Welcome to The Elephant Restaurant
**OUR STORY: The Elephant Restaurant**
Nestled in the heart of Torquay, The Elephant Restaurant invites diners to embark on a culinary journey that marries exquisite flavors with a warm, welcoming ambiance. Renowned for its creative dishes such as Cured Chalk Stream Trout and Roasted Guinea Fowl, each plate reflects a commitment to seasonal and local ingredients. Guests rave about the attentive service and the thoughtfully curated wine selection, enhancing the dining experience. From a cozy lunch to an elegant evening celebration, The Elephant Restaurant embodies not just a meal but a memorable experience that leaves you eagerly planning your next visit.
The Elephant Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings
Had the lunchtime tasting menu. Superb value for money and some really good cooking. The stand-out dish for me was the makeral tartar. If I were to make any comment on the food, it would be that the stone bass lacked an acidic component. The service was good and attentive without being obsequious.
The best meal I have had in a long time! Excellent service in a relaxed atmosphere. Very reasonably priced for the quality of the food. The flavours were incredible and wine was delicious. Would highly recommend.
We went here on a rainy evening for our wedding anniversary and were lucky enough to be given a window seat. Staff were very friendly and took our coats before showing us to our table, with an anniversary card from the staff which was a lovely touch. Nothing was too much trouble, water and wines glasses were refilled regularly from bottles on the table, even napkins were folded whilst at the loo. The food was amazing, especially the beef. We also opted for the petite bouche and Limoncello Spritz as extra starters, so glad we did as both were lovely. It was a great evening and will definitely return to try the lunch or a la carte menus.
An amazing restaurant with superb food. The tasting menu is very good indeed and the wine flight was very well selected. That said, the Crab dish is out of this world!
Came here for a birthday meal with my 10 year old son. What an amazing experience. The food was out of this world. We had the set lunch. And what amazing value that is. The flavours are unreal. The restaurant has a really nice atmosphere and the service is second to none. The staff are so friendly and helpful and make the whole experience really worthwhile. I've wanted to come here for 20 years and now I have and it didn't disappoint. I can't wait to come back again.
Michelin star dining on the Riviera. The English Riviera ,that is. A relaxed friendly restaurant overlooking the beautiful Torquay harbour. Run by chef proprietor, Simon Hulstone and his wife Katy, it was the first restaurant in Torquay to be awarded a Michelin star in 2006. Which it has retained every year since then and you can see why. They offer ever changing menus based around fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. It's also known as offering the best value Michelin starred lunch in the UK,32.50 for two courses. But we are not here for that, as it's the evening. At dinner there's options for a set two or three course. Or the tasting menu,which we chose 98.50. We started with a couple of Aperitifs of the month. Port & Tonic and Limoncello Spritz. The meal starts with Sourdough and a pretty Citrus butter & sesame hummus. This was quickly devoured and we were offered a second helping. Then starts a procession of beautifully plated dishes. With each one surpassing the previous. All our favourite seafood,scallops,bbq lobster and stone bass. The star of the show was juicy tender South Devon Beef served with Artichoke and Tacos on the side. The cheese course was Baron Bigod with a delightful Lemon Tyme Focaccia & strawberry,apricot chutney. Pre-dessert of Raspberry granita. A plum lemon posset for the finale. As we gaze out of the window from our table at the sunset you could be anywhere exotic. Well we were,The English Riviera. Dining at a lovely restaurant in a beautiful location. With exceptional service and the most devine food. What more could you ask for?
Incredible!!! What a wonderful experience. Food amazing! Such flavours. Service fantastic so attentive. Looked after us from start to finish. This is a michelin star restaurant and deserves to be. Truly incredible experience. Can't thank you enough! We will be back. A must eat if you are down this way.
This place is exceptional The food speaks for itself having held a Michelin star for 20years but that is on absolute merit. Each course is exceptional and delights with every mouthful......however The team here is a collective of rock stars. The restaurant manager is someone that enhances every dish and the wine pairings are sublime. The building is beautiful and a celebration of Simon’s 20 years in residence Wow make a trip, you won’t be disappointed 5stars all round
Location
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3&4 Beacon Hill, Torquay TQ1 2BH, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 1803 200044
The Elephant Restaurant is a culinary gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Torquay, UK. Located at 3&4 Beacon Hill, this exquisite establishment promises a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, inviting guests to indulge in a tapestry of flavors that celebrates both local ingredients and innovative techniques.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere complemented by attentive yet unobtrusive service. The restaurant's decor strikes a balance between contemporary elegance and cozy charm, setting the stage for delightful meals shared with friends and family. The staff, renowned for their friendly demeanor, often go the extra mile to enhance your experience, making you feel right at home.
The Elephant Restaurant excels in offering tantalizing seasonal dishes, a testament to its dedication to quality and freshness. Highlights of the menu include:
- Brixham Crab & Sea Trout Ravioli with dashi butter and cabbage puree—a perfect harmony of flavors, where the delicacy of the crab shines through in every bite.
- Fillet of Cornish Red Mullet, served with winter escabeche, pickled walnut, and fennel seed crumpet—this dish dances on the palate, showcasing a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
- Savour the South Devon Beef from the tasting menu, which has been praised for its incredible flavors and the expertise in its preparation; every slice tells a story of culinary artistry.
- Meanwhile, the Skrei Cod, while noted by one reviewer for the potential need of an acidic companion, still stands as a testament to the chef's skill in seafood preparation.
For wine enthusiasts, The Elephant thoughtfully curates a selection of wines to enhance your meal. With options ranging from the vibrant Sancerre 2023 to the elegant Beaujolais Blanc Clos Rochebonne 2022, each sip complements the dishes beautifully, making the experience even more memorable.
Guests have heaped praise on various elements of their dining experience. A common theme in reviews is the exceptional value offered through the lunchtime tasting menu, with one diner highlighting the mackerel tartar as a standout dish. The ambiance, combined with the tantalizing food and attentive staff, has left many, including families and couples celebrating special occasions, eager to return.
In essence, The Elephant Restaurant isn’t just about the food; it's about crafting unforgettable memories around a table filled with love and flavors. Whether for a casual lunch or a special celebration, this restaurant surely deserves a place on your dining itinerary in Torquay.