Food and Drink
No visit to Cornwall is complete without a pasty, cream tea and a fish and chips - oh, and maybe an ice cream or two! Alongside these Cornish essentials, there are Cornish delights aplenty to be sampled; from freshly caught fish to Cornish gin. With so many independent eateries up and down the county, you’ll be spoilt for choice, especially with celebrity chefs opening restaurants in popular seaside villages.
Whether you prefer fine dining, classic pub grub, a pasty on the beach or cakes in the countryside, there really is something for everyone in Cornwall. Take a look at some of our recommendations…
If fine dining is your style, we recommend you try one of these exquisite dining experiences in Cornwall:
Restaurant Nathan Outlaw – located in the fishing village of Port Isaac, made popular by Doc Martin, Nathan Outlaw’s restaurant boasts seafood of the highest quality, celebrating Cornish fish at its best.
Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 – Situated in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in the stunning village of Padstow, this Michelin Star restaurant showcases some of the “best ingredients on the planet”.
The Ugly Butterfly – housed in The Carbis Bay Hotel, but completely independent from the hotel, Adam handling’s The Ugly Butterfly is a truly special restaurant overlooking the bay. Offering an all-day dining experience, with zero waste, there’s nowhere else quite like this unique restaurant.
The Cove – tucked into the shoreline of Maenporth beach, Michael Cane’s The Cove is an “oasis of taste and visual beauty”, offering some of the finest Cornish ingredients in one of the most picturesque spots in Cornwall.
If a country pub is more your cup of tea, try one of these gastro pubs and you won’t be disappointed:
The Mexico Inn – Close to the coast, this dog-friendly pub in Long Rock offers a warm and friendly atmosphere with fantastic, locally-sourced food.
Pandora Inn – Arriving by boat is not unusual at this traditional river-side pub. Situated in Mylor Bridge, the Pandora offers superb food in a spectacular setting.
The Tolcarne Inn – Once a maritime pub, The Tolcarne Inn is an irresistible pub for seafood lovers. Owned by Ben Tunicliffe, this dining destination has an ever-evolving, seasonal menu that will delight every diner.
The Gurnard’s Head – located in an awe-inspiring location near Zennor, The Gurnard’s Head offers beautifully cooked food at its seasonal best, in a place where diners can relax and unwind.
If you’re looking for a more casual lunch, some scrumptious cake in a beautiful setting or a comforting hot chocolate on a wintery day, head to one of these cosy cafes:
Slice of Cornwall - recently relocated to Constantine, for a real treat discover Slice, hidden away on the Lizard Peninsular. Enjoy decadent hot chocolates with giant homemade marshmallows and indulge in their famous slow-rise butter waffles.
Birdies Bistro – Overlooking the RSPB nature-reserve in Lelant, Birdies Bistro serves classic dishes with an imaginative twist, a range of delicious cakes and crazy shakes. Treat yourself while enjoying the scenery.
The Barge – Moored on Bude’s canal, the Barge offers a unique dining location, where you can enjoy a range of locally-sourced meals, snacks and cakes. Alternatively, you can stop off for a quick drink in a beautiful setting.
The Cabin Beach Café – located just above the beach in Perranouthnoe, this delightful beach café is perfect for a cuppa and cake after a walk along the beach or the South West Coast Path. Alternatively, enjoy a tasty lunch after a dip in the sea!
Of course, nothing beats enjoying a pasty overlooking the coastline in Cornwall. Stop off at one of the many pasty shops in Cornwall, including Phillps Pasties, Ann’s Pasties and Lavenders Cornish Pasties, before driving or walking to one of your favourite beauty spots in Cornwall. A pasty always tastes best outside!
With some of the finest ingredients on offer in the county, it’s little surprise so many chefs have opened cookery schools of their own, in some of the most beautiful locations in Cornwall. Sign up to one of the many classes available and you’ll be able to learn from their wealth of knowledge and experience.
The Woodland Kitchen – Surrounded by 36 acres of fields, woods and streams, The Woodland Kitchen focuses on sustainable, Cornish produce. Offering inspiring and practical cookery courses for individuals, couples and families.
Fat Hen Wild Cookery School – celebrating nature’s humble ingredients, the Fat Hen Wild Cookery School is all about embracing the outdoors and creating food inspired by nature.
Tarquin’s Gin School – if gin is more your thing, head to Tarquin’s Gin School in either Padstow or St Ives to create your own gin!
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