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This elegant Michelin-star restaurant in Padstow is part of the Paul Ainsworth family of restaurants. If you're looking for a restaurant for a special occasion, No6 is the place to come.
Chef Chris McClurg and his team have created a menu of modern British classics: think wild turbot, fillets of beef and pigeon. The food is locally sourced where possible, adding a coastal Cornish feel to the dishes.
The main restaurant is an inviting space, housed in a Georgian townhouse in the centre of Padstow. And if you fancy a cocktail, book a table at exclusive Ci Ci's Bar upstairs. For a small, more intimate celebration, ask about No6's private dining room.
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There’s nothing overly fancy about the location of the Shore. Set on a crossroads on the edge of Penzance town centre this restaurant is all about the food.
Probably the best seafood in town, this bistro is run by Bruce Rennie, a chef with a wealth of experience from the Michelin starred kitchens of some of the biggest names in food. Now working alone in the kitchen, food is crafted around whatever is fresh and in season.
Ingredients are collected daily and sourced as locally as possible, including the chef’s own garden. The rest from local farms and Newlyn Fish Market with fish and shellfish dominating the menu.
Along with Mediterranean, the other main influence on the Shore’s menu is Japanese.
The Shore is reservation-only, and you pay for a set menu in advance. The restaurant seats only 14 and in the words of the chef “Your evening should be relaxed and laid back with little pomp or presumption.”
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If you're looking for dining with a difference, Kota's your calling. The restaurant's located overlooking Porthleven's picturesque harbour and run by critically acclaimed chef Jude Kereama, whose Chinese-Maori roots are showcased in his cooking.
Super fresh local seafood is meticulously crafted into Asian-influenced cuisine. Dishes such as panko-coated hake and prawns with wasabi tartar have gained a mention in the Good Food Guide in 2019, which was followed up by a place on Harden's Top 100 restaurants the next year. Kota is also a regular recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
Good to know: The six-course tasting menu comes with a match made-in-heaven wine pairing, well worth a look at for an extra special date night.
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St Petroc's is another restaurant from Rick Stein's stables, and this one is an informal delight. It's set away from Padstow harbour, which gives it a more chilled-out feel.
The relaxed bistro serves French-inspired dishes, made from fine Cornish produce - naturally, there's always a choice of freshly landed fish. There's a children's menu, and your dog is welcome to join you at St Pet's - well in the outdoors areas anyway.
Start or end the evening with a cocktail at Ruby's Bar. You could always plan ahead, and book one of St Petroc's ten elegant en-suite guest rooms… Planning a party? The private dining room caters for up to 14 people.
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Food doesn't come much fresher than the dishes served up at the Sardine Factory - fresh fish is delivered from Looe Market, located right opposite the restaurant. Set in a converted sardine factory, right on the West Looe quayside, the restaurant boasts fantastic views across the river to East Looe.
Award-winning chef Benjamin Palmer heads things up here, you might recognise his name from his quarter-final placing on MasterChef: The Professionals back in 2011. Given this pedigree it will come as no surprise that the Sardine Factory has secured itself a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide.
The menu swings with the seasons, but Cornwall classics are a frequent feature. You can kick things off with a Cornish blue cheese starter, take locally caught crab linguine for main, then finish it up with a rice pudding.
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Come to this pleasing little bistro for fresh fish with fantastic views. 2 Fore Street is in the centre of the village, looking out towards the busy little harbour.
It's a lovely place to enjoy seafood and a glass of something chilled in the evening; however, it's equally good simply to stop here for a coffee in the morning. On a sunny day, try to get a table in the pretty courtyard.
If you're heading out for the day, 2 Fore Street has also opened a deli recently (a bit further up the road in Millpool Courtyard. Stock up on delicious local bread, cheese and fruit for your picnic.
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The Pig at Harlyn is just ten minutes' drive (or taxi. Treat yourself - the wine list's worth it) from Padstow. The 15th-century house makes a perfect hotel and restaurant, and a lot of their food is grown on site.
At The Pig, the kitchen and gardening team work together to create fresh and lively dishes. They also have their own forager, who finds the best ingredients from the natural larder. As for other producers, well, The Pig has a 25-mile rule: nothing must come from further than that, including the beers, wines and spirits.
Book a table in the characterful old house, or try their new Lobster Shed in the garden, which serves wood-cooked local seafood. For a real treat, book a weekend here in the hotel or one of the romantic "Garden Wagons".
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Walk along the sandy shore or boardwalk on Porthminster Beach, and you'll come to a gleaming white Art Deco building. This is the home of Porthminster Cafe, and some of the most coveted tables in town.
Right on the beach, the cafe feels relaxed but its menu is always on point. It serves impeccable Asian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, served with some of the best sea views in Britain.
Like many St Ives restaurants, it specialises in seafood; however, the team here also grow their own veg in the adjacent kitchen garden, and the desserts are (chef's kiss). Don't just save it for the summer: enjoy the windswept, winter Atlantic from the warmth of a window seat.
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This is the place where it all began… The Seafood Restaurant was launched in 1975, and its co-founder Rick Stein went on to become a household name, transform Padstow's foodie scene, and create an empire of eateries.
The original Stein's is a restaurant of two halves: the family-friendly Seafood Restaurant,and the more grown-up Seafood Bar, where chefs prepare spectacular platters of exquisite fish and shellfish. Upstairs, the Terrace has lovely views of the Camel Estuary.
The dress code tends to be smart casual. Children over three are welcome in the restaurant (but not the bar), and although Stein places in general tend to be dog-friendly (remember Chalky!), this one isn't.
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Pitched in the centre of St Mawes, overlooking its harbour, this award-winning restaurant's al fresco dining terrace takes eating out right to the water's edge.
Executive head chef Dorian Janmatt fuses French-style cooking techniques and classic British dishes. And while meat and fish dishes are The Idle Rocks' bread and butter, veggies get a fair choice of options too.
Beyond its dinner menu, the restaurant serves up traditional Cornish tea each day of the week – jam first, of course. It's served with a glass of Knightor Classic Cuvee, a crisp sparkling wine that's produced in Cornwall.
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This much-loved little cafe is tucked away down a side street in the centre of Penzance. It's a favourite spot for breakfast, lunch, or simply catching up over a coffee, and in the summer, it's open Friday and Saturday evenings, too.
The food is homemade and local, with a great emphasis on sustainable and seasonal. During the lockdown in 2020, The Honey Pot started to serve gorgeous, homemade ready meals, which were so popular that they still sell them.
But let's be honest. Many of the locals come here for the cakes, which are amazing. The cake menu changes daily; however, there are always vegan and gluten-free options.
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The Wig & Pen gets its name from the nearby County Court. The Grade 2-listed building has been an inn for much of its life, and has recently reopened following a change of hands and a thorough refurbishment.
Like a lot of city centre places, it's both a dining gastropub and a bar. Relax outside with a bellini after work/shopping in town, or enjoy a sumptuous Sunday lunch in front of the fire. The food is modern British, and makes the most of the fantastic local larder. Try the Wig Burger or the catch of the day.
The pub is family and dog friendly. If you're dining at The Wig & Pen, reserve your table in advance, or phone ahead if you're hoping to eat there that day.
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This place is housed inside a former bank, just beside Fowey's riverside.
You don't have to take our word when it comes to this place, the guys at Michelin Guide agree. With three established restaurants in London, owners David and Jeremie have taken their success southwest to Cornwall.
The menu changes daily, depending on what's fresh when. Small-sized seafood plates are pretty much guaranteed though. Food envy's a thing of the past here, dishes like half lobster plates allow for a couple of dishes come dinnertime. Save room for dessert though, the restaurant's dessert menu gets just as many kudos as its mains.
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"The one with the booths?" Yes, that's the one! This lovely cafe right on Porthmeor Beach (the beach in front of the Tate) has a row of little three-walled pods, facing the sea and each with heater and lamp. You'll have to book well in advance, but it'll be worth the forward planning.
Locals come here for the tapas, which as you'd expect, majors on seafood, but is also pretty good for veggies. It's also a favourite spot for breakfast or morning coffee, taken on one of the two terraces or the lively inside area.
Because Porthmeor Beach Cafe has a full drinks licence, you can also come here simply for a glass of something chilled (time it so you catch the Porthmeor sunset). Canine companions are welcome in the outside areas.
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Situated in tranquil water gardens just outside town, Penrose Kitchen is a world away from Truro's busy streets. The food is local and seasonal, and in some instances, even homegrown.
What sort of cuisine can you expect at Penrose Kitchen? Chef Ben Harmer's pedigree includes the Savoy and La Gavroche, so there's a light and refined touch to the menu at Penrose. Look out for the fresh seafood dishes or try some locally reared meat.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, as well as for Sunday lunch. Families are welcome for lunch; however the evening service is grown-ups only. The restaurant is on one storey and has level access.
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As far as locations go, Porthminster Kitchen really has blagged one of the best. It's not actually on Porthminster Beach (it's named after its big sis, Porthminster Cafe) but is upstairs in a Wharf Road building, overlooking St Ives harbour. It's worth a visit for the view alone.
The food itself is lively and has a range of influences, from Asian to Mediterranean. Local fish features a lot on the menu - look out for their spicy fish dishes and Asian-style salads.
Porthminster Kitchen serves lunch and dinner. Please book ahead, and if you're dining with kids, please book for before 7pm. Looking for luxe accommodation in central St Ives? The restaurant owns two apartments, also with harbour views.
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Feed serves fabulous street food and excellent coffee from its small unit in the Old Foundry Chapel in the middle of town. There's usually a queue (this place is loved), but it's always worth the wait.
Start your day by picking up a breakfast box to eat on the beach, or roll up a bit later for coffee and pastries. For lunch, try a bagel or a taco, and Feed must be one of the only places in West Cornwall to serve an authentic Philly Steak.
Feed has a sister eaterie, The Secret Kitchen on East Quay. This is the one to visit if you fancy a chilled beer with your food.
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On the way into Mousehole is the Old Coastguard is Hotel. This is long been a favourite of locals and visitors alike, and retains an upmarket feel with a hint of nautical shabby chic thrown in.
The main dining area is split off into smaller sections for a more intimate feel, but it is the al fresco setup that sets the Old Coastguard apart. Step outside into a sunny terrace and a wonderfully large garden area with uninterrupted views out over Mounts Bay - the perfect spot for a summer lunch or G&T on the lawn. Offering a traditional Brasserie menu there is always a good mix of local meat and fish and veggie dishes.
The Old Coastguard also hosts music gigs and events, so it's worth keeping an eye on their website to see what's coming up.
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With a collection of Mediterranean-style whitewashed buildings and seaward terraces you could be fooled into thinking this hotel's been plucked from the shores of Ibiza.
The restaurant is housed in a separate building, and paired with an al fresco terrace offering stunning views of St Mawes Bay.
The menu takes inspiration from its seaside setting, with fresh fish dishes in plentiful supply. Meat-eaters and veggies are taken care of, too, with beef filet and meat-free pasta dishes also sharing the spotlight on the menu. That's not all though, a lengthy list of wines covers perfect pairings, whatever you choose to eat.
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A by-the-sand setting and a Mediterranean-inspired menu make the Ruin Beach Café a top pick for a laidback lunch or a special dinner.
Beyond the location, what really sets this place apart is its wood-fired oven – everything from juicy meats to delicious pizzas are cooked on it. You can grab coffee and pastries in the mornings, too. And with all that on offer, it's no surprise that the café's been awarded two AA Rosettes.
And its seaside terrace is perched right above the beach, so little ones can build sandcastles while grown-ups tuck into a long, leisurely lunch.
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