Restaurants and Cafes

Best Restaurants and Cafes in Cornwall

Over the past couple of decades Cornwall has propelled itself to being one of the UK's go-to foodie destinations. It stands to reason when you think about how much fish and seafood is landed here, and this is what tends to dominate the menu.

Along with fantastic coastal locations and plenty of quality local produce, the allure of super-fresh fish has led to a host of celebrity chefs following Rick Stein down to Cornwall. The likes of Paul Ainsworth and Michael Caines have both set up shop here over recent years - but it's not only Michelin Stars and fine dining. Think chilled out beach cafes, country pubs with a roaring open fire and fish doesn't have to be haute cuisine - we've got plenty of good chippys too!

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  • The Napoleon Inn // Boscastle

    Napoleon Inn - Boscastle

    The Napoleon Inn is a delightful family-run historic pub. Found snugly nestled in Boscastle village, a little way off from the busy centre on the old High Street. The Inn is full of 16th-century charm with the original bar and fireplace still intact. The scene is perfected with era-appropriate low beams and romantic lighting.

    In true Cornish style, the pub offers traditional cask ale, straight from the barrel. Weekly, lively entertainment keeps both regulars and newbies to the bar coming back for more as traditional local singers take to the tiny pub stage to serenade the gathering crowd.

    The menu features interesting yet delectable treats for the table, such as marinated olives, brown butter popcorn, and focaccia with pecorino and pesto. Small plates of mussels and ciabatta, soup, trout, and various sides are readily available if you want a snack. If you arrive with a pang of serious hunger, bigger plates feature on the menu, including haddock and chips, fried cod, roast veggies, steak, burgers, and various sides and sweet treat desserts.

  • Chandler's Plaice // Hayle

    Chandler's Plaice - Fish and Chips - Hayle

    It's not a day at the seaside without fish and chips, right? Chandler's Plaice is at the Copperhouse end of Hayle, and it's the perfect stop-off point on your way home. The chippy is open for lunch, then fries again in the evening from four until nine.

    Like all good fish and chip shops, Chandlers serves a choice of cod, haddock, scampi and plaice, as well as other favourites like sausages, chicken and pies. If you're not a fan of batter (but still want to visit a chippy for the chips!), ask for the steamed cod.

    Everything is cooked to order, so there may be a bit of a wait, but it's worth it for the crispiest batter and lovely hot chips.

  • Cathedral Restaurant // Truro

    Truro Cathedral cafe

    Now here's an unusual location for breakfast or lunch: Truro Cathedral. The visitor cafe is in a modern annexe, reached through the cathedral, and is one of Truro's more surprising spots for a good old fry up in the morning.

    The lunches are traditional and hearty: think fish pie, cottage pie or vegetable soup. You can also choose a lighter option like a sandwich or a bacon roll.

    The restaurant is open only until 2:30pm, so come early if you fancy afternoon tea (their cream teas are definitely on the generous side). It's closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

  • Pinky Murphy's Café // Fowey

    Pinky Murphys Cafe - Fowey

    Whether you want to meet friends, have a coffee spot to take the family or just unwind and take a breather from "adulting", then when in Fowey, head to Pink Murphy's Café.

    This café is very quirky, with its tables named after legendary musicians such as Bob Marley.

    When warming up with a cappuccino & indulging in one of their home baked cakes, you won't find it hard to keep yourself entertained with the selection of board games and knitting on hand. A spot to remember when walking your dog, why not pop in for a delicious breakfast as this is a dog-friendly establishment.This is a place that I would definitely recommend and visit whenever I am in Fowey.

    With various dishes to choose from and a tasty platter, you will leave with a full belly and tickled pink!

  • The London Inn // Padstow

    The London Inn - Padstow

    Hungry? Thirsty? Head towards the harbour and tuck into proper pub grub at the London Inn. The hearty menu uses lots of great local produce (especially fish), and there’s a good choice of real ales in this welcoming pub.

    If you love a traditional inn (and who doesn’t?)The family-run London Inn is a good option. The building was originally three fisherman’s cottages, dating back to 1803. In true Cornish style, it’s named after a boat, not the English city.

    The pub also has four en-suite bedrooms. Like the restaurant, the rooms welcome dogs and kids; and if you want to stay in the centre of Padstow, the location is ideal.

  • The Cornish Arms // Hayle

    The Cornish Arms - Hayle

    This fine-looking pub is on Commercial Road, part of the long road that runs the length of Hayle. Despite its central location, it has a lovely beer garden at the front, which is a great spot for a drink on a summer evening.

    The landlords are from Canada, and the menu has a lively Cornish-Canadian blend, with classic dishes from both places. The pub has also become famous locally for its exclusive cocktails: try a Riptide or a Hayle Storm.

    The Cornish Arms is cosy and traditional inside, and there's a choice of lovely outside spaces on a sunny day. Kids and dogs are made very welcome.

  • Temple // Bude

    Temple restaurant - Bude

    Temple is snuggled between the centre of town and its canal. If you're up for a chilled-out dining scene with a punch on flavour, this spot should be on your list. 

    Locally sourced meat and fish dishes are big business here, but there are plenty of planet-friendly picks, too. Plates come small in size, which leaves plenty of room for trying out something that might not usually be on your restaurant radar. 

    Good to know: Dinner's best served with a side of sunset here, the restaurant's huge bay window puts on a show come evening time, with the sun sinking behind the canal.

  • The Jam Pot Tea Room // Hayle

    The Jam Pot - Gwithian

    Yes, this place is as cute as its name. This appealing cafe is housed in a listed building, an old, round coastguard lookout that's super-cosy in the colder months. However, most customers choose to stay outside, as the Jam Pot has the most incredible seaside location.

    The tea room serves up traditional, homemade comfort food. Come here for sandwiches, toasties and some of the best freshly baked cakes in the area, as well as Cornish favourites like pasties and cream teas. 

    The Jam Pot doubles as a handy little shop, selling all sorts of beachy essentials. They also stock Jam Pot merch: you won't be able to resist this… The cafe is kid and dog friendly, and the staff here are always welcoming.

  • Newlyn Filmhouse // Newlyn

    Newlyn's new cinema opened in 2016, housed in a converted fish cellar and smoke house. The cinema's restaurant and bar makes the most of its unusual setting, with cosy corners, exposed granite walls, and seats in its deep windows.

    String lights and candles give the restaurant an intimate atmosphere, and it's definitely one of the most sophisticated cinema bars around. The menu includes fresh local fish (this is Newlyn of course) and lively sharing mezze dishes. It's also a great place for vegetarian and vegan options.

    If you don't get the chance to have a meal before or after the film, at least pop in for a drink (the wine list is good) or coffee and cake.

  • Cadgwith Cove Inn // The Lizard

    Cadgwith Cove Inn

    The Cadgwith Cove Inn makes for a perfect pitstop while walking the Lizard Peninsula Coastal walk. It's pitched right on the walkway and locks in photo-stop worthy views of the nearby cove.

    The restaurant's well-aged building dates back more than 300 years and its walls are lined with relics from its smuggling history. Food's served at all three main meal times come the summer months, or if you're in town for winter, cosy dinners are on the cards.

    Same-day freshness comes as a guarantee as the restaurant's local fishermen delivers fish and seafood to its door each day. Lobster's served when in season throughout summer, while the winter months see a knockout of a Sunday lunch.

  • Coastguard's Cafe // Isles of Scilly

    Coastguard's Cafe - St Agnes - Isles of Scilly

    By day, Coastguard's Café serves up traditional cream teas and scrumptious cakes. Come evening, High Tide takes over, with an ever-changing menu that's based on the catch of the day.

    This place really shines a spotlight on local ingredients. Fresh crab from the island's fishermen, ice cream from the neighbouring Troytown Farm and garden-grown herbs all feature in the dishes here. The views are top-notch, too – and the big windows mean you can enjoy them inside or out.

    And if you are in town for dinner, it's best to book in advance for High Tide – it's a small, intimate setup, so spaces fill up fast.

  • Brown Sugar Café // Fowey

    Brown Sugar Cafe - Fowey

    This is every coffee addict’s dream café! Since 2006, Brown Sugar Café’s been roasting coffee and brewing tea that is locally grown. Their menu boasts a range of dishes made to order, so you know they are fresh and tasty. Just ask the staff as they are super friendly and will make a plan to cater to most dietary requirements.
    And on that note, let's talk about the menu...

    Start the day right with their hearty full English Breakfast. Brown Sugar Café thinks of everyone and makes Vegetarian and Vegan Breakfasts that will have you undoing the top button of your pants because you need to eat every last bite! High up on that list of favourites is also the pancake stack!

    They keep with the times and seasons, and the main menu changes with each season. Taco's and burgers are always choices you can't go wrong with.
    With so many smoothies & home baked cakes to choose from, you have too many options here!

    Brown Sugar Café is a great spot to relax with friends, a place for laughs with a relaxed atmosphere. The cafe is open seven days a week starting from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, but if things are festive, don't be surprised if they stay open a little longer and later! Head to Brown Sugar Café for a meal of your choosing today.

  • Trevathan Farm // Port Isaac

    Trevathan Farm

    Head out to St Endellion for some home-cooked, home-grown food. The popular restaurant is open every day (except Monday) for breakfast and lunch. You can also enjoy a proper Cornish cream tea at the farm at any time.

    Our top tip is to book a table here for Sunday lunch. Their traditional roast is fantastic, especially if you choose their home-produced beef.The farm is currently managed by the 5th generation of the Symons family, and there's a lovely, family feel to the place.

    Our second tip is to visit the farm shop. If you're self-catering, this is one of the best places in the area to pick up farm-fresh fruit and veg - they even make their own jam.

  • Harbour View // Falmouth

    Harbour View Restaurant - Falmouth

    With a name like Harbour View, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out where this restaurant is positioned. Situated right on Falmouth Harbour, this family-run place serves up both tasty dishes and eye-pleasing views in equal measure.

    Its seasonal menus and daily specials make the most out of Cornwall's huge range of local produce. All tastes are covered with meat, fish, veggie, and vegan options on the line up at breakfast, lunch, and dinner time. Or, if you're short on time you can just swing by for a drink, or two.

    There's seating both indoors and out, and with huge pull-back patio doors you can enjoy the sea breeze and shade all at the same time.

  • Dibble & Grub // Isles of Scilly

    Dibble & Grub - St Marys - Scilly

    Dibble & Grub serves up Mediterranean fare al fresco-style on its beachfront terrace overlooking Porthcressa beach. And if the weather's not playing ball, you can soak up the views from the bright, airy dining room instead.

    Brunch is a hit here – you can get your hands on everything from pancake stacks to smoked salmon on toast. And if you're visiting for dinner, we recommend sharing a few dishes from the tapas menu, so you can try a little bit of everything. 

    And while the food may be served Spanish-style, the ingredients are as local as it gets – think milk from St Agnes and eggs from St Mary's.

  • Fore Street Cafe Bar // Newquay

    Fore Street Cafe Bar - Coffee

    Fore Street Cafe is a big name on Newquay's brunch scene. It's tucked on a street just behind the town's Harbour.

    Toasties and breakfast rolls are this place's bread and butter, and its Cornish tea goes down a treat, too. The star of the show though is its aptly named Fore Street Breakfast. It's a full Cornish spread featuring homemade smoky beans – they're just as tasty as they sound.  

    If you're in a hurry, or fancy breakfast on the beach, the breakfast can be boxed to take away too.

  • Charlotte's Tea House // Truro

    Charlotte's Teahouse

    Afternoon tea at Charlotte's Tea House is like stepping back in time. The staff wear traditional pinnies and lace caps while they serve perfectly cut sandwiches and pastries on china cake stands.

    Located in the old Coinage Hall in the centre of Truro, Charlotte's really is a lovely place to escape the bustle outside. Here, it's about taking time to enjoy your pot of Tregothnan Earl Grey, with a toasted tea cake or slice of quiche.

    The delicious cakes are baked on the premises, using local ingredients wherever possible. Upgrade your classic Cornish cream tea with a Tarquin's gin and Navas tonic (both made locally). Because the cafe is in a listed Victorian building, unfortunately it's not accessible. However, there is an excellent takeaway menu.

  • The Watermill // Hayle

    Watermill - Lelant

    This popular country pub is in Lelant, between St Ives and Hayle. The lovely old 18th-century building has been a mill, a water pump, a riding stables and a tea room, before finally settling down as a proper, comfy pub.

    There's a great choice of home-cooked pub favourites and specials, served in generous portions. Look out for local fish dishes and modern takes on British classics, such as slow-cooked pork belly with spiced apple sauce. 

    The outside space is lovely, or try to get a seat in the cosy bar, which you'll share with the old watermill wheel. There's also a nice restaurant area upstairs. If you're here with a four-pawed dining companion, dogs are welcome in the bar area and beer garden.

  • The Journeyman Restaurant & Cookery School // Padstow

    Beautiful 17th Century Mill Location serving Traditional English & European, Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisine.  "The unique dining experience where the South-West meets the Far East"

    Listed in the Independent Newspapers top 50 places to eat curry in the UK.

  • 2 Belle Vue Avenue // Bude

    2 Belle View - Bude

    From outside, this ivy-clad restaurant looks like a postcard-perfect cutesy cottage, and things are just as cosy indoors. It's pitched just a couple of minutes' walk from the centre of town, making it a sure stop for central stayers. 

    Smartly dressed dishes come in the form of Spanish tapas plates and fresher-than-fresh steak and seafood. Fear not veggies and vegans, there's a menu that's got your name on it too. 

    Good to know: You'll be super lucky to walk up and get a table in here, make sure you leave with no regrets and book in a few days in advance.

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