The best restaurants in Truro

Nautical from its dishes to its decor, Hooked! prides itself as a specialist of all things seafood. Housed in the city centre, you’ll find a pretty selective menu of fish-focused dishes, boasting the likes of mackerel quiche, crab nachos and hake kievs. 

The Alverton Hotel is one of the city’s hidden gems, a historic Grade-II listed site that retains the hallmarks of its time as a convent. Take a seat on the terrace, surrounded by the lush green gardens, and enjoy a tranquil evening of some of the area's best cuisine.

Bringing a taste of Spain to the coasts of Cornwall, Bodega 18 offers rustic interiors and playful decor with promises of tapas galore. This spot still boasts fresh local produce with menus from the land, the field and the sea. 

This all-day eatery is found in the heart of Truro - a hotel, bar and restaurant that puts the focus on simple dishes done well. Sleek interiors and elegantly plated cuisine secure this one as a reliable spot, with a menu spanning seafood to sizzling platters and steaks.

This popular local haunt sits on the banks of the Truro and Tresillian rivers, offering waterside dining seven days a week. Tuck into the fish-focused a la carte during the week or pop in for a roast with all the trimmings come Sunday.

Established back in 1988, Sam’s has secured its place as one of Cornwall’s most beloved restaurant brands. Sam’s in the City is the Truro outpost, ideal for a whole range of dining experiences, from sophisticated cocktail evenings, to relaxed family dinners.

The Driftwood Restaurant’s wraparound terrace provides one of the finest views around, offering guests the backdrop of Gerrans Bay as they dine. Here, you’ll find high quality cuisine without any pretensions, just showcasing the very best of Cornwall from the freshly caught seafood to the locally sourced veggies.

A little way down the road you’ll find The Idle Rocks, a cosy hotel restaurant that comes steeped in history. Dating back to the early 1900s, here you’ll find the luxurious Reef Knot Restaurant complete with floor to ceiling windows and idyllic coastal views to go alongside sea-to-table cuisine.  

Nigel Tabb’s eponymous restaurant has solidified itself as a staple of the region over the past ten years, offering up fine-dining in its lilac-hued dining room. Having spent time working in some of London’s busiest kitchens, Nigel has brought everything he knows to the South West, so you’re in safe hands here.

For something a bit more casual, why not try the eye-catching muralled walls of Hub Box, a gastropub keeping locals fed seven days a week. Forget the fish, menus here are all about burgers, hot dogs and wings, paired with milkshakes, cocktails or craft beers - whatever strikes your fancy.

If Seafood is perhaps not your thing, why not give Piero’s Pizza a go? It might not be as glam as some of the other options on this list, but there’s a reason this popular pizza spot has stood strong for over 25 years. For a bit of family-friendly dining, you can’t really go wrong. 

This Grade-II listed building may have only opened in 2023, but it quickly built up its name as one of Truro’s finest watering holes. Combining all your classic pub favourites, with their own creative and quality dishes, the Thomas Daniell just oozes charm.

Primely located in the heart of the city centre, Petty Fours is a stylish spot to enjoy everything from afternoon tea to immersive tasting menus. Chef Alfred Petty is at the helm, bringing expertly crafted menus and daily changing specials that showcase Cornwall’s finest produce.

With an exclusive menu of steak and seafood, The Long Store now has two sites across Cornwall, with the Truro one housed on the delightfully named Lemon Street. Wholesome in look and feel, enjoy all-day dining that spans from weekend brunch to Sunday roasts.