Cornwall is famed for its killer Cornish pasty and cream tea, both making it onto the must-haves list when visiting the shire. But something else that isn’t to be missed is the traditional Sunday roast, which treats your taste buds to a special foodie experience full to the brim with locally sourced fare.
Farm reared meats and garden vegetables washed down with a Cornish wine or ale equates to a top tasting, fresh and seasonal feed. Throw in cosy interiors, a log burner, beautiful beer garden, soul-stirring views of country or coast, and top-notch service - and the result is a dining experience with a bona fide difference.
With its bold reputation as a foodie’s destination, Cornwall’s local produce is used by a host of top-notch chefs to serve up some seriously special cuisine – including the humble roast dinner – at a selection of swoon-worthy spaces. Imagine tucking into a succulent joint of tender beef or wholesome nut roast while gazing across the river, ocean or moorland for a truly immersive gastronomic stay.
Here’s our pick of some of the best carveries in Cornwall...
Summerhouse, Perranporth
Best for: Soul-stirring sea views
38 The Dunes, Ponsmere Road, Perranpoth TR6 0FJ
thesummerhouse.co.uk
For sea views, you can’t beat the Summerhouse, which sits happily on our list of the best eateries in Perranporth. Built into the cliffs overlooking the vast swathe of golden sands that is Perranporth Beach, the celebrated restaurant is the perfectly picturesque place for a spot of Sunday lunch. Expect giant Yorkshire puds alongside a smattering of delicious sides as you devour dinner alongside those to-die-for views. Start with the likes of soup, Cornish fishcakes or ham hock and beetroot terrine, before tucking into roast beef, slow roasted lamb, or baked Cornish hake. Claim prime position on the decking if the weather allows, or cosy up indoors alongside clean and contemporary interiors. (Well behaved) dogs are welcome both inside and out.
Pandora Inn, Mylor
Best for: Traditional surrounds and local produce
Restronguet Mylor Bridge, Falmouth TR11 5ST
pandorainn.com
If the idea of sinking into a 13th century thatched pub residing over the water sounds like the most sublime setting for a Sunday roast, then the award-winning Pandora Inn is definitely the place to be. A menu featuring only fresh and local seasonal produce means that taste and provenance are the main priorities here, which is evident in every mouth-watering morsel. You can choose to eat in front of a log fire in one of the cosy nooks of the ground floor, outside on the cusp of the shoreline, or even atop the water itself by sitting on the pub’s pontoon.
Retaining many original features including flagstone floors and low-beamed ceilings, the inn is a charm to behold. Their Sunday carvery is (literally) one of the hottest tickets in town, serving up a storm with a choice of two meats and a vegan alternative with all the seasonal veg trimmings. Sup on a Cornish ale or a delectable wine from their extensive world list, which includes Cornwall’s own, Camel Valley, Polgoon and Knightor. Plus, dogs are always welcome.
The Mexico Inn, Long Rock
Best for: Local flavours, inviting interiors and friendly service
4 Riverside, Long Rock, Penzance TR20 8JD
themexicoinn.com
Hailed as one of the best places to eat in Penzance, a warm welcome greets you (and your dog) at The Mexico Inn, whether from the ever-smiling staff or the log burner that joins wooden floors, exposed granite walls and lounge-worthy furnishings for a supremely comfortable and relaxing dining experience. Creating an ingredient-driven menu using Penwith-based suppliers, sample certified organic vegetables, herbs and salads from nearby Slight Hill Farm; Cornish dairy from Mounts Bay Dairy; meat from Chypraze Farm; small batch craft beers and real ales from Crown Brewery; and fresh fish and shellfish from the doorstep in Newlyn.
Their Sunday lunches are bursting with flavour and feature a Yorkshire pudding almost as big as the plate itself! Pull up a pew, pick a meat (classic turkey or beef) or vegetarian/vegan option (think beetroot, chestnut and squash roast), and wash it down with a wine, cocktail, juice or ale for the most magnificent of proper Cornish carveries.
Star & Garter, Falmouth
Best for: Stylish interiors and food with substance
52 High Street, Falmouth TR11 2AF
starandgarterfalmouth.co.uk
The award-winning (and dog-friendly) restaurant and bar is renowned for its dining scene, giving visitors a brilliant belly fill while also treating the other senses to spoilsome interiors. Located in the centre of Falmouth, the attractive Georgian townhouse presents opulent style with an eclectic edge as you tuck into a truly local feast. “Sunday lunch is sacrosanct”, they say, offering meat supplied by Cornish butcher Phillip Warren (butchered and smoked on site) alongside a selection of seasonal, local vegetables.
You might wish to plough into beef with horseradish or pork and apple, before rounding off with sticky toffee pudding with rum caramel and caramelised banana. And with a host of world-class whiskies, rums and seasonal cocktails available, expect nothing but a taste sensation from start to finish. Note, dogs are welcome in the bar area only, which still offers the full menu.
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The Mariners, Rock
Best for: Decadent dining and estuary views
Rock Road, Wadebridge PL27 6LD
paul-ainsworth.co.uk
With celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth at the helm, it’s no wonder why reviews for The Mariners are rave. Overlooking the gorgeous Camel Estuary in Rock, the recently refurbished restaurant offers ambience at every turn – from the cool interiors to the even-cooler views. The ground floor is dog friendly (booking required), while the terrace and balcony operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Whether you select the roast Cornish Dexter sirloin of beef or vegetarian roast, each arrives with roast potatoes, cauliflower Davidstow cheese, roast carrots, steamed lemon broccoli, and a Yorkshire pudding filled with the trivet of onions and red wine gravy. Complete the experience with steamed raspberry jam and brown butter pudding served with custard, and choose your accompaniment from the likes of a Camel Valley sparkling wine, spirit from Salcombe Distillery or ale from Sharp’s Brewery.
The Old Coastguard, Mousehole
Best for: Spoilsome family dining by the sea
The Parade, Mousehole, Penzance TR19 6PR
oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk
‘Classic’ best describes the vibe here, but in the most stylish, laidback and inviting sense possible. Situated as you enter the stunning harbour village of Mousehole in far west Cornwall, the must-visit gastro pub and teeters over the water’s edge offering a variety of spaces to dine including the Upper Deck, bar, Sun Deck and sea-gazing Terrace. Meanwhile, the menu comprises a trio of courses such as starters of cauliflower and almond soup, salt fish croquettes and Fowey mussels, while the main event features dishes including sirloin of beef, roast pork loin, cod, brill and roasted butternut squash all accompanied by the trimmings.
Dessert may take the lip-smacking form of chocolate delice, apple and blackberry crumble, panna cotta, and Cornish blue cheese, while tipples range from their award-winning wine list and Brandyclassics brandies to Cornish ales from St Austell Brewery, Harbour Brewing, Padstow Brewing and Verdant. They also have special children’s menus, and dogs are welcome in the bar or Sun Deck.
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St Kew Inn, St Kew
Best for: Meat eaters
St Kew, Bodmin PL30 3HB
stkewinn.co.uk
The impossibly quaint traditional village pub prides itself on its peaceful rural setting, top-notch service, and comfort food menus bursting with local, seasonal ingredients. Inside, the 15th century inn boasts an open fireplace, while outside, manicured gardens provide the perfect space for an extended family gathering (and dogs are welcome in all of the dining spaces). For a true taste of Cornwall, combine local beverages like St Austell Brewery ales, Rattler ciders and Tarquin’s gin with dishes brimming with fresh produce.
Their summer ‘smoky Sunday feasts’ (with a choice of meats and fish) are cooked on an open fire and just the ticket for those fancying a slice of live music while they work their way through a three-course al fresco meal and arrival cocktail, while their winter roasts follow similar suit, with smoked meats served alongside seasonal veg. Save some room for dessert if you can.
Appetite whetted? Discover our welcoming holiday cottages in Cornwall to stay in while you sample the restaurants, landscapes and attractions on offer in the Duchy.
Tags: Cornwall | Eating out | Food and Drink | Food and Drink |