Following on from my first course offering about indulging and imbibing in Plymouth, here’s the second course for your delectation!
Sea Views!
When visiting Britain’s Ocean city, you want ocean views right? The clue is in the name for this eatery – Ocean View at the Dome. A unique dome topped building offers diners panoramic views across Plymouth sound, art deco inspired interiors and a circular central bar for sipping and staring out to that view. Ocean View caters for you from dawn til dusk with breakfast, lunch, dinner plus pre-bookable afternoon tea, including vegan variations. Serving dishes from local Indian crusted scallops to pigs in blankets or teriyaki tofu, tasty local produce is on offer alongside views to dine for.
A pizza the action
Prefer a more landlocked feast for the eyes, then step back in time through an incredible wooden door of a 15th century building and discover Knead Pizza. You can experience satisfying Neapolitan pizzas inside the Well Room or outside in their Tuscan-vibes stone walled courtyard where plants, pizza ovens and tunes fill the space. Catering for a variety of diets, whether you are veggie, vegan or a meat eater you can enjoy your respective versions of chicken, bacon and even nduja!
Just round the corner from Plymouth Pavilions, resides Salumi Bar and Eatery which is as colourful as one of the stage shows. On entry, the pastel coloured furniture and railings, exposed brickwork and seating options across three levels creates a dynamic dining space to indulge in their small and large plates. Tempted by salt & vinegar doughnuts, smoked mackerel rillette and caviar, or BBQ king oyster mushroom bao buns with soy and sesame? Plenty of drinks and curated cocktails are on offer too. If you fancy a more ‘secret society’ experience, then slip through the ‘Side Door @Salumi’ for their covered garden where brunch and lunch are cooked over coals.
Enjoy the market
Need to fuel up after some retail therapy? A few minutes’ walk from the main shopping centre is Plymouth Market which has over 140 stalls, eateries and cafes under one roof. It’s worth heading here for market vibes and casual quick bites. I’m going to highlight two options for both savoury and sweet pangs – A Taste of Thailand and Kawaffle.
A Taste of Thailand offers exactly that; pull up a stool at the counter and enjoy authentic Thai cuisine amongst the market’s hustle and bustle. If you’ve got a sweet tooth then pop round to Kawaffle who are well known for their bubble waffles filled with ice cream and toppings, which are also available as vegan and gluten free!
Baked delights
Want unctuous baked goods on the go? Jacka Bakery and Delicatessen deliver on this big style. Baked fresh on site every day, imagine biting into asparagus, feta and Parma ham turnovers, blueberry cheesecake pastries or even BBQ beans and cheese brioche. Along with sumptuous sandwiches and a deli full of treats, follow your nose to their Barbican bakery.
Minerva Store is a lifestyle shop and café, think casual arty vibes with bangin’ brunch and grilled cheese served all day. With worldwide touches of dukkah, kimchi, American cheese plus vegan options including pancakes with sea salt caramel, banana and almonds.
A unique experience
Are you brave enough to ‘trust the chef’? Award winning Fig Tree at 36, run by a husband and wife team, offers this weekly experience for diners who are up for a surprise three courses. This bustling bistro delights diners with a daily changing menu, holding sustainability and local produce at heart, imagine diving into Fig Tree fish stew of mussels, monkfish, hake, gurnard, scallop, squid, mackerel and cavolo nero accompanied by warm bread and aioli. Even those with allergies are well taken care of, visit their website for caring and clear details.
Something for everyone
Can’t decide where to dine? Have various appetites and tastes to please? Then why not head to a dining destination with plenty of choice… Royal William Yard is the place to go. Once a Royal Navy victualling yard (victualling meaning a store of food and drink), it ironically still does exactly that, but for land lubbers as well as sea goers. The magnificent Grade I listed buildings house a variety of chains including Pho (Vietnamese), Hub Box (burgers and loaded fries), Wildwood (pizza, pasta, grill), Bistro Pierre (French bistro classics) and more. You can also find independent eatery The Hook and Line, which offers all manner of fishy feasts including tacos, chowder and even three ways in which to enjoy your scallops (vegan options available).
Le Vignoble, French for ‘the vineyard’, offers a relaxing space to drink, dine and digest. Pop in for a glass of vino from their ever-changing offering of 64 global wines, pair a glass with some tantalising continental tapas, or visit for a wine tasting evening where you can learn more about wines. Like what you taste? Pick up a bottle or two to go.
Somewhere to stay
If you want to turn your day trip into a mini break, then why not rest your head and belly on a bed at Rooms by Bistro Pierre at Residence One? The boutique B&B in one of the Grade II listed buildings is full of periodic features and character. There are 14 individually styled bedrooms to choose from. With original period features including the refurbished window shutters and cast iron radiators, coupled with modern comforts, you can relax at one of their sash windows that offer a variety of views including Plymouth’s unmistakeable and historic coastline.
