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Rock Garden Cafe Bar

If you're in Torquay and in the mood for a place that blends energy, flavor, and personality, Rock Garden Cafe Bar on Swan Street is a must-visit. It’s not just a restaurant-it’s a whole vibe. Whether you’re here for a lazy lunch, upbeat dinner, or late-night cocktails and dancing, this venue delivers a full experience from the first sip to the final song.

Step inside and the eclectic atmosphere hits right away. From live music and quiz nights to the hum of casual conversations, this spot isn’t shy about setting the tone. It’s also impressively accessible, with a wheelchair-friendly entrance, seating, and restrooms-though parking might be a challenge if you’re driving.

Food-wise, Rock Garden Cafe Bar covers all the cravings. They don’t just offer a menu-they offer a lineup of crowd-pleasers and signature dishes with just enough twists to keep you curious. For starters, you’ll find BBQ Chicken Wings and Tandoori Chicken Curry alongside a solid selection of small plates, perfect for sharing. But if you’re ready to dive in, the Goats Cheese and Caramelised Onion Burger and the Big Vegan Burger are two showstoppers. Rich in texture and layered with flavor, they go beyond your average pub fare.

Meat lovers aren’t left out either-Sirloin Steak with Fries, Spare Ribs, or the hefty Rock Burger deliver satisfaction in every bite. And if you’re craving something off the beaten path, the 8oz Tuna Loin with Salad and Skinny Fries offers a lighter option that still packs plenty of flavor. Parents will be glad to know there's even a Kids Chicken and Sausage Pizza, making this spot just as family-friendly as it is fun-focused.

Drinks? Let’s just say you’re covered-whether it's a Guinness, a crisp white wine, a two-for-one cocktail, or just a well-brewed cup of coffee. The bar doesn’t mess around. Their great beer selection and extensive wine list pair perfectly with both the food and the fun. If you're a fan of cocktails, it’s hard to go wrong-there’s something undeniably tempting about sipping a Mojito or Espresso Martini while live music sets the rhythm for your evening.

The desserts here deserve their own spotlight. The Cheesecake is a recurring favorite-creamy, rich, and perfectly portioned. Ideal for that sweet finish or even sharing (though you might not want to). Those with a sweet tooth will also appreciate the range of late-night food options, especially if you’re still going strong when the kitchen’s winding down.

What makes Rock Garden Cafe Bar stand out isn’t just the food or drink-it’s how well everything comes together. It’s a place where you can grab a quick bite solo or stretch the evening with friends over laughter, music, and excellent cocktails. You’ll often find locals mingling with tourists, creating a buzzing atmosphere that feels effortlessly welcoming.

Another major plus is the flexibility. You can dine-in, chill at the outdoor seating, or even opt for takeaway or delivery if you’re enjoying a lazy day indoors. The no-contact delivery service adds that modern convenience for anyone who wants the Rock Garden experience at home.

With its diverse offerings, solid vegan and vegetarian options, live performances, and a kitchen that caters to both indulgence and balance, Rock Garden Cafe Bar easily carves out a space among Torquay’s most dynamic dining spots. From the English Breakfast in the morning to cocktails and dancing after dark, it's a place that moves with your mood-no matter what you’re hungry for.

Reviews

Katie Darrmen
Restaurantji Rating

Came here for lunch and it was nice! nice bar/food place to go for a drink with mates nice pretty decor!

Jonathan Mendez
Restaurantji Rating

Fab food and a great team. Bit quite today so atmosphere hard to judge.

Amy Jagla
Restaurantji Rating

We went at 7pm on a Wednesday evening. It was pretty quiet but we weren’t sure why! It is a brilliant cafe bar with a great menu and all at a decent price. Service was ok, but could tell waiters were a little stressed as they were preparing for a party. The outside beer garden is gorgeous - large and nicely decorated. The food was excellent, no complaints. The burger was well cooked with a juicy inside and crispy exterior. The pizza was handmade in their pizza oven & was fantastic.

Ben Shaw
Restaurantji Rating

The service from the girls behind the bar was great. Ben, the food runner, polite on the ball and efficient, The BEST and hats of to the CHEFS was the food, only a burger but by far best burger in torquay hands down messy to eat but the flavour packs a punch, do not have the fries, have the potato wedges they are proper ones not pre made in the bag.

Natalie Gibbings
Restaurantji Rating

We came for a midweek dinner a few days into a menu change, was recommended due to the vegan options which were on a separate menu. Timed our ordering poorly (after a very large group without pre orders) but was informed of the wait and kept updated. Food was lovely with big portions

Location & Contact

40-42 Swan St, Torquay TQ2 5ES, United Kingdom

Opening times

Monday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
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