Antidote, Ilfracombe - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

MICHELIN Guide's Point of View

Arrive early for a stroll around the harbour before dinner at this sweet, glass-fronted shop conversion where brown paper covered tables contribute to ...

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About

Modern restaurant, serving refined comfort food, cocktails & fine wines recently awarded a Michelin bib gourmand

CUISINES

European, British

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service

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5.0

178 reviews

Excellent

172

Very good

4

Average

2

Poor

0

Terrible

0

karenwrigley

14 contributions

AMAZING FOOD

Sept 2020 • none

We booked this restaurant on a recommendation and probably would not of booked it from just passing, and how lucky we did, Due to CV19 it is hard to get a table anywhere. How lucky were we? It was by far the nicest meal we had during our stay the restaurant is small and cozy the menu limited but the food makes up for the lack of choice, it was delicious cooked to perfection and very reasonable priced it is run by a family and they are doing an amazing job, we will be back and I will make sure we book well in advance. Thanks Antidote you were superb.

Written 23 September 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Deano1967

England397 contributions

A perfect evening in a great restaurant

Sept 2021 • none

There are many justifiable reasons why Antidote enjoys its number 1 position on Trip Advisor's list of Ilfracombe's restaurants. We were lucky enough to secure a Saturday evening booking with only a few week's notice so it's worth remembering that turning up in the hope of a table if you do want to eat there is nigh-on impossible. We were greeted by the very friendly Sarah who runs Antidote along with her husband and son who both work in the kitchen. The decor is welcoming, simple, unfussy and clean with appropriate Covid measures in place for those concerned about such things. For pre-dinner drinks we can thoroughly recommend the Orange Marmalade Negroni cocktail whilst choosing from the fixed price, three course dinner menu which is an uncomplicated affair: three starters, three mains and a couple of desserts. Our choices were the Velouté and the John Dory to start, followed by the Sea Bream and their home made sausage roll before concluding with the Tiramisu and chocolate ganache. Wherever possible local produce is used, the fish (although not landed in Ilfracombe) is fresh each day from Cornwall and each dish was beautifully presented and cooked perfectly. Because the table bookings are staggered across the evening there was very little waiting time either. The flavours and selected ingredients perfectly complemented each other which suggests the kitchen team will be able to go even further than the current Bib Gourmand they have received from Michelin, it really is that good and hints at things to come. We will definitely return to Antidote and have no hesitation in recommending it, but best of luck getting a reservation!

Written 18 September 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Devoncyclist

6 contributions

Perfect meal out

Feb 2020 • none

We enjoyed every bit of our 3 course meal and the food was beautifully presented too. The drinks were reasonably priced too. Service was attentive without being obtrusive and we loved the decor and ambiance and the music too. We will definitely return.

Written 10 March 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sweetpeaWindlesham

31 contributions

Excellent food at a reasonable price

Oct 2020 • none

We were staying in Ilfracombe + booked a meal at this tiny restaurant. We were warmly welcomed by name by Sarah, the chef’s wife, who looked after us really well. The atmosphere is very relaxed. The menu is short, making the choice simple. The food was delicious + beautifully presented with decent sized portions + reasonably priced at £27.90 for three courses. The wines are well priced + cocktails are great. Due to current government restrictions there are only 4 tables, so booking is essential.

Written 18 October 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kileyoshields

16 contributions

Utterly perfect evening

Aug 2020 • couples

Had an utterly perfect evening at the Antidote and could not recommend more highly to all travelers to North Devon. This was hands down the best food my partner and I had all week while staying in Ilfracombe. I had emailed the chef a month prior to ask if they have a tasting menu, and he not only offered to make us one but offered to tailor it to our fish-adoring tastes. The meal that came as a result was beyond superb — inventive, satisfying, delicious. We also had a wine pairing which was fantastic, each wine complemented each dish divinely. The service was also supreme; helpful without being intrusive at all. The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team and they deserve as much business as possible!! You should definitely go and tell all your friends as well!!

Written 7 August 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ray Meek

Mangotsfield32 contributions

Lovely Little Restaurant

Jan 2020 • couples

We booked this restaurant after reading the reviews and we were not disappointed. We received a very warm welcome on arrival, the food was outstanding and service was always delivered with a smile. We will definitely recommend this restaurant and will return ourselves one day

Written 25 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elaine1208

Lutterworth2 contributions

Stunning Food

Aug 2020 • friends

We booked well in advance etc ensure we could get a table due to COVID-19 restrictions. So glad we did, the restaurant is small and intimate with a view I to the amazing kitchen. The husband and wife team cover all aspects of the service, This is high end, quiet, relaxed dining at it’s best. The food is stunningly presented with great flavour to match. Three great courses for £27.90. Delicious, we all had different choices and everyone enjoyed their meals. This restaurant was head and shoulders above our experience at Rick Steins Seafood Restaurant - which was over-priced and disappointing, give me Antidote anytime.

Written 9 August 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Justin W

Stone42 contributions

Food excellent, disappointing experience.

Jun 2021 • family

The Antidote carries the Michelin Bib Gourmand which is awarded for quality and value. Don’t confuse it with a Michelin star. I booked here with great anticipation, and booking is recommended as it is fully booked for the foreseeable future. Three courses from a small menu for £35 is admittedly very good value as the dishes are executed excellently. They are little flavour bombs, beautifully presented. However, the dishes are tiny. I’m not saying that from the perspective of someone greedy. Unless you have the stomach of a five year old you are going to leave feeling hungry. With each course finished in a couple of mouthfuls, you are in and out in an hour. As a dining experience I found the brevity to be disappointing. I’d be happier if they extended the menu to 5 courses for which I’d gladly pay the extra cost, creating a dining and social experience. As a final note, I feel so sorry for anyone seated right next to the loo door. The loo door opens directly to the toilet, no inner door to save anyone from the sights or smells within.

Written 24 July 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joggerman

United Kingdom17 contributions

Excellent meal

Sept 2020 • couples

We booked the Antidote anout 3 weeks ago for our special treat for our belated Golden wedding anniversary whilst we were staying in Ilfracombe. The restaurant is small with only 4 tables in use due to social distancing. The atmosphere is realaxed with background music. The food is superb. They have a 3 course fixed menu and our meal was one of the best we have had. I needed a gluten free meal and they catered for me without a problem. A treat not to be missed

Written 18 September 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MartinHilton

20 contributions

Simplicity, Quality, Excellence

Sept 2021 • couples

Absolutely superb. Simplicity, Quality and excellence throughout from the amazing marmalade negroni through to the espresso. Elegant, professional and friendly service by sarah and her family. The menu was a fixed price , 3 course and was great value for the level of quality and the finesse of the dishes. The skill in the kitchen was evident in every element of every dish. Any chef that can make chicken moorish is definitely doing something very right. Top notch guys, thank you so much for an amazing meal experience.

Written 2 September 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joy016

Nottingham96 contributions

Outstanding!

Feb 2022 • none

We were lucky enough to get a table here whilst in Ilfracombe for a holiday, and what a treat it was! Everything on the small but perfectly formed menu looked appealing, and our food was utterly delicious. Add a very nice bottle of Pinot Grigio, a warm friendly atmosphere, and super relaxed but highly attentive service, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect evening. I’m only sorry that we live so far away, but we’d love to come back the next time we stay in the area.

Written 4 March 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

suzanneg412

Salisbury9 contributions

Superb!

Sept 2020 • none

I booked this online some weeks ahead, as we wanted to go on a Saturday evening, (they're currently closed Sundays to Tuesdays) and certainly made the right choice. As it's quite small, they now have a limited set menu , but don't let that put you off - everything we had was exquisite. The staff were really friendly and it was a real joy to eat there.

Written 15 September 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SB01

Sonning Common949 contributions

Superb Restaurant

Jul 2021 • family

We booked well in advance, having read all the great reviews. So glad we did as the hosts told us they are booked well into August. The are only a handful of tables and a very short menu - always a good sign IMO. Between us we tried virtually every dish, all of which were acclaimed. Special mention must go to the cured trout, served with dill, cucumber and a spiced curry sauce. It was a treat - full of flavour and so fresh. The chocolate ganache to close was also sublime. A small selection of fair priced wines compliment the food. Friendly service. Overall, top draw dining.

Written 15 July 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris K

Barry104 contributions

Superb- Just Perfect

Feb 2020 • none

A small cosy family run restaurant with the most amazing food! We were lucky enough to get a seat without booking as out of season and a wet night, but what a wonderful find. It only seats around 12 so would know to book next time! Small menu but the food was so incredibly tasty, the best I have had in a long time! Husband and wife team with hubby being the chef- not only did it taste great but presented beautifully too. Customer service was fantastic too- friendly and professional. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable evening!

Written 8 February 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

becky n

13 contributions

Absolutely divine food! A must in Ilfracombe :)

Aug 2021 • couples

My partner and I have agreed this is definitely the best meal out we have EVER had. Luckily we booked in advance after reading some amazing reviews on here and I am so pleased that we did! The menu is small (always a good sign in my opinion) and allergies etc are taken into consideration. The restaurant has a very small intimate feeling and the decor is very tasteful adding to the experience. The food was exquisite and every course beautifully put together and so delicious. We were recommended Romanian wine which we have never had before and this was really good too. Normally there’s always “something” not quite right with a 3 course meal but we can honestly say every single thing was absolutely lovely. For value for money - you won’t get better! We could not believe it! This is a family run business with the very talented chef, lovely wife looking after front of house and tons of other things I’m sure and their son working there too. We spoke to Sarah and they are a true inspiration of hard work and dedication of what you can achieve and I absolutely love this little gem of a place. We will definitely be back! Thank you for Antidote for this amazing experience on our holiday :) Becky and Aaron

Written 30 August 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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