With an idyllic working harbour as your backdrop and everything from Asian fusion to some of the best seafood restaurants in Cornwall, there are plenty of choices when it comes to eating out in Porthleven. In fact, Porthleven has become so synonymous with foodie delights that it was chosen as the site for the now famous Porthleven Food Festival, which turns this pretty Cornish harbour into a hub of world foods and music every April.
Sit down to a catch of the day with a pint of Cornish lager or tuck into a proper Cornish fish and chips as you watch the boats bob in the harbour (check out our Porthleven webcam to see the view that’s waiting for you). Getting hungry? Here’s our complete rundown of Porthleven’s ever-growing list of places to eat.
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Restaurants
Pubs
Cafés
Light bites and takeaway treats
Restaurants
For incredible menus created by some of the best chefs in the south west.
Kota
Best for: Local produce with an Asian twist
Harbour Head, Porthleven TR13 9JA
kotarestaurant.co.uk
Sitting down to a meal at Kota, it’s immediately clear that their ethos to serve locally-sourced food that looks as good as it tastes is at the forefront of everything they do. A stack of awards tells you exactly how passionate chef Jude and his team are. The food is a mix of eastern and local influences, which makes for some excellent dishes from the simplicity of oysters to the rich flavours of Peking duck.
Kota is situated right on the harbour front in Porthleven and is much-loved by all who visit. In fact, Jude Kereama has become a household name in Cornwall, often appearing at food festivals to share his vast knowledge and unbeatable enthusiasm for good food.
Kota Kai
Best for: Family fun and food
Celtic House, Harbour Head, Porthleven TR13 9JY
kotakai.co.uk
Sister restaurant to Kota, you’ll find the same flair and attention to detail but with a more relaxed feel, making it perfect for families. Opening hours are earlier, there is a family room with skittles, and they serve mocktails for children, teenagers, and adults! The dining room has a funky, fun feel designed to appeal to the young-at-heart diner while the quality of the food remains exceptional.
Local seafood takes centre stage, and there are lots of varied and interesting dishes to choose from, including seafood laksa, red lentil dahl, and spicy Korean chicken wings. There is an open kitchen that some tables have views over, which adds new meaning to dinner and show. Don’t fret if your table doesn’t have a vantage point over the griddle, you’ll get to bask in the marvellous views of the harbour and beyond instead!
The Square
Best for: An intimate meal
7 Fore Street, Porthleven TR13 9HQ
thesquareatporthleven.co.uk
The Square also takes advantage of harbour views and locally sourced produce with a more traditional take on the dishes it produces. While the menu changes daily in order to make the most of the superb seasonal produce, you can expect a fantastic range of dishes that often includes favourites such as belly pork, monkfish and a devilishly chocolatey dessert.
This extends to its kids’ menu, where aspiring foodies are well catered for without the usual children’s fare. The Square welcomes people for coffee and cake throughout the day as well, so why not take this as a chance to drool over their menu and plan future visits? You can even pop in for an ice cream from their very own deli next door – you can’t beat that for an after-dinner treat!
Amélies
Best for: Stacks of seafood
Mount Pleasant Road, Porthleven TR13 9JS
ameliesporthleven.co.uk
A bar by day and a relaxed dining experience in the evening, Amélies has been sharing its Mediterranean inspiration with locals and visitors for years. You’ll find a wood-fired oven that produces exceptional pizzas alongside a simply incredible seafaring menu. The shellfish tapas menu allows you to mix and match your perfect shellfish feast while the Porthleven fish dish depends on what comes in with the daily catch that the local fishermen bring to the kitchen door.
Another restaurant to make the most of the stunning harbour views, it’s easy to while away an afternoon or evening here, especially in the summer months when live music ups the chilled vibe even more.
Cantina
Best for: Light and bright street food
Mount Pleasant Road, Porthleven, Helston TR13 9JS
cantinaporthleven.com
Porthleven’s newest foodie hotspot, which is brought to you by the minds behind Cornish favourites Amelies and LULA, Cantina serves up vibrant and affordable street food alongside the bustling harbour. Inside, a warm and wonderfully colourful welcome awaits, with a range of tasty treats on the menu.
Feeling peckish? Pop in for a drink and some bar snacks such as crispy hot olives, ginger beer battered pickles, and sesame salted peanuts or, for a more substantial feed, try something from the ‘Big Bites’ menu, which features the likes of buttermilk chicken, fish finger rolls, and a seriously mouth-watering trio of tacos. Oh, and the desserts are to die for, whether you fancy some churro s’mores or a baklava sundae complete with honey and ginger ice cream and Turkish delight!
Pubs
For that a proper feast of pub grub and local ales.
The Harbour Inn
Best for: A proper Sunday roast
Commercial Road, Porthleven TR13 9JB
harbourinnporthleven.co.uk
There are beer gardens and then there are harbourside beer gardens and we have to say, we’re in love with the latter! You just can’t beat sipping on a Cornish ale as you look out over the harbour and wait for your homecooked food to arrive. Alongside the well-stocked bar, you’ll have a choice of superbly fresh seafood dishes as well as a Sunday carvery that really finishes the week off right. The carvery is (understandably) popular, though, so we definitely recommend booking to avoid pangs of disappointment and hunger.
For those new to the world of Cornish drinks, you’ll be delighted to see that the menu includes recommended pairings so you can match your bevvy to the right dish – proper job!
The Ship Inn
Best for: Simply unbeatable views
Mount Pleasant Road, Porthleven TR13 9JS
theshipinnporthleven.co.uk
Known for its steep steps that seem to get steeper the more drinks you have, The Ship Inn is certainly vying for the top spot of best views in Porthleven. Head up to the very top of the beer garden to enjoy incredible views over the harbour and out to sea, or pop inside for a traditional pub atmosphere and a roaring fire (in the cooler months). While the drinks menu is populated with all the local ales and craft beers taking centre stage at the bar, the food menu is made up of classic pub grub, with fish pies and fresh crab paying tribute to the fishermen who keep the local restaurants well stocked.
Whether you fancy a light bite or a large bite, a stop off at The Ship Inn is a Cornish must when visiting Porthleven, especially when the sun is high and the beers are cool.
Out of the Blue
Best for: A cool pint of Spingo
Mill Lane, Porthleven, Helston TR13 9LJ
outoftheblueporthleven.co.uk
Sister to the famous Blue Anchor in Helston and tucked away just beyond the bustling harbour, Out of the Blue is a true hidden gem. The welcoming free house takes after its big sister in many ways, from the thatched (inside) roof on the bar to the selection of Spingo ales on tap. Dogs are wonderfully welcome here, making it a great family-friendly place to stop for a drink after a walk on the surrounding coast paths – simply choose between the cosy interior or the sizeable beer garden, complete with heaters and parasols for every season. There’s even a museum here, featuring fascinating photos of Porthleven through the ages.
Cafés
For a coffee and a cake with a sea view.
Nauti
Best for: Local ice cream and wood-fired pizza
Commercial Road, Porthleven TR13 9JE
nautibutice.co.uk
Starting off as the place in Porthleven (and possibly the entire Lizard peninsula) to grab an ice cream on a hot summer’s day, Nauti now offers everything from chilled treats in Nauti But Ice to mouth-watering, wood-fired pizza in its pizzeria next door, all overlooking the picturesque Porthleven harbour.
After you’ve made your choice from over 30 flavours, take your Roskilly’s ice cream to go and head out on the Cornish cliffs or settle down in the brightly coloured café and enjoy a coffee and a cake – or a full English if you fancy it! You can also enjoy Nauti’s trademark Cornish fare in Helston at the Lakeside café, where you can sip on an Origin coffee and watch the ducks go about their business.
The Corner Deli
Best for: Light bites and Cornish delights
12 Fore Street, Porthleven TR13 9HJ
thecornerdeliporthleven.co.uk
From hot off the press paninis to salad boxes that manage to make greens the best part of the meal, the Corner Deli is a lovely little spot for lunch in Porthleven. You can sit inside in their cosy nook or you can take your food to go and pop yourself down on the harbour as you watch the locals jump into the sea all year round. In the evenings during peak season, the oven gloves come out as the deli turns into a welcoming pizzeria that boasts everything from gluten-free bases to customisable toppings – one of everything is acceptable, right?
It’s not just lunch you can pick up here, either. A corner of the deli has been transformed into a mini Cornish store so you can pick up all manner of local treats from Cornish chocolate to Cornish gin!
The Twisted Currant
Best for: A traditional afternoon tea
10 Fore Street, Porthleven TR13 9HJ
twistedcurrant.co.uk
Whether you’re a fan of a cream tea with lashings of jam and cream or you just can’t get enough of tiny sandwiches with big flavour, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy one of Britain’s favourite culinary traditions then a trip to The Twisted Current is a must. You’ll find a lovely shabby chic space that adds a great twist to the traditional afternoon tea (that will see you through to breakfast the next day).
Homemade cakes and scones are always a great shout here, especially when paired with a cup of Cornish tea from Tregothnan Estate, while the hungrier visitor might opt for one of the famous breakfasts, which have placed this dog-friendly café in Porthleven amongst the best places for brunch in Cornwall.
Origin Coffee
Best for: Coffee and a cake
Harbour Head, Porthleven TR13 9JY
origincoffee.co.uk/pages/origin-coffee-porthleven
When it comes to a perfect Sunday afternoon, you can’t get much better than sipping on a fresh cup of Origin coffee with a great big piece of cake in front of you as you watch people and boats go about their business in and around Porthleven harbour. It’s just such a peaceful way to while away an afternoon.
Taste your way through Origin’s monthly feature coffees in the little village where it all began or take your brew to go - they make great hand warmers for a wintery walk along the cliffs!
Harbour View Café
Best for: Breakfast with a view
Mount Pleasant Road, Porthleven TR13 9JS
You just can’t beat a full English breakfast… unless it’s a full English breakfast with a view over Porthleven harbour! This friendly café has been a part of Porthleven’s growing foodie scene for years, so much so that it’s basically become part of the stonework of the village.
Whether you’re in the mood for the mega breakfast or you want to treat yourself to a crab sandwich and a glass of fizz, the simple, honest menu covers every craving and hunger pang, alongside some of the best coffee around. Throw in the glorious harbour views and no one would blame you if you accidentally spent your whole holiday chilling at Harbour View Café.
Light bites and takeaway treats
For that extra special something to enjoy at your favourite spot along the harbour and beyond.
Dan Dan – The Lobster Man
Best for: Fresh seafood in the fresh air
Mount Pleasant Road, Porthleven TR13 9JS
Appearing in the spring and summer months to quell hunger pangs, Dan Dan The Lobster Man is quickly becoming a firm favourite when it comes to fresh, off the boat seafood. Perched right on the edge of the harbour, you won’t find a better spot to enjoy some fresh crab and lobster. Dine on crab sandwiches, lobster salad or the ultimate seafood platter all while sitting back and watching the bustling harbour go about its business.
You can even pick up ready to BBQ mackerel so you can continue your seafood feast at your holiday cottage. Check out the lobster man’s social media to see what’s going on at this tempting Cornish shack!
The Mussel Shoal
Best for: Mussels and music
Harbour Head, The Mussel Shoal, Porthleven TR13 9JY
musselshoals.co.uk
In Porthleven, there’s harbourside dining and then there’s The Mussel Shoal, which is as close to the harbour as you can get while staying dry! Rock up to this relaxed café kiosk and enjoy some French bistro-style food that really puts a spring in your step. Gorge on moules-frites and fresh squid as you listen to music by the famous Sound Studio that gave this unique Cornish eatery its name.
Porthleven Fish and Chips
Best for: The nation’s favourite takeaway
Shute Lane, Porthleven TR13 9DS
With a setting as incredible as Porthleven harbour, sometimes the best meal you can have is one you can carry with you as you explore. A short walk from the harbour (and by short, we mean ten steps), Porthleven Fish and Chips have all your favourite chip shop classics from battered cod and chunky chips to scampi and sausages.
The only question you’ll need to ask yourself is do I fancy mushy peas or curry sauce with my chips… or both!
Catch Porthleven
Best for: Seriously fresh fish and chips
10 Fore Street, Porthleven, Helston TR13 9HJ
catchporthleven.co.uk
Making the most of the Cornwall’s incredible fishing industry, family-run Catch Porthleven strives to provide only the freshest of fish in their dishes, with local suppliers used wherever possible. On the menu, there’s all the usual chippy favourites, plus tasty additions like tempura king prawns and crispy salt and pepper squid – try the seafood basket if you can’t decide which to go for!
Ann’s Pasties
Best for: A pasty and a pint
Fore Street, Porthleven TR13 9HQ
annspasties.co.uk
Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about Cornwall’s staple meal… the humble Cornish pasty. At Ann’s Pasties in Porthleven, you can pick up an oggy (Cornish pasty), a sausage roll, and a homemade cake to go (they're great for popping in your bag before heading out on the nearby coast path) or you can sit down for the most Cornish of traditions and enjoy your croust with a pint on the side.
Time your pasty craving just right and you might catch one of the live performances that turn this pasty haven into a one-stop shop for a cracking time.
Philp's
Best for: Pasties and a salad
1 Commercial Road, Porthleven TR13 9JD
philpspasties.co.uk
There’s no shortage of pasty choices in Porthleven so make sure to try them all before settling on your favourite crib or croust. Known for their fantastically large pasties and superb salad boxes for those wanting a lighter bite, Philps are always a popular choice amongst locals and visitors (and the cream teas are good too).
Pop your pasty in your bag and head out onto the Porthleven cliffs for an authentic Cornish lunch with a view.
Moonflower
Best for: A cracking Chinese takeaway
10 Fore Street, Porthleven TR13 9HJ
Have you ever had spring rolls on the beach? No? Well, now’s your chance! Moonflower is Porthleven’s one and only Chinese takeaway and you’ll quickly learn there’s no need for a second once you’ve tasted your way through their extensive menu, which covers Chinese and Cantonese cuisine.
You’ll find all the classics from chicken fried rice to vegetable curry as well as the set meals for those that avoid decisions (or for those who want to try a little bit of everything). Moonflower is often the last restaurant to close in Porthleven, so it’s perfect for a late-night feast after a wonderfully long day on the beach.
Porthleven Harbour Market
Best for: Local makers and producers
5 Methleigh Bottoms, Porthleven TR13 9JR
For a more eclectic mix, a walk around the Shipyard market is always a must. With a rolling lineup of makers and traders, you can eat your way through a delicious bagel from Ced’s Bagels while you browse all the local nick-nacks on offer. This fantastic harbourside market makes every visit feel like a festival, with lots of local vendors adding to the already tempting choices for food in Porthleven. Radish Café, Bee's Vegan Bakery, Good Vibes Juice Bar, Dungaroos, and Truly Cornish Cupcakes are just some of the foodie delights you can try. Check out their social media to see what’s on the menu.
With your foodie treat chosen, find the perfect spot along the harbour or take your tasty treat down to the beach for the ultimate Cornish experience – just watch out for the seagulls!
Excited to start making the most of the many places to eat in Porthleven? Check out our lovely cottages in Porthleven and start planning your foodie holiday.
Tags: Eating out | Porthleven |