The 84 Rooms Guide To The Best Restaurants In Cornwall

Where there's an abundance of quality and innovative growers, producers, and farmers, it's unsurprising that restaurants matching the level of these excellent ingredients will appear to make the most of the glorious staples grown here.

That's why Cornwall's food scene is one of the best in the whole country thanks to its enviable homegrown larder, and it's one of the major pulls for those traveling to the county each year.

Along with an increasing number of chefs leaving cities who are in search of a slower pace of life, more space, and a yearning to work closer to the produce, Cornwall's food and restaurant industry is only getting better each year.

It's not all about crisp white tablecloths, Michelin stars, and fine dining though. Of course, there is some of that, but there are also relaxed cafe-style restaurants, converted farm-style dining and there's little better than eating right on the beach, while almost all of them offer up full frontal sea views. Bliss. Below are the restaurants worth knowing – just be sure to book ahead, as we're not the only ones who know they're worth their salt.

Crocadon, near St Mellion

When the produce for the restaurant is so important to get right, that it's been five years in the making, you know this is a serious project. The proof certainly is in the pudding thanks to owner Dan Cox (formerly a chef at Simon Rogan's Cartmel empire) who bought the farm in 2017 and spent years regenerating the farm's soil.

The result is a carefully created and creative menu, showing off the very best of the homegrown produce, from veg to meat. Depending on which menu you choose, there are four or five dishes, which extends to the magnificent Sunday lunches. The restaurant is inside one of the converted barns, so think fine dining-ish, but with a sophisticated Cornish farm twist. The team's efforts were rewarded with a Green Michelin Star just a month after opening, and then again with its first Michelin Star in 2024. On site is also a bakery, brewery, and pottery (which makes the restaurant's crockery), plus the latest addition of a cafe. The chunky breakfast baps are taken seriously, and you can't leave without trying Crocadon's signature sheep nuggets, which will no doubt quickly be devoured.

Coombeshead, near Lewanick

Famed for its chewy sourdough bread Coombeshead's reputation far precedes it, which continues to grow ever since it began in 2016. The bread is so well-loved, it's used around Cornwall (including Four Boys) as well as in top restaurants in London. Owners Tom Adams and April Bloomfield, both formerly of Pitt Cue, founded a disused dairy down winding lanes in the middle of Cornwall and into one of the county's hottest farm-to-fork tables that have been hard to get a booking at practically since it opened. Ingredients come from the farm's own small holding and market garden, with its signature magazine ham being a standout coming from their pigs. The food is unapologetically rustic and uncomplicated, which lets its quality do the talking. The menu changes as often as it needs to, depending on what's ready from the farm. It's made all the better for having rooms too, so no need to worry about traversing country roads in the dark, or the lack of taxis.

Rocketstore, Boscastle

Small but perfectly formed, the Verdant Seafood Bar has bags of personality packed into the little venue. Ok, it could do with being a little bigger, but its size is also part of its allure. It's also an easy restaurant to spot owing to the near-guaranteed queue that will likely have formed outside. There's a no-bookings policy, but you'll be able to order a drink while you wait in line. It's also a tap room, so beers hail from its brewery and change regularly, and the menu also has other local creations.

It started as just a tap room in 2014, then the food came along later in 2019 and has been a hit since. Keen craft beer lovers can also visit the brewery and larger taproom in nearby Penryn, which is just 10 miles away. Back at the Seafood Bar, the small plates are Asian-inspired with plenty of punchy heat simmering through the menu, along with native oysters, recognizable for their rounder shell, which are rarely served in the UK. They're also found at the Harbour House pub (included below), which is just over the river and a short ferry ride away.

Outlaw's New Road and Outlaw's Fish Kitchen, Port Issac

Nathan Outlaw did for Port Issac what Rick Stein did for Padstow (along with a little help from ITV's Doc Martin). His two restaurants each have one Michelin star and sit at opposite ends of the tiny village, with just the steep and winding road between them. At the bottom is the Fish Kitchen, the former 15th-century fisherman's cottage is honoring its roots by serving seafood that's landed opposite its front door where the fishing boats come in, and where the fish market is. Here Nathan was serving small dishes in 2013 before it became the phenomenon it is now. The menu is created with whatever comes in from the catch, and each is delicately paired with simple ingredients so they all sing.

Back up the road is Outlaw's New Road, the fine dining restaurant that's been named best in the county by The Good Food Guide more than once and also has a Michelin Star. It was once just a tasting menu, but there's now an a la carte option available, though just at lunchtime. The tasting menu is built around seafood with nine courses, which if the food isn't impressive enough, the views over the dramatic cliffs outside will seal the deal.

Four Boys, Rock

One of Cornwall's newest restaurants, which opened its doors in spring 2023 is Four Boys, set up by brothers, George (front of house) and Alfie Turner (in the kitchen). It overlooks the Camel estuary in Rock and as soon as the sun peeks out, half of the restaurant's canvas covering is rolled back. With the combination of the view, setting, and food there are few other places you'll want to be.

It rather undersells itself by calling itself a cafe, though. True, it is beachside and relaxed, but forget any notions of takeaway fish and chips (as much as we love that). It's certainly a restaurant with the cooking to match thanks to Alfie's talent (formerly of London's Trullo) and Matt Wadsworth who previously worked at nearby St Enodoc Hotel. The short but sweet menu is designed as sharing plates and if you're at a table of four or more, order one of everything such as cumin and chili lamb skewer, tagliatelle with Newquay crab, Porthilly mussels on toast, and steak tartare.

Paul Ainsworth No 6, Padstow

Retaining a Michelin star for over a decade is no small feat, but it's exactly what Paul and Emma Ainsworth have done, and have certainly managed to find their niche in Padstow. The duo opened inside the Georgian townhouse in 2005 and offers just a tasting menu, with dishes like creel caught langoustines with Iberian ham mousseline or dry-aged pigeon. It's outstanding fine dining with service to match. The team prides itself in using the best of what growers and producers are creating around it, and treating it delicately to let it shine on the plate. Since they've lived and worked in Cornwall, Paul and Emma have been growing their mini-empire too, with No 6 being the jewel in the crown. Within Padstow, there's also the relaxed Italian, Rojano's in the Square, and the Padstow Townhouse with six rooms. Over in Rock, just a quick ferry hop away is the Mariners pub, previously owned by fellow chef, Nathan Outlaw.

Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow

Hailing from its north London original fish counter and restaurant, the Padstow outpost feels right at home in the middle of the fishing village, just steps away from where the catch is landed. It was after many trips to Padstow, that owners Rick and Katie Toogood finally sealed the deal to open a restaurant here.

As its name suggests, it's all about fish, and like many other restaurants, there are plenty of Asian flavors from mirin, to pickled cucumber, sesame, and soy. It's so proud of its working relationships with local fishermen and other producers are named on menus and blackboards at any opportunity. As exciting as the seafood is, a visit isn't complete without ordering the crushed spiced potatoes which are well worth writing home about. Super fans can buy the envious spice mix at restaurants and in its online shop too. For another fix, head to the nearby Trevibban vineyard just outside the village, which is home to Toogood's other restaurant, Barnaby's.

Appleton's, Fowey

After working in Italy and later as head chef at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurants in Newquay, it's safe to say owner Andy Appleton is inspired by the cooking and flavors of the Mediterranean. Along with partner Lindsey, the duo set up Appletons in 2016 where it first began life within Trevibban Mill Vineyard, near Padstow, and has since moved to Fowey in 2020, where it sits next to the River Fowey. Bag a table upstairs for the best views in the house over the water. Expect rustic-inspired dishes that Andy re-creates in his style of cooking – think plenty of flavors and generous portions. The pasta's homemade, and though the menu changes depending on what's available, dishes might include the likes of olive oil poached cod, potato agnolotti, or squid ink tagliatelle. If they're available, the crispy ‘nduja stuffed olives are a must-order, as are the sage anchovy fritters.

Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick Beach, near Portscatho, Roseland Peninsula

Forget any pretenses of formalities here, this is essentially a beach hut tucked into the dunes of Porthcurnick Beach in the little village of Porthscatho. There's a handful of benches to sit at and little else. There's no booking, but the long queues tell you it's well worth the wait when it comes to the food. Its signature dish is the coconut and chickpea dal, topped with crispy shallots, raita, pickled onions, and flatbread, and other dishes likely include beef chili and big seasonal salads, all served in compostable packaging. Get there early – lunch starts at 12 – as the longer the queue, the more dishes start to be crossed off the chalkboard. Don't forget to grab a pasty for later too and take a walk across the beach and cliffs. Ad hoc feasting nights also take place between June and September on one huge table on the beach, so keep an eye out for them and book ahead.

Verdant Seafood Bar, Falmouth

Small but perfectly formed, the Verdant Seafood Bar has bags of personality packed into the little venue. Ok, it could do with being a little bigger, but its size is also part of its allure. It's also an easy restaurant to spot owing to the near-guaranteed queue that will likely have formed outside. There's a no-bookings policy, but you'll be able to order a drink while you wait in line. It's also a tap room, so beers hail from its brewery and change regularly, and the menu also has other local creations.

It started as just a tap room in 2014, then the food came along later in 2019 and has been a hit since. Keen craft beer lovers can also visit the brewery and larger taproom in nearby Penryn, which is just 10 miles away. Back at the Seafood Bar, the small plates are Asian-inspired with plenty of punchy heat simmering through the menu, along with native oysters, recognizable for their rounder shell, which are rarely served in the UK. They're also found at the Harbour House pub (included below), which is just over the river and a short ferry ride away.

Harbour House, Flushing

Few pubs are as close to the water as the Harbour House is. After a huge renovation in 2023, the pub reopened and has become part of village life again, hosting events and music nights including local sea shanty groups. In winter, two open fires at each end of the pub keep it cozy and make it a place to while away a Sunday with the pub's superb roast dinner. In the summertime, take a pew outside and watch the ferries and water bob past. Like the Verdant Seafood Bar, it's one of few places that serves local native oysters. Open for breakfast through to dinner, the food is overseen by head chef Andrew Tuck, formerly from the St Kew Inn which is further north in Cornwall, who specializes in cooking over fire so expect hearty dishes, expertly cooked with plenty of smokey flavors.

Kota Kai, and Kota, Porthleven

Jude Kereama is the chef putting the little fishing village of Porthleven on the map. He's been on the Great British Menu a handful of times, is one of the founders of the Porthleven Food Festival which happens every April, and is the owner of two restaurants in the village.

Overlooking the imposing harbor walls, Kota Kai's was refurbished in early 2024. It's kept its family-friendly attitude, but what was once a kid's playroom, has now made way for the restaurant to grow not only in size but in appearance too as its warm tones and woven furniture give it a sophisticated coastal look.

The kitchen has benefited from a Josper grill allowing for plenty of creativity on the menu, where there's the new addition of small plates like duck bao buns with Asian slaw and hoisin, partially oysters (either tempura or classic), and seared tuna with wasabi mayo and ponzu. Mains include seafood laksa and panko hake fillet. Don't miss Jude's other restaurant Kota. Its name means shellfish in Maori, an ode to Jude's New Zealand roots, while the cooking also pays homage to his Chinese Malay heritage.

The Shore, Penzance

Bruce Rennie is one of the most enthusiastic chefs in the industry, which is quickly evident after spending just moments in his company at his little restaurant in the heart of Penzance, which often flies under the radar considering how special it is. When he's not in the restaurant, he's often found at nearby Newlyn harbor walls getting the best of the catch before it gets anywhere near to market, ensuring his customers get the best of the best. He's also a chef of all trades, not only cooking in the kitchen but often serving dishes and even washing up as it's only him and one sole member of the waiting staff that runs the restaurant.

His food is inspired by Japanese flavors and techniques, which combine with the best of Cornish produce. Be organized and book ahead, as its demure size and fish bought on the day approach means they won't have enough supplies for walk-ins.

Argoe, Newlyn

As one of the UK's largest fishing ports and the biggest in Cornwall, the walls of Newlyn Harbor are one of the worthiest locations for a fish restaurant. That's exactly the opportunity Newlyn fishmonger Richard Adams and Rochelle Canteen alumni chef Ben Coomb spotted and have created themselves. So instead of farm to fork, the idea here is very much boat to fork, and with views over the marina, you can practically see the catch coming in before it ends up on your plate.

The restaurant is unsurprisingly a homage to fish and seafood which dominates the menu. Using their expert fishing knowledge, the team follows a nose-to-tail ethos, meaning they're often championing unusual cuts too, like breaded ray cheeks, along with pickled herring, crab broth, and brill.

The Fish Shed, St Ives

Just steps from The Tate Gallery and sitting just above the beach on the seawall is The Fish Shed. It's a relative newcomer to town but has become one of its most exciting tables to book. If the weather allows it, sit outside on the little terrace which looks directly over the beach and is a perfect spot to watch the sun go down later in the evening. The food has an Asian streak running through it, often specifically Korean flavors, with the likes of dishes such as hake collar with gochujang ketchup, along with other dishes being peppered with ingredients such as kimchi and wakame seaweed. Of course, there's plenty of seafood, and the team has worked hard to create fun takes on favorite dishes like the crab scotch egg, Korean fried monkfish, and the prawn dog. It's casual dining with quality ingredients alongside an exciting cocktail list that doesn't shy away from big flavors, similar to its food. ​​

84 Rooms recommends: An Insider’s Guide To North Cornwall, and The Stops To Make On A Road Trip From London To Cornwall This Summer.