Paolo's PizzaBar

Wood-fired pizza is the anchor here, turned out from a family-run kitchen on the Torquay Esplanade with a Neapolitan accent and a short list of fresh pasta alongside. The room is small and warm rather than slick, the sort of independent corner locals return to instead of a rolled-out chain concept. Dinner service runs Thursday through Monday from early evening, so a 7pm table is easily found across most of the week, with lunch on selected days. Expect blistered crusts, simple toppings and a handful of cocktails, plus vegan options for those who need them. It is a straightforward, honest kitchen with no theatre, just pizza made with care a short walk from the beachfront. Worth a booking on weekends, when the Esplanade fills and the oven runs hot.