Where to Eat in Cornwall? | Detailed Guide

18th October 2021

From tucking into crispy battered fish and chips with mushy peas and a sea view, to fine-dining on seared lobster and creamy mussels, Cornish food is made to put a smile on your face. Created from a culture of fishing, farming and foraging which is integral to the identity of the land, Cornish cuisine excels in its unique flavours and its local-is-best ethos.

We’ve hand picked our favourite places to dine in Cornwall, selecting restaurants that celebrate fresh Cornish produce. Whether you’re seeking the taste of the ocean’s seafood, locally reared meat or foraged veggie dishes, these restaurants have something for everyone. Here’s our guide of where to eat in Cornwall.

The Mariners, Rock

A chef’s take on pub grub, washed down with the finest of Cornish beer. This loved-by-locals pub overlooks the Camel Estuary and serves up the likes of crispy pollock hot dogs, Porthilly oysters and market fish of the day from Cornish waters. A must go to spot when visiting Cornwall.

The Peterville Inn, St Agnes

A traditional pub set in the heart of St Agnes, the Peterville Inn is the perfect place to dine at the end of a blustery coastal walk. Their menus evolve daily in order to make the best of the local, seasonal ingredients, so you’re guaranteed to be tasting the freshest of Cornish produce.

Paul Ainsworth No 6, Padstow

The reputation of this restaurant speaks for itself. With a Michelin star and celebrity status founder chef, you can expect the very finest of modern British food, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. No 6 is situated in a Georgian townhouse in the centre of Padstow, and offers a friendly, warm and sophisticated service.

Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

This prestigious restaurant on the waterfront of Padstow is where Rick Stein’s culinary journey began. It has an international reputation born from its fresh seafood and shellfish dishes, which never fail to impress with their delicate layering of flavours. Dine on the sun-soaked terrace, overlooking Padstow harbour.

Porthminster Beach café – St Ives

This acclaimed beachside restaurant combines Asian and Mediterranean influences in dishes showcasing the freshest seafood, garden grown produce and foraged coastal ingredients. Recently awarded a 2 Rosette award for culinary excellence, this is a go-to destination for the finest of Cornish cuisine.

Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow

This exquisite seafood eatery changes their menus daily and even hourly depending on what the fisherman catch and land at their doorstep. Specialising in the freshest of fish and shellfish, every dish on their menu is a small slice of heaven.

Star & Garter, Falmouth

Fish directly from the boat and meat straight from the farm. The Star & Garter in Falmouth take a no-fuss approach to food, cooking up honest local produce paired brilliantly and served generously. From the fisherman’s catch of the day to mouth-watering Sunday roasts, this restaurant is your go to for a truly Cornish supper.

Kota, Porthleven

Kota means ‘shellfish’ in Maori, and head chef Jude is half Maori, half Chinese Malay. In this 300 year old building, right on Porthleven’s harbour front, you will find dishes of local produce with Jude’s signature Asian twist. From oysters, scallops, pigeon and duck, your taste buds will be delighted with his careful experimentation of flavours and textures.

We have retreats by the best beaches in Cornwall, near all the best foodie spots. Browse our locations to find your place, by the sea. Or, search by retreat here and taste the flavours of the ocean.