Best restaurants in Newquay

Found on the north coast of Cornwall, the town of Newquay may be predominantly known as the surf capital of the UK, but it has plenty to offer outside of the world of surfing too. This includes an ever-growing number of top restaurants, cafés and pubs which have sprung up over the years to accommodate the town’s many visitors. You can find them all in this list of the best restaurants in Newquay, which includes everything from fine dining fare and cosy pubs to spectacular seafood spots.

Updated on 10 July 2023

Best known for its world-famous surfing beaches, Newquay has been a favourite among holiday-goers for years. Tourists flock to this Cornish town during the summer to enjoy its gorgeous coastline, bustling town centre and numerous attractions. Proving popular with families, couples and surfers alike, you can now find a plethora of places to eat in Newquay to cater for the crowds. With an abundance of fantastic food spots ranging from cosy pubs to luxurious beachside eateries and awesome Italian restaurants, there’s something for everyone when it comes to dining out at this town.  

For fine dining in Newquay, head to one of its many luxurious hotels which house some of the most exquisite eateries in the area. There are plenty of ultra-affordable, independently-owned restaurants too, which serve fantastic food at half the price. Having started out its life as a fishing village, the town’s fishing port still lies very much at its centre, meaning you are guaranteed to find a host of seafood restaurants in Newquay that go way beyond fish and chips.   

With so many different types and levels of restaurants to choose from, it can be tricky finding the right place to book a table at, whether it’s for a celebratory meal or for a casual Friday night slap-up. To ensure you have the most up-to-date resource when it comes to the best restaurants in Newquay, we’ve rounded up the ultimate spots in town that are sure to make your visit unforgettable. 

Silks Bistro and Champagne Bar at Atlantic Hotel

Silks Bistro and Champagne Bar at Atlantic Hotel

The Atlantic Hotel, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1EN

Things are kept classy at this restaurant inside the luxurious Atlantic Hotel; think Champagne buckets in every corner and white table cloths. As well as its ever-changing seasonal food menu, Silks also serves an affordable afternoon tea.

£30 - £49
Mediterranean
Steak
International
Fish
Traveller

Traveller's Rest

Traveller's Rest Trevarrian Hill, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4AQ

Situated just a short drive from Newquay, The Traveller’s Rest is a charming pub dating back to the 17th century. Expect inventive takes on pub classics, like salt haddock scotch eggs with smashed lemon minted peas, and locally brewed ales.

£30 - £49
Pubs
British
International
Zacry

Zacry's at Watergate Bay Hotel

Watergate Bay Hotel, On the beach, Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA

Named after a nearby rock formation, this swanky modern restaurant found inside the Watergate Bay Hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea, a terrace for al fresco dining and a menu which showcases Cornish produce.

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
International
Tom Thumb Cocktail Bar

Tom Thumb Cocktail Bar

27a East Street, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1DN

This sustainably-conscious cocktail bar is the place to go for a good night out. With over 120 spirits to choose from, as well as a curated list of classic, original and ‘giggle’ cocktails (the latter are made with Champagne), it’s the perfect place to head for a first date, special occasion or catch up with friends.

Under £30
Bars
The Stable Fistral Beach

The Stable Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HY

The Stable’s panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows provide one of the finest views around of the sun setting over Fistral Beach. Order one of the sourdough pizzas on offer and a pint of local cider and you’re set for a memorable evening.

Under £30
Pizza
Italian
WAX at Watergate Bay

WAX at Watergate Bay

WAX Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall, T48 4AB

Freshly made pizzas and hefty burgers are the order of the day at WAX, which overlooks Newquay’s popular Watergate Bay. Leave space for a tempting dessert such as an ice cream sundae or chocolate brownie.

£30 - £49
Pizza
Burgers
British
Bush Pepper

Bush Pepper

6 Fore Street, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1LN

Serving up an Australian-inspired fare, Bush Pepper is a bistro found in Newquay’s town centre. Head here to try unusual dishes such as outback spiced kangaroo and wash it all down with an Australian lager.

£50 - £79
Australasian
The Herring at Bedruthan

The Herring at Bedruthan

Trenance, Mawgan Porth, Newquay, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4BU

Found inside the Bedruthan Hotel in nearby Mawgan Porth, The Herring is a modern restaurant serving an inventive set menu. Expect dishes including whiskey and black treacle cured trout; roast cod with red miso and sweetcorn puree; and wild mushrooms and duck egg tart with blackberry.

£30 - £49
International
Fusion
Fish
Beach Hut

Beach Hut

On The Beach, Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA

Serving a wide variety of international dishes ranging from Middle Eastern treats to seaside favourites, Beach Hut is a cosy hangout on the sands of Watergate Bay. Plates come in large or small sizes, while wood-drenched interiors ensure a relaxed ambience.

£30 - £49
Mexican
British
International
The Fish House Fistral

The Fish House Fistral

Unit 5 International Surf Centre, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HY

Located on Newquay’s most famous beach, the Fish House Fistral is all about fresh fish, wonderful sea views, and a chilled-out vibe. Pop in for a fish finger sandwich at lunch or come for something more substantial at dinner.

£30 - £49
British
Fish
The Two Clomes

The Two Clomes

Quintrell Downs , Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4PD

This popular local haunt is located just outside Newquay in Quintrell Downs. With a fantastic food menu of homemade specials, plenty of local ales and a sun-soaked beer garden in the summer, we can see why people love it. 

£30 - £49
British
Lewinnick Lodge

Lewinnick Lodge

Pentire Headland, Newquay, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1QD

You’ll feel like you’re dangling over the sea when dining at Lewinnick Lodge thanks to its cliff-edge location on Pentire Headland. This hotel restaurant serves everything from a hearty breakfast to a varied international dinner menu.

£30 - £49
British
International
Fish
Red Lion Newquay

Red Lion Newquay

North Quay Hill, Newquay, TR7 1HE

It’s all about big portions of British pub classics at this old-school boozer which overlooks the harbour. Visit during the week for a burger and a pint of local ale or head down on a Sunday to try one of the generous roasts.

£30 - £49
Pubs
British
The Kitchen by the Beach

The Kitchen by the Beach

Mawgan Porth, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4BD

This all-day eatery at The Park in Mawgan Porth is open for everything from coffee and cake to Sunday roasts. Chef Mark Fletcher's affordable menu is focused around simple dishes done well, including filled potato rolls and stone-baked pizzas. 

Under £30
Mediterranean
British
International
Box & Barber

Box & Barber

82 Fore Street, Newquay , Cornwall, TR7 1EY

This laid-back café is trendy as hell and specialises in boujie brunch plates and properly good coffee. It’s also a stone's throw away from the beach, so you can load up on fluffy pancakes and aesthetically-pleasing lattes before heading down for a seaside walk.

Under £30
The Smugglers Den Inn

The Smugglers Den Inn

Trebellan Farm, Cubert, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5PY

This 16th century thatched inn is one of those places that only locals know about. Pay a visit to sample its fresh and locally-sourced menu of pub classics and real ales. It also boasts a beer garden and its own dedicated pizza kitchen.

£30 - £49
British
Kahuna Restaurant

Kahuna Restaurant

Station Approach, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2QN

This pan-Asian restaurant uses fresh Cornish ingredients to create traditional plates of food from Thailand, Korea, China and more. There are plenty of vegetarian options on offer at Kahuna, and there's a dedicated kids' menu, too. 

£30 - £49
Pan Asian
Thai
Korean
Dim Sum
The Terrace at the Headland Hotel

The Terrace at the Headland Hotel

Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1EW

Boasting glorious sand-to-sun views and a spacious, decked outdoor area, The Terrace at the five-star Headland Hotel is located just moments away from Fistral Beach and offers award-winning food inspired by the nearby coastline.

£30 - £49
British
Fish

Hungry for more? There are well over a hundred more restaurants in Newquay to explore, meaning you’re bound to find something that catches your eye. One of its strong suits is its bounty of top pubs, so make sure to check out a pub or two in Newquay while you’re in town.  

Happy to broaden your search a little? Make sure to check out our list of the best restaurants in Padstow a short way along the coast, as well as the very best restaurants in Cornwall. 

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