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The Best Restaurants In Cornwall

Let's face it, when you think of Cornish food you probably think of our famous Cornish pasties! Now don't get us wrong there will always be a special place for a proper Cornish pasty for us locals and anyone visiting, but Cornwall actually has a diverse mix of cultures and cuisines, there's something to suit anyone's taste from spicy street food to elegant fine dining. We have put together a comprehensive list of all the best restaurants in Cornwall to visit in 2024, with helpful information on what kind of cuisine the restaurant serves, their price point, location and what the place is best known for. Not every great Cornish restaurant has made it onto this list of the top places to eat in Cornwall, each of these 30 restaurants on the list below has earned its spot by having over 2000 verified reviews whilst achieving a high rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars overall, how have these great restaurants accomplished this level of recognition?
​
Passion, dedication & most of all.......simply incredible food!

 

Our top 5 reccommendations for:

1. Best dining experience
2. Incredible restaurant views
3. Amazing local seafood
4. Best burger in Cornwall
5. Family-friendly menu

1. Porthminster Beach Cafe | St Ives

Cuisine: British, Mediterranean, Asian, Local Seafood
Location: Amazing location right on Porthminster Beach, with stunning sea views!
Best for: Seafood
Price: 
£££
Website: www.porthminstercafe.co.uk

Kicking off the list in style we have the award-winning Porthminster Beach Cafe, boasting incredible sea views from its unique spot right on Porthminster Beach. The restaurant has a great team of talented chefs and knowledgeable, friendly staff. Porthminster Beach Cafe is one of the most highly rated restaurants in St Ives and deserves its place in our list of the best restaurants in Cornwall!
porthminster restaurant cornwall
porthminster restaurant cornwall
porthminster restaurant cornwall

2. Rick Steins Seafood Restaurant | Padstow 

Cuisine: Local Seafood, British
Location: Charming location, close to Padstow harbour with views of the River camel
Best for: Seafood
Price: 
£££
Website: www.rickstein.com

Well-known TV chef Rick Stein has been cooking up delicious dishes on our screens from all over the world for decades now, his restaurant in Padstow has taken inspiration from his travels. Rick first open The Seafood Restaurant in 1975! Quickly establishing a great reputation for a high quality dining experience. Ricks love of fresh local seafood plays a huge role on the menu today with dishes like, Cornish crab, langoustines and seared scallops being staples on their menu.
“We’ve never thought of our restaurants as temples of gastronomy, they’re just places where the fish is fresh and the atmosphere alive and full of fun.”
Rick Stein
rick steins restaurant cornwall
rick steins restaurant cornwall
rick steins restaurant cornwall

3. The Godolphin | Marazion 

Cuisine: British, European 
Location: Literally on the waters edge, with stunning views of Mounts Bay & St Michaels Mount.
Best for: Seafood
Price: 
££
Website: www.thegodolphin.com
​
Shutters restaurant in The Godolphin is a busy beachfront hotel & restaurant in Marazion with an amazing menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner... ohh and a great Sunday roast! Pair either of those meals with that incredible views of St Michaels mount and you are on to a winner! Their menu is packed with exciting local seafood dishes plus awesome burgers, vegan options and if you get the chance you absolutely must order their Truffle & Parmesan fries! 
the godolphin restaurant cornwall
the godolphin restaurant cornwall
the godolphin restaurant cornwall

 

4. Paul Ainsworth At No.6 | Padstow

Cuisine: European, British, Contemporary
Location: A beautiful Georgian townhouse in the heart of Padstow
Best for: Fine dining
Price: 
£££££
Website: www.paul-ainsworth.com

Our recommendation for best dining experience!  Going to Pauls Ainsworth at no.6 isn't just going out for dinner, it really is an experience! The service, quality of food and ambience create a truly memorable dining event. The restaurant has one of the highest overall star ratings featuring on our list of the best restaurants in Cornwall and absolutely deserves its Michelin star. This culinary adventure comes at a higher price but please don't be put off, the majority of diners who have visited say the restaurant gives amazing value for money.
paul ainsworth restaurant cornwall
paul ainsworth restaurant cornwall
paul ainsworth restaurant cornwall
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5. Mackerel Sky | Newlyn 

Cuisine: British, Local Seafood, Tapas Style
Location: On the corner as you enter Newlyn from Penzance
Best for: Seafood
Price: 
£
Website: www.mackerelskycafe.co.uk

Our recommendation for amazing local seafood! The number 1# Restaurant in Newlyn with no sign of slowing down, Mackerel sky seafood bar averages an impressive 4.8 stars out of 5 on over 2000 verified reviews. This amazing seafood spot has a loyal following and has people coming back over and over again, with the freshest seafood available, all sourced locally. The menu has a 'Tapas Style' theme offering taster plates so its best to order two plates per person, or three.....or four!
Click here for more Restaurants in Newlyn
mackerel sky restaurant cornwall
mackerel sky restaurant cornwall
mackerel sky restaurant cornwall
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6. Firehouse Bar & Grill | St Ives 

​Cuisine: British, Steakhouse, Italian, Bar bits
Location: Central location, one street back from the harbour
Best for: Steaks, Gourmet burgers
Price: 
££
Website: www.firehousestives.co.uk

Firehouse Bar & Grill specialises in the juiciest flame-grilled steaks, cooked to perfection just how you like it! Their entire menu is amazing, choose from rotisserie chicken, brick-fired pizza, and gourmet steak burgers with plenty of house-made sides. Ask to be seated upstairs for surprisingly amazing views!
firehouse restaurant cornwall
firehouse restaurant cornwall
firehouse restaurant cornwall

 

7. Old Success Inn | Sennen 

Cuisine: British, Gastro pub, Sunday Lunch 
Location: Great spot overlooking the beautiful Sennen Cove
Best for: Sunday Lunch
Price: 
££
Website: www.oldsucess.co.uk

Our recommendation for most family-friendly menu! This historic Inn has fantastic sea views of Sennen Cove, highly rated for its great service and food. With a dog-friendly bar area, the whole family can come to enjoy one of Sennen's top spots for food & drinks. The Sunday lunch is highly rated and features West country beef, roast chicken, pork loin and XL Yorkshire puddings.
P.s They have triple cooked chips...... YES!
old success inn restaurant cornwall
old success inn restaurant cornwall
old success inn restaurant cornwall
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8. The Rum & Crab Shack | St Ives 

Cuisine: Local Seafood, British, Bar Bites
Location: Dream location on St Ives Harbour
Best for: Rum & Crab...of course!
Price: 
££
Website: www.rumandcrabshack.com

The Rum & Crab Shack is a must-visit when you're in St Ives, in-fact if you're anywhere in Cornwall it's worth the trip! Set in a fantastic location with stunning views of St Ives Harbour, enjoy a friendly atmosphere with great local seafood. The menu is diverse with plenty to chose from, some highlights include, Crab Loaded Dirty Fries, Pint of Prawns, Fish Tacos, Jambalaya, Gumbo plus vegan options and dessert Sundaes.
rum and crab restaurant cornwall
rum and crab restaurant cornwall
rum and crab restaurant cornwall

9. The Watering Hole | Perranporth 

Cuisine: British, Bar bites
Location: It's literally on Perranporth Beach!
Best for: Beach day lunch and drinks
Price: 
£
Website: www.thewateringhole.co.uk

Famous for being the UK's only bar on the beach and has been going for over 30 years, in that time its become an attraction to visit in Perranporth. The menu is full of tasty things to choose like burgers, fish & chips, nachos classic beach bar food done well, and even a really good Sunday roast! Theres plenty of outside seating if you just fancy a great pint with even better views.
the watering hole restaurant cornwall
the watering hole restaurant cornwall
the watering hole restaurant cornwall

10. Gylly Beach Cafe | Falmouth

Cuisine: British, Local Seafood, BBQ, Bakery 
Location: Stunning beachfront spot, incredible panoramic sea views 
Best for: Seafood, Bakery 
Price: 
££
Website: www.gyllybeach.com

A perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by... whilst enjoying some amazing local food and delicious cocktails. The menu boasts fresh fish landed daily into its ice bath, enjoy Mylor Crab, St Ives Bay Scallops plus line caught Mackerel from Falmouth Bay. The Gylly Beach Cafe offers freshly baked bread, cakes and delights directly from its next door neighbour, which just happens to be a glass fronted beach bakery ran by a team of passionate bakers, a top spot for takeaway treats and coffee.
gylly beach cafe restaurant cornwall
gylly beach cafe restaurant cornwall
gylly beach cafe restaurant cornwall

Gylly Beach Cafe was 10th on our list of The best restaurants in Cornwall. We have 20 more awesome restaurants below - Keep scrolling to find your perfect dining spot!


11. The Tywarnhayle Inn | Perranporth 

​Cuisine: British, Gastro Pub, Bar Bites, Sunday Lunch
Location: Nestled in the heart of Perranporth
Best for: Classic pub food
Price: 
£
Website: www.tywarnhayleinn.co.uk

The pub sits in a busy spot right in the heart of Perranporth, it offers friendly service, great pub food, a cosy atmosphere and is dog friendly. Just a short stroll to the beach makes The Tywarnhayle Inn the perfect spot for a beach day lunch with all the family. The large beer garden gets filled up quickly on any sunny day so be sure to claim your spot quickly!
the tywarnhayle inn restaurant cornwall
the tywarnhayle inn restaurant cornwall
the tywarnhayle inn restaurant cornwall

12. Amelies | Porthleven

Cuisine: Local Seafood, British, Mediterranean
Location: Prime spot with great Harbourside views 
Best for: Pizzas, Seafood
Price: 
££
Website: www.ameliesporthleven.co.uk

Amelies overlooks the charming fishing harbour of Porthleven, given its harbour location fresh local seafood features heavily on the menu with tasty dishes such as Cornish crab arancini, Garlic and chilli king prawns, Surf & turf, Authentic pizza's. Its informal approach to dining gives visitors a chilled experience with an ethos of "Take your time, unwind and enjoy the view"
amelies restaurant cornwall
amelies restaurant cornwall
amelies restaurant cornwall

13. The Maharajah | Newquay 

Cuisine: Indian
Location: Amazing cliff-top views across Newquay Bay 
Best for: Authentic Indian Cuisine
Price: 
££
Website: www.maharajah-restaurant.co.uk

Who doesn't love an authentic Indian curry?! The Maharajah restaurant has been doing its thing since 1980! Now with close to 4000 verified reviews with an average rating above 4.1 stars out of 5, you can trust that they know how to produce amazing Indian food. A cliff top location with awesome sea views complement the great service and even better food.

maharajah restaurant cornwall
maharajah restaurant cornwall
maharajah restaurant cornwall

14. Bush Pepper | Newquay

Cuisine: Australian, British, Fusion, Contemporary
Location: Convenient central location 
Best for: Fusion - Try something new
Price: 
£££
Website: www.bushpepper.co.uk

Looking to try something new, have you ever eaten Kangaroo? Well, now you can at Bush Pepper, the Australian-influenced restaurant set in the heart of Newquay. This place is highly rated for its fusion food, friendly service and intimate atmosphere, the menu offers some contemporary options mixed with fresh local seafood.
bush pepper restaurant cornwall
bush pepper restaurant cornwall
bush pepper restaurant cornwall

15. Hub | St Ives 

Cuisine: British, International 
Location: Great spot in St Ives harbour 
Best for: Burgers - Vegan burgers
Price: 
££
Website: www.hubbox.co.uk

The hub serves award-winning burgers, hand-cut fries & craft beer, all in a chilled cosy harbour setting. They cater for all burger lovers with veggie, vegan and gluten-free options.....plus chicken & hot dogs! Try the 'Zero Clucks Given - Dirty Fries'.... we promise you will not be disappointed!
the hub restaurant cornwall
the hub restaurant cornwall
the hub restaurant cornwall

16. The Fish House | Newquay

Cuisine: British, European, Seafood
Location: Amazing spot on Fistral Beach, Sea views
Best for: Seafood
Price: 
£££
Website: www.thefishhousefistral.com

As the name suggests this place really knows its seafood and they do it very very well! The awards the restaurant has received are complemented by over 3500 great reviews. A passionate team serving some of the best seafood available in an incredible location on one of Britain's most loved beaches..... you must give them a visit!

the fish house restaurant cornwall
the fish house restaurant cornwall
the fish house restaurant cornwall

17. Hooked On The Rocks | Falmouth

Cuisine: British, Local Seafood
Location: Outstanding location, overlooking Swanpool Beach
Best for: Seafood
Price: 
££
Website: www.hookedontherocksfalmouth.com

Hooked On The Rocks boasts an amazing beachside location and is easily one of the best places for seafood in Falmouth! The menu has plenty to choose from with recommended dishes such as, proper fish & chips, whole baked market fish, pan roasted bass and if your going all out add whole lobster to a shareing platter!
hooked on the rocks restaurant cornwall
hooked on the rocks restaurant cornwall
hooked on the rocks restaurant cornwall

18. Seafood Cafe | St Ives 

Cuisine: British, Local Seafood
Location: Central location, one street back from the harbour
Best for: Seafood - Small plates
Price: 
££
Website: www.stivesseafood.co.uk

Making it on to our list of the best restaurants in Cornwall is the Seafood Cafe, with an enticing menu of mains and small plates they allow you to try a few of their delicious dishes, the Seafood Cafe is dedicated to preparing expertly cooked local seafood paired with an amazing wine list. In summer months please booking in advance is essential!
seafood cafe restaurant cornwall
seafood cafe restaurant cornwall
seafood cafe restaurant cornwall

19. Chain Locker | Falmouth 

Cuisine: British, Gastro Pub, Bar Bites, Sunday Lunch
Location: Prime Harbour side location with panoramic views
Best for: Classic pub food
Price: 
££
Website: www.chainlockerfalmouth.co.uk

This historic 16th-century pub offers a stylish, contemporary dining experience with panoramic views of the beautiful harbour. All dishes on the menu come highly rated by past visitors, the Chain Locker has a varied menu but they do it all very well and we think they are absolutely worth a visit!
chain locker restaurant cornwall
chain locker restaurant cornwall
chain locker restaurant cornwall

20. Kahuna | Newquay 

Cuisine: Indonesian, Asian, Thai, Malaysian
Location: Central location
Best for: Pan Asian 
Price: 
££
Website: www.kahunarestaurant.co.uk

Kahuna restaurant is the place to try something new! Their dishes are packed with flavour and take on tasty influences from all around Asia, an exciting interior and a friendly team there to help in any way make a for a real tropical getaway!
kahuna restaurant cornwall
kahuna restaurant cornwall
kahuna restaurant cornwall

Have you found the perfect place to eat out yet!? Don't worry if not, we have 10 more amazing places on our list of the best restaurants in Cornwall coming up below - All photos are from verified reviews so what you see is a genuine example of the restaurant's food...No studio shots here!


21. Pandora Inn | Falmouth

​Cuisine: British, Gastro Pub, Bar Bites, Sunday Lunch
Location: Riverside spot with amazing views from the pontoon
Best for: Classic pub food
Price: 
££
Website: www.pandorainn.com
​
This is a classic Cornish pub, with flagstone floors, low beams, a thatched roof and a lot of history! With its riverside location, you could even arrive by boat. The pontoon is a great place to sit and watch the world go by whilst enjoying cold drinks and fresh local food.
pandora inn restaurant cornwall
pandora inn restaurant cornwall
pandora inn restaurant cornwall

22. The May Tree | Helston

Cuisine: British, Gastro pub, Sunday Lunch 
Location: Convenient location in Helston
Best for: Pies & Puds
Price: 
£
Website: www.whitbreadinns.co.uk

We highly recommend the award-winning pies & puds option which are on the menu every Wednesday after 6 pm, the ultimate comfort treat! The May Tree offer amazing value with so many great menu options including burgers, hot dogs, steaks, mixed grill plus..... cheeseburger topped fries.... wow!
the may tree restaurant cornwall
the may tree restaurant cornwall
the may tree restaurant cornwall

 

23. Hub box | Truro

Cuisine: American
Location: City centre
Best for: Burgers
Price: 
££
Website: www.hubbox.co.uk

Our recommendation for the best burger in Cornwall! Set in a former church with high vaulted ceilings, funky decor and a friendly bustling atmosphere Hub Box Truro offers up amazing stacked burgers, loaded hot dogs and their famous dirty fries - among other American-influenced treats!
hubbox restaurant cornwall
hubbox restaurant cornwall
hubbox restaurant cornwall
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24. The Beach Restaurant | St Ives

Cuisine: British, Local Seafood
Location: Prime harbour spot, amazing sea views
Best for: Anything from the fish bar
Price: 
££
Website: www.beachrestaurant.co.uk

The first thing that strikes you when entering The Beach Restaurant is the stunning harbour view, its honestly hard to beat a view like that! Highly rated for its fresh local seafood cooked and presented perfectly. Pair any fresh fish dish with a choice of quality wines, mix in that incredible view and you are on to a winner!

the beach restaurant cornwall
the beach restaurant cornwall
the beach restaurant cornwall

25. The Ship Inn | Porthleven

​Cuisine: British, Gastro Pub, Bar Bites
Location: Harbourside, views of the harbour and ocean
Best for: Classic pub food​
Price: 
£
Website: www.theshipinnporthleven.co.uk

The Ship Inn is a cosy 17th-century pub with a great spot on the harbour side of Porthleven. You will be met with a friendly atmosphere, great food, local drinks and amazing views, especially from the elevated terraced garden seating.
the ship inn restaurant cornwall
the ship inn restaurant cornwall
the ship inn restaurant cornwall

 

26. Polpeor Cafe | Lizard

Cuisine: British, Cafe, Local Seafood
Location: Stunning spot, nothing but sea views 
Best for: Seafood, Cream teas
Price: 
£
Website: www.restaurantji.co.uk

Our recommendation for incredible restaurant views! This cafe is in an amazing spot on the cliff edge, and the views are just incredible! With a great menu including, fish & chips, local seafood, fishcakes and a great Cornish breakfast! A must-visit when in the Lizard area.
polpeor cafe restaurant cornwall
polpeor cafe restaurant cornwall
polpeor cafe restaurant cornwall
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27. The Miners Arms | St Agnes 

Cuisine: British, Gastro Pub, Bar Bites, Local Seafood, Sunday lunch
Location: Quaint Village location
Best for: Pub classics
Price: 
£
Website: www.miners-arms.co.uk

The reviews for The Miners Arms really some the place up well... "
great service & lovely food & for a very reasonable price" its classic pub food done well in a lovely quiet village location. Plus the Sunday lunch is a highlight!
the miners arms restaurant cornwall
the miners arms restaurant cornwall
the miners arms restaurant cornwall

28. Fuel | Falmouth

Cuisine: British, Cafe
Location: Convenient central location 
Best for: Breakfast/Brunch
Price: 
£
Website: www.facebook.com/fueleatdrink

Fuel is well known for its amazing breakfasts in fact they serve all-day breakfast from 8 am-5 pm every day! Choose from Fresh fluffy pancakes, Full English or maybe a lighter Vegan option. Evening meal options include Cornish beef burgers, Tempura cod , Fish cakes and many more great options.
fuel restaurant cornwall
fuel restaurant cornwall
fuel restaurant cornwall

29. The Dolphin Tavern | Penzance

Cuisine: British, Gastro Pub, Bar Bites, Local Seafood
Location: Bustling Harbour location
Best for: Pub classic & veggie options
Price: 
£
Website: www.dolphintavern.co.uk

The Dolphin Tavern offer a friendly atmosphere, a menu full of pub classics and incredible value for money. Set on the bustling harbour of Penzance means they can get the freshest local seafood available, plus many veggie options like, falafel , tofu sizzler, vegan butternut squash pie.
the dolphin tavern restaurant cornwall
the dolphin tavern restaurant cornwall
the dolphin tavern restaurant cornwall

30. The Boathouse| Newquay

Cuisine: Street food, Local Seafood, International, Thai, Italian
Location: Unique sea front location 
Best for: Street food
Price: 
££
Website: www.streetfoodonthebeach.co.uk

Finishing off our list of the best restaurants in Cornwall is actually an exciting mix of passionate street food vendors, The Boathouse has a chilled beach atmosphere and is a great place to try something new with multiple street food options including, lobster rolls, Bao buns, authentic pizza, local seafood, stacked burgers and sweet treats.....with over 10 vendors the possibilities are endless!

the boathouse restaurant cornwall
the boathouse restaurant cornwall
the boathouse restaurant cornwall
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Holiday Accommodation in Cornwall

  • Welcome
  • Things To do
    • St Ives
    • Penzance
    • Newlyn
    • Mousehole
    • Marazion
    • Praa Sands
    • Hayle
    • Sennen
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    • Lands End
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    • Porthleven
    • Falmouth
    • Newquay
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  • Restaurants
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  • Blog