From country to coast, Cornwall boasts an incredible natural larder. Farm fresh veg adds colour to our plates, while local fishing boats ensure menus across the county are never without a mouth-watering catch of the day. Plus, with a host of cosy beachside cafés, historic pubs, and restaurants with sparkling sea views, there’s a setting for every season.
Looking for somewhere extra special to taste your way through the county’s impressive culinary creations? Cornwall has an enticing collection of Michelin star and Bib Gourmand restaurants, offering a mouth-watering choice of excellent eateries where you can dine on the very best fare the county has to offer – not to mention a whole host of Michelin recommended pubs and restaurants that also feature in the Michelin Guide.
Ready to feast on some Cornish fine dining? Here’s an introduction to Michelin star restaurants in Cornwall so you can fill your holiday bucket list with delicious destinations…
Michelin star restaurants in Cornwall
Paul Ainsworth at No.6
Best for: Crabsticks and scones
6 Middle St, Padstow PL28 8AP
paul-ainsworth.co.uk/number6
Padstow has long been associated with fine dining in Cornwall, with many of its restaurants touting a list of accolades as long as their menu. Boasting a Michelin star amidst impressive awards, Paul Ainsworth at No.6 promises an elegant yet relaxed setting in a lovely Georgian townhouse just back from the picturesque harbour.
Cornish ingredients are at the heart of the menu, with dishes promising a mix of creative and classic techniques that showcase the wonderful local produce. Their signature crabsticks and scones are a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, while other dishes change with the seasons, ensuring new recipes can be explored with every visit.
An extensive wine list accompanies the food menu, with a knowledgeable sommelier on-hand to offer carefully paired recommendations, while upstairs, their exclusive cocktail bar Ci Ci’s promises a winsome pre- or post-dinner tipple.
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen
Best for: Seafood and sea views
1 Middle St, Port Isaac PL29 3RH
outlaws.co.uk/restaurants/fish-kitchen
Best known as Doc Martin’s Port Wenn, Port Isaac is another exceptionally pretty Cornish village with an idyllic harbour to match. One of the top-notch restaurants to boast views over the harbour is Michelin starred Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, which can be found inside a charming 15th-century fisherman’s cottage complete with crooked walls and sloping ceilings.
The menu shines a light on fresh, sustainably caught seafood, which is landed right outside the Michelin star restaurant. This boat-to-plate ethos directs the menu, with dishes created around whatever comes in off the boats that morning. As such, the tasting menus can be wonderfully varied from day-to-day, and with a sharing style approach, you’re perfectly plaiced to experience some of Cornwall’s best seafood.
The tasting menu always comes with a recommended wine, or you can choose your own from the carefully curated drinks menu, which includes everything from local spirits to lip-smacking cocktails.
Outlaw’s New Road
Best for: Seafood tasting menus
6 New Road, Port Isaac PL29 3SB
outlaws.co.uk/restaurants/new-road
The second of Nathan Outlaw’s acclaimed restaurants to not only boast a stunning location in Port Isaac but a Michelin star to boot, New Road has cemented itself amongst Cornwall’s top restaurants for very good reason. Simple yet expertly crafted meals are always on the menu here, whether it’s fresh free-dived scallops that have come from the very waters outside, or vegetables sourced from local farmers.
Much like Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, seafood really takes centre stage here, with an ever-evolving selection of menus. At lunchtime, an à la carte menu promises a sweep of mouth-watering dishes, from lightly spiced monkfish to bass with a vermouth sauce. In the evenings, a seafood tasting menu takes you on a lip-smacking journey across Cornwall’s shores and seas, celebrating the incredible ingredients we have at our fingertips. The Porthilly sauce is legendary, and the puddings always round off the meal with a satisfyingly sweet treat.
Crocadon
Best for: Farm to fork feeds
St Mellion, Saltash PL12 6RL
crocadon.farm
Situated on its very own farm, which produces many of the ingredients that make up the incredible dishes, Crocadon has perfected the art of field-to-fork food – a practice that has earned the restaurant a Michelin star and green star. The restaurant is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings as well as for Sunday lunches, while the café, which promises mouth-watering pastries and homemade breads, is open Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm.
Celebrating the very best of Cornish ingredients (they do grow it themselves, after all), seasonal food shines through the tasting menus. ‘Taste of the Farm’ takes taste buds on a sweeping tour of the surrounding hedgerows and fields, with dishes such as celeriac, lovage, and chicory root and sheep shoulder, rosehip, and white current. For an even bigger feast, opt for the ‘Dinner on the Farm’ menu, which adds the likes of cuttlefish, lemongrass, and dittander to the already mouth-watering menu. On Sundays, the roasts offer up a true feast for the senses, from sheep rump mains to the lip-smacking fig leaf and damson desserts.
Michelin green star restaurants in Cornwall
Culture
Best for: Michelin Green star dining
Custom House Quay, 38B Arwenack Street, Falmouth TR11 3JF
culturerestaurant.co.uk
Falmouth is home to many visit-worthy sites, from white sand beaches to the many beautiful gardens that flourish nearby. The bustling town is also home to an enviable foodie scene, amongst which sits Culture with its Michelin green star and wonderfully thoughtful menu. The open kitchen can’t help but draw the eye as you enter the relaxed restaurant, while the impressive glass-walled wine cellar promises a thirst-quenching selection of world wines.
Taking inspiration from nature and shared experiences, the menu will take you on a tour of the world’s cuisines, exploring different cultures as you go. The lunch menu sees five courses of intricately crafted dishes, each focussing on maximum flavour with minimal food waste, while the dinner menu takes you through seven courses, with each dish evoking a feeling of place. Add a wine flight to your meal for the perfectly curated companion or explore their wine cellar for something special.
Coombeshead Farm
Best for: The warmest of welcomes
Lewannick, Launceston PL15 7QQ
coombesheadfarm.co.uk
One of Cornwall’s newest restaurants to boast a shining Michelin green star, Coombeshead Farm has nailed the farm-fresh ethos, with its very own 66-acre farm filling the plates with seasonal grub. The restaurant also celebrates the European tradition of Agroturismo, meaning you’ll find a warm and honest welcome whenever you visit, with the high beamed ceilings filling the space with rustic charm.
With many of the ingredients grown and reared on the farm, the set menus change with the seasons, promising a rolling taste of Cornwall and Coombeshead Farm – think Red Devon beef, pot-roasted beetroots, and malt ice cream for afters. A vegetarian menu is also available in the evenings, as well as a flavoursome Sunday lunch offering to finish the week strong. The restaurant is reservation only (Thursday to Sunday between November and March, and Wednesday to Sunday between April and October), so make sure to book your table to avoid disappointment.
Michelin recommended restaurants in Cornwall with a Bib Gourmand
The Mulberry
Best for: Tasty tasting menus
29 High Street, Falmouth TR11 2AD
themulberryfalmouth.co.uk
Falmouth is home to a button-popping array of eateries, whether you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex, Caribbean, or African cuisine. One of the town’s hidden gems (it can be found down one of the many cobbled alleyways) The Mulberry is Cornwall’s newest restaurant to be awarded with a prestigious Bib Gourmand. Chefs Jay Brady and Harry Cartwright have created a relaxed dining experience here, which sings the praises of Cornwall’s natural larder with every plate.
The set tasting menu makes full use of each season, with local produce ensuring each bite is as Cornish as can be. Feast on the likes of Limoncello-cured trout, Newlyn line-caught bass, and Duchy venison, with a deliciously decadent Chocolarder white chocolate mousse for dessert. Each dish comes with a recommended wine pairing too, so you can drink and dine on the very best from start to finish.
Sardine Factory
Best for: Seasonally sourced seafood
Quay Road, West Looe, Looe PL13 2ES
thesardinefactorylooe.com
Aptly named, this converted sardine factory offers a delectable dining experience in South Cornwall, with stunning views over Looe’s beautiful harbour. As with many of Cornwall’s coastal restaurants, seafood lies at the heart of the menu, with Looe market providing fresh catches for the dishes and local farmers ensuring the meat and veg never travels far.
While fish and seafood definitely take centre stage, there are some wonderful farm-fresh options on the menu, from wild garlic pesto linguine to dry-aged steaks or a Sunday roast at the weekends. Pool a selection of small plates together for a range of tastes, or opt for one of the marvellous mains, including fish and chips with caramelised lemon and Cornish market fish of the day.
Rick Stein’s Café
Best for: Family-friendly dining
10 Middle Street, Padstow PL28 8AP
rickstein.com/restaurants/rick-steins-cafe
From the dog-friendly courtyard to the relaxed restaurant, Rick Stein’s Café in Padstow is a great place to fill up the family before or after exploring the wild and wonderful north coast. The Michelin recommended menu enjoys a whole world of cuisines, with influences from Asia brought to life with Cornish ingredients. The salt and pepper prawns have been a firm favourite with visitors since Rick Stein brought the recipe back in the 90s.
The little ones can feast their eyes and tums on a menu full of small but no less special dishes, from cod, chips, and peas to steak and fries – not forgetting a menu full of sweet favourites, including jelly and ice cream and chocolate brownie with clotted cream and fudge sauce. Open for dinner and lunch (including their famous curry and beer lunches on Mondays to Fridays), this friendly restaurant is a great place to enjoy some Michelin grade dining with the family in tow.
Michelin recommended restaurants in West Cornwall
Kota
Best for: Award-winning Asian cuisine
Harbour Head, Porthleven, Helston TR13 9JA
kotarestaurant.co.uk
Another of Porthleven’s excellent eateries to feature in the Michelin Guide, Jude Kereama’s Kota has long been one of the best-kept secrets in the South West. Perfectly placed on the village’s bustling harbour, Kota enjoys picturesque views alongside its famous menu of mouth-watering dishes with a delicious Asian twist.
With a name like Kota (which means shellfish in Maori) and a prime position on one of Cornwall’s prettiest fishing harbours, it will be of little surprise that the menu features a hearty number of seafood dishes, from Sri Lankan crab rolls with fermented chilli mayo to coal-cooked sea bass with Mylor prawns. There’s also a good number of veggie dishes, including fermented Gear Farm carrots with BBQ apricots, ginger, and lemongrass and Crown Prince squash with heritage carrots with house-made ricotta.
Argoe
Best for: Celebrating Cornwall’s fishing heritage
Newlyn, Argoe TR18 5HW
argoenewlyn.co.uk
With 422 miles of glorious coastline (300 miles of which is walkable with the stunning South West Coast Path), it’s easy to see why Cornwall’s heritage is firmly seated in seafood. Newlyn has been the beating heart of Cornwall’s fishing industry for centuries. A working port to this day, Newlyn continues to showcase this hard-working industry, and Michelin recommended Argoe sits in the centre of the action.
A true celebration of Cornish seafood and fishermen, Argoe pays tribute to the fish that’s landed just beyond its doorstep, with simply and lovingly cooked seafood (often making the most of even the more unusual parts of the fish) making up a menu of sharing plates. Natural wines are available by the glass and carafe, ensuring you always have the perfect pairing for your meal.
Porthminster Beach Café
Best for: Unbeatable sea views
Porthminster Beach, Carbis Bay, St Ives TR26 2EB
porthminstercafe.co.uk
When it comes to sea views, you can’t get much better than the white sands and turquoise waters of Porthminster beach in St Ives. Sitting pretty above the near-Mediterranean beach, Porthminster Beach Café enjoys uninterrupted views across the sparkling seas, providing a rather special backdrop to your Michelin recommended meal.
Speaking of… The menu here takes inspiration from its unbelievable setting with Mediterranean and Asian influences winding their way through the dishes. Dine on the likes of locally sourced fish curry, heritage longhorn beef with garden-fresh veg, and delicious Indonesian vegetable curry, all while soaking up your stunning surrounds.
The Square at Porthleven
Best for: Relaxed harbourside dining
7 Fore Street, Porthleven, Helston TR13 9HQ
thesquareatporthleven.co.uk
Porthleven has become a foodie hotspot in Cornwall, with an impressive array of pubs, cafés, delis and restaurants gathering in the picturesque harbour – not to mention the lip-smacking delights of the famous Porthleven Food Festival. Among the village’s foodie royalty, The Square at Porthleven boasts a selection of accolades.
The Square enjoys a brasserie-style menu, with a range of locally sourced dishes ready to take your tastebuds on an adventure. Sup on the likes of Primrose herd pork belly with soy and honey glazed hogs’ pudding, roasted St Hilary beetroot and carrots with Cornish greens and Devon blue cheese, or Cornish Hake fillet with mussels in the evenings, or simply pop in for a slice of cake and a coffee overlooking the harbour. Dogs are welcome on the terrace, perfect for soaking up the sun in the summer months.
Michelin recommended restaurants in North Cornwall
The Dining Room
Best for: Celebrating Cornish suppliers
Pavilion Buildings, Rock Road, Rock, PL27 6JS
thediningroomrock.co.uk
A favourite amongst locals and visitors to Rock, The Dining Room has cultivated strong relationships with local food producers, ensuring every dish you try is a true celebration of Cornish fare. Not only are the ingredients wonderfully local, but nearly everything is made on-site, from freshly baked bread to dreamy clotted cream butter.
With seasonal ingredients at its heart, the set price menu promises an exceptional tour of expertly made classic dishes, including crab bisque or beetroot with smoked cheddar custard to start, venison loin with red cabbage and chestnuts or sea bass with grilled squid and choi sum for mains, and coconut rum poached pineapple cheesecake or frozen hazelnut parfait for dessert. You’ll find a wonderfully relaxed dining experience here, with friendly service and tables that are yours for the evening so you can really settle into your meal.
St Kew Inn
Best for: Dog-friendly dining
St Kew, Bodmin PL30 3HB
stkewinn.co.uk
Dog-friendly throughout and boasting a number of different dining options, including cosy log fires inside and beautiful gardens for sun-soaked afternoons, St Kew Inn near Bodmin promises a wonderfully warm welcome.
The 13th century pub enjoys a lovely atmosphere, with the historic bar offering a wide array of drinks and the Michelin recommended menu delivering platefuls of proper Cornish fare. Alongside their a la carte menu, which features the likes of beer-battered haddock, beef burgers, and pan-seared hake, St Kew is famed for its week-defining Sunday roasts, giving you every excuse to spend your Sunday exploring the nearby moors before settling down for a feast with all the trimmings.
The Fish House
Best for: Surfing and seafood
5, International Surfing Centre, Headland Road, Newquay TR7 1HY
thefishhousefistral.com
Enjoying a prime location above Newquay’s premier surfing beach, The Fish House is the place to be for a spot of post-surfing seafood with incredible sea views. Making the most of local and seasonal ingredients, the menu here highlights Cornwall’s incredible larder.
Cornish mussels, roasted hotshell selections, and Indian fish curry are just some of the fantastic seafood dishes you can look forward to at this fine-dining bistro. The atmosphere is always lively, with the rolling waves beyond the terrace adding to the vibrant feel of this superb restaurant – it’s perfect for a light lunch or decadent dinner after exploring the dramatic coastline that surrounds Newquay.
Michelin recommended restaurants in South Cornwall
The Idle Rocks
Best for: Waterside sundowners
Harbourside, Tredenham Road, St Mawes, Truro TR2 5AN
idlerocks.com
With the endlessly pretty harbour as your backdrop, The Idle Rocks in St Mawes promises a dreamily relaxed setting for your Michelin recommended meal, whether you’re after a special occasion dinner or a light lunch with a cocktail to boot – you can even stop by for an afternoon tea by the water.
An a la carte menu offers a tremendous choice full of locally sourced favourites, from Boscastle trout to Newlyn hake, while the signature menu takes you on a seven-course journey through a selection of flavours gathered from around the county.
The Cove
Best for: Alfresco feasting
Maenporth, Beach, Falmouth TR11 5HN
thecovemaenporth.co.uk
Cornwall really does enjoy a rather impressive list of superb restaurants with incredible sea views and The Cove is no different. Sat above Maenporth beach, this relaxed restaurant is perfect for families and romantic reveries alike, with a choice of the beautiful interior or sun-soaked terrace.
When it comes to the food, The Cove offers an unmatched array of options, from light bites and set lunches to a la carte evenings and a signature tasting menu that introduces you to a range of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes. You’ll also find a well-stocked vegan and veggie and children’s menu, as well as their famous roast by the coast, ensuring every taste is well and truly catered for.
Edie’s
Best for: Family friendly and family run
10 Beach Road, Carlyon Bay, St Austell PL25 3PH
edies.restaurant
With family at its core, Edie’s offers a wonderfully warm welcome to all who pass through Carlyon Bay in South Cornwall. The restaurant is run by husband and wife duo Nigel and Kelly and named after their daughter Edie, creating an exceptionally family-centred atmosphere.
Catering to all appetites and ages, you can expect a variety of dishes across the a la carte and fixed price menus, from creamy, cider braised chicken to pumpkin and risotto raviolo – not forgetting a sweet treat selection that includes the likes of mocha mousse, crème brulee, and plum souffle.
Excited to taste your way through Cornwall’s many Michelin star restaurants? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages across the county and start planning a wonderfully foodie stay.
Tags: Cornwall | Food and Drink |