The River Shack

Someone from this business manages this listing.

219 reviews

#2 of 5 Restaurants in Stoke Gabriel££ - £££, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options

+44 1803 782520+ Add website

Hours

Sun

9:30 - 16:00

Wed

9:30 - 16:00

Thu

9:30 - 16:00

Fri

9:30 - 22:00

Sat

9:30 - 22:00

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

219 reviews

#2 of 5 Restaurants in Stoke Gabriel

Travellers' Choice 2023

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

£6.00 – £14.00

CUISINES

Cafe

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

meals, features

Location and contact

Mill Hill, Stoke Gabriel, Totnes TQ9 6RD England

+44 1803 782520

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Does this restaurant have parking?

Yes

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Details

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About

A small licensed riverside cafe. Offering good quality, local produce. Outstanding location with plenty to do for the entire family. See you soon!

PRICE RANGE

£6.00 – £14.00

CUISINES

Cafe

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

219 reviews

Excellent

163

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Yvelise

Derby11 contributions

Oct 2021 • none

This restaurant is clearly run by people with both an enthusiasm for food and a zest for delivering a pleasurable high quality eating experience. for its guests Having reserved our table, I was a little apprehensive that we would be paying for the location; there was every opportunity to receive poor quality food and service, at an exorbitant price. None of it! The welcome was warm, the service very good; nothing was too much trouble, all of our food was delicious, and the prices were very reasonable. We were a group of five adult friends (plus our little dog) Starters - we all chose the potted crab, which was delicious, it was served with fresh mixed salad leaves and lightly toasted sourdough bread £9 For mains we selected 3 Sea Bream en papillote, the perfectly cooked fish was accompanied by samphire and new potatoes. £15 2 Bisques - my friends said the stew was was full of fish and seafood and thoroughly enjoyable.£16 None of us could resist the masala chai panacottas and were not disappointed; they were an innovatively flavoursome variation on this standard Italian desert. £7 We enjoyed our meal so much we returned for lunch the following day

Written 12 October 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.

Willparry1990

We are so delighted to read this. Your comments are really helpful and encouraging and we are so pleased you enjoyed the place, the food and the service so much. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and we hope to see you again!

Written 15 November 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Christine Swales

4 contributions

Fabulous food and environment

Oct 2020 • none

We had an excellent lunch on Saturday; it was terrible weather outside, but inside the River Shack continues to provide a warm and welcoming environment even in Covid times. We were safe and well looked after by Faye and Will and their friendly and efficient team; and the menu was just great. Almost impossible to choose with so many good options! And dog friendly too....We'll be back very soon.

Written 27 October 2020

Willparry1990

Thank you for venturing out to visit us on such a wet and windy day! We are delighted to read this review and to know that you enjoyed the whole experience. Thank you for taking the time to share it. All the best, Faye, Will and the team.

Written 6 November 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TWMS2512

Devon73 contributions

Takeaway

Aug 2020 • family

Fast and Efficient Service. Despite the busy outdoor seating area for the restaurant, we were served 8 soft drinks to takeaway within about 5 minutes. The cafe/restaurant itself was buzzing, very busy, with strict guidelines in due to COVID-19 and it was bookings only. The food coming out looked very good, of a high quality and it seemed that people were enjoying it, along with the sunshine and view of the water. Will definitely be returning to try out their food inside the restaurant, as their menu sounds very nice

Written 8 August 2020

Willparry1990

Thank you for such a detailed and helpful review for future customers to read. We are so pleased you felt the service was efficient and the atmosphere 'buzzing'. We are at our busiest ever at the minute and the team are working so hard so we really appreciate this positive feedback. All the best!

Written 12 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Silver S

Richmond50 contributions

Beautiful Estuary Restaurant

Aug 2021 • family

First of all, the lake view is stunning. A small clock tower and village is encircled by great trees that present a glistening oasis that is Mill Pool. You can see people crabbing nearby and we had the luxury of seeing fireworks reflecting off the water as we had our meal. The entire scenery is serene and pleasant and it is utterly impossible to fault it. The service from the waiting staff was fast, efficient and cheery and the vibrant characters they gave off brought smiles to our faces. Having ordered the calzone, I could not have been more pleased. Further, the starter of monkfish was cooked extremely well - it both had the meaty taste that monkfish should have, while remaining soft and delicate in the mouth. The atmosphere of the restaurant was that of a hidden gem, small and localised and yet comforting with easy evening lighting and melodic background music. At this place conversations seemed to roll on without delay and sometimes the right restaurant can create such delightful evenings. I thank all the staff for making a perfect evening meal!

Written 14 August 2021

Willparry1990

Wow, what a wonderful review to read. Thank you for your generous words, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed every aspect of your visit. That is all we aim for. Many thanks.

Written 15 November 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sue Anne

United Kingdom6 contributions

Bad customer service

Aug 2020 • family

We visited the River Shack a few times during our hols as it was just around the corner from us. The food is OK, nothing outstanding and after a couple of visits we figured what to avoid. However, the customer service is really not great at all. It takes a long time for the food to come, some of the order might not come at all, and don't bother asking for a napkin, cutlery or another ketchup. They could clean the tables more often to keep the seaguls and wasps away. It's quite hard to get the attention of the staff and generally felt like they were doing us a favour.

Written 28 August 2020

Willparry1990

Oh dear what a sad review to read after a long bank holiday weekend over which our staff worked so hard and did fantastically well. We pride ourselves in our customer service as we are lucky enough to have a wonderful team behind us, so I really find this review hard to stomach and I am so sorry we let you down on this day. This August has been the busiest summer hospitality in Devon has ever seen. As a result there has at times been longer waiting times for food and also for service as we are working with reduced team members due to the restrictions put on us by Covid 19. Our staff are working harder than ever and under more pressure than ever whilst also trying to keep themselves and others as safe as possible. It has been very stressful at times and also exhausting, and perhaps you caught us all at times when we weren't at our strongest. This is very unfortunate as I'm sure you can see from the other reviews that most customers are very satisfied with the service as well as the menu. We have had terrible problems with wasps this summer as have many other local restaurants, it is not reflective of how clean the tables are. We luckily do not have trouble with the seagulls. We are grateful for this everyday as being so close to the water it could be a problem. Luckily for us they are more interested in the bacon from the crabbers! As for the food, we are so sorry it wasn't to your taste. This is very disappointing for us as we usually get such positive feedback. We hope you at least enjoyed the wonderful views at The River Shack and that you had a good holiday nonetheless.

Written 2 September 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Katie F

East Hoathly12 contributions

Amazing food, amazing service and a perfect location

Jul 2020 • couples

We stopped here twice in our travels around Devon in the past week, and both times we loved it! The first visit we shared the fish tacos and the jerk chicken burger and the second visit we shared the mushroom, blue cheese and Jerusalem artichoke pizza and the Parma ham, roasted onion and rosemary oil pizza. Both times the food was simply sensational. The staff served us with a smile and it all felt very safe considering the current Co-vid situation. The location is beautiful too - we enjoyed our meal on one of the lovely benches facing the water and it was very picturesque. We will definitely be back!

Written 13 July 2020

Willparry1990

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review, it is really encouraging for us to read. Things are not quite back to normal yet but we're pleased people are still enjoying coming down and enjoying the food and the views. All the best!

Written 15 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dad30

Totnes273 contributions

Lovely setting, food ok

Mar 2022 • couples

First time visiting here and found the setting very peaceful and beautiful. On arriving noticed the sign saying car park £5 (cash only) all day! We wasn’t going to be there all day so was a little shocked that we still had to pay that amount, I understand getting charged and have no problem with that but surely if you are only going to eat and then leave 1/2 that amount would be more realistic. When we entered we were greeted straight away with a warm welcome but then they asked if we had booked - we hadn’t and they then made us feel like we should have (the place was empty inside). The waitress then looked at a man behind the counter who was like “I am sure we can fit you in no problem” dont make us feel like it was a problem then. Anyway we chose to sit outside in the marquee lovely setting and a lovely log burner roaring away in the corner., it was a windy day but no problem didn’t feel cold at all. They took our order quickly we both had the shack breakfast I opted for no Smokey butter beans nor hash browns but when it arrived hash browns were on there which to be fair wasn’t a normal hash brown more like an onion Bhaji was tasty though, the sausages were also very tasty but the rest wasn’t that great, the bacon was hard and not that warm nor were the mushrooms or toast. The pot of tea was lovely though. I know it’s not the restaurants fault re parking charges but it really made us feel like we were being ripped off. Had a walk around the waters edge and up into the church and then left doesn’t warrant a whole day there. If we visit again will try to park further up in the village which I am sure the locals don’t appreciate.

Written 22 March 2022

Willparry1990

Hello there. Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We are so sorry you felt ripped off by the parking charge. The car park is not owned by us so sadly we have no control over this and it so disheartening to get bad reviews about it. If you are only popping in for a quick visit, you can tell the attendant this and often he lets you in for a reduced rate. I am sorry you were made to feel that you should have booked. We do get a lot of bookings so we always like to check whether people have booked in so we can mark them in on our reservations system. Nonetheless, you should not have been made to feel uncomfortable and we are sorry about this. As for the breakfast, we are glad you liked our homemade hash browns, we like to do things a bit differently. We are sorry to hear that parts of your breakfast were not up to scratch and we would have liked to have known this at the time so we could have replaced them for you. We thank you for your time and hope we may see you again.

Written 28 March 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

NBell

Edinburgh3 contributions

Perfect location, food and atmosphere.

Oct 2022 • friends

Came for breakfast to kick off a day of birthday celebrations. We were wrapped up warm and decided to sit outside to get some fresh autumnal river air, but we were offered a seat in the covered area with the fire which looks cosy and indoors also looks lovely (sort of New England style). We had some hearty ‘shack breakfasts’, with lovely sourdough toast and particularly good bacon. Some others had American style pancakes with very generous portions, another had the mackerel which looked like a great healthy option. Really good flat white with lovely latte art, not sure how they do it so nicely. Staff were attentive and friendly and atmosphere was lovely. Seems to be a meeting point for locals, and there were also happy families fuelling up for a day of crabbing. Don’t expect greasy spoon prices however the menu is fairly priced and the quality of ingredients and location make it worth it as a treat. We took the opportunity to park away and enjoy a walk through the village, some of our friends decided to paddle down on the tide from totnes (took just under 2 hrs). There is a village car park that is handily next to the river shack, this does charge during the day, and can be busy as it used as a base for many who come to the village for Crabbing or paddle sports. Will be coming again!

Written 12 October 2022

bostin5

Wakefield31 contributions

Beautiful Location lovely food.

Sept 2020 • none

We went for a walk from our campsite and stumbled across this place in the beautiful village of Stoke Gabriel. We had a cream tea each and it was smashing. Very good food, the food other people were having looked great too but we only wanted a "snackington" Down by the riverside with some lovely views. Service was very good, attentive chatty staff, but not in your fsce. Price was the going rate for two cream teas, the rest of the menu looked simillar in terms of value. Covid restrictions and measures were very well done too, felt quite safe.

Written 25 September 2020

Willparry1990

Hi there, We are so delighted to read such positive feedback, thank you. Thank you for sharing such helpful information for other potential visitors to read as well. We hope you had a lovely holiday! Many thanks.

Written 29 September 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LucaEvansMum

5 contributions

A class act!

Oct 2020 • none

We’ve just returned from a week away in Stoke Gabriel and the amazing River Shack played a big part in that for our whole family. Whether it was a superb breakfast and great coffee after a windswept dog walk or a long lazy lunch (or two) enjoying a really creative, interesting and tasty menu, we were all smiling. The cauliflower tacos and the veggie and vegan offerings are outstanding. The pork and apple casserole with celeriac mash was a real crowd pleaser. Whether it’s catering for gluten free diners and fussy 8 year olds (mine) - nothing was too much trouble for this fabulous team. And the setting is glorious. We’ll be back as soon as we can. Thanks guys x

Written 1 November 2020

Willparry1990

Wow what a wonderful review to read after we have just closed up for Lockdown 2! This really cheers us, thank you. We are so happy that you enjoyed yourselves so much and that the food stood out as much as the service. This is exactly what we strive for. We hope you had a great holiday and we wish you all the very best! Faye, Will and The River Shack Team x

Written 6 November 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alison H

3 contributions

Lovely cosy coffee stop

Mar 2020 • couples

Hadn’t been in here for a while and was pleasantly surprised. The service was very welcoming and the coffee was lovely. They have a lunch menu and evening menu, both of which look very tempting. The location on the edge of the mill pond is great in the summer for family crabbing sessions but this cafe deserves a visit at any time of year, it’s so cosy.

Written 11 March 2020

Bluebellwalk18

Alresford47 contributions

Great gluten free options.

Apr 2021 • family

Great cafe. The staff are so helpful and kind. They have good gluten free options and staff knew what they were doing when it came to catering for those with specific dietary requirements. We ate outside due to COVID restrictions and felt very safe. Everything was cleaned between customers. Such a lovely view.

Written 17 April 2021

Willparry1990

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this lovely review. We are so pleased you felt well looked after and catered for. We are very dedicated to cleaning so we are pleased it was noticed and appreciated. Many thanks!

Written 26 May 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

William F

6 contributions

Beautiful setting shame about the price

May 2021 • couples

This lovely place has been visited by me many times. After 18 mths of lockdown we visited here once more. Car park fee gone up from £3 to £5 . Had a lunch at the river shack very accommodating and pleasant staff. But the sting in the tail was the price increases. The most expensive Burger I have ever had at £13.95 my partner had potted crab a small glass half filled £9 and half a cider £2.50 wow!! After from the outside till a small bottle of orange £3.50 and a can of Diet Coke £2.00 one scoop of ice cream £2.50. COVID must of gone to their heads. I think I must be a bit traumatised. Can’t believe how they get away with charging these prices. Bringing my own food and drink in future shame because it is a lovely place to visit.

Written 24 June 2021

Linda

Cornwall25 contributions

Beautiful spot

May 2021 • couples

My husband, myself and our dog, arrived here for an evening meal on Friday,we were greeted by friendly staff on arrival. We chose to sit outside with a beautiful view of the lake. The food was served quickly, presented well and served by happy staff 😁 We had the burgers and for desert summer pudding 😋 Highly recommend such a lovely little place would like to return one day maybe on a sunny lunch time .

Written 27 June 2021

TheLonelyNomad

67 contributions

A warm welcome in a beautiful location..!!

Sept 2021 • couples

A lovely little cafe bar located in the pretty village of Stoke Gabriel. Blessed with stunning views of both the Mill Pool and the River Dart, the River Shack is a comfortable venue with a warm welcome from friendly staff. The food is a little limited for choice, but it's well prepared, presented and tasty. Washed down with some choice beers, wines and ciders (and soft drinks as well), this is a really lovely place for an afternoons lunch...