Best restaurants in Cornwall

The clue is in the name: The Seafood Restaurant was opened by Rick and Jill Stein back in 1975, and has been a popular staple ever since. Options range from the classic – fish and chips, lemon sole – to the ultra-creative like Singapore chilli crab.

Padstow’s restaurant is the second branch of Prawn on the Lawn, and follows the same philosophy of being both a fishmonger and an eatery. Menus change on a regular basis depending on the catch of the day.

This Michelin-starred townhouse is the ultimate destination for contemporary British cuisine with, of course, a Cornish twist, particularly if you’re marking a special occasion. Arrive for your reservation early and enjoy an aperitif in the adjacent Cici’s Bar.

It may reside in a quaint 15th century fisherman’s cottage, but inside Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen is a modern vision of warm woods and cosy cushion-lined benches. Expect a collection of tasty seafood sharing plates like ginger cured mackerel and tandoori monkfish.

Set in the heart of Newlyn harbour, Argoe champions Cornish produce and aims to bring fresh fish straight from the boat onto diners’ plates. This sustainable waterside restaurant is the brainchild of ex-Rochelle Canteen chef Ben Coombs and local fishmonger, Richard Adams.

A picturesque, brightly-decorated pub with a short but very sweet menu of seasonally-rotating plates of regional meat, fish and greenery. Keep your eye out for the eponymous gurnard with tomato, anchovy, olive and samphire.

The welcoming dining room gives you a choice of two menu styles: a more informal selection of small plates, or a set menu with bigger dishes such as sirloin of beef or salt baked celeriac. All created with produce from its very own walled garden.

The 300-year-old Ferryboat Inn’s riverside location means you can take in the view of the Helford Estuary as you dine. Stop by for a cosy Sunday lunch or hard-to-beat fish and chips and feel yourself unwind with every bite.

Owned by the same Paul Ainsworth of No.6 fame, dog-friendly Mariners has only been open since May 2019 but has already developed a reputation for excellence. Sunday lunch is particularly well reviewed, as are the sweet and savoury cream teas.

Adam Handling's Ugly Butterfly offers guests spectacular views of the bay while they dine on its low-waste tasting menus, which showcase local produce. What's more, any part of the ingredients that don't get used on the food menu are utilised in clever cocktails. 

Head Chef and owner of The Shore Bruce Rennie prizes produce above everything and so cooks with a seasonal focus, meaning no two days' menus are the same. With a petite dining toom, this has an almost supper-club-like feel. 

St Mawes’ hotel and restaurant The Idle Rocks has an award-winning seafood-heavy menu, with head chef Guy Owen taking inspiration from both France and Asia for his dishes. Enjoy the sight of the harbour as you sample delicate lobster raviolo or curried Newlyn hake.

Brasserie on the Bay holds two AA Rosettes for its inventive dishes, showcasing Cornish staples including duck breast, rump steak and wild mushrooms. For a healthier option, try its Garden Kitchen menu, which boasts an abundance of hearty, wholesome fare.

Carnivores, seafood lovers, vegetarians and even vegans alike are brilliantly catered for at the Porthminster Beach Café in St Ives. Ask for a window table for a shoreline panorama that’s stunning regardless of the weather.

Tucked away amidst 66 acres of meadows, whether you stay in the five-bed guesthouse on Coombeshead Farm or simply stop in, you won’t be disappointed. The airy converted barn serves up sustainable tasting menus and lighter bites that change with the seasons.

The 7-course tasting menu at Driftwood is a whistlestop tour through sumptuous delights from grilled Cornish monkfish with gnocchi to barbecued short rib atop celeriac and smoked bone marrow, there’s also a vegetarian version that’s equally thoughtfully devised.

Cornwall’s renowned eco-hotel and spa also houses The Scarlet Restaurant, which works with organic, sustainable suppliers from the area to create modern European cuisine. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all excellent, or book the showstopping Champagne afternoon tea.

With a menu that focuses on sustainable ingredients and natural wine, this trendy spot in Fowey is popular with locals and tourists alike. The food flexes with the seasons, but seafood is always a good bet.

Zacry’s brasserie makes the most of the outstanding ingredients found on its doorstep, from starters of Cornish crab with pickled cucumber and seaweed mayo to local plaice served with sauté potatoes and lobster butter. 

Another Paul Ainsworth property, Rojano’s is one of Cornwall’s best Italian restaurants; ideal if you’ve got a hankering for sourdough pizza or pasta, rather than the locally-favoured seafood. Be sure to save room for the signature ‘Whoopsey Splunker’ dessert.

Outlaw's New Road sits on top of the hill in Port Isaac, offering a casual, inclusive dining experience with seaside views. The twelve-course tasting menu is designed to reflect the location and seasonality of ingredients.

Laid-back dining is the order of the day at Penzance’s The Cornish Barn, where the menu covers everything from steak and burgers to mussels in white wine and cream with rosemary. Why not hire one of the stylish private party rooms for your next event? 

A fairly new gastro pub, the St Tudy Inn sits prettily in a little pocked of northern Cornwall's countryside. Here you'll find classic comfort food dishes with a spin - think risotto topped with a crispy quail's egg.