A highly regarded independent Ashburton restaurant-cafe for excellent breakfasts, inventive small-menu lunches and occasional evening suppers, though the small dining room can be busy and its no-laptop policy is poorly signposted.
The Old Library Restaurant earns strong marks through excellent food quality and attentive service that consistently impress diners across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The welcoming cafe setting and reliable execution keep it solidly performing, though modest space comfort and service knowledge prevent it from reaching the very top tier.
The Old Library is a small, lively independent in central Ashburton, the sort of place people discover beside the car park and then quietly build into their routine. Reviews paint a warm, busy room with friendly service; at peak breakfast times, a queue can be part of the scenery, but the payoff is often a beautifully cooked plate and coffee worth stopping for. The kitchen is strongest on breakfast and brunch, where excellent eggs, bacon, focaccia, homemade beans and generous portions earn near-universal affection. Lunch adds colorful, Mediterranean-leaning options such as Yamas and spanakopita, while the current menu brings more adventurous touches including miso mushroom sauce, harissa and tahini. Friday and Saturday suppers are a particular draw, with short menus that change periodically. Prices feel fair for daytime eating, but a full three-course evening meal with drinks is a genuine splurge. Families are well catered for in spirit: reviewers describe excellent treatment of toddlers, a child-friendly bacon sandwich made off-menu and a dog-friendly welcome. The current menu has approachable choices such as the fish burger, sandwiches, breakfast plates and tiramisu, alongside vegetarian options, but no dedicated kids menu is shown. Picky eaters should have some safe choices, though the compact, chef-led menu is not built around children's staples.
Area vibe: Quaint market town with historic architecture and town-centre shops near Dartmoor.
Safety: Generally safe and quiet with good daytime footfall; evenings are low-key and quieter.
What's nearby: Close to Dartmoor National Park, town centre shops, parish church, independent cafes and B&Bs.
The breakfast plates are the safest bet, but the fish burger, spanakopita, and changing supper menus offer more adventurous alternatives.
Expect a busy small dining room, a compact menu, and a few practical catches, including the no-laptop policy and potentially chargeable parking.
This is a warm, dog-friendly independent with outdoor seating, though its small room becomes lively and crowded at peak breakfast times.