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Newton Abbot › Newton Abbot › Ricca's Restaurant
Ricca's RestaurantA-Worth Trying
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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