Both seafaring types and foodie fans are spoiled in Falmouth: Cornwall’s maritime capital comes with the added bonus of being one of the county’s top culinary hubs.
Whether you fancy a slice of prime coastal living with some gorgeous grub thrown in for tasty measure or are a bone fide gastronome searching for somewhere to tantalise your taste buds, Falmouth’s array of fantastic eateries and events will satisfy both fledging foodies and established epicures alike.
Perfectly combining palate and place – Falmouth serves up some of the freshest seafood straight from the source that can be doubly enjoyed while gazing out upon the gorgeous ocean from which it originated.
Whether your bag is beer or burgers, foreign-inspired food or Cornish cuisine, Falmouth presents a sensory pleasing sojourn for all types of hungry visitor.
For a tropical teatime…
Tregothnan
The beautiful botanical garden and England’s only tea plantation, Tregothnan lies near Truro inland from Falmouth in a stunning sheltered spot that takes full advantage of its position on Fal River’s sea creek to harvest a plethora of teas from traditional black to myrtle, lemon verbena, eucalyptus and red berry.
Along with a spectacular range of infusions, they also produce Cornish Manuka and wildflower honeys, apple juice, biscuits, Kea plum jam and coppiced charcoal. Unique flavours – and spellbinding sights of the estate – will pique visitors’ appetites of both eyes and belly.
For honing your culinary skills…
Philleigh Way Cookery School
Renowned for its modern rustic-style cooking using fresh-from-the-farm ingredients, the school presents a mix of courses, from Bakery to Butchery and Foraging to Bushcraft.
Situated on the Roseland Peninsula near Truro, Philleigh Way can help develop your cooking skills while also delivering a series of dining delights. Indulge in one of their summer Woodfired Sessions, where you can tuck into fresh seafood or meat cooked on their ‘Parrilla’ (wood grill), interactive autumn/winter supper club or even celebrate a special occasion with a spot of decadent private dining.
For fabulous food on-the-go…
Rick Stein’s Fish / Harbour Lights
Falmouth’s fish and chip offerings are simply top notch. Sit within stone’s throw of the harbour at Discovery Quay to enjoy Rick Stein’s famous fish served with a stunning side of sea views, where you can tuck into everything from fish chilli burgers and battered oysters to grilled lobster and moules marinière.
Meanwhile, Harbour Lights is an award-winning, independent and family-run restaurant and takeaway offering sustainably sourced and MSC certified fish, much of which is freshly caught from Cornish waters. Cooking for each customer’s individual requirements means that whether battered or grilled, you can enjoy your fish & chips however and wherever you like it.
Read more about Rick Stein >
For a festive taste of seafood…
Falmouth Oyster Festival
(8th-11th October, Events Square)
Join the crowds and delight your senses with the sights, smells and tastes of Falmouth’s seafood party in the streets and marquees jam-packed with fresh produce and entertainment. Expect cookery master classes and demonstrations by leading chefs alongside live music, children’s activities such as shell painting, a town parade and sea shanties.
For a first-rate dining experience…
Flying Fish Restaurant
The fabulous Flying Fish restaurant not only boasts 2 AA rosettes, but far-reaching sea views over nearby Gyllyngvase Beach along with inspired interiors oozing contemporary coastal charm. Dig into an eclectic mix of flavours created from the very best locally sourced and seasonal produce for a magnificent series of menus from A la Carte to all day, afternoon tea, Sunday roast and spa lunches.
The Water’s Edge Restaurant at Greenbank Hotel
You’ll feel practically afloat on the water as you kick back in the Greenbank’s glorious 2 AA rosette awarded seaside restaurant. Sleek, stylish and with a stellar service – not to mention, of course, its modern British menu of fantastic fusion foods – diners can tuck into locally reared meat and vegetables, freshly-foraged foodstuffs and Cornish fish and seafood.
For a chilled out and characterful feed…
The Shack
Fun, fresh and full of energy, the rustic shellfish bar provides an ultra cool and quirky feed.
Hunky Dory
Sating all tastes with various vegetarian, meat and fish dishes, plus with Mediterranean and Asian influences, Honky Dory is definitely one of Falmouth’s foodie hotspots.
Fire Kitchen & Bar
Culinary theatrics in the open, canteen style kitchen create an atmospheric buzz while their famous burgers alone will get the digestive juices going full pelt (think sweet tahini, Italian chicken, six hour slow cooked brisket and gourmet sliders…)
Stay in Falmouth >
Read more about dining outside in Cornwall >
Tags: Eating out | Falmouth | Festivals |