It's Dover Sole Season

The tides are shifting. As winter draws in and sea temperatures continue to drop, the rhythm of the ocean tells us it’s time for Dover sole. Here in Brixham, they reach their prime just before spawning season in January – firm-fleshed, sweet and full of flavour, they’re landed in their very best condition in the lead-up to midwinter.

Nature is telling us that now is the moment to enjoy Dover sole at its peak.

Why Dover sole?

A fish with a legacy as rich as its taste, Dover sole has long been celebrated in British food culture. Once the dish of high society and coronation feasts, it remains a quietly elegant classic – refined, indulgent and deeply comforting. Think of it as the seafood equivalent of a fillet mignon: silky and tender, yet surprisingly light. It’s a fish with presence, one that invites a bit of ceremony. A dish you order when you’re in the mood to treat yourself – because of course you deserve it.

There’s something undeniably luxurious about Dover sole in autumn and winter. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Soul food, in the truest sense. Best enjoyed unrushed, with good company, crisp wine, and maybe a few extra chips on
the side.

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A cooked Dover Sole Meunière on a white plate
Mitch's guide to cooking Dover Sole
What makes Dover sole special in Brixham?
What makes Dover sole special in Brixham?
Lemon Sole on a tray ready to be cooked at Rockfish
It's all about flat fish
Cooked Dover Sole with Hollandaise sauce
Why we should all be eating Dover sole

On the menu at Rockfish

  • Dover sole with noisette butter

    At Rockfish, we keep it simple to let the fish shine. We cook it whole on the plancha, just as they do in the classic seafood kitchens of Europe. Served with noisette butter – golden, nutty, and gloriously indulgent – and your choice of new potatoes, salad or unlimited chips. No fuss. Just the very best fish, in the very best season, done in the very best way.

     Miss it, and you’ll be counting down the weeks until next winter.

    Book a table now 

  • Dover sole at home

    Celebrating seasonal fish isn't reserved to our restaurants. We want you to be able to enjoy the best of the season in your kitchen too.

    Gather your family and friends around to celebrate dover sole this winter with 4 Dover soles for £50 available on our Online Seafood Market. Why not pair it with one of our butters, a simple way to enjoy the flavours this fish has to offer.

    4 Dover soles for £50 

Sustainability & seafood

Sustainability is all about ensuring fish species can continue to reproduce so that healthy stock levels are maintained. We do not buy seafood from any fishery that is not well controlled or managed, we do not sell fish that is endangered, and we don’t buy from anywhere where we feel uncomfortable about the health of the fishery or fishing method.

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