What West Cornwall has in abundance (apart from soul-stirring panoramas, breathtaking natural landscape and iconic attractions…) is an array of truly top-notch places to eat.
From beautiful beach cafés to country pub boltholes, boutique delis and hidden village gems, West Cornwall’s dining scene is almost as desirable as its scenery.
Here are some hotspots for those fancying an incredibly fine feed…
Porthmeor Beach Café, St Ives
As well as sprawling seascapes of St Ives’ celebrated surf beach within stone hurling distance of diners, Porthmeor Beach Café presents superior tasting tapas from head chef Nathan J Madden. Dive into a world of distinctive flavours as you swoon at the spectacular beach sunset, sup on the sea air and sink a glass or two of a luscious label from their world wine list.
Along with delicious breakfast and lunch menus, the beach café’s evening offerings are an inspired affair. Tuck into tapas including Cornish scallops, crispy fried salt and pepper squid, mushroom and spinach arancini, grilled chorizo and Moroccan meatballs, or opt for something from their supper menu (think Thai red prawn curry, crispy pork belly or peppered gnocchi). Sublime.
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Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar, Newlyn
Along with its established sister café in Penzance, Newlyn’s newest dining destination has been busy proving an impressive hit amongst locals and visitors alike. Sitting astride the river running through the hub of the famous fishing port, Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar strikes a balance between simple, relaxed interiors and fresh-from-the-ocean ingredients for an incredibly chilled-out, top tasting eating out experience.
Their tasting plates are a seafood lover’s fantasy. Salt and pepper squid, lemon sole, Cornish crab rarebit, beer-battered monkfish, home made crab nachos, scallops…the list is gastronomically good. Add some skin-on chips, house salad or bread and butter, or opt for a lemon posset or Affogato (espresso with hazelnut ice cream) and allow the fantastic flavours to linger on your lips just that little bit longer.
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Ben’s Cornish Kitchen, Marazion
Head Chef Ben Prior and sous chef brother, Toby both undeniably step up to the plate. Locally sourced, fresh ingredients are expertly transformed into a tantalising menu of flavoursome and unfathomably good food.
A tally of accolades is testament to the brilliance of Ben’s Kitchen, including the latest: Regional Winners for Restaurant of the Year from Waitrose Good Food Guide 2016. The dazzling likes of home made herb gnocchi, guinea fowl and foie gras terrine, Mounts Bay line caught mackerel and Indonesian sticky beef are served up in coolly coastal, beautifully pared back surrounds. Quaff on one of their wonderful wine recommendations and follow with the sheer decadence of chocolate delice, lemon verbena panna cotta or sweet curry plate. Heavenly.
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Victoria Inn, Perranuthnoe
Reputed to be one of the oldest inns in Cornwall, Perranuthnoe’s historic pub presents award-winning food, stylish surrounds and uber friendly service. Ambient all-year round courtesy of a roaring fire and sheltered, sun-catching garden terrace, the dog-friendly inn welcomes all types of visitor though its doors.
As far as the food goes, on their daily changing menu you’ll find a fantastic array of fresh dishes like West Country rib eye of beef, day boat hake, rosemary roasted polenta cake and slow roasted primrose herd pork belly; along with simpler pub-style staples such as Doom Bar battered fish and chips, grilled chicken breast and home made linguine pasta. Lip-smacking stuff.
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Other excellent places to eat out while in west Cornwall…
The Gurnard’s Head, Zennor
Mount Haven Hotel, Marazion
The Old Coastguard Hotel, Mousehole
Antoninis, Hayle
Seadrift Kitchen Café, Porthleven
Alba Restaurant, St Ives
2 Fore Street, Mousehole
If none of the above take your fancy then read our blog on dining outside in Cornwall >
View all our cottages in West Cornwall >
Tags: Eating out | Marazion | Newlyn | Perranuthnoe | St Ives |