Waterside Bistro in South Hams

We have had two great meals here on two consecutive nights. I had Fish Pie and my son had Mushroom Bourguignon, both of which were well presented and very tasty. Tonight we opted for the Pizzas, the base was a beautiful thin sour dough, cooked perfectly, the toppings were generous with lashings of mozzarella and were exceedingly delicious. The staff are very friendly and attentive without being obtrusive. An added bonus for me is that they sell both Devon Mist and Aspall cider on tap. Thank you.

Fantastic evening. Service outstanding friendly and professional. Meal was delicious, Shared starter of baked Camembert and charcuterie board. Fish of the day, beautifully cooked. Cocktails were outstanding.. cosmopolitan so good I had to have 2. Would certainly recommend.

As first time visitors to Totnes, contrary to recent local reviews, we experienced an extremely friendly professional service. The food was outstanding. from bar to waiting staff. We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and would not hesitate to recommend to others.

Great food with wonderful cocktails and brilliant attentive staff. Felt very welcome and just a fun evening the girls.

We have been meeting regularly at The Waterside Bistro for over a year and have noticed a gradual deterioration in staff service. Today there were 3 staff on who stood around taking with one another rather than paying attention to customers. We would have ordered or at least thought about it had we been asked if we would like to see a dessert menu. It took an age to clear our plates and we overall felt there was little interest in us or the reason they were there. We have now decided to go elsewhere.

Dinner on Monday night with my daughter. She had pizza and I had pork tenderloin. Not super busy but a relaxed nice atmosphere with diners and drinkers. Good food, nice service. Will return.

Dinner on Monday night with my daughter. She had pizza and I had pork tenderloin. Not super busy but a relaxed nice atmosphere with diners and drinkers. Good food, nice service. Will return.

Just love this Bistro. Please don't close. We have been comjnv here for 7years now.

I'm sorry to say that this restaurant was a real disappointment to my wife and I. The food and the service was surprisingly poor, and we really regretted our decision to eat here. Oh well.

Just had a great birthday meal at the bistro. 15 of us with some very excited toddlers. The staff couldn’t do enough for us while also accommodating other guests and eccentric locals that were after a quieter drink or meal. Food was great and the beer cold. The complimentary birthday shot was… interesting. 😂 Made us feel at ease all night and everything done with a smile. Great vibes! Great staff! great food!

Lovely food, friendly staff, highly recommended!

My husband and I ate here three nights in a row because we enjoyed the food, atmosphere and service. The atmosphere is very calm and cosy. The food is excellent and there is a lovely choice of starters, mains and sweets. Everything is delivered with a friendly smile and the service is very attentive. A special thankyou to Sam and Jess for their special service!

Jess was exceptional!!! Really looked after us and we can't wait to return.

Very much appreciated the vegan options on the menu!

They advertise being open until 8.30pm but didn’t want to serve from 8.25pm. And rather than being apologetic, the manager was rude. Despite the comment below from a manager, yes, I did get the right place. It's on the Dart river, opposite my house.

Whilst the restaurant/pub had a verity of food, nothing looked that appealing. The chicken burger was rather disappointing and practically disintegrated once I started eating it. That being said, it’s not like there’s a lot of restaurant options in Totnes.

I have been going to this local bistro for decades and it has really gone downhill in the last year or so. I have never reviewed a restaurant in my town before, but I’m so sad to see this place going under which it most definitely is. We recently had a most underwhelming meal…Lack Luster service and poor food… I would not eat here again. I also regularly stop here for a drink and there is an unfriendly and unhelpful girl working here. I would say she is rude, but that would imply she is engaging with you. I am totally baffled as to why she is working in the Hospitality industry. I fear that If there isn’t a big shake up, I think all their current business will be going over to the new place opening on the plains . This will be a terrible shame as the waterside has a great location and has historically offered a very good dining experience. They are losing this and need to wake up!

Sat 2 adults with families small children/babies Was made to feel awkward when asked to move Wrong order arrived Pudding no brownie just cheap ice cream and cream Wouldn’t rush back

Very strange place. Upcharges for GF bun? Why charge extra for allergies! Inattentive service as well.

Decent food at a reasonable price

Visited a couple of weeks ago. Front of house staff excellent but I am afraid to say the food quality is very poor. Chefs need to go back and re train. Will not be returning again as much better restaurants to eat at in Totnes.

We visited for a family birthday meal, and booked in advance. It was mostly male staff, with one rude girl also serving. We had ordered our meals, including the steak and ale pie, and there was no attempt to upsell any potato side to come along with it, as it was literally a pie and a bit of veg for £18. We all shared chips from our burgers so my family member had something to accompany his meal. As mentioned it was a birthday meal. We were offered desserts, when I mentioned at the bar we had a cake and if that could be brought out. We waited 25 mins, said no to desserts within about 10 minutes and still no cake. I had to remind them again about the cake, and then it came out. We then waited 10 mins for a knife and plates to come out. The staff were too busy clearing down the whole place around us at 9:30, it made for a really uncomfortable meal, willing us to leave. The whole service from being greeted at the door to paying the bill was poor was poor. There was no smiles, no one checked the meal, they were loudly joking around behind the bar ignoring us and we couldn’t catch anyone’s eye for more drinks or to pay the bill. We had a lovely meal last Father’s Day, and we thought we’d come again. Unfortunately I can’t say I’ll be coming back, food was mediocre and I warn others so your special days aren’t tarnished too .

I had been here last year in April with my daughter where we shared a delicious pizza with a bottle of wine one lunchtime , so I thought it would be great to visit again. Was very disappointed with the childrens meal , I had asked for no peas with the fish Goujons and fries but they took up a third of the plate , 4 goujons and a handful of fries , which at £9 I thought was a rip off , they could at least include a small carton of juice or water with a desert for that price . The other person with me ordered a medium steak which was a tiny portion with no salad and a tiny tub of fries It was over cooked done and didn’t justify £21! We ordered the charcuterie board for 2 which was definitely for one , the cold meats were good but the olives and peppers were a mouthful , and it came with one roll and one tiny packet of butter . I would recommend for pizzas but not if you had a few children with you , which is a shame as it’s a great location.

Food was served, my husband and friend ordered the chicken, it was red at the bone, called manager over, said sorry 😞 it'd been in the slow cooker for 3 hours and I wouldn't eat it either. The table next to is asked for vegan food and was served with chicken in it, my friend then asked for the same as me but didn't get as much and had ingredients missing naturally, we all had to wait again for our meals. We will definitely not go there again. 3 meals in 1 hour practically raw and not what one asked for. Disgusting, get your acts together, not as if it was busy that day

Fantastic hosts, so welcoming and accommodating. Fab place to eat and a lovely environment

It’s the closest restaurant to our accommodation so thought we would give it a try. Staff were good. Very helpful and friendly. Unfortunately the food was terrible. Cold, processed and overpriced. Toilets were discussing. Lesson learnt.

Got takeaway pizza so can't comment on atmosphere, but the service was really excellent. Really friendly and quick.

A very pleasant meal, was brought out quickly and the pizzas were really nice. I would eat here again! The view by the river was nice as well.

Our local place food selection service all excellent and Salcombe pale ale. 10 put of 10

Lovely and cozy little restaurant, friendly and efficient staff, and good food. I had the special which was fish, and it was beautifully cooked. We found parking on the street a short walk away. I would recommend this restaurant for a night out with a small group of friends or for a date.

Very pricey for what you get .but tasted ok Staff ok... friendly.. Nice to sit in the shade on a hot day

A quiet Thursday early eve. Well done to new Hosts. Staff Welcoming. GSOH See you soon. Susie Totnes / Dartington. 💚

Well portioned food which we enjoyed, desserts were very expensive.

Haven’t been here for years. Fantastic service- great location and the bar staff gave me a free brownie as there was a wait on food 😍

We were late booking, but the restaurant (although quite busy) was able to accommodate us & walk ins. The staff were very pleasant & helpful. Good choice of freshly cooked tasty food, reasonably priced. An enjoyable meal in pleasant surroundings. Plenty of outdoor waterside seating when weather allows.

Nice food and good service. Good in the sun by the river.

An excellent dining experience. We have been a few times and the food is always decent. The service was truly exceptional on this occasion. The waiter (who I presume was the manager) gave us excellent service and helped cater for a toddler and baby. On this occasion, we both had a burger which was tasty and a solid option. The kitchen was accommodating of a fussy toddler. Having a sampled a number of restaurants and cafés in Totnes this remains our favourite for the choice of food, location and service.

Decided to sit in for a small lunch, good selection of items from sandwiches to pasties and pizza with a variation of cold and hot drinks available. Has a very convenient takeaway window on one end and also sells biscuits and ice-cream. good prices and nice staff.

It is in a good position by the bridge and opposite the island . There are plenty of outdoor seats if the weather is good. Service was good but the food was no better than average . Fish pie is average and the chips not as crisp as you would expect .Outside area needs freshening up .

Bit pricey, but lovely food. Staff friendly, lost a star as one male member of staff wasn’t very friendly at all. Lovely setting, can be busy outside more with younger people at times, neat upbeat atmosphere

Fabulous location, good outdoor seating by the river, and Erigeron everywhere, which I love.

Really disappointed to be refused entry to the bistro as we had not booked. The gentleman who greeted us was certainly not a gentleman, he was rude and almost aggressive in his manner. The place was empty, I wonder why🤔 We went instead to the Seven Stars Hotel and what a difference, great food and service.

Chef need learn how to cook steak medium-rare Pepper corn sauce discounting to long in microwave 🤮not recommended food this place

Chef need learn how to cook steak medium rare !!! Pepper corn spice discounting Not recommend this place for food !!!!!!

Don't buy the as advertised slow cooked"Rolled pork" nothing slow cooked about it , just a dry chop ontop of some black pudding with what tasted like instant mash , Rubbish my 16 year old knocks out a better dinner

Had lots of really good meals here and sadly tonight was a real miss. Fish pie was very floury, had nearly no fish in it, and was served with a wilted side salad. Chicken burger was ok, but sweet potato chips were cold and undercooked. Service great.

Lovely food, good selection of wine by the glass. Friendly, efficient staff. Good location.

Great place to meet, eat and just have a coffee or drinks. Shame the WiFi is still so poor!

Nice food, good service, a little overpriced. We did visit in May, weather was not very good and it was mid week. It was not very busy, so not much of an atmosphere. I'm sure it's probably a popular place at the weekend and better weather!!

Took family for a lovely meal everyone enjoyed it. Staff were friendly, helpful, and pretty. Beer was good. What more could a man want?

Lovely place staff were lovely and food was nice 👍

Highly recommended! First time there and will most definitely be going back. The service was excellent and the food was absolutely delicious! The place was busy, but we got seated and served pretty quick. A very cute place on the river. Will go back next time for lunch so that we can sit outside and enjoy the view and ambience. The owners and staff are very friendly. We couldn’t have asked for a better night out.

Not good for vegetarians. Of our party the vegetarians had two different meals, both of which were really not good. The meat eaters amongst us were content with their meals but the parmigiana was like nothing I've had in an Italian restaurant, really poor, and the vegetarian burger was dry and heavily over salted. I had hoped that the new owners would have improved the vegetarian options,sadly they haven't. Also the child's food was salty,not what one wants for a toddler. We wont be returning.

We had a wonderful Valentine evening at the Waterside in Totnes. It's the first time we've been out for a Valentine's meal in years but we were given a gift card to spend here and we were not disappointed. The food was good and the atmosphere lovely. There was live music which was a type of Jazz band and we really enjoyed their songs. All in all a brilliant evening and we would recommend this restaurant.

This is a lovely spot for a relaxed dinner. Service was pretty good and the staff were very friendly Varied menu: I had the pizza which was so nice that I wished I'd chosen the larger size! My husband had beef bourguignon and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend it.

Lovely location, atmosphere and service, staff were really friendly! However, the food was a bit of a let down. Limited vegetarian options and the Garden Burger was rather plain, boring and a bit dry. It was definitely edible but I wouldn't pay £15 again for a dish like that. My partner had the pheasant breast but wasn't too impressed either with value for money and the flavour was a bit basic.

It was an impromptu visit with my sister. The restaurant was busy inside with a few sat outside. (It was a very windy day). We managed to get a table as a couple was leaving as we arrived it took them 2 minutes to sort the table and get us seated with a prompt drop off of a bottle of water and two glasses which was a nice touch. Staff was friendly and professional. Short wait for the food, all came out nice and hot and was all very tasty all meals were thoroughly enoyed thank you.

We visited waterside bistro as a family of 3. Pushchair access and space is a must for us and we had plenty of room for our baby. We ordered the waterside burger & chicken & med veg off the specials menu. The food standard was incredible, we walked away having thoroughly enjoyed our meals and the service was brilliant throughout our lunch experience. Would visit again in a heartbeat!

Visited here a few weeks ago and it was really good. Repeated the experience with family members on Saturday 29th and it was a big difference. We had our drinks order taken immediately and waited quite a while for the food order to be taken. The food took ages to appear and then on,y two of us were served. The remaining two were sat for a very long time without any despite asking waitress where the meals were. Sadly also one of the two who had been served had cold chips which also had to be replaced. French mustard was requested but English mustard appeared. At that stage we were losing the will to complain again. The food when it appeared was just OK on this occasion. Don’t think we will rush to go back. Such a shame.

We ordered the pizza with salad and chips it was amazing so much topping on and red hot. staff are very friendly can not fault them

On Monday 18th March 2024 Three of us had an excellent meal in very relaxed circumstances, where we could hear each other speak, (This was important as one of us was hard of hearing). We were also very impressed with the service I think the waiter was called Louis. I recommend this place and will go there again

The tastiest fish pie ever. My partner had the steak which was beautifully cooked. The service was excellent too.

The food was not that great, nearly 20 pounds for a duck with red cabbage that was without seasoning, potatoes was ish okay, so all I had it was just duck and potatoes, no one ever asked how was the food,or why I haven't touched my red cabbage. Just a little disappointed.

Lovely food. Great service. Nice location

The best pub in Totnes, sausage and mash to die for and absolutely lovely staff. Great local cider on offer too! 10/10

We visited without booking (5 persons) and asked to be seated in the lovely front dining room which soon filled up! We all ordered different mains/specials. Food arrived hot tasty and well presented. Everyone enjoyed their chosen meal. Generous portions. Great service. First time I have eaten here since change of ownership and everything was just as good. Prices were reasonable especially the daily specials.

Big bright bar serving very nice Salcombe beers the service was spot on and friendly but found the food quite bland and expensive having said that I would give it another go and definitely have a drink or two

Booked a table a couple of weeks ahead but, although there is a quiet dining area, we were given a table in the bar, next to an ever increasing group of hysterically noisy young people, which turned out to be a leaving do for someone. The service was inattentive, the food passable. Arancini balls were not interesting, the calamari was more batter than anything else, the fish pie was so over-microwaved that it steamed for several minutes before one could attempt to eat it and then didn't have much flavour.

I ordered duck leg, and after a while, my duck leg looked not freshly, and when I finished to eat, I noticed was missing something from the menu, missing my potatoes. A big mistake for a nice restaurant with a lot reviews. People from there said to give a drink… not reliable..

I came here for a meal recently and enjoyed it very much, the staff were friendly and witty and the food was delicious and well presented :)

Didn't realise these guys did breakfast items from 10.00 a.m. Ordered a breakfast bacon baguette and received the freshest [ baked that morning ] half-baguette with crispy bacon [ lots ] and offer of sauces. Dear James, the bar manager looked after us very well, as he always does when we go in the evening. Gonna make this a regular morning Bacon-butty stop now.... could not fault their bread and I am quite picky! Highly recommended!

First time here and the food and service was top notch. Big shout out to James who made our visit memorable. Really tasty pizza and great hot drinks. Will be back soon

Very very nice but more range needed service excellent waitress doing a great jib

Disappointing. Having enjoyed numerous meals here before with friends I expected the same experience. I chose a linguine dish- Mediterranean vegetables with a tomato and basil sauce- but the tomatoes were just incorporated into the linguine, no sauce, just oil stirred through. The service was not good at all. After our plates were cleared we waited 20-30 minutes before eventually having to call a waiter over to take orders for desert and coffee and then a further wait before our orders were brought. We were later told that preparations were being made for a wake in the room we were in and that we could stay longer if we moved into the other room but this doesn't really excuse our being left waiting for so long. In fact we would have been out of their way much sooner had the waiting staff been more attentive.

Strongly recommend you avoid this once pleasant venue. We were sat next to a couple who spent the evening shouting and swearing at each other and when I raised the issue with the slim young waiter with glasses that was serving us, he couldn't have been less interested. This place needs to decide whether its just another tatty Devon pub or is trying to deliver a more upmarket experience. If the latter then it would do well to give the staff some training in handling undesirable guests and get a new chef - the food has definitely gone down of late and isn't worth the money they charge. Very disappointing experience.

Sadly menu is still the same old rubbish that's been serviced for last year.. Even down to the bass fillet on the specials. Sadly went to the kebab shop across the road instead as there's a better choice of food. Disappointed

We went here for our work Christmas meal. Food was very disappointing and expensive for the quality we were given. 4 small mushrooms for a garlic mushroom starter and no bread. The main course was haddock on a bed of mash the haddock wasn't properly cooked and was swimming in a runny sauce. The best part of the meal was the sticky toffee pudding with ice cream. Some people had the lemoncello posset which hadn't set and was so runny you had to drink it. I would not recommend this venue and definitely will not return.

2 course Xmas menu for £23 with only one choice for vegans. Dessert was fine but the only option for main course was not nice and definitely not worth the money. Very disappointing and I left hungry.

Visited just for coffee with my husband..totally patronised by some young male waiter because I sat at a table which was booked out even though there was nothing on the table to say it was.. I don't appreciate being called 'love' by members of staff. Won't be going again. Bring back the buzzes.

Brilliant dinner, server was lovely, food was great, would definitely recommend.

Pretty rubbish. Hot Chocolate served cold. Had to request replacement. Vegetarian sausage bap, dry. No butter, no accompanying condiments, just a bap with two veggie sausages in. Butter requested, told ‘I’ll have to go to the kitchen to get it’ promptly forgot. Butter did eventually arrive, once the bap had been consumed. ‘Sorry, it was thawing in the kitchen’. Pot of tea, had to go to the bar (again) to request sugar, offered Demerara (!!!) Staff busying themselves but not remotely attentive. It wasn’t even busy!!! Shabby.

Only went in for a cuppa. It is fine and overlooking the river. Somehow it doesn't really have much atmosphere. Tables, etc. laid out like a canteen very bare. I think they could rethink the outside area

Nicely situated by the creek and river. There is a very large patio area with excellent views of the waterside. Inside was neat and tidy with nice decor features throughout. Welcome was extremely friendly and quickly took us to our seats and offered menus followed by an immediate delivery of water. A number of typical starters as well as a few nibbles. Excellent hummus & crackers as well as lovely olives and peppers. An OK choice of red, white and rose wines. We opted for mains after our nibbles. Immaculately cooked rump steak & fries as well as a really nice beef and mushroom pie. Service throughout was very friendly and efficient with a nice touch of humour.

An ideal place for lunch or dinner. Very good lobster

Lovely food and wonderful service

Excellent through out, service, staff ambience and delicious food and wine, bravo. The young lady that served us was exceptional.

Service a bit hit and miss. But awesome food. If you set in the beer garden, which, as a view of the River Dart BEWARE of the greedy Seagulls. You have been warned ⚠️

Popped in on Friday evening, perfect quiet location. Menu has some great offerings and all seemingly reasonable until you get your food delivered to your table then realise the food is an absolute bargain. My half lobster and chips was just fantastic and delivered by helpful smiley staff. Fantastic place and I couldn't recommend it more highly

Great location,friendly and good selection of beers

Slightly over priced, but friendly staff and nice setting

Situated next to the river, this place is always going to be popular. Arrive early for breakfast treats. A couple of ales are served.

The food and atmosphere were lovely, but what really stood out to me was the service. Every member of staff was so friendly, but especially the main waiter. He was very kind and accommodated my needs as an autistic person perfectly. I find it hard to go out sometimes because of my disability but he really made me feel welcome and worked with my additional needs

Really lovely bistro by the river. Really attentive and friendly staff and great food. I had the tagine, my husband had a pizza and daughter had kids pasta......... we all finished every scrap! Husband said best pizza ever! Highly recommend 👌

Good location, great staff, good choice of food and drink, nice atmosphere too 👌

OK. Staff high on something! Food OK. Expensive

Nice place and good food, one of the waiters had an attitude problem and was particularly rude to our children when it was absolutely unnecessary.

We booked a table for our family of three to eat at this lovely family run restaurant on a Thursday evening. Located by the river Dart at the bottom end of the Main Street in Totnes, the setting is idyllic. The menu was excellent, with a special menu in addition. We had Mussels from Fowey to start which were very plump and tasty, ham hock terrine which was excellent plus calamari which our 15 year old daughter enjoyed very much. For main course we had a steak which was cooked perfectly, lobster which was extremely delicious and our daughter had a burger. The desserts were excellent too especially the limoncello posset with raspberries which was on the specials menu. In fact we enjoyed it so much we returned for lunch on the terrace the next day and can highly recommend the soup of the day and the freshly cooked pizza margherita. Dogs are allowed on the terrace but not in the main restaurant. The service was excellent. We can highly recommend the Waterside Bistro.

Having been very satisfied customers from a while back, we decided to meet up with friends for a meal and drinks. Immediately it became obvious that the owner 'who was waiting' was anxious for us to eat as fast as possible. Half way through the main course we were asked if we'd like dessert, we decided to order another bottle of wine and coffees. As soon as the wine was on the table he asked if he could give us the bill, then started putting chairs on tables around us. We were made to feel as though our custom really wsnt wanted. We left before 10pm as did the only other customers that were also disappointed.

Had a lovely family meal here to finish our holiday in Devon. The man who looked after us (maybe the owner?) was lovely and he made us all feel very welcome and made the kids laugh. Good service and knowledge regarding gluten free/coeliac too.

Lovely spot on the water. Our pizza and pasta were amazing