Sunday Lunch Balmoral

The Elephant

➤ 3-4 Beacon Terr, Torquay TQ1 2BH, The Hillcroft - Guest House, United Kingdom

Fish • Wine • British • European

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"I took my partner to The Elephant for a birthday meal. Having looked at the Brasserie and the Tasting Menu, we opted for the latter which had the following courses. Amuse Bouche 'Risotto ' of squid and cauliflower Hand dived Bay scallop with Cornish air dried ham and apples Pan roasted fillet of halibut on parsnip puree with a spring onion and verjus butter sauce Fillet of pure bred South Devon beef fillet with cepe and artichoke mousse, beef is served pink) Light blackcurrant mousse with liquorice and creme fraiche or The Westcountry 's finest artisan cheese selection £7.00 supplement for cheese as an extra course) Chocolate, coffee and caramel mousse with vanilla ice cream Guatemela Estate cafetiere coffee or tea and petit fours It was recommended that we both ate from the Tasting Menu as it meant all the courses could be served together. Having never tried a tasting menu before, we were at first amused by the size of the portions presented and at one point joked that we would have to stop for a takeaway to fill up on. However, as the courses kept on coming, with just the right amount of time in between, by the end of the meal we were both quite happy. The ambiance was just right and the service was friendly and prompt throughout the evening. The food was superb and we could not find fault with a single course. This is fine dining at it 's best and though some may consider it an expensive night out, expect to pay more in a big city. The Tasting Menu is £45 per person and it 's worth it for a special night out. Judging by the quality of the food, we 're definitely going back to sample the Brasserie Menu. Two minor points however: I was disappointed that The Room wasn 't open, contrary to the website and I wasn 't told this when I made the booking. This has a different menu from the Brasserie but seeing as the Tasting Menu was on offer, was not an issue on the night. The option cheese course has a supplement of £7, however the amount on the plate was again of a small portion. I would suggest missing this unless you really like cheese. These two point did not detract from the overall the dining experience at all and I have to say it was the best meal we 've ever had in Torbay since moving here 6 years ago. Congratulations to Simon Hulstone and the staff who have brought in sophisticated culinary delight to a part of England that can be found lacking."

Daisycakes

➤ 480 Babbacombe Road, Torbay, United Kingdom, TQ1 1HN

Coffee • British • European • Vegetarian

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"The food at this restaurant is excellent, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is nice. We enjoyed breakfast here two days in a row, and the food was delicious and well-prepared. The owners were friendly and helpful, and the cafe has a great vibe. The bagels are a good size and very tasty. This place is definitely worth a visit."

Lighthouse Cafe And

➤ Victoria Parade, TQ1 2BD, Torbay, United Kingdom

Pizza • Cafés • Coffee • British

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"On a cold and windy April mornimg we were welcomed by both the warmth of the surroundings and the friendliness of the hosts. The storm overnight had left us with a healthy hunger and we relaxed with hot toasted crumpets with butter, accompanied by the continental meats selection. A couple of hot drinks make the perfect repast. Many thanks to the Lighthouse's accomodating and very friendly owners. Oh. And not forfegging the loving attention for our fluffy pooch who was given a comfy basket, a bowl of fresh water and a bit of chicken breast to boot. Many thanks!"

Weavers Cottage Tea Shoppe

➤ Cockington Village, Torbay, United Kingdom

Pizza • Seafood • European • Vegetarian

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"I rang to see if we could book a party of seven adults and two toddlers for lunch and was told that bookings weren’t possible but “I’m sure we will be able to accommodate you. ” So, in the cars and, having arrived in Cockington, and before parking, I went in and saw the owner who pointed to a table large enough for us all and I said we have to park the cars. I was told that was not a problem. Being Good Friday car parking was a problem. When we returned we found our promised table occupied and we were expected to sit at two separate tables whose parasols offered very limited protection from the rain. When questioning why our promised table was suddenly not available the owners reply was “It was ten minutes before you returned and I thought you weren’t coming back”. I beg your pardon! Upon our initial arrival, and prior to parking, he was made aware we were the party of nine who I had tried to book for earlier that morning. I also made him aware that we had travelled thirty miles. We will never return! I understand that the good rating of Weavers was likely inherited from the previous owners. The School House, just across the road, looked after us brilliantly and we all enjoyed the rest of our day in Cockington."

Small World Tapas

➤ 11-13 Abbey Road, TQ2 5NF, Torbay, United Kingdom

Tapas • Spanish • European • International

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"We have had the most amazing experience here. Seeing an independent restaurant with 5*, we suspected it would be up there with the best. But this incredible bunch of people are really in a league of their own. From entry to exit the service was pleasant, attentive, and made us feel welcome and relaxed. The recommendations from the team were helpful, and no request was too small for them. The menu (and staff) highlight the allergens in food and the team are more than willing to accommodate any requirements. The food itself was to die for. We have our favourite restaurants for a night out, and if this was closer to Cornwall, it'd take the top spot. You've got a real gem of a business here and we're thrilled to have had the chance to experience it. We'll be back, and we'd recommend that anyone visiting Torquay make sure to visit and enjoy some of the finest food around (just remember to book)."