Harden's says
Tiny, family-run fish and seafood restaurant overlooking Shoalstone Lido.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“After a swim in the Shoalstone Lido, it’s a delight to eat at this seafood café on the coastal path looking out over the seawater pool” (with further views to the Bay of Torquay) and – as of 2022 – an even more dramatic rooftop terrace where they grill catch and bring it to the table. One regular fan feels it’s “got its mojo back of late”, saying “the menu had veered towards more ambitious dishes the tiny kitchen struggled to deliver, but it’s back doing what it does best – simple cooking of the freshest fish delivered straight from the Brixham Fish Auction (where the owner is a wholesaler)”.
Summary
“The menu has become a little more sophisticated with the new chef, and prices have increased” accordingly, say fans of this much-loved joint above the lido. Given that “this tiny restaurant is best at simply prepared fish fresh from that morning’s auction at Brixham” (where owners the Perkes are wholesalers), the changes are not always supported, but even the odd critic “would still return for the freshest fish and that view to die for across the bay” to Torquay. In 2022, that view got even better, with a new rooftop terrace area where they grill the catch outdoors and bring it directly to table.
Summary
“Best, freshest fish I have tasted for years – right off the Brixham fishing boats, served down by the sea”. This “affordable and fun” venture looks like a beach shack. “It’s in a strange location”, above the seawater lido – on the coast path leading away from Brixham to Berry Head – but worth hunting out (and there is a car park at the back if you are driving). Only a few covers, so you need to book. Ask for the table by the window, and you have glorious views in the evening of the sun setting over Tor Bay. But what you come for is the fish. Not a sophisticated menu, but the fish doesn’t need anything other than very simple cooking. The owner is one of the wholesalers at the Brixham fish market, so the fish will come from that morning’s auction and is as fresh as it can get. One of the South West’s best-kept secrets (well, it was…)
Summary
“The freshest fish – locally caught – is served with panache at this coastal café in Brixham”: an “unpretentious” spot (“looks like a beach hut”) set “above the saltwater lido” and with “stunning views across Tor Bay”. It’s “owned by the Perkes family – wholesalers at Brixham fish market – so you know the fish is fresh from that morning's auction”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Shoals?
10 South West Coast Path, Brixham, TQ5 9AF
Shoals Restaurant Diner Reviews
"I am pleased that Shoals has retrieved its mojo - and is back to doing what it does best: the freshest fish straight from Brixham fish market - simply cooked. The views across the Bay are just wonderful (book the table at the window). Sadly shrinkflation has caught up in the South West as the main courses are no include chips/new potatoes and peas/salad - they are now all charges separately. "
"Having lost its mojo a couple of years ago when the chef became too ambitious for his skills, Shoals has since returned to what it does best. Fresh fish from the Brixham fish auction, simply cooked (pan fried or grilled) and served. The owner is one of the wholesalers at the Brixham fish auction - so you can be guaranteed the best of that morning’s catch. The location - above the sea water lido - has fantastic views across the bay. Booking essential - and ask for one of the tables by the window to catch the sun setting over the bay. "
"The last time I eat at Shoals it had lost its mojo - the menu was full of ambitious dishes that the tiny kitchen and crew could not deliver. But this tiny restaurant has got its mojo back - doing what it does best - simple cooking of the freshest fish delivered straight from the Brixham Fish Auction (where the owner is a wholesaler). The terrace has recently expanded onto the roof - but inside remains tiny (just four tables) and booking is very necessary. Ask for the table by the window to capture the sun setting over the bay. Located on the coast path overlooking the salt water lido. Cars can park in the lido’s car park. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £23.95 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
10 South West Coast Path, Brixham, TQ5 9AF
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
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