The Orange Tree

Tucked away behind Torquay harbour, The Orange Tree offers a superb fine dining experience inspired by modern British and European dining. New owner Vittorio Melis has brought incredibly high standards of customer service to this intimate restaurant, and this is perfectly complemented by the impressive menu, which is a testament to the kitchen team’s unfailing passion for great food.

My starter of baked goat’s cheese wrapped in delicate filo pastry was served with a quenelle of beetroot and apple chutney, while my guest enjoyed wild mushroom arancini with Devon blue cheese and red pepper coulis. Both were delightfully presented and delicious, paired with glasses of pinot gris and pinot noir. The main of West Country lamb came with ratatouille vegetables and a richly flavoured black olive jus, and the sea bass with scallops and chorizo was light with punchy notes. We also shared a dish of creamy Dauphinoise potatoes and a selection of spring vegetables. Desserts were a joy: we ordered the trio of amaretto crème brûlée, chocolate brownie and popcorn parfait with mini doughnuts and raspberries, as well as a sumptuous chocolate tart with salted caramel ice cream. A classic and classy restaurant in Torquay, The Orange Tree is a must-visit destination for foodies.