Best restaurants in Falmouth

Just a quick jaunt over the Penryn River (or around it) and you can make it to Flushing, where Harbour House sits proudly overlooking the little marina. An in-house bakery whips up excellent pastries, and you can expect fresh seafood cooking over charcoal for lunch and dinner, and a lovely al fresco terrace to boot.

This beautiful Georgian townhouse has some amazing views of the harbour, and even if you’re not staying, there’s an excellent restaurant on the ground floor serving a smart menu of seasonal small plates. Run by Falmouth locals Hazel and Het, this place is all about Cornish charm and also happens to serve an eviable Sunday roast.

There’s a strong leaning towards fresh seafood at Hotel Meudon, but it’s the rural setting and sea views that bring a steady stream of guests. The kitchen team is big on foraging too, so you can expect to see a real spectrum of local wild food on the plate. Book a room to enjoy the excellent breakfast too.

A little way outside Falmouth, set in one of Cornwall’s lesser-known idyllic coastal spots, The Ferry Boat Inn looks out over Helford Passage from its own quiet little cove. It’s worth a visit for the spot alone, but after a renovation in 2017, this 300-year-old inn also serves some cracking gastropub fare.

This smart, seasonal restaurant at Custom House Quay is run by husband-and-wife team Hylton and Petronella Espey, and received a Michelin Green star for its outstanding tasting menus. All the produce is local and ethically sourced, and the single tasting menu tells a story of the local landscape.

If you’re into sharing your dinner, then add Casa Tapa to your list. It’s all about flavour-driven tapas plates made with the freshest locally sourced produce. Naturally, we’d start with the seafood menu, but there’s lots to explore here. Ask staff for their top tips, and make sure you’re willing to try something new.

Like many Falmouth restaurants, local produce and elevated cooking is the name of the game at MINE, but the team here does it exceptionally well and the dining room is always full. Chef Angus Bell runs the kitchen and has spent time cooking with Michel Roux Jr at Le Gavroche, so expect simple but playful dishes.

Fresh local seafood meets an impressive range of beers courtesy of Verdant Brewing, which is where you’ll find this quaint little seafood spot. The menu changes depending on what has been landed by boats that day, so you might not know what you’re going to get, but you can guarantee it’ll be ultra-fresh and delicious.

This Aussie cafe and dinner spot leans heavy on barbecue flavours, sun-soaked sharing plates, and brunch dishes worth shouting about. It’s also got a glorious terrace looking out onto the harbour that makes a great spot for sundown cocktails too. Arrive hungry for this one, you’ll want to order everything on the menu.

Known for feel-good Eastern Mediterranean and Iranian flavours, often with global influences too, Sabzi has become a firm favourite for breakfasts, lunching, and brunching by the water. It’s technically a deli, but with a small array of tables and takeaway options too it stands as one of the most versatile eateries on this list.

Blessed with some of the best harbourside views in Falmouth, INDIDOG is a fan favourite for seasonal Cornish seafood and shellfish, alongside meat and veggie dishes. Everything is cooked fresh to order, and you’ll find plenty of gluten-free options too. Bag this one for sunset, and try to nab a table outside or by the windows.

You’ll find The Shed right by the National Maritime Museum, so it tends to get extremely busy throughout the day, serving slap-up breakfasts in the mornings and a lovely lunch and dinner menu later. Influences are distinctly international, with dishes ranging from Padron peppers to curried cauliflower or king prawn gnocchi.

Set above Swanpool Beach, Beach House is all about representing the best of the Cornish bounty. Located on the cliffside, the views over the bay are unparalleled, and the food is just as remarkable. We’re talking fresh fettuccine with Porthilly clams, Falmouth Bay crab risotto, and octopus with nduja and capers.

Another gastropub gem worth visiting, The Pandora Inn’s calling card is that stunning 13th century exterior and the quiet spot on the Carrick Roads. The inn even has a jetty with tables that stretches out over the river - a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon (ideally with a cold St Austell or Korev in hand).