The Best Restaurants in Cornwall

Long gone are the days when beans on toast was considered the height of English cuisine (although, we’re undeniably still partial). Firmly established on the culinary map, Cornwall has gained an international reputation for its word-class chefs, restaurants and sustainable practices.

If you are lucky enough to soon find yourself in this beautiful county, you will likely be interested to know the best restaurants in Cornwall. To set you on your merry way to food-induced euphoria, here are some of the top establishments well worth a visit:

Oliver’s, Falmouth
Set behind an unassuming façade on Falmouth high street, Oliver’s is a superb restaurant emphasising modern British food. Humbly sized and serving simple, honest food, you will be more than pleasantly surprised by the relaxed atmosphere and excellent cuisine. 

The Fish House, Fistral
At the Fish House in Fistral, passion is the dish of the day. A hop, skip and a jump away from the shore, the restaurant’s staff, headed by illustrious leader Paul Harwood, take inspiration from the sea and use local fish and shellfish landed in Newquay harbour.

Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Padstow
One of Mr Stein’s innumerous conquests, the quality of food served in Stein’s Seafood Restaurant cannot be denied. Stein’s flagship restaurant in the heart of Padstow, this restaurant has established an international following, embodying Rick’s love for fresh, quality seafood.

The Shore, Penzance 
Through his restaurant, chef and owner Bruce Rennie pays homage to his love of the Cornish coast. Providing bountiful fruits, adventure and discovery, Rennie credits the magical place where land meets sea as his inspiration, reflecting his enthusiasm through The Shore’s mouth-watering menu. 

Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, Port Isaac
Progeny of celebrated chefs Gary Rhodes and Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw has enjoyed well-deserved success. Located at the top of Port Isaac, his intimate Restaurant Nathan Outlaw overlooks the rugged Cornish coastline and exclusively serves seafood. 

Kota, Porthleven
Kota, meaning ‘shellfish’ in Maori, nestles within a 300-year old building, right on Porthleven’s picturesque harbourfront. From here, Chef Jude (half Maori, half Chinese Malay) flexes his exceptional skills, producing Cornish-inspired dishes infused with his signature Asian twist.

Driftwood Restaurant, Rosevine
The Michelin Star and Four AA Rosette Driftwood Restaurant welcomes diners for a culinary experience with a touch of class. Boasting a jaw-dropping vantage point overlooking the glistening waters of Gerrans Bay, meals are served fresh crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and produce.

Taste, St Agnes
Receiving consistently glowing feedback Taste in St Agnes serves a varied menu, from seafood spectaculars to vegetarian-friendly delights. Gather up the family for a group outing or wine and dine your beloved for a date to remember. 

Edie’s Kitchen, St Austell 
After a 20-year career working with food royalty such as Raymond Blanc and Bill Granger, head chef and owner Nigel Brown decided to head home to Cornwall and create something special. Cue, Edie’s Kitchen. Serving flavour-packed local food topped off with the finest service and atmosphere, it is a must try. 

Gurnard’s Head, Zennor
Gurnard’s Head in Zennor needs little introduction. A gastropub whose menu alone is enough to make you salivate, turn up for a light lunch or three-course evening meal and enjoy wave after wave of awesome taste.  With its cliff-top position, sundowners here are pretty special too.