The South West-based group has submitted a planning application for a 100-seater restaurant and bar overlooking the estuary.
The new site will represent a £1m investment for the group and will employ between 30 and 35 people.
“Salcombe is one of the most beautiful places in the country and we’ll be hoping to open in Spring next year and look forward to welcoming people on foot, by water and car,” says Tonks, who launched his first Rockfish in 2010.
In early 2019 the company received a £1.5m minority investment from Gresham House Ventures to support its growth, followed by a seven-figure finance facility from HSBC UK in March to support future restaurant openings.
Rockfish was on track for its best year yet before the Coronavirus pandemic struck and says that while the episode has put incredible pressures on hospitality it remains confident and optimistic about the future.
It is planning to open all of its restaurants for alfresco dining as early as 12 April.
Tonks flagship restaurant the Seahorse, in Dartmouth, is a regular on our list of the top 100 restaurants in the UK.