Best Places to Eat in Cornwall

The Mariners – Rock

The Mariners boasts one of the best water views in North Cornwall on the waterfront of the Camel Estuary. Now ran by Cornwall-based chef Paul Ainsworth, the menu always  leaves us wanting to return. Previously known for its sumptuous specials by Nathan Outlaw, the food here has to make it one of the best places to eat in Cornwall. Now ran in  collaboration with Cornish Brewery, Sharp’s, expect a  modern interior that’s cosy, friendly and relaxed. Remembered by our fellow foodies as some of the most delicious ‘pub grub’ they’ve had, it should most certainly make your best places to eat list.

The menus, designed by Paul and head chef Joe Rozier, focus on British classics while championing the best of local produce.The Mariners offers classic food done exceptionally well and with Ainsworth at the helm, you wouldn’t be surprised that the food is incredible.

If you need a recommendation, the ‘Dogs Pollock’ is amazing and the Cornish Rarebit is something else! Add it to your best places to eat list for your next holiday and don’t forget to book early !!

Porthminster Cafe – St Ives

With views like these, it’s easy to see why Porthminster Cafe is a firm foodie favourite. Porthminster Cafe has stunning coastal views of the white sandy beaches and turquoise seas that surround St Ives. Head Chef Michael Smith is the man behind the mains, and he was one of the first chefs in Cornwall to introduce foraged produce into his menus.

Unsurprisingly, fish is the name of the game at Porthminster, and you can tuck into some of the finest bounty that the Cornish waters have to offer. Cornish crab linguine, whole grilled lobster and monkfish curry are just some of the dishes that have graced the menu with seafood sourced locally from St Ives, Newlyn, Looe and Mevagissey. Vegetables, herbs and salad are taken from the Café’s on-site Porthminster garden.

There is a generous selection of Cornish wines on the wine list, including bottles of Global Award Winning sparkling wine from Polgoon and crisp whites from Camel Valley. With so much choice and food set to tickle any fish-lovers taste buds, it has to be Porthminster. As well as one of the best places to eat in Cornwall, it’s also one of the best views. Book here and don’t forget to check out our St Ives Cottages for further stay inspiration

Prawn On The Lawn – Padstow

2 years on from opening Prawn on the Lawn in London, we welcomed Prawn on the Lawn Padstow. Changing their menu daily, Rick and his wife Katie know just how to keep you guessing. Winner of ‘Best Seafood Restaurant’ and featured deservingly in the Michelin Guide, it’s high on the list of recommendations. Ever since opening in London, Padstow has remained a true favourite in their mouth-watering menu and dishes. Having sourced all their catch from Cornwall since their debut, opening Padstow seemed a must. Their many returning visitors welcome their frequently changing menu and with the local fisherman support, it’s so easy to keep things fresh. The freshly landed catch inspires many local fish dishes pepped up with international influences. N’duja, Szechuan pepper or Thai basil to name a few and whole fish, crab or lobster for the table.

With an outstanding wine list ranging from Cornwall to Australia, even the wine pairings make this restaurant a firm foodie favourite. If it’s made your list of best places to eat, try the Trevibban Mill ‘Black Ewe’ Sparkling Pink Brut which is tear-inducingly good with prawns.

Kota – Porthleven

Jude Kereama, chef-patron of this award-winning harbourside restaurant, is half Maori, half Chinese Malay. His dishes are characterised by Asian and New Zealand influences that are a little unusual for the Cornish coast. Rustled up in a 300 year-old Cornish pub, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you look at the menu. Indulge in a freshly caught Porthleven crab while looking out at its erstwhile home. Or sip an apple-sake consommé that perfectly marries Eastern and Western influences. We have Wasabi tartare and curry spiced monkfish which seem to be a favourite amongst many. Or perhaps its the Porthilly oysters followed by shimeji mushrooms and Cornish venison which will really get your mouth watering. All overlooking Porthleven Harbour, does it get anymore inspiring than this.

Kereama has been recognised with a plethora of awards, and it’s easy to see why. Book early enough and you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy some of these delicate, delightful dishes. Feeling like it’s made your list of best places to eat in Cornwall?

Rojano’s In The Square – Padstow

A beloved local trattoria, Rojano’s was taken over by Paul Ainsworth (who had a Michelin star nearby) in 2010. Although he has revamped the interiors and added an outside terrace, Ainsworth hasn’t messed with the true identity. This is still a classic, reasonably priced Italian, with mouth-watering pizzas topped with only the best quality ingredients.

There are pizzas with Parma ham, mushrooms and gorgonzola, or goat’s cheese, peppers and spinach, and they also serve a great pasta carbonara. Mackerel on toast is combined with flavours of coriander and basil, and the roasted sea bream is served with chorizo.

The presentation and attention to detail are second to none, and the terrific ingredients are mostly from local suppliers. The fish comes off Cornish boats and the meats are local or supplied by Italian artisans. Telling their own story are the vegetables grown in Paul’s own allotment. I can’t help but think even the Italians would approve of this !! Italian a favourite of yours and deserving a place on your best places to eat list?

The Gurnards Head – Zennor

A drive along the West Cornwall Coast Road is known to be one of the most scenic stretches in the UK. It will have you ooh-ing and aah-ing as it winds around the remote Cornish coastline towards Zennor. Having the added bonus of leading to the yellow beacon, this has to be one of our favourite destinations in the west. A warm welcome awaits you at the Gurnard’s Head – a ‘proper’ pub, with a menu brimming with local goodies.

Top notch beers and ales sit alongside an award-winning wine list, wittily written and clearly put together with love.

The menu is short but very sweet, featuring seasonally-rotating plates of regional meat, fish and greenery. Highlights include the local gurnard with tomato, anchovy, olive and samphire. And lets not forget the perfectly-cooked rump of beef and pork belly with fennel kimchi. The Gurnards is a place for wellies and walking boots and it’s love for our doggies makes it a favourite. This is most definitely one of our best places to eat in Cornwall especially if you love a roast!! So which day will it be? Book here and don’t forget to check out our cottage in nearby St Ives if you’re looking for a romantic couples escape.

Fitzroy of Fowey – Fowey

Peppered with places to eat and drink, Fowey makes for a wonderful day or evening out. Right near the water perched on the banks of the Fowey Estuary, you’ll find the award-winning Fitzroy restaurant. Located in a former bank and oozing with sophisticated style, you can’t help but be wowed by its London-like invitation. It’s dreamy atmosphere is made up of matt rose and cream decor, clay walls and hand-built oak furniture. All in all, just complimenting the artfully combined sharing plates and natural wines on offer.

Research its history and you’ll see Fowey has long been loved by London visitors. The late author Daphne du Maurier lived here for a while, and so the Fitzroy enjoys many visitors from afar. The Fitzroy’s menu changes daily and features Fowey mussels alongside other Cornish fish. Each dish is accompanied by locally grown or foraged vegetables and tender meat where served is always a given. As a welcoming addition to the town and a place thats best booked early, we give you the Fitzroy. Book here for a seat at one of the best places to eat in Cornwall. Looking for somewhere to stay? Don’t forget to check out Harbour Lights for the perfect North Cornwall family escape.

The Hidden Hut – Rosevine

To many people, this is Cornwall’s best kept foodie secret. The Hidden Hut is found tucked away along the coast path near Portscatho on the remote Roseland Peninsula.

By day, fresh seasonal lunches are served from the outdoor beachside kitchen. On summer evenings, the hut hosts open-air feast nights right on the beach. Past events have included seafood paellas, mackerel grills, lobster week, and spider crab boat landings. Gathering around long trestle tables, The Hidden Hut invites you to their family picnic. Bring cutlery and drinks, whilst they provide food and fire and you’ll be welcomed into a friendly atmosphere.

No need to book- just turn up and order everything your heart desires. All items can be packed to takeaway onto the beach, this really is Cornwall personified. No deep-fat fryers, just a simple outdoor stove and indoor bakery oven. The menu is always sourced from the best pick of local ingredients and made fresh each morning by their chefs. Whilst it’s rumoured to be Cornwall’s best kept foodie secret, we advise you to set out early.

The Cove – Falmouth

Nestled on the shoreline of Maenporth Beach, The Cove offers uninterrupted views across Falmouth Bay. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this is one of our best and favourite places to eat. The Cove is an oasis of taste and visual beauty, where you can enjoy the real flavour of Cornish produce.

A sanctuary from the bustle of reality, where you can enjoy your foodie favourites no matter what the time of day. Sip tea and feast on croissants al-fresco as you unwind on the open air terrace. Or wind down the day with friends and family and experience Michael Caines dining at its best.

Dining at The Cove is a wonderful, leisurely affair in all seasons. No matter the time of year, you can always be assured of a very warm welcome at The Cove. Rest assured, it really is up there with the best places to eat in Cornwall. Treat yourself to a well stocked selection of delicious tipples and indulge in the heart of the cove.

The Seafood Restaurant – Padstow

Opened by Rick Stein and Jill Stein in 1975, this is where it all began for the couple. Boasting an international reputation for serving the freshest fish and shellfish, Head Chef Pete Murt, and the team celebrates Cornish produce, with ingredients sourced locally to create simple seafood dishes and classic flavours.

The heart of the restaurant is a seafood bar where the chefs assemble platters of oysters, langoustines and sashimi.

Upstairs, the terrace offers the ideal place to soak up the summer sun, whilst gazing across the scenic Camel Estuary.

There are dishes from all over the Stein repertoire: Spain, India and Mexico, but also simple options, perfectly executed: Shellfish in a delicate olive-oil and mild chilli sauce, John Dory with asparagus and wild garlic in a shellfish reduction. The Singapore crab is delicious (and the size of a small trawler), and the wine list is brilliant… In fact the wall of empty bottles as you walk in is the hint!

Outlaw’s New Road – Port Isaac

It must be said that this is certainly one of the most scenic restaurants in Cornwall. Perched on the Atlantic coast, Nathan Outlaw’s is around a half-hour drive from one of the best places to visit in Cornwall – Padstow. The views of the open waters and the craggy Cornish coastline from the understatedly smart dining room are spectacular.

The seafood tasting menu is even better than the views, combining beautifully fresh fish with unlikely ingredients. I mean, you don’t see salt cod paired with cuttlefish, red wine and red pepper very often.

And it’s this skill that has won Nathan Outlaw his two Michelin stars. As one of the most loved foodie destinations in Cornwall, it’s well worth a visit. Book here for some of the best food in Port Isaac.