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Ricca's RestaurantA-Worth Trying

Name: Ricca's Restaurant
Address: 57 Queen St, Newton Abbot TQ12 2AU, Newton Abbot, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5

57 Queen St, Newton Abbot TQ12 2AU · Italian restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (719 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout

Warm, friendly Italian spot with crowd-pleasing pastas, pizzas, and celebration-ready service; mostly excellent experiences with occasional service lapses and a few mixed dishes.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Ricca's delivers warm, celebration-focused hospitality with strong food quality anchored by flavorful pastas, lamb, and desserts that earn consistent praise. Attentive service with thoughtful touches supports loyal repeat visits, though occasional consistency dips in pizza execution and peak-time service lapses prevent grade A territory. A reliable neighborhood favorite that exceeds typical restaurant standards.

Restaurant Summary

Ricca's feels warm and welcoming from the moment you are greeted, with a cozy room, an open kitchen and staff who lean into celebrations. One diner noted the team "moved our table when it got loud and surprised us with a birthday dessert," capturing the hospitality-first spirit. The room buzzes at peak times but remains relaxed and friendly. In the kitchen, the approach skews classic Italian—pastas, pizzas, steaks and seafood—delivered with solid, comforting execution. Highlights include tender lamb with rich jus, crisp calamari and crowd-pleasing tiramisu, while a few guests found some pizzas or a pasta to be under-seasoned on off nights. There are occasional global touches (harissa, fajita spice) but the soul stays traditional and satisfying. Families are well served by the pizza and pasta staples. There is a dedicated gluten-free menu and vegetarian flexibility, plus simple sides like chips that suit younger palates. No kids menu is listed, but the core offerings are broadly accessible; expect portions that leave everyone full.

At a Glance

Warm, celebration-friendly service with thoughtful touches
Consistently flavorful classics; lamb, calamari, tiramisu praised
Dedicated gluten-free menu and vegetarian flexibility
Occasional service lapses (missed checks, uneven pacing) at peak times
A few reports of bland pizza or pasta and oily dish on an off night

What Sets It Apart

celebration_ready_service
open_kitchen_visibility
dedicated_gluten_free_menu

What People Love

Feeling cared for during celebrations
Comforting Italian flavors done well
Generous portions and value for money
Open kitchen energy and cozy decor

Points of Concern

Peak-time service can miss table checks or pacing, reducing dessert or drink add-ons for some parties
Quality is mostly strong but a minority cite bland pizza/pasta or overly oily sauce
Noise can rise on busy nights; request a quieter table if sensitive

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£34-44 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Gluten-free diners: consider Seabass (GF) and Panna Cotta (GF) along with GF pizzas/pastas from the dedicated menu
Vegetarians: Norma pizza, Fusilli con Pesto, Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Seafood fans: Linguine Gamberi or Ravioli Di Mare for mid-priced mains

Perfect For

Birthday dinners with family
Casual date nights
Group meals before or after town-centre plans
Gluten-free diners wanting options

Location Insights

Area: Busy market-town high street setting popular with locals and visitors; casual evening and weekend traffic.

Safety: Generally safe town-centre feel with steady footfall; typical high-street lighting and oversight.

Nearby: Near shops, pubs, and services on Queen Street; convenient for pre- or post-meal drinks and parking in nearby public lots.

Town CentreThe town centre of Newton Abbot features a mix of traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants catering to everyday dining needs. The dining scene is casual and community-oriented, with establishments often frequented by locals seeking familiar, comfortable settings rather than high-end or trendy experiences.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–23:00 Tuesday17:00–23:00 Wednesday17:00–23:00 Thursday17:00–23:00 Friday17:00–23:00 Saturday17:00–23:00 Sunday17:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Takeout

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