The Elephant in Torbay

Wow! Where do I start....Took my grandson for a special meal as a treat for his 18th birthday, as he loves his food. I booked through their website, which takes you to Open Table (booking agent) to choose the date and time. I also left a note saying it was a special occasion, in the hope that they would make it as memorable as possible for him. Let me tell you, we weren't disappointed in any way.From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were greeted by a very cheerful gentleman who asked if he could hang our coats up for us. Nice start so far!The restaurant was classy, with extra large mirrors on the walls and ambient lighting. The temperature was just right for eating.We were seated on a table for 4, which gave us plenty of room, as there was only two of us.Then we noticed the elephant card and menu sitting on table. The card was hand written, wishing my grandson a happy 18th birthday and the menu was personally signed by Simon Hulstone, the owner chef! That was really a lovely gesture from the start and we immediately knew we were in for a special night.He took our drinks order and we ordered the Tasting Menu @ £90 per person, with the paired wine option @ £45 per person, for my grandson, as he wanted to experience the whole tasting event.Each of the wines arrived just before each course and was fully explained to us as to how it smells, tastes and where it was from.The food was absolutely amazing!We had six courses, then coffee and Petit fours. Each course was spectacular! We ate mussels, foie gras, scallop, bass, squid, ceviche, beef fillet, braised short rib, Sharpham Cremet and Devon Rum Baba....and we savoured every mouthful.Every course was described by the waitress in great detail and looked like a piece of art. It really was a shame to spoil such a pretty plate of food and eat it! No wonder they charge what they do, as in order to create such a beautiful plate of mouthwatering food, it obviously takes a lot of dedication and patience to get things so perfect.The service we received from every member of staff was impeccable. Nothing was too much trouble. We really were treated like royalty and made to feel like we belonged there.Throughout the whole evening our drinks were continually topped up and complimentary extra bread and whipped butter was bought for my grandson, who has a big appetite. LolWe later found out that the gentleman who had been bringing the wines throughout the meal was in fact the manager called Tom! He was extremely informative, even giving my grandson tips on how to learn more about wines and where he could go on courses if he wanted to.In all we were there from 6.30pm until around 10pm, but never at any point in the evening did we feel rushed.We both thoroughly enjoyed being pampered by professional, knowledgeable staff who go above and beyond to deliver the best service to their clients. It was worth every penny!So, to sum up....If you have a special occasion coming up and you do get chance to dine at The Elephant Restaurant in Torquay, make sure you go all out and experience the whole thing! The staff will make you feel so special, and you will have a meal that will blow your mind!Yes, it will cost more than normal restaurants, but rest assured, you won't be disappointed, but your taste buds will be begging for more!

This restaurant was excellent in all areas the food second to none the staff felt like friends the restaurant felt like home what could any one ask for

My wife and I visited for our anniversary. We had an amazing experience. The food was delicious and the service was great. We were welcomed and treated very well. I would recommend to anyone to try at least once.The food options were broad and there was an obvious care for dietary needs, including allergies. Portion sizes, which are often something that gets raised when talking about this calibre of restaurant, wasn't an issue as the food was beautifully presented, rich and balanced which is part of the experience (quality over quantity).The menu prices varied but we found what we wanted to try, of which the options are enough to cater for most.My only suggestion for anyone looking to book, especially if they're vegetarian or vegan, is to check the menu as they will probably change on occasion and this may have an impact.We will more than likely return in the near future.

Been here a few times now. Absolutely lovely tasty food, very friendly staff. Warm and welcoming.

Professional restaurant providing a professional service. Wonderful food served by friendly, smoothly efficient staff. Beautiful decor and plenty of space between the tables. We loved the whole experience and thoroughly enjoyed our food and drinks. Go there with confidence that you are going to get the best of everything. Enjoy.

Visiting the Elephant restaurant is not just a meal - it’s an experience. Welcoming and knowledgeable front of the house - they will take care of you and help you with everything around food drinks or even getting a taxi.Thoughtful interior, beautiful plates, wonderful art and finally the food!All the best ingredients from fish and veg reach southwest put together in mind blowing combinations of flavour, texture and taste.I had one of the best food experience in my life! Thank you the Elephant team for being so gorgeous!!!

Delicious food and great service.We had the most wonderful lunch whilst on holiday in the area. It’s a very smart restaurant but not stuffy and even in these times of staff shortages the service was great and the staff attentive.As you might expect the food was to notch and really rather wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch.The local crab starter tasted as good as it looks (see my pic) and the “cream tea” desert was mouthwatering.Highly recommended

Had the tasting menu with wine pairing. Both were really good. All of the items on the tasting menu were excellent and the wine pairing perfectly accompanied the food. I would wholeheartedly recommend visiting if you are in Torquay.

Excellent choice of dishes available on both menus. Presentation faultless with fantastic attention to detail. Ambience and acoustics disappointing as there were times when I could barely hear the person with whom I was dining, over the general hubbub of other diners, dishes etc. I appreciate that there are high ceilings but all the hard surfaces may have contributed. Call me old fashioned but I had expected linen tablecloths, perhaps this is reserved for evening service. This was our first visit for my husband's birthday but it won't be our last.

The most amazing restaurant and experience, not to be missed. Best food I’ve had all year (both had fish) and a well stocked bar with Armagnac (my favourite), knowledgeable barman who makes well balanced delectable cocktails. Good value to boot... no elephants in this room