Fatbelly Fred's Fish & Seafood Restaurant

Discover Fatbelly Fred's Fish & Seafood Restaurant, a family-run eatery in Barnstaple celebrated for its locally sourced seafood and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a massive 98% gluten-free menu featuring delights like lobster, crab, and exquisite seafood platters, all just 12 miles from the sea in Appledore. Join us for a delightful dining experience, whether dining in or taking away. Book your table today!

4.6 - EWN Awards
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Welcome to Fatbelly Fred's Fish & Seafood Restaurant

Fatbelly Fred's Fish & Seafood Restaurant epitomizes the charm of a local family-run establishment. Located in Barnstaple, this beloved spot has earned accolades, including the title of Best Restaurant at the Devon Love the Flavour, Food & Drink Awards for 2017-2018. After a two-year closure, it proudly reopened in May 2020, serving fresh seafood sourced from just 12 miles away in Appledore. The restaurant boasts an impressive 98% gluten-free menu, ensuring everyone can enjoy their expertly prepared dishes.

With a cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff, Fatbelly Fred's is perfect for families seeking a delightful seafood dining experience, whether for casual takeout or a relaxing dine-in meal. The menu highlights local catches and skillfully prepared plates that taste as good as they look, promising a dining venture filled with coastal flavors.

Welcome to Fatbelly Fred's Fish & Seafood Restaurant, a cherished family-run gem located in Barnstaple. Since reopening in May 2020 after a brief hiatus, we proudly continue our legacy of serving the freshest seafood sourced locally from Appledore, just 12 miles away. Our culinary offerings cater to all, showcasing 98% gluten-free options, making us a favorite among families and seafood lovers alike. Enjoy a relaxed dining experience with excellent service, hearty portions, and a delightful menu featuring everything from lobster to seafood platters. Join us for a memorable meal and discover why we were awarded Best Restaurant in the Devon Love the Flavour Awards!

Services, Amenities and More

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Free water refills
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Catering
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Crowd
Family friendly

Photo Gallery

View Menu Photos

Reviews Overview

Most Liked

Customers rave about the seafood platter, filled with succulent crab, tender lobster, and a medley of mussels and oysters. The freshness of the ingredients truly shines, highlighting local flavors. Many appreciate the accommodating staff, who go out of their way to ensure each diner’s experience is special, including helpful insights about gluten-free dining options.

Family-friendly amenities add to the restaurant's appeal, with high chairs and inclusive meal choices for children. Plus, the option for takeout allows guests to enjoy the same quality seafood at home, catering to various preferences and needs.

Most Disliked

Some diners mention that the restaurant's popularity can lead to occasional wait times, especially during peak hours. However, many agree the food is well worth the wait. Others suggest improvements in the accessibility of the entrance, as navigating through the busy streets can be a challenge for some guests.

A few have noted limited vegetarian options compared to the extensive seafood menu, but the staff is eager to accommodate dietary requests, providing suitable alternatives.

User Reviews

KC
Kat C.
2 weeks ago

Absolutely fantastic experience. We ordered the seafood platter and paella main for takeaway and Geoff was so helpful in making sure our order was exactly as we wanted. He clearly takes great pride in his work and the results were delicious. The platter came with lots of extra bits and sauces. The crab, lobster, mussels and oysters were particular favourites. Highly recommend - hopefully we can visit again soon!

SF
Steve F.
1 months ago

Very friendly family run place with great food and a very nice Freds beer. Portions great, cooked very well at good prices. They aim to please and hit the spot. Well worth a visit if you enjoy seafood even if its a little out of your way. After 6 the local car park is free and its a few minute to the door. Will be going back next time I am in the neighbourhood.

AH
Alis H.
3 months ago

We went to Fatbelly Fred's looking for gluten-free food (my partner) and fish (me) and we were not disappointed on either score. We found an excellent range of gluten-free food cooked and served by people who don't just say the words but who know about the difficulties of gluten-free eating. No danger of cross-contamination here! I'd never had dab before so I asked our lovely young waiter what sort of fish it was and, instead of flannelling like most waiters who really mean 'I have no idea' he went to check and was replaced by the chef who gave us chapter and verse about the dab and its provenance. If you want lovely seafood imaginatively cooked and charmingly served I can't recommend Fatbelly Fred's highly enough. And gluten free to boot - what's not to like?!

TS
Trust S.
2 months ago

Truly Wonderful, amazing & genuinely lovely team a pure delight, I say this honestly an absolute banquet. We were served a delicious piping hot ( cold food pet hate ) fish sharing platter !! Oh MY Goodness what a treat ! The banquet was so big we had to move to a bigger table ! Fred was an perfect gentleman & meeting the chef & his wiife was a treat too. A lovely relaxed evening filled with lovely conversation at a lovely family run establishment. If you are in the area be sure you do not pass the opportunity of trying the culinary wears at Fatbelly Freds ! Thank you for you wonderful hospitality.

RN
Robin N.
7 months ago

Fabulous food last night for our party of 4. Table service was delightful and chef went over and beyond in catering for our every need including one vegetarian plate of stuffed roasted pepper and squash. All enjoyed the meal so thank you all so much!

wF
wendy F.
1 months ago

Collected our fruit de more this evening, absolutely perfect, beyond all expectations. crab, lobster, langoustine,crayfish, oysters, crevettes....the list goes on and on plus sauces & dips. I could go on but you need to experience it, allow yourself plenty of time to savour every mouthful, you will not be disappointed.

DM
Dianne M.
1 months ago

Loved it! The food was as advertised on their website, interesting menu, beautifully presented, fabulous taste. Exceptional service from a young man, made everyone feel welcome.

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Location & Hours

Opening Hours

MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Fatbelly Fred's offers a wide range of locally caught seafood, including lobster, crab, mussels, and oysters, all sourced from waters less than 12 miles away in Appledore.

Yes, this restaurant provides a massive 98% gluten-free experience, ensuring safe options for those with gluten sensitivities.

Fatbelly Fred's is open seven days a week, so you can enjoy their delicious seafood any day.

Yes, reservations are accepted, making it easy to secure a table for your family or special occasion.

The restaurant accepts debit cards, so you can pay conveniently during your visit.

Why visit Fatbelly Fred's Fish & Seafood Restaurant

A visit to Fatbelly Fred’s is essential for seafood lovers and families looking for a warm, welcoming environment. The restaurant's focus on fresh, locally caught seafood ensures a meal that bursts with flavor and quality. Plan your visit around dinner time to enjoy the local car park’s free options after 6 PM, making it an affordable night out.

Don’t miss out on the seafood platter or the whole lobster—these are must-try dishes that embody the spirit of Devon’s coastal cuisine. Plus, the knowledgeable staff are eager to share their expertise, so feel free to inquire about the menu and share your preferences. This friendly vibe complements the delicious food, making Fatbelly Fred's a delightful dining experience that will leave you wanting to return.