Let’s take a culinary journey through scenic coastal towns, where you can slow down and enjoy our Trusted Partners, Rockfish. “Tomorrow’s fish are still in the sea” is their tagline, encompassing their commitment to serving seafood that is always fresh and sourced daily.
About Rockfish…
Rockfish is a renowned seafood group founded by Mitch Tonks, a celebrated seafood chef and restaurateur who is still very much involved in all aspects of the business.
His passion for sustainable seafood and championing underutilised British species of fish and shellfish have been the driving forces behind Rockfish’s success. Mitch’s vision is to make seafood accessible and enjoyable, while also ensuring that the marine environment is protected for future generations.
Rockfish operates its own fishing boat, Rockfisher, which lands her catch in Brixham (one of the UK’s busiest fishing ports) at dawn. That catch is then prepared at the quayside before being delivered to rockfish restaurants across the South West in time for service.
As you take your seat in one of their waterside venues, your server will talk through the daily selection available, marking each available fish species down on your paper tablecloth daily landings menu and highlighting the different ways their chefs can cook it to order for you – on the chargrill or freshly fried.
Rockfish prides itself on offering fresh, sustainable seafood in picturesque coastal locations. With 11 eateries on Routes 1 to 6, and a 12th being added to the shoal, each restaurant is perfectly positioned to provide waterside views and a unique and casual dining experience, making them a perfect pitstop along the South West 660.
All venues are dog and family friendly so round everyone up and plan that road trip with a reward for your tastebuds and your eyes. Did we mention they offer bottomless chips with your meal at their restaurants and free drinking water at their outdoor taps? Fill your tummy and top up your reusable bottle for the journey ahead.
If you’re too busy road tripping to stop for long, then why not opt for a takeaway? They offer takeaway all year round in Brixham, Dartmouth and Budleigh, season takeaway in Plymouth, and explorers can now enjoy click and collect fish and chips from Rockfish Exeter.
Read on to find your favourite…
Route 1 Sandbanks to Weymouth
Poole
Rockfish Poole, nestled in a beautifully restored old pottery building on Poole Quay,
is easily accessible from the South West 660 as it passes through the Poole Harbour
area. Think high vaulted ceilings, an open kitchen and a relaxed dining room that
feels both spacious and welcoming.
Route 2 Weymouth to Lyme Regis
Weymouth
Situated on the Weymouth seafront, this Rockfish offers lovely views of the beach
and the bustling Esplanade. Weymouth is a classic seaside resort with a long sandy
beach, perfect for a stroll before or after your meal. Whether you’re strolling the
historic harbour, exploring coastal trails, or enjoying fresh fish at Rockfish, it’s a
vibrant mix of heritage, nature and good old-fashioned seaside fun.
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis is a jewel in the crown of the Jurassic Coast and a significant point along
the South West 660 as the join of Route 2 and 3. The drive into Lyme Regis offers
breathtaking coastal scenery, with the iconic sea wall at the fore.
Perched above the harbour with sweeping views of the Cobb and Jurassic Coast,
Rockfish is a seafood lover’s dream with a serious sense of place in its elevated
spot. Housed in the former Oyster & Fish House, this venue blends heritage with
Rockfish’s signature style.
Route 3 Lyme Regis to Exeter
Sidmouth (planned for October 2025 opening)
Situated right on the seafront housed in the historic Drill Hall at the far end of the
esplanade, this future Rockfish will be located in Sidmouth, a town known for its
elegant architecture, bustling pebble beaches, and the stunning red cliffs of the
Jurassic Coast. It’s a popular year-round seafront destination with sea swimmers,
various water craft and dog walkers enjoying what it has to offer.
Budleigh Salterton
Rockfish Budleigh Salterton is a vibrant beachside venue and their first seafood café.
Situated on Marine Parade, offering panoramic sea views and fresh, sustainable
dishes served from breakfast through dinner. Their unique indoor/outdoor dining space
with hanging rope tables, and their alfresco beachside picnic benches really make
for a chilled seaside feel. Budleigh Salterton sits at the mouth of the River Otter
estuary with a 2.5 mile pebble beach backed by striking red sandstone cliffs and
forms part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Exmouth
Perched right by the town slipway, at one end of the two mile stretch of beach, Rockfish Exmouth offers sweeping views over the Exe Estuary. It’s so close to the water that the fish nearly leap in through the glass conservatory. Views from your table can include well known boat tour operators, windsurfers, jet skis and more. Perfect for those summer days, you’ll also find a cozy interior in the winter with their log burner keeping you toasty.
Exeter
Situated on the bustling Exeter Quayside, nestled beside the River Exe and the
Exeter Ship Canal, in one of the city’s most attractive and vibrant areas. Their only
inland venue is a worthwhile destination on the join of Route 3 and 4, particularly if
you’re interested in exploring the city’s history and enjoying a riverside meal. There is
still water nearby, why not enjoy a view of kayaks and other water activities
alongside your catch of the day?
Route 4 Exeter to Dartmouth
Torquay
Rockfish Torquay is perched on Victoria Parade, right by the inner harbour, so
you’re dining with a view of bobbing boats and sea breezes. Torquay is a vibrant
seaside town on Devon’s English Riviera, known for its palm-lined promenades,
golden beaches, and rich maritime charm.
Brixham
Rockfish Brixham is the flagship of the Rockfish fleet – perched right above the
world-famous Brixham Fish Market, making it arguably the closest restaurant to the
source of fish in the UK. The restaurant overlooks the fishing fleet and quayside, with
a spacious terrace offering panoramic views of the bay. You can even enjoy a
seafood breakfast here as part of their Brixham Fish Market tours that happen
throughout the year.
Dartmouth
Rockfish Dartmouth sits comfortably along the South West 660 route as it winds its
way along the South Devon coast. The scenic drive into Dartmouth offers stunning
views of the River Dart.
Rockfish Dartmouth’s position opposite the glistening waters, allows visitors to enjoy
the local maritime heritage and picturesque river views and Kingsbridge just beyond.
Salcombe
Rockfish’s newest opening is situated in the iconic waterfront location on Island
Street, Salcombe. This highly anticipated addition in a renowned sailing town in the
South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where estuary charm meets
seaside sophistication. It’s their largest venue to date. It also features a bar area,
with a bit of a local twist thanks to a partnership with Salcombe Brewery.
Route 5 Dartmouth to Plymouth
Plymouth
Rockfish Plymouth is located on Sutton Harbour, and is directly on the South West
660 route as it navigates the historic waterfront of Plymouth. Situated next to the
very popular National Marine Aquarium, it sits on the spectacular natural harbour
that’s been central to Britain’s naval heritage for centuries. It offers one of the most
scenic outdoor dining experiences out of their collection, with a spacious deck
overlooking Sutton Harbour and Plymouth Sound.
