Plymouth is a city with a rich maritime history and a vibrant culinary scene. Whether you are looking for a seafood feast, a vegetarian delight, or a gin tasting, you can find it in one of the many historic locations to dine in Plymouth. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a meal with a touch of history in this beautiful coastal city.

The Treasury

Just a stones throw from The Greedy Goose is a bar, cafe and restaurant called The Treasury. It is in a Grade 2 Listed building on the East end of Plymouth's famous Guildhall. With history dating back to 1615, the setting is full of original features. The Treasury being bombed in WW11, as it was part of the Guildhall was one of the few buildings to be restored rather than demolished after the war. The Treasury was used as part of the Plymouth Police HQ from 1873 to 1935 and you can still see an original police lamp above the door in Catherine Street. In 1935 the City Council took over the building and it became used as the City Treasury, where some locals would go to pay their rates! The great walk in strong room still remains in the premises.

The Treasury is now a relaxed place to dine and has a well stocked bar offering a range of 35 cocktails and 150+ gins. 

Plymouth Gin

Head down from The Treasury to the Historic Barbican area of Plymouth, about a 4 -5 minute walk. At the entrance to the Barbican and just on the left hand side of Southside Street, you can't fail to miss the distinctive and chracterful building that is The Plymouth Gin Distillery. It has been in operation since 1793 and used to be known as Black Friars Distillery.This is because the buildings were once a monastery belonging to the Black Friars.Many tours are available on a daily basis,of the building and the making of the very special Plymouth Gin, starting at £10 for a 40 minute tour. 

Once you have done this you could then head upstairs to the lovely restaurant that is housed inside called The Barbican Kitchen. It was established in 2006 by the award winning Tanner Brothers, the menu includes fantastic local produce which also includes a set menu of 1, 2 or 3 courses from the A La Carte menu.

Cosmic Kitchen

Situated in Sir John Hawkins Square a characterful little cobbled area just behind the Magistrates Court and only a couple of minutes from the historic Prysten House is another restaurant called Cosmic Kitchen. The square itself is named after a Naval Commander, Privateer, and Ship Builder who was born in Plymouth in 1532. He was almost certainly involved in the Slave Trade along with others of his time, Drake, Raleigh and Frobisher. The Cosmic Kitchen building itself was built in 1865 and used as a Seaman's Mission and then a studio by famous local artist Robert Lenkiewicz. 

It is a red brick building chapel with typical Victorian character, now used a Vegetarian and Vegan restaurant, family run with an interesting menu offering delicious and affordable ,the interior is just as quirky as the outside. 

*Plymouth City Council is now proposing to rename the square due to the offence caused to many by commemorating the Elizabethan seafarer who was closely associated with the slave trade. Click here for more information. 

Artillery Towers

The Artillery Tower Restaurant is set on the sea wall overlooking Plymouth sound, Drake's Island and Mount Edgecombe, just one minute walk from the Royal William Yard and a five minute drive from Plymouth city centre. But away from the hustle and bustle of Plymouth's night life.

Housed within a 15th century tower with wood burning stove, exposed walls and walnut ceilings, it's somewhere a little different. The Artillery Tower has been under the ownership of Peter and Debbie Constable since 1998.

The food at the Artillery Tower is focused on local ingredients from artisan producers within in Devon and Cornwall. The cooking at the Artillery Tower Restaurant complements these fine ingredients with simply presented, honest cooking with warm friendly personal service.