The Lobster Pod Bistro in South Hams

Lovely area,this place is on a hill. Great view over beach and village. Staff super friendly. We had cheesy chips with prawns/crab. Was ok.

Amazing venue, great atmosphere and super staff. Food was amazing.

Absolutely amazing place for a treat, prices are reasonable for the experience. Our waiting member of staff was amazing and funny. A great experience, a little limited on vegetarian options over vegan but that's to be expected these days. Overall, very good.

Fantastic food and flavours, huge portions had the arancini to start by myself, could and should have been to share. The pod fries should be shared as well. It didn't disappoint as was so lovely and filling. Couldn't finish the plate without a struggle with the belt! Chocolate brownie (we did share) was epic!

Still incensed at our visit to the Lobster Pod. Shocking experience. Over half of the menu was not available. Ordered from the poor selection to find only one portion left when two of our family wanted the barbecue ribs. Food was unappetising, dry and just warm. The pizza I suspect was a frozen supermarket market buy - the base definitely was not freshly made. Massively overpriced. Quite simply - don’t waste your time and money for the view with inedible food. Overpriced for a gimmick with a view. My future son in law secured a 50% discount because of the horrific food and bad experience - most reputable restaurants would have be so embarrassed that the charge would have been waived. Would the staff please stop saying “awesome” to every comment - the evening was anything but. The previous evening we ate at the Hope and Anchor pub - what a difference. The full menu was available, delivered on time and fresh. The hospitality was excellent. 20 metres down the road…

Absolutely amazing food and unspoilt views of the bay

We go here once or twice a year, food is always lovely. View is perfect and service is fantastic. The fish is always so fresh.

Too expensive for cheap food. Gone downhill in the past few years.

Steak was clearly cooked from frozen… shocking considering the price… I’ve been quite ill since dining there… Also, if you order the kids pizza they incorporate basil/ oregano etc - as a result the kids don’t want it..

Highly rate the lobster pod bistro Lovely setting and scenery. Right on the beach and the sun was setting. Lovely food. We had the mussels and bbq spare ribs. Big size portions which is great. The staff were really attentive and friendly. The pods are really unique with heating and Bluetooth and comfortable enough to eat your meal in. I would like to come back again

My boyfriend and I arrived in hope cove later than we had planned due to our vehicle breaking down and had arrived past service hours, after trying to get food from one restaurant and understandably being turned away we stumbled across lobster pod bistro and thank goodness we did! Even though they technically had also stopped service here, there was a really lovely worker called Claire who offered us pizzas, chips and drinks. The kitchen staff were really lovely to have continued working to facilitate us and we couldn’t be more grateful. The food was absolutely delicious and the setting was beautiful with very comfortable seating with a creative theming. The staff were all extremely caring and attentive and the food was very reasonably priced, we would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone and we will be returning soon. Thank you for saving our night!

Food is great as always. We have a surf and turf sharing platter which was cooked to a good standard. They were a little slow in asking on the initial order for drinks, even though it wasn't busy. The food came promptly. After clearance we sat waiting for a server to come back, we even tried to gain their attention. When someone came to do the pod we were going to order dessert when we were told we had to vacate as we had overstayed our slot and the next guests were here. I completely get turnovers etc, but to be asked about a final course would have been nice. I'd definitely go back, so don't let this put you off, just expect to take a trip after for some waffles and ice cream.

Amazing lunch. Delicious food. Friendly staff. We enjoyed lobster, naturally! But also lemon sole, a chicken burger. The lobster pod chips are fantastic!!! So cheesy and loaded with seafood, we have not had anything like this before and we had to take the left overs to go! Make sure you book ahead for a pod, or you’ll be disappointed. It was rainy weather but we still had a gorgeous view over the bay with Bluetooth speakers creating a wonderful holiday vibe. Only improvement would be to add a key code lock to the restaurant toilets that are located just outside the restaurant and therefore are used by other beach goers, regardless of the signs advising where the public toilets are. Would highly recommend.

Amazing lunch. Delicious food. Friendly staff. We enjoyed lobster, naturally! But also lemon sole, a chicken burger. The lobster pod chips are fantastic!!! So cheesy and loaded with seafood, we have not had anything like this before and we had to take the left overs to go! Make sure you book ahead for a pod, or you’ll be disappointed. It was rainy weather but we still had a gorgeous view over the bay with Bluetooth speakers creating a wonderful holiday vibe. Only improvement would be to add a key code lock to the restaurant toilets that are located just outside the restaurant and therefore are used by other beach goers, regardless of the signs advising where the public toilets are. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic food incredible meows of the sea if you book a pod in advance, amazing and friendly staff would definitely recommend

A nice lobster and steak meal but the best thing about the experience was the service from Cameron who was friendly, put us lobster newbies at ease and told us lots of fascinating facts about lobsters

Excellent location and food. Being in a pod is great fun and highly recommended. Lobster platter well worth it and couldn't ask for anything better. Definitely a holiday highlight, will be back... can't wait.

Great view .staff were only Interested in meal orders not bothered if you were there just for a drink .other pubs better

Great concept and been coming since it opened. Sadly feeling like this might not be worth returning. Obviously lovely situation in the pod overlooking harbour. Great views. Service provided by a very helpful young man who made up for lack of knowledge with enthusiasm. Sadly food really not great. 4 of 5 orders were disappointing. Tough meat. Disappointing fish. Either sourcing or preparation needs looking at to get this back to par.

We had a lovely holiday in Hope Cove in May 2023, we had a house on the cliff and on our last evening, we ate at the Lobster Pod Bistro.. fantastic, we were spoilt for choice on the menu, loved everything about it, including the view whilst eating and can't wait to go there again!

Best lobster I have had in ages 👍

Brilliant bistro, great sea views. Parking easy at the Hope Cove Layby car park.

Fabulous view and food that matches.

Perfect food… perfect location… perfection! Highly recommend!

This is our second attempt at what is a beautiful setting in Hope Cove. Aside from one overworked and friendly young male server the management are just plain rude and not interested in their customers or choices. The food has been below average from the fish to the lobster. Lobsters served without any dressing or finger bowls. Definitely will not go a third time after a very expensive meal without any welcome or goodbye.

Amazing location and food. Service was great. We would highly recommend 👌

The whole meal and experience was a big disappointment. The service lacked energy, knowledge and assistance. The food was unremarkable, unimaginative and forgettable. The value was not bad, but because of the above, it was overpriced. The best thing about this place is the location and therefore the beautiful sunset we witnessed.

Food was really nice, we chose Monkfish bites starter then turf and surf share platter. Lobster was beautiful, the steak was ok. Incredible views from our pod

Best seafood restaurant I've been to very fresh lobster 🦞 straight from the tank 😋 very enjoyable 10 / 10

Superb food and a beautiful location to watch the sun set

Great for a sundowner in the evenings. We didnt eat this time but great food

We dined in a relaxing atmosphere. The pod was very comfortable and gave us a perfect place with stunning views.Food was very good and varied . The staff were all very friendly and polite.

Stunningbest fish and chips I have ever had. My wife had a crab sandwich it was very nice

One of the best meals I've ever had! The setting (we were lucky with the weather) is as good as any I have ever had for a meal anywhere in the World! The food was delicious (look at my pics!), super friendly and professional service, what more can you ask for! Absolutely worth every penny.

Saturday 3:45pm I walk in, the guy says they serve food after 4pm which is okay. All tables are empty (including pods and cabin). I sit in a pod, guy asks me to sit outside on a table or in the cabin because they are fully booked. I move to a table outside but because it’s too hot eventually I move in the cabin. Ordered 800g of lobster, a cheesy garlic bread and lobster pod fries. The lobster is fresh but overcooked and with no garlic sauce side (which the guy mentioned when taking the order), the chips are the soggiest chips ever existed on this planet and the garlic bread is just a ready made-put in the oven- garlic bread. I walked in 3:45pm and all the pods and tables were empty. It’s 5:20pm and all the tables, pods and cabin are still empty. I could have definitely sat in a pod and have lunch nicely before any reservations come in. Service is slow and table management is bad. Shame because the location is really nice. Removed the service charge from the bill. Didn’t even bother asking why. Unfortunately won’t be coming back.

Had a lovely lunch overlooking Hope Cove at the start of May, would recommend booking to get a pod, food very good and quick

Booked a pod for my wife's birthday. She loved it it. As did my 5 year old. Staff were great. Very attentive without being intrusive. Prosecco was on ice when we arrived. Food was excellent. A bit wet and wild but the pods have heaters so we were cosy. Wifi and bluetooth speakers is an excellent touch so you can listen to your own music. Amazing view.

First time visiting The Lobster Pod, for my husbands birthday treat. Great service, was made to feel really welcome and was always checked on to see if we required any extras. Luckily the weather was on our side too, as the views were exceptional from our pod. We loved how you could personalise the pod with your own music and having control of the heater & lights. We will definitely be returning. The food was delicious and plenty to choose from! Thanks again to the lovely Lady who catered to us 😊

Please don't come here if you are looking for good food. We came here to celebrate a special birthday and were really disappointed with the food. I ordered the lobster pod chips to go with some squid and at £17.50 I expected it to come out as it stated in the menu 'thickly coated with crayfish and brown crab meat' instead it had a few cray fish on top and the brown crab meat had somehow been melted onto the chips so it was nowhere to actually be seen. They were definitely not worth the price. The kids meals x4 all came out without the salad it was supposed to have with it as stated in the menu also. When I mentioned this to the waitress she seemed to think it was funny to suggest the 4 children eat the two lettuce leaves that were a garnish on our starter plates, she then went on to say she could bring the salads out after the children had eaten their meals, no apology at all. When she realised I was actually being serious about wanting my children to have eaten their meals with the salad it should have come with she said she would discount two of the meals and took pennies off the bill. The location is absolutely stunning and it's such a shame that you can not visit and have some lovely food along with the lovely views. I am more than happy to pay the prices if the food is worth it but definitely not for the type of food you could get out of a bag in the freezer.

Food was not too my liking although we visited in the summer and they were very busy. Some strange combos, great views and good staff

Great place to eat with a nice view of hope cove, we unfortunately went on a misty day but was still nice, can connect your phone to the pod via Bluetooth , seafood platter was lovely

As a South Hams local, I've been to the Lobster Pod many times. Its a fantastic setting sitting in your own pod, overlooking the sea. Even if it rains, it doesn't matter. However, our last visit was a little bit of a let-down. Not sure if its changed management since we were last there, but this time, despite our rather large bill, a service charge was applied. I was asked to take a look at the bill and told "this contains a discretionary service charge". Now I don't like this. It puts you in an awkward situation. You either look hard-faced asking for it to be taken off or you have to accept it. I would much rather it be voluntary and that I pay a service charge when I think a place deserves it. To be frank, the menu isn't that great, it's just pizza, fish or burgers. The service is "ok" but nothing special. If they have a problem paying their staff adequate wages, I'd rather they put their prices up than put a service charge on. Back to my particular issue and the comment "this contains a discretionary service charge", well it didn't. The discretionary service charge was added on to the bill amount. So when I thought I was paying £xxx inc the charge, my receipt and bank statement showed a further 10% more. In hindsight, I should have been hardfaced and asked for it to be removed as I thought the price was already quite high for pizza and drinks without the shock of seeing it was actually even more! Suffice to say, it has put be off going again and spoiled the birthday meal we were celebrating.

Fantastic seafood restaurant! Food is well cooked and the lobsters are very fresh. Pods are a nice touch and have a speaker in them also. Highly recommend the fish and lobster dishes, loaded fries are a nice side also.

This place is amazing . We eat here several times a year and love it . The seafood is delicious and the view is unbeatable . We sat watching the seals play in the sea sheltered by the breakwater . The sea was very rough on the day . We were so lucky to be blessed by blue skies for our walk over the cliffs

Great location come rain or shine. The food is great, and the lobster is absolutely amazing. Generally the location will be hard to top! Staff are really friendly and ensure you're having a good time.

Despite storm Ciaran raging outside, pod was lovely and cosy. Friendly staff, good food and stunning views

Great food big portions. Delicious

Bit of a last minute booking as we were supposed to go a few days earlier but cancelled due to illness, absolutely no problem from the restaurant. We had the platter and an extra lobster for three of us , great food far too much but excellent quality. Staff first rate really friendly and helpful.

Beautiful location, lovely food... And great options for different dietary requirements

Great place for a unique dining experience! We enjoyed fantastic food in the most idyllic setting. The pods offer a private dinner in a public place overlooking the beautiful hope cove. Food comes at a bit of a premium but definitely worth it in my opinion! The person I was with is intolerant to Gluten, the waiter gave us a book with a fine breakdown of every ingredient in every meal to allow us to check it wouldn’t be an issue. This really felt above and beyond expectation.

Lovely fresh fish (and more). Brilliant concept and location, website a little out of date. All the team members are a credit to the restaurant and they have to work so hard up and down on the steps. Food is delicious, so fresh and massive portions (be warned!). If you are down on holiday this is a must try restaurant.

We shared the lobster platter which was delicious. The service was excellent and the pods are a great idea. We will definitely be back.

Have eaten here several times over the last couple of years - thoroughly recommend! Wonderful views of Hope Cove and the food is delicious with generous portions. Staff work work so hard to make the dining experience perfect. We’ll be back next week - can’t wait to eat here again 😃

Great place in a stunning location. The setting is stunning, sat in your pods looking out at that view, and enjoying a nice meal with a bit of privacy was a holiday highlight. The pizza was OK, though I wouldn't order them again. The base was very average, but decent toppings. Definitely should be making their own dough, would be a massive improvement. The burgers were good but the seafood platters looked incredible. Well worth the visit just for ambiance and setting though.

We went for the Lobster Pod Platter, with 1kg of Lobster (you get to choose how much lobster) and we couldn’t believe our eyes when we were presented with the platter, absolutely beautifully presented and everything included was cooked to perfection. The quality of the food and friendliness of the staff was also accompanied by the stunning views from the Cabin which had a lovely relaxed feel. Worth every single penny, you can’t get much fresher seafood!! Thank you to the staff who made our last evening in the area one to remember! A place that we will recommend to anyone visiting!

Food overpriced. Not the atmosphere I expected, decor very poor. Service by waiting terrible. Would not eat there again. Very poor. Would rather have had a takeaway fish and chips on the beach.

We really enjoyed our experience at the Lobster Pod Bistro. The view of Hope Cove was amazing from our Pod,as was our meal. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We would definitely recommend and will definitely book again when back in Devon.

What a glorious setting to eat amazing food! We watched the sun set from our pod!

We had our anniversary lunch at the Lobster Pod. Fantastic service, friendly staff who were interested in why you were there and wanted to make the occasion special. I would highly recommend the lobster sharing platter for 2 which was fantastic, would have easily done 3. A nice casual place to go, no airs and graces. The food is spot on.

The best location, the most beautiful views, but more importantly, the food. The freshest ingredients cooked up in to something very special served by the loveliest team. No photo jiggery pokery, photos are exactly what you see.

Food was nice, lovely fresh fish but service lacking and the prices do not match the level of service you would expect

Everything about our meal was perfect. We celebrated our Ruby wedding anniversary and the evening could not have gone better. The food was excellent, my monkfish starter (enough to share - which we did) followed by wild sea bass fillets (again enough to share - which we should have done!) along with a side of lobster smothered fries. The service was very friendly, efficient and well paced. On top of all the above the location is fabulous, the pods perfect and the sunset last night was an added bonus. Well worth a visit if in the area.

We always visit here when we come on holiday to Devon (3/4 times a year) but unfortunately the place has gone massively downhill. Weeds everywhere, areas around the pods are really shabby and messy, filthy toilets. Staff were really friendly and food was ok but such a shame it’s not been maintained properly. Stunning views as always but we probably wont return until it’s tidied up. It’s too expensive to be so run down.

Just had a fabulous birthday lunch in pod 11 it was amazing thank you

Awful food. Was that a Dr otteker pizza you served us? The location is great, but food terrible. The brisket burger was drier than the sand on a hot day. 100% recommend trying elsewhere.

Excellent food and an amazing view. Will visit again.

Beautiful view but only four stars because of extraordinary prieces for Pizza, Aperol and Beer

A wonderful venue from which to watch The World of Devon drift slowly past while you eat in the dry comfort of your personal party pod. Food was good but the service was exceptional ~ quick, smiley and friendly. Thank you.

Really good food quality. Prawn cocktail and monkfish tail starters were fresh, well seasoned and very tasty. We had gurnard and mackerel with salad and vegetables as our main courses and we struggled to finish our food (the portions were huge). Only reason we haven't given 5 stars is the slightly chaotic service. But can't fault the food or price.

I think the ownership has changed it’s not the same quality food that I had a few years before very disappointing 😞

Amazing place nested on the side of the harbour... service was great (really need to book in Summer)... food was great, Sea Bass and crab dishes were best I've had....

The food is very nice, the service was great, and the view is obviously amazing as ever. However, the prices have increased substantially since last year. If you have been in previous years check the new menu prices and that you’re comfortable. A margarita pizza from under £10 to over £15. A chicken burger is nearly £10 more. A crab pizza has gone from £15 to £30. I understand eating out has got more expensive but this rise in costs is way beyond inflation and what I have noticed at other restaurants.

Great food good staff will be back

As you can’t make a reservation apart from the pods (see website), we went to see if we were lucky enough to have dinner at the bistro due to a friend's recommendation. We kindly asked for a table for two and were told by the manager that there was no free table within the next hour (7-8pm) but we could sit outside (in the light rain) if we wanted. We went further up hill to check out the outside tables and met another service member who offered to get an outside table ready for us, as well as providing us with a menu to have a look at. We learned the kitchen closes at 8.15pm. Us, still undecided because of the really unstable weather condition, checked out a small inside seating area up the hill where more than half the tables were empty. As we were aware of the booking policy, we asked another service member whether all of those tables were really actually taken. He told us no, they weren’t. He was still hesitant to have us seated and it turned out it was because it was just the two of us while the table was suitable for around 4-5 people. We said we also wouldn’t mind other people joining our table and he agreed. He also informed us that the kitchen closes at 8.30/40pm. After sitting down for 3 minutes he came back, telling us that he spoke to the manager and apologised for the “misunderstanding” (us not telling him we were already declined and made aware of the “fully booked” bistro). We were told that five people were currently on their way to exactly this table (strange, isn’t it? - “first come first serve”?) and we were asked to leave the table. Goodbye lobster pod bistro.

Very good food but took a long time to come especially after starters the main took ages and due to the 1h 45m limit in the pods we missed out on pudding and left some main

Food was good, but very expensive (as was the automatically-calculated service charge). I guess you're paying for the amazing outlook over Hope Cove. Staff attire has taken 'casual' concept too far - dressed in t-shirts and shell suits. It felt like we had turned up too early and the team weren't ready for 'service' or that we had stumbled upon a staff training event! Would give the place five stars if the team were better presented and they ditched that service charge. Still, a very pleasant place to watch the sun go down!

What a great spot to sit and eat with friends. The pods keep you out of the wind but do get very warm in the sunshine. The food was excellent but definitely a hit on your wallet. Will need to save up to come here. Sometimes these special occasions are worth it. Not easy to visit if you have mobility issues.

We had the most amazing meal at the Lobster Pod, we booked in advance after hearing so many good reviews and it didn’t disappoint. The setting was amazing, the pod was so spacious and comfortable, dog friendly too and the staff were great with our dog. Food was incredible!!! Worth every penny and would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone! Not a bad word to say!

Great place, friendly staff, but the pod was empty the whole time I was there , I did ask but was told it was booked , when it did get cooler I did ask if I could go in for last 15 mins of finishing of my drink but my meal had got cold quickly eating outside at 7pm.

We booked a pod after reading the fabulous reviews. Unfortunately the weekbefore I tore my meniscus cliff walking. With no vehicle acess I was determined to get there even on crutches. And worth the pain it was. The staff are friendly, happy and seem to...

Great place to sit and relax, very good service all round. Really recommend this place, I had Mackerel on this occasion and it was outstanding. Don’t think about it and just visit, you won’t regret it.

Absolutely fabulous. Stunning location and incredible service. A very warm welcome. Every member of staff was exemplary. Chatty, friendly and attentive. They work so hard, up and down those steps all day. We only wanted a large basket of chips to share and a couple...

Fabulous spot the staff were really helpful allowed us to have the Pod at bottom as our elderly dog wouldn't make the steps. Fabulous food,excellent service, staff very friendly and stunning views loved it 👌

Superb food, incredible view and great service. Our first time at The Lobster Pod, we booked a pod well in advance, though despite the glorious weather, there were still a few tables available for those who hadn’t. Our friendly and attentive waitress recommended the Buzzing...

We enjoyed a fantastic meal of fresh fish here, lemon sole and John Dory were delicious 😋 Can't wait to visit again in September!

The visit here topped off our trip to Hope Cove perfectly. We came for fresh lobster and ended up sharing a very large seafood platter. It's not cheap but worth every penny. £40 for the sharing plate plus the cost of the lobster, which are sold 500 600 700 grames. We chose the 600gr which was ample. ( £8/100gr).. The staff were very casual but also efficient , friendly and helpful The restaurant has pods for you to sit in but it was such a fabulous day we chose to sit on an outdoor table looking over the bay and harbour.

The pizza 🍕 was to die for!!!!! Great views on a sunny day washed down with a cold beer 🍺 👌

Fabulous food, great service and a truly stunning location.

Well worth the visit. Food is excellent, amazing views and the pods are something unique

Great experience, friendly staff

Fabulous dining experience at The Lobster Pod Bistro! The staff were extremely attentive and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. We had drinks and starters outside overlooking the beautiful Sandy Cove and then moved into the Cabin for our main courses when it became a...

I had the sea bass with new potatoes which was really nice, fresh and healthy. Excellent view of hope cove. The pod was clean, had music system and air con. Staff were attentive and helpful.

Wow what can I say the perfect location for a perfect dinner we loved it. The food was amazing and the staff were so attentive. We will be back soon xxx

Very nice food, nice view and friendly staff. Bit pricey

We often visit and stay in beautiful Hope Cove. Wonderful views. Delicious food. Plenty of fishy options and lobsteras you would expect. Wonderful crew. If you're lucky, reserve a pod. If not available, the Cabin still offers all those benefits whilst there are also plenty...

Was such a beautiful setting! We were running late but with 5 minutes to go they still managed to fit us in for some of the best food I’ve ever eaten!

Good service, wonderful food. Great views from the pods. The seafood platter was huge and everything was perfectly cooked. If I had to criticize anything, it would be the plastic glassware in the pods (although maybe they just put that in ours because we were dining with two small children and three dogs).

We had a lovely lunch here on the bank holiday in May 2023. The staff were really friendly and the service was good. The views from the garden are stunning and the only way to eat fresh seafood with a Seaview

3 starters to share and a drink each came to over £60. Definitely over priced for the calibre of food. The chowder was the best by far and was ok. The loaded lobster fries came out luke warm so not very enjoyable. The monk fish bites was adequate but I wouldn't rush back for. The service was pretty good, the view is incredible!!!!

What a fantastic restaurant in an idealic setting we sat in one of their lovely pods overlooking the cove. Their staff were friendly and very informative when it came to the options on the menu. Their food was unbelievable. We had a few starters and light bites, which was enough. I love my monkfish, and their monkfish bites are so far the best way I have eaten monkfish. I would highly recommend it. We normally take away and sit on the beach to eat. I would defo recommend eating in if you get the chance, but book ahead they can be very busy at peak times. Happy eating 😋