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Cornwall’s coastline is famous not only for its beautiful beaches and historic fishing harbours but also for the extraordinary restaurants perched above them. It offers everything from clifftop fine dining overlooking the ocean, to beach cafés serving fish n chips on the sand, each delivering the catch of the day in their own fabulous way. Read on to discover Cornwall’s most unforgettable foodie escapes, organised by region to help you plan your trip.
North Cornwall
Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Padstow (££££)
After 50 years in business Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant in Padstow, still remains one of Cornwall’s most highly revered dining experiences, serving the best seafood the day’s catch can deliver.
Signature dishes such as turbot and lobster are simply prepared to perfection, and the service is that mix of polished, informal friendliness that creates such a lovely atmosphere.
Huge windows frame in-coming fishing boats while the rooftop terrace and harbour-side tables have views across the Camel Estuary, an idyllic Cornish maritime setting.
The Waterfront, Polzeath (£££)
Situated directly beside the sands of Polzeath, The Waterfront offers sweeping views across one of North Cornwall’s best surfing beaches. Inside, the contemporary dining room feels bright and relaxed, while the stunning outdoor terrace invites long lunches and sundowners overlooking surfers ride the Atlantic.
The menu focuses on modern British dishes using fresh seasonal produce and delicious Cornish seafood. An affable team create a lively atmosphere making it popular with families and beachgoers, and as the sun sets over the headlands, the terrace becomes truly atmospheric.
Surfside, Polzeath (££)
Surfside restaurant sits right on the sand of Polzeath Beach, a super cool eatery and cocktail bar, where beach bums relish gourmet delights as the tide rolls in just metres from their flip flops. It’s vibrant but relaxed thanks to fantastic music, friendly staff and a fabulous menu of seafood grills, burgers, deserts and cocktails.
Huge windows overlook waves whilst an extensive terrace takes over the beach with loads of outdoor seating. Of course, the terrace gets very popular at sunset when the bay glows in the evening light. It’s a fun, sociable restaurant that captures the energy of North Cornwall’s surf scene.
The Blue Bar, Porthtowan (££)
Perched above the golden sands of Porthtowan Beach, The Blue Bar enjoys one of Cornwall’s best sunset locations. Huge windows and an extensive terrace look straight out to the Atlantic, making it a delightful spot for evening drinks and relaxed meals.
The food focuses on seafood classics, steaks and yummy soul food. The vibe is informal and lively, with friendly service and an up-beat soundtrack, which comes to life at the golden hour.
The Watering Hole, Perranporth (££)
Uniquely located directly on Perranporth beach, The Watering Hole is bang on the sand with tables just metres from the water, creating a wonderfully beachy atmosphere.
The menu features casual beach food including seafood, burgers and tapas style dishes, complemented by cocktails and local beers. Service is relaxed and welcoming, reflecting the laid-back surf culture of the area.
With panoramic sea views over Perranporth Beach and outdoor seating facing the waves, it’s Cornish coastal magic at its best.
West Cornwall
Porthminster Beach Café, St Ives (£££)
With its elegant terrace overlooking St Ives Bay, Porthminster Beach Café offers one of Cornwall’s most refined beachside dining experiences. Here they serve local seafood with a Mediterranean/Asian twist which is enhanced by the setting’s stylish coastal charm and sea views.
Service is polished yet friendly, and the outdoor terrace offers spectacular views across the beach below. As light reflects off the turquoise waters of the bay, it’s easy to understand why this restaurant has become one of Cornwall’s culinary classics during both peak season and the winter months.
Pedn Olva, St Ives (££)
Housed in a recently renovated coastal landmark, Pedn Olva also overlooks Porthminster Beach in St Ives, but from further up the cliff, so the sea views are even more expansive reaching past the harbour towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
It has clearly been designed for these exceptional vistas with modern, spacious glass-fronted dining spaces inside and multiple outdoor terraces offering breathtaking sea views, which are especially atmospheric at dusk under festoon lighting.
The menu includes fresh seafood and steak amongst other classic British favourites and service is attentive but chilled, making this a great eatery that ticks all the right boxes.
Porthmeor Beach Café, St Ives (££)
Sat beside the Tate, overlooking one of Cornwall’s most famous surfing beaches, Porthmeor Beach Café has a modern feel that reflects the artistic energy of the town. The modern floor to ceiling windows and outdoor terrace provide uninterrupted Atlantic views, especially striking at sunset.
Fresh seafood, tapas and seasonal dishes are served by attentive but informal staff, which suit this relaxed coastal dining setting, where surfers effortlessly carve up the waves before you. And when you’ve finished sampling their culinary delights, check out the many interesting things to do in St Ives listed in our guide.
Argoe, Newlyn (£££)
Located on the edge of Newlyn’s working fishing harbour, Argoe Restaurant offers an awesome maritime dining experience where the seafood often arrives straight from boats moored outside.
The minimalist interior keeps the focus on the harbour views and the menu is driven entirely by the day’s catch, resulting in exceptionally fresh dishes with a European influence. Service is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about local produce, which gives a true sense of Cornwall’s fishing heritage.
The Old Coastguard Restaurant, Mousehole (£££)
The Old Coastguard Restaurant sits above the shoreline in picturesque Mousehole with breathtaking views across Mount’s Bay toward St Michael’s Mount. The dining room features large windows that frame the sea, while the garden terrace showcases the surrounding natural beauty.
In the kitchen, it’s all about seasonal Cornish produce, especially local seafood and the service is warm and professional, adding to the relaxed yet refined atmosphere, which is timelessly Cornish.
South Cornwall
The Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick Beach (££)
Overlooking the turquoise waters of Porthcurnick Beach on the Roseland Peninsula, The Hidden Hut is one of Cornwall’s most beloved outdoor dining spots. Rustic wooden tables face the sea like creaking boats, creating a wonderfully coastal setting.
Food is cooked outdoors using seasonal ingredients and served communally, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Staff are friendly and informal, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy the views. With its cliff-top terrace and panoramic sea vistas, it perfectly captures the spirit of Cornish coastal living.
Gylly Beach Café, Falmouth (££)
Gylly Beach Café offers uninterrupted sea views across Gyllyngvase Beach and Falmouth Bay, while its modern, light filled interior and big terraces allow you to soak up the sea views and salty air.
They do breakfasts, brunches and seafood dinners, all prepared with fresh local ingredients and served with expertise and warmth. This is beach shore dining at its best.
The Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek (££)
The dreamy setting of the Pandora Inn, on a sheltered creek off the Fal Estuary, makes for the most wonderful, waterside dining experience. This historic gastro-pub sits on the water’s edge with a pontoon dining terrace that floats amongst passing boats.
Inside, it is all timber and charm, with happy staff offering a delicious menu of hearty pub classics and fresh seafood. On sunny days this is the most serene and scenic dining spot in the area.
The Sardine Factory, Looe (£££)
On Looe’s quaint harbour lies another historic dining space, The Sardine Factory, now a contemporary seafood restaurant celebrating Cornwall’s fishing heritage.
The large windows of its modern interiors frame the historic harbour beautifully, while attentive service serves sensational seasonal seafood dishes that are prepared with creativity and precision.
Outdoor seating adds to the coastal charm, but there aren’t many available, so book well in advance.
Fallowfields Restaurant, Lizard Peninsula (££££)
Situated at Housel Bay Hotel near the dramatic cliffs of Lizard Point, Fallowfields offers one of Cornwall’s most spectacular coastal dining settings. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the wild Atlantic, while the terrace provides a breathtaking vantage point over the rugged coastline.
The restaurant specialises in refined seasonal cuisine featuring Cornish seafood and local produce. Service is elegant and attentive, creating a special-occasion atmosphere.
As waves crash against the cliffs below, dining here feels both privileged and deeply memorable.
Book Your Gastronomic Holiday in Cornwall
Cornwall isn’t just about beautiful beaches — it’s a destination where great food and coastal views go hand in hand. From relaxed lunches overlooking the sand to memorable dinners perched above the Atlantic, dining here becomes part of the experience. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply enjoying time by the sea, the setting elevates every meal. If you’re ready to turn great food into a full coastal escape, explore our collection of Cornwall cottages with sea views and find the perfect base for your next gastronomic getaway.