In the heart of Devon’s estuary town, Salutation Inn + Topsham blends 18th‑century heritage with quietly modern polish. Housed in a 1720s coaching inn, this refined address channels Topsham fine dining with a poised, seasonal sensibility and a distinctive split setting: intimate dinners in a snug dining room, languid lunches and elegant afternoon tea beneath a glass‑covered historic courtyard. It’s an irresistible proposition for gourmands seeking the best restaurants Topsham has to offer, where craft, character and comfort meet.

The Story & Heritage
Resurrected with sensitivity and style, Salutation Inn honors its coaching‑inn past while embracing contemporary gastronomy. The property’s careful restoration reveals period bones—sash windows, Georgian proportions—balanced by understated luxury across a handful of rooms. The culinary team champions a modern British ethos anchored in West Country bounty and precise technique. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, the inn has evolved into a destination for discerning travelers who value thoughtful hospitality and terroir-driven cooking, complemented by a charming deli and wet fish shop that underscores its intimate connection to local producers and the sea.

The Cuisine & Menu
Expect a modern British menu shaped by the tides and seasons. Evenings offer a choice between a finely paced tasting menu and a seasonally themed à la carte. Think River Exe mussels with cider cream and sea herbs; Brixham turbot with smoked beurre blanc and pickled samphire; Exmoor venison with cocoa nib jus and salt-baked beetroot; and a signature Topsham Strawberry Pavlova with elderflower and clotted cream. Precise, balanced dishes reflect a commitment to local sourcing and sustainable catch, with vegetarian and gluten‑free accommodations thoughtfully handled. Price positioning sits firmly in fine dining, with an optional sommelier‑guided wine pairing to elevate each course.

Experience & Atmosphere
Dinner unfolds in a candle‑lit dining room with crisp linens, muted hues, and attentive yet unshowy service. By day, the glass‑roofed courtyard bathes tables in natural light—ideal for leisurely lunches and refined afternoon tea. The wine program features an Old World‑leaning cellar punctuated by English sparklers and food‑friendly boutique producers; the sommelier steers intelligent pairings without fuss. Private dining can be arranged, and the courtyard is a coveted perch in warm weather. Expect smart‑casual dress, with reservations recommended—particularly for weekend tastings. Stop by the deli and wet fish counter post‑meal to take the coast home.

Closing & Call-to-Action
For those seeking the best fine dining in Topsham, Salutation Inn rewards with considered cooking, polished service, and a setting that whispers history. Reserve ahead—two to three weeks for peak evenings—to secure the tasting menu or an alfresco‑feel table beneath the glass canopy. Book a wine pairing, linger over tea in the courtyard, and don’t leave without a selection from the deli—distinctive pleasures that define this Topsham classic.