Yes, Plates is a bustling, independent restaurant serving up easy-to-share dishes - but it's so much more than that. With unique decor, a deep interest in art and design, a community spirit and live entertainment, it feels more like a hub in the heart of Plymouth, just a stone's throw from the harbour.
A lofty, open space with high ceilings and plenty of natural light, Plates is a perfect place to catch lunch or dinner, with the vibe amping up into the evening when live singers and DJs crank the music up. The menu works for day or night, though, starting with some sharing boards and flatbreads that everyone get sink their teeth into. For example, order a warm, soft flatbread and pick your toppings, with options for garlic and cheese, chilli and chorizo, or wild mushroom and blue cheese. The hummus and pitta comes with hot honey chorizo, while the signature bread board includes a selection of breads, balsamic, olive oil and farmhouse butter.
Across the small plates - which make up the bulk of the menu - you'll find dishes like crispy chilli chicken, Asian slaw and hoison mayo, while the nachos are covered in cheese, salsa, sour cream and guacamole - plus jalepenos for a kick. There's the Holy Cow which brings together Devon rump, rice noodles, sticky teriyaki sauce, and if you're looking for a pescatarian-friendly dish try the 'under the sea' with crispy seabass, chargrilled pak choi and Thai coconut broth.
If grilling is more your thing, check out the marinated lamb chops, Greek chicken kebabs and garlic king prawn skewers. You could also give the steaks a try with options like flat iron and sirloin, accompanied by garlic or miso butter, or sauces like house gravy or mushroom and blue cheese. When it comes to sides, we like the sound of the tenderstem brocolli, corn on the cob Jordan's fried rice.