Each of the dishes we tried were well portioned and cooked perfectly. If you can get a booking you will not be dissapointed. Well done to everyone that works there. The place is a true gem.