It’s not just the surf or the miles of coastal walks that visitors flock to Newquay for, because the seaside town is also home to an array of waterside haunts that are ideal for a spot of wave watching – whether you’re avidly waiting for the next set of swells or prefer keeping your face dry, sinking a coffee, and admiring the view.

Newquay is choc with cafés positioned at some of the area’s most majestic beaches, so for a laidback atmosphere and a spot of lunch or tea – schedule a stop-off at one of the many welcoming beach cafés in Newquay…

Sea Spray Fistral

14 Esplanade Rd, Newquay TR7 1QA

Warm the cockles of your heart after a bracing surf at Newquay’s premier surf beach with a coastal pitstop at Sea Spray. Nestled under the cliffs on the southern end of Fistral beach, this welcoming hangout pairs incredible sea views with a fresh, locally sourced menu and an uber chilled-out space.

Serving a range of sumptuous breakfasts, including pancakes, acai bowls, and hearty fry-ups alongside wholesome fresh coffee, what could be better? Cake! Pop in for a light lunch and a piece of fresh homemade cake and you’ll be ready to hit the waves again in no time. Check out their social media to see what beachside treats they’re cooking up.

Lusty Glaze Beach Café

Lusty Glaze Rd, Newquay TR7 3AE
lustyglaze.co.uk

Open during the day for dreamy hot chocolates (and hot toddies) and a button-popping array of cakes, the Lusty Glaze Beach Café is well worth trekking down the renowned 133 steps. Sublime sea views aren’t the only thing on the menu either, as the stylish beach café turns into a pop-up fine dining restaurant venue on various days throughout the year.

The Pickled Chef brings an eclectic menu to this beachside haunt, which varies from Sunday lunches to an array of seasonal dishes inspired by many fantastic cuisines. Seafood linguine, anyone? The beach is right on your doorstep here, which means storm watching in the winter and dips in the sparkling sea in the summer, making this much-loved café a favourite in every season.

The Beach Hut

Watergate Bay, Newquay TR8 4AA
watergatebay.co.uk/eat/the-beach-hut

The winning combination of beautiful beachside location, ambient interiors and supremely tasty seasonal food makes The Beach Hut one of the places to be in Newquay when hunger hits.

The classic menu is crammed with goodies like Moules marinière, fish and chips, grilled octopus salad, burgers, and grilled dishes. And let’s not forget dessert: dive into crème brûlée, a selection of lip-smacking ice creams or a deliciously chewy pavlova washed down with a delicious digestif from their extensive drinks list. Of course, if all you fancy is a steaming hot chocolate to warm the fingers after an afternoon of hitting the waves, then just pull up a chair and enjoy their famous Extreme Hot Chocolate.

C-Bay Café Bar and Bistro

C-Bay, West Pentire TR8 5SE
crantockbay.co.uk/c-bay-bar-bistro

Sitting at C-Bay is akin to being suspended in the clouds overlooking Crantock’s paradisiacal sands, making it one of Newquay’s most coveted destinations.

The sleek and bountifully light-filled interiors and scenic sun terrace all present those soul-stirring vistas, while an array of breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and daily changing dinner options will satisfy all manner of appetites in supreme style. Our favourite? A round of mouth-watering cream teas overlooking the rolling seas – just remember to go jam first!

Fern Pit Café

19 Riverside Cres, Newquay TR7 1PJ
fernpit.co.uk

When it comes to cafés in Newquay, it really is location, location, location, which is why Fern Pit Café holds a special place in our hearts. Offering to-die-for views over Crantock beach and the river Gannel, this 19th-century hangout has been serving up great food and views for over 90 years – perhaps that’s why they’ve perfected it so?

Tuck into fresh crab sandwiches that are packed with crab caught by their very own fishing boat Excelsior or settle down for a wedge of homemade cake or a proper Cornish cream tea. Whatever you choose, it comes with a side of sea views and a friendly atmosphere so you can’t go wrong!

Great Western Surf Café

Great Western Beach, off Cliff Rd, Newquay TR7 2NE
greatwesternbeach.co.uk/surf-cafe

Laid-back vibes, epic views, vibrant food you just can’t get enough of? The Great Western Surf Café really does embody the heart and soul of a Californian hangout. Vegans and veggies are well catered for here, with panko breaded avocado high on the list of favourites.

Between 12pm and 5pm, you can sit down to a light and bright menu of beachside dishes while the evening brings a more substantial fare, with burgers, buddha bowls and tacos appearing to help fill those rumbling bellies after a day riding the waves. Of course, while the food is a standout feature of this relaxed eatery, the location and subsequent views aren’t to be forgotten. Overlooking the reaching sands of Great Western beach, you’re always in for a stunning sight whether it’s bright sunshine or scene-setting storms.

12 Beach Road

12 Beach Rd, Newquay TR7 1ES

Fancy some sun, sea, surf… and cocktails? Overlooking the ever-popular Towan beach in Newquay, 12 Beach Road brings together everything you could possibly want from your beachside watering hole including some seriously funky décor and cocktails upon cocktails to help get those summer nights off to the best start.

Make the most of everyone’s favourite mealtime combo and settle down to brunch at the beach (also enjoying their freshly ground coffee, of course) or pop in from midday onwards to make the most of their incredible fresh fish and grill menu, which features sourdough pizzas and plenty of Cornish fare. Round this all off with the striking seaside views, and you’ll find it very hard to leave this waterside paradise… especially when the cocktails start flowing!

Box and Barber

Tad & Nicks Cafe, 72-74 Fore St, Newquay TR7 1EY
boxandbarber.co

On our list of the best places to eat in Newquay, the Box and Barber is ready and waiting to show the world that vegan food is a category worth exploring. Wake up with the sun and head over to this coastal retreat to start your day off right with a beautifully presented smoothie bowl and an artisanal coffee.

And if pancakes don’t tickle the tastebuds, then their incredible array of burgers and light lunches are sure to, all of which are made with the heartiest of local ingredients. Dogs are welcome at this relaxed café so why not round up the whole family for a proper feed before hitting the beach.

Gwenna Teahouse

Porth Beach Rd, Porth, Newquay TR7 3DR
gwennateahouse.co.uk

When it comes to foodie delights in Cornwall, there is one tasty treat that stands above all else: the cream tea. Rising through the ranks of the best cream tea in Cornwall has to be the lovely, family-run Gwenna Teahouse situated a stone’s throw from Porth beach. You’ll find lots of sandy shoes and paws here, as it’s perfectly placed for a relaxing coffee and cake after a swim in the sea.

Alongside the famous cream teas piled high with jam and clotted cream, you’ll find an assortment of big and beautiful breakfasts as well as some light lunches that leave just the right amount of room for a slab of homemade cake – perfect!

Cargo Coffee

Crantock, Newquay TR8 5RN

When it comes to quirky cafés, Cargo Coffee really takes the cake… mostly because it’s not actually a café, but rather a converted cargo truck right in the middle of the beach! Situated amidst the sandy throws of Crantock beach, you won’t find a beachier café in Newquay making it perfect for a mid-dog walk coffee or fresh sandwich after a salty dip in the sea. And if it’s a real scorcher nothing quite hits the spot like a luxury ice cream.

Dogs are more than welcome here, with a popular ‘Dog of the Day’ post going up on their social media – who doesn’t love a constant feed of furry faces! Doggie treats are always flowing, and you can pick up your pup a drool-worthy doggie ice cream – pawfect!

Palm Bay

8 Bank St, Newquay TR7 1JF

It might be the new kid on the block, but Palm Bay is quickly becoming the place to be in Newquay. Possibly one of the most ‘grammable cafés you’ll find, the menu is full of beautiful neon lattes and avocado toast, all of which add up to a seriously pic-worthy brunch.

Not ready for a full meal? The speciality coffees and sweet treats are the perfect moreish morsel to tie you over. The décor keeps up appearances as well with its effortlessly chic style and coastal location. Perfect whether you want to while the day away inside, or by the sea with your coffee to go. Check out their social media to see for yourself.

Ready for a relaxing beachside coffee? Check out our beautiful cottages in Newquay and start planning your perfectly chilled stay by the sea.

Tags: Beaches | Eating out | Newquay |