The boathouse in Torbay

Unexpected quality and value for money with really friendly service to boot. We over ordered thinking the portion sizes would be smaller for the pricing..... big mistake! Generous portions didn't need a side, and a starter to share (the whitebait) was ample. It was quite quiet, but I don't think that was what made the service good - I think the staff were happy in their job and it showed ?!? If I'm wrong they hid it well and either way a credit to the Boathouse!

Really enjoyable food in this restaurant at the the end of the beach. Very nice gluten free pizza, nice to find in beach front venue. Definitely recommended

We had a great a meal at the boathouse with attentive service and beautiful views! We couldn’t ask for more. We will most definitely be going back asap!

We booked a table for a Friday night , so glad we did! I had scallops for the 1st time, my husband red pepper houmous. For mains I had lamb skewer ( which was so tasty and tender) my husband had steak. That was awesome! Key lime pie to finish and we were stuffed! Accompanied by a glass of merlot and pint of shandy we enjoyed every mouthful. The staff were very friendly and efficient. Always on hand but not overpowering . Probably a good job we are not local otherwise we'd be here every week. Really made our weekend as we had not been away post covid, so this was a real treat. Will be back next time we are this way . Good food Great staff Amazing location Spotless toilets Thank you

Amazing food! The best food we had in Paignton! Lovely, friendly staff and the restaurant had great views over Preston Sands and the sea. Food service was quick. I had lamb skewers with cous cous salad, my partner had lasagne and chips and my daughter had a cheeseburger with chips. The lamb was just divine, melted in the mouth and the salad was gorgeous! The pecan and maple flapjack was beautiful - I need to try and recreate it at home! And if you ask, they will make you an alcoholic slushie- I had rhubarb gin with strawberry slushie and it was lovely!

Thank you so much to all the hard working staff who ensured our works celebration party in the separate room was a success. The buffet food was amazing and lots of it. All the staff and management have been so helpful, a particular mention to the 3 young lads who were working and looking after us on a busy Saturday night. Nothing was too much trouble. Can’t wait to book again. Many thanks.

Very popular during the day, for drinks and meals, of which we tried both lunch and dinner. The evening was vey busy, people in the garden were expecting meals outside after 6pm, but it's only for drinks from that time. We sat inside for the evening meal and we had to wait as advised was the case, for a party of 14 diners to been served their meals, considering how busy the restaurant and kitchen was, the staff coped amazingly and deserve high praise. We didn't have to wait as long as predicted for our meals, which were very well presented and exceeded our expectations in terms of taste, style and size of the dishes, it really was worth the wait.

Recently visited the food is really good as are the range of drinks we can recommend the fresh crab and Devon Rock Lager. Look forward to visiting again

Lovely experience, we sat outside and the setting is amazing, good service and very helpful when I asked if we could change a couple a bits on the meals we had chosen, as was no problem at all. Food was excellent and we r already looking forward to our next visit. Thank you x

Food was absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection and everything was so fresh, beautiful view also, staff were so lovely and welcoming, will definitely be back 😊!!

Lovely staff and Amazing food! Family and Dog were made to feel very welcome. Dirty fries and Nachos were banging!

Currently sat in the boathouse paignton, dog friendly and coeliac safe right next to the sea. View to die for, live musician and huge portions of safe yummy food. Ideal. Service great. Staff really knowledgable (separate frier for gluten free foods and readily adapt menu for gf as per menu without problem). Felt very safe and now.... Very full and satisfied. Highly recommend.

Great food great environment nice staff really good to go and watch the music or entertainment on a sunny day also a nice beer garden overlooking the sea service can sometimes take a while

Lovely setting for drinks and outside was busy early on a Friday night. Service was awful, we waited to be seated but no one came (after 10 minutes felt like an idiot standing there) so grabbed some menus and sat down. No acknowledgement so waited behind the drinkers to order. Seems to be self service now. Food came out quickly pizza was ok but dirty fries were pretty expensive for what it was.

Very pleasant place where my friend visits quite regularly. Nice coffee and very pleasant service. Would return again.

We visit the area every year for our holidays and always end up at The Boathouse. Sunny day? Sit outside with a pint. Rainy day? Sit inside with a coffee. Evening? Dinner! It’s always a nice go-to. My only complaint is that the pints (beer/...

Came here on the first evening of our holiday as it was next door to our holiday apartment and we were tired and didn't know Paignton. Very good fish & chips and friendly quick service. Good views overlooking Preston sands. Good value; 3 fish &...

Keith and I had a meal here in October of last year again two nights running. Come back for the third and fourth time. They did not disappoint us. I had cod and jacket potato and keith had the burger and chips. And tonight’s meal...

Excellent experience, came in with my partner and 2 children. Very , welcoming and friendly service. Food brilliant, we had some kids goujongs, kids pizza, a bbq meaty pizza and fish and chips. All were big portions(good value for money) and really tasty. Thankyou for...

We didn't get a chance to experience the food as my mum couldn't get in. She really struggles with steps and there are a few large ones at the main entrance. There was a ramp going around the building but it lead to some double...

Nice little place right by the beach. Cafe style but open evenings and good food. Very dog friendly.

My partner and I have eaten here before ,this time we took family with us along with the family dog. The restaurant is extremely pleasant, and caters for all tastes and age groups, there is always a lovely bubbly atmosphere in here , the staff...

This was a quick decision to visit after we had arrived in Paignton. Food was good, drinks not expensive and the service was of a good standard. Happy to visit again when in Paignton.

This is our second evening having dinner here. The latte is soooo nice and hubby had Devon cove which he said was very smooth. The food is amazing. It will not disappoint you eating here. The portions are brilliant. The classic boats burger and jacket...

We visited on a Tuesday while waiting to check into our hotel. The beer and cider were so good we stayed longer than expected. We sat outside what a lovely view. The man behind the bar was very knowledgeable about the local beers and cider...

We came to the boathouse with friends for lunch We brought our dog who was welcomed by the staff The staff were friendly and efficient The food was excellent I had fish and chips and the fish was the nicest I’ve had during our trip...

Stopped here many times over the years. Food was hot and tasty enough but I have to say it seams to be very reasonably priced. Full English for £7 is a bargain in my book. Very good, happy tummies. Will return.

Each time I visit the Boathouse I’m disappointed by the lack of greeting…no welcoming smile or ‘hello’ by the staff at the entrance. The bar staff are friendly and helpful - but I think the ‘welcoming’ staff need to up their game!

Absolutely disgusted with my trip tonight! Wasn’t a busy atmosphere but had to wait 45 minutes for mains to be sent out cold. Pulled pork was over cooked. Had to get waitress attention to send food back! Workers walked round with a moody face for...

Booked a evening meal here, do a good range of dishes, and found the meal very nice, and reasonably priced, service good and friendly staff, although there dress sense could be better, instead of wearing shorts and T shirts, dress a bit more suitable.

Popped in here on a day trip, slightly further along the beach but we'll worth the trek. Friendly staff, good service good sized portions and homemade burgers. All with a lovely coffee. You won't be disappointed.

We hadn’t booked a table but that wasn’t a problem ( it was a weds). Staff and food absolutely outstanding. Would definitely recommend to anyone coming to Paignton

Plenty of choice on the menu and lovely views. We visited early evening with our young granddaughter when it was not too busy. Staff polite and efficient.

Had the Vegan "dirty fries", the large portion is enough for 2 people. A little pricey but with the stunning location (with Sea View) and portion sizes, it's worth it. Only reason I didn't give 4 stars is because the outside tables were swarming with...

Spent a wonderful evening with family at a very busy boathouse. Great service, great food. Well done to Emma and her team 💕

Beautiful views and yummy food. All 4 of us enjoyed our meal here all cooked beautifully however just be careful when ordering extra fries we got caught out by the odd pricing of it. However still a wonderful evening and good food.

Food is delicious, great value and good service. We had 2 pizzas, ribs served with chips, coleslaw, bbq beans and onion rings, small nachos and small dirty fries between 4 adults and one child. Good portions and we all had our fill. From the outside...

We visited the Boathouse several times during our holiday to Paignton. The food was delicious and came out in good time. The menu is varied for both adults and children. There were a couple of local beers on tap (I recommend the Devon Cove) that...

Called for a pint and a snack. Sat outside with a great view of the beach and Torquay. Chap serving on behind the bar was really friendly and helpful. Had one of the burgers and a basket meal. Both dishes were really good value. The...

My husband and I booked a table at The Boathouse. Unfortunately, when we arrived a few minutes early, a couple were sitting at our table unexpectedly. A member of staff apologised and showed us to a table in a side room bringing us a drink...

We are local and today we went for a drink with family and met up with friends. The place was busy and after a while I went to use the toilets. A few ladies were already waiting and decided to try again later as a...

As a restaurant manager, I fully appreciate the pressures the industry has faced over the past 18 months. I also appreciate the national shortage of staff we're all currently dealing with. However, you really need to focus on teaching your staff some customer service skills...

Excellent service and food, stunning location looking out to sea. Pizzas and scampi delicious, all the other food being served looked good too! Will definatly be back. Thankyou

I spent 2 days trying to book a reservation but the answer phone said they couldn’t answer but leave a message and they may get back to me the next day, so we went to see if we could get a meal, but was told...

Went to grab a drink. Was completely ignored by the staff while we waited to be served. Got annoyed with not being acknowledged or staff having any intention of service so left. Shame really was looking forward to having a couple drinks and enjoying the...

Lovely food freshly cooked . Nice staff .And very clean .There was plenty of ventilation .You could also eat out side. There was a large out side area. The views were lovely from the restaurant. You do need to book a table as it soon...

We visited for the wake after a funeral. My daughter and I are Coeliac and therefore require a strict gluten free diet. We had pizza for ourselves and it was yummy! We were told the chips were gluten free and when I questioned if they...

As a local, I keep trying to give the boathouse a chance. It’s got such an amazing location and ideal set up, that just isn’t utilised in the best way. I’ve been a customer for the past 5 years and I always seem to leave...

Food Ok but service not great. The young lady who served us was pleasant, but leaving empty plates in front of us for 15 minutes we felt was not good. Having a new potato salad as well as fries with my ribs also seemed slightly...

There is, apparently, evidence for the Etruscans using trays back in the 6th or 7th century BC, but this simple device clearly hasn’t made its way to Paignton as we watched staff make at least ten, possibly as many as fifteen journeys back and forth...

The staff were very friendly and helpful. The gulls were not a nuisance unless food was left on the table. The menu was surprisingly varied. We had a pizza for lunch and will probably go back for a crab salad.

What a beautiful place. Excellent food and good quality fish. Crab salad was lovely with lots of flavour. Big juicy burgers, really nice piece of cod. We we're so impressed. Staff happy and friendly, good with my children. Thankyou for a lovely experience!

Avoid ….This is the worst meal all of us have had this year! My goodness it was bad service possibly worse with a really couldn’t care attitude we had the smallest pieces of fish known to man and the crab was full of shell?!! What...

Good customer service, Good customer care and Good food. Recommend this to you and one piece of good advice. Eat in the restaurant and not outside because of the sea gulls They get hungry as well

Good location, beer and wine good quality, however staff seemed to be trained in avoiding eye contact with anyone who needs serving. Got fed up with waiting and left

Food was delicious and big portions too. Value for money with good customer service. Highly recommend.

If you can sit somewhere for 20 minutes being ignored this is the place to go, we left and went elsewhere

Spent a lot of time in this lovely cafe. Very efficient with the Covid restrictions. Offers excellent breakfast, lunch and evening food and local beers and ciders. All the staff were lovely, no matter what time of day.

We called in after a 10 mile walk for tea. We were ignored at the door until I grabbed a passing waiter. Having requested a table he looked around the nearly empty interior and asked if we had booked. We replied in the negative but...

Great place, always one of our favourites. Fantastic service.. worth going out of your way for, and right on the beach. Give it a go

Don’t let the outside deceive you! Decor inside and more importantly the food was fabulous! We had Cajun pizzas and dirty fries and it was fresh and tasty! Service was quick, friendly and polite. Would definitely recommend a visit here. There is a car park at the end of the road opposite (it’s pay & display so either have cash handy or download the RingGo app). It’s also dog friendly :-)

I misjudged this place by the outside of the building. They do amazing food. The Jamaican run down dish is amazing and so is the Katsu chicken burger.

First time out for a meal due to COVID, Absolutely wonderful service by a young lad called Connor ,who went through everything with us. Would definitely recommend The Boathouse. Superb food as well. Thanks

Not the best meal I've had at The Boathouse. Staff tried their best but serving up cold food was not good enough

We went to the Boathouse for a last minute roast on 27/09/2020. It was one of the best roast we have ever had. They also cater for GF customers. I would highly reccommend.

Like James D below, we walked from Torquay to Paignton and stopped here for a beer, but the food looked so nice that we decided to stay for lunch. A returned for a second time a few days later! Excellent views and with the white walls and sun beaming down on you, it does feel like you're on a Greek island!Good food reasonably priced and great service - highly recommended!

The restaurant looks nothing like it does on the website. It may have looked like that year's ago but sadly no longer. It could do with a deep clean. The waitress cleaned an adjoining table with a filthy cloth and then went on to clean the floor with it. We had an elderly uncle with us celebrating his birthday and just too difficult to move elsewhere or we would have left. However the food was good but well over priced for what is essentially a beach cafe. The staff were absolutely amazing and they got my two stars.

Took a walk along Paignton beach and stopped off at the Boathouse for a pint. Sat outside on the sun terrace overlooking the se, I was very glad of the sunshades as it was so hot and I definitely needed the shade. All good!

We walked to Paignton from Torquay and found this place at the end of the beach. Friendly staff and very reasonable prices. I had a few San Miguels in the sun and the weather was fantastic. With the sun out and the beautiful views we could have been in a Mediterranean country. The food looked good also and the staff were very friendly

Visited The Boathouse whilst on holiday in Paignton. We called about 2 hours before to make the booking. We arrived slightly early as it was raining & the lovely friendly lady (possibly the owner) showed us to our table & asked us to complete a track & trace form. Drinks were brought promptly & we ordered the Boathouse Lasagne. This was excellent & came with either salad or chips. The atmosphere in this restaurant is really laidback & friendly & all the staff had a smile on their faces. There is a lovely outside seating area but not many people were sat outside on the day we visited as it was blowing a gale. I cannot understand the odd negative review of this restaurant as we found it be have a nice vibe & all credit to the owner in creating a great place to eat or drink. We will definitely be returning next year.

I don't think I have ever left a bad review, but thought I must after the service we received today at The Boathouse Paignton. I am a local person and have used the Boathouse in the past many times, it just seems to be going down hill and after the service today we really will not return. We ended up not eating, and having to leave, we had not planned on spending our bank holiday in The Boathouse we had just booked on Friday for a breakfast on our day off on Monday before our trip to Exeter to meet up with friends. We arrived at 10.45, Ordered on arrival, then just waited and waited and waited. After a while I asked if they had forgotten us, The reply "did nobody say there is a wait on food'. Fair enough, so we waited and waited again, asked again how much longer and the girl checked and said" two orders before yours".... So we waited and waited, it was not busy inside other people were waiting longer than us, we decided we could not wait any longer when orders were going out, and we saw the information given was wrong there were more than they said in front of us. We managed to walk home, get in the car and just make it to Exeter after spending the morning sat waiting and waiting in The Boathouse another, 10 minuites and we would have been on lunch orders. Disappointed so much, was a treat for my partner as we were days off. Thought booking would have helped. So a review on my tea which I had there is low, the cup was dirty stained, tried to wipe it with my napkin. Didn't like to complain, but after our experience / fiasco today, it should be mentioned. So many other nice places to eat in the bay especially by the harbour. We won't be returning. The positive is the view. Very disappointed

So, it's Bank Holiday Monday. The sun is shining, the sea is glistening and eager customers are arriving wanting to sample not only this sea side wonder, the Boat House, but to take advantage of Eat Out Help Out. Clearly it was going to be busy and it was. The staff were lovely and the breakfast was just what we wanted - and good value too! We were ASTONISHED though at the rudeness of some of our fellow customers. The staff told everyone that there would be a wait for food, possibly up to an hour, and yet one table insisted that the chef paid for their drinks to 'compensate' them for the wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What planet Zog are people on! If you are told about the wait, then wait. Or vote with your feet, but don't be rude to staff. Anyway, apart from listening to that lot be rude to very patient staff it was a lovely way to end the long weekend.Keep it up Boathouse!

Came for a nice relaxed meal, we are regulars here. They are catering for a function tonight, so admittedly busier than usual. Waited quite a long time to order drinks at the bar. Staff not sure what they are doing. Food good and tasty. Lady with red hair with a nose ring, terrible attitude to other staff. Not once did she smile the entire time we were there. Read other recent reviews, I wonder, is the standard here slipping? Your response to criticism is not great either, you should be doing more to rectify customer concerns.

Lovely location. Expensive prices for what I can only describe as a beach side cafe.The waitress who showed us to our table and asked us for a drink order had no clue as to what they had behind the bar and asked me to go and have a look!After that fiasco, we were given less than 5 minutes before another person came to take our food order. I asked about food allergens to be told I dont know! I explained that one of my guests has a fatal food allergy to nuts. Her response there are no nuts on the fish or pizzas.We ordered as best we could and the food was served to us by a small young blond girl who literally chucked the food on the table. I have to say the worst table service I have experienced in the bay!I will not be parting with my hard earned cash here again. My advice is avoid like the plague.

We booked a table for 6. On arrival we were seated. The metal container which should have the cutlery in, only had cutlery for two. The sachets of condiments were shoved in the bottom of the metal bucket, really lowbrow!The food was awful, my lasagne was the worst I’ve ever tasted, all I could taste was tomato purée! The other food was cheap frozen food, fried! The salad, if you can call it that, was unimaginative, and tasteless!By far the worst food I’ve ever eaten.It’s a shame as the views are lovely.

We spent a very pleasant evening at the Boathouse. The staff were friendly and efficient. We didn't wait long for our food and it was very good. Good atmosphere and a very enjoyable evening

Looks like a school hall....and the food is no better. Frozen chips, peas and scampi. Struggled through the scampi because of hunger.... couldn't face the rest of the meal.

Booked a table for our grand daughters birthday. It took 2 hours for the for the food to arrive. Most of the food was inedible either cold under cooked or tasteless. We left most of the food on the table and were told the meals were free. Hardly compensation for spoiling our grand daughters birthday.

Had a table booked for 6pm for a birthday meal with our granddaughter, food eventually arrived 2 hours later, there were 6 of us in the party only 5 meals came out, the last meal was served to me when everyone else had finished, most of the food was not edible, cold or overcoooked. Our poor 9 year old granddaughter had been very patient, was very hungry and really wanted her birthday cake, which had to wait until we had all finished our meal, we were given many excuses, and they did waiver the bill, but even though we are local we will not be returning.

Omg .table booked for 6.15 because we had 2 young children. . Waited 2 hours for our meal to arrive! Yes it was busy and we were told that they were short staffed but 2 hours is totally unacceptable. . Wouldn't bother going back ..ever

Just finished work sat outside. Went to order food and told by a quite rude lad called Charlie that food for outside has stopped. I asked why and they said that only people who have booked can eat. When asked why nobody outside has been informed he said we'll if you weren't there when we told them. You wouldn't know.

Nice pub with a great spot overlooking Preston Sands. We booked dinner here after a day at the beach. I was quite disappointed not to see more fish/seafood on the menu. Considering it's position, it would have been lovely to enjoy some locally caught fish dishes. Everything was quite pub-fare.. burgers, pizzas etc. The only fish options were fish and chips or breaded whitebait and chips (I didnt fancy anything fried). However, I enjoyed my lasagne and loved the location.

I’m currently staying at Travelodge Paignton Seafront and have my dog with me and unfortunately I’m not allowed in the restaurant area with him, so I decided to look for a local dog friendly cafe online. I came across The Boathouse which is a 2 minute walk away & I’m so glad I did. I’ve just had a lovely vegetarian breakfast and pot of tea. Only small issues were my tomato was slightly underdone and nobody asked if everything was ok with my food, but overall my breakfast was tasty & really filling. At £6 for my food and £2.20 for a pot of tea, it’s very reasonable. The staff are friendly and welcoming on arrival & the place is very clean. I will be back every morning for the rest of my holiday

Both my wife and I went for the Jamaican run down which was King Prawns and Cod in a spiced sauce with black bean rice on the side. The meal was delicious and reasonably priced for the amount of food served. we were waited on at the table and a tab opened for us upon on arrival and request for our drinks. The staff were very attentive and never let our glasses run dry and provided water upon request. Do not be put off by the outside of the building at night as it does not look that inviting as you will not be disappointed by both the service and food served. dogs are also welcome

Lovely lunch overlooking the beautiful bay. Service and food was excellent, we will be back. Thankyou

Ordered a steak done to perfection lovely meal drinks reasonable good atmosphere great outside area staff friendly shall be going again

Booked a table for a birthday meal. The food was ok but service not.Plates were cleared hastily when we finished with no offer of a desert menu, we sat and waited but the staff seemed more interested in cleaning up to go home, it was only 8.45... We wanted deserts and coffee but we gave up and went to the bar to pay the bill and left..

Went to the boathouse for food before the cinema, menu looked ok and reasonably priced. I ordered the pork chop ( description was Rarebit Pork Chop £10.5010oz Westcountry pork chop, finished in the oven with a rich cheddar and wholegrain mustard sauce. Served with buttery new potatoes, carrot puree and black pudding.). Pork chop was dry and overcooked and there was NO cheese and mustard sauce in sight! My friend had the Chipotle Chicken Kebab £11Succulent chicken breast cooked in a spiced chipotle BBQ sauce. Served in a toasted pitta bread with salad, coleslaw and paprika fries.Although sauce was hot/spicy the fries were also very spiced (maybe plain fries would have been a better accompaniment). The restaurant itself was very cold and the staff were very nice and worked extremely hard.

My partner and I had such a beautiful meal here, varied menu with reasonable prices. Would recommend sitting outside overlooking the beach.

We had an enjoyable lunch here with friends. The menu has a good range of food options including a number of veggie options. It's also very kid friendly, providing high chairs and lots of space for push chairs. Shame it's not table service to order or to get more drinks, have to go up to the bar to order food and drinks. Not too much of a problem but makes it feel more like a cafe than a restaurant.

Came for a light bite to eat. Restaurant had a lovely atmosphere, Including the allowance of dogs. Decent sized portions for the money is good to see

We've just bean farca walk along the beach and had a nice light lunch and some pictures with the rhino and meat some very nice dogs

This place has nice views, simple reasonably priced menu and good for a social lunch with friends. The burgers and veggie halloumi burger were surprisingly tasty. They could loose the sachets of sauce and go with bottles to reduce the plastic wastage as they are trying in other areas such as compostable salad pots.

Friendly bar staff, friendly, attentive waiter and lovely, reasonable priced food and drinks. A lovely location. Lovely outside seating area.

We actually ate here on 2 occasions. We sat outside in the sunshine and watched the boats and people on the sea. Food was delicious and didnt have to wait too long. Would go again.

Visited this lovely place twice for breakfast and once for dinner. Each time the staff were friendly and the food was excellent. Highly recommend the waffles for breakfast. Delicious all round.

Pleasantly surprised, you order at the bar, the staff were nice and friendly, the view would have been great if it was not raining.

We ended up going two nights running as the food was so delicious! With two 9yr old boys, kids meals are still the choice but it’s always a worry that they aren’t going to be filling enough for them, we needn’t have worried, they had good portion sizes and devoured the lot and commented how lovely it was.

Tried this restaurant as it is at quieter end of Paignton seafront. We had cod and chips and scampi and chips both meals were good and served in a reasonable time. The terrace outside where we had a drink after our meal is lovely.

This beach side cafe has a young, welcoming, friendly staff as well as a great view across Torbay. The food and beverages are good and visitors should be aware of Stardust, who love’s having her photograph taken with them. It is a place that has much to offer visitor and regular alike.