The Hub, St Ives
The old favourite of just about everyone in Cornwall, The Hub sits right opposite the lifeboat station on St Ives harbour and dishes up a menu loaded with BBQ classics. Think smoky brisket, tender pulled pork, sliders, stacked burgers — it’s the kind of place that makes your mouth water before you’ve even sat down. Add local beers on tap and one of the most picture perfect views in Cornwall from the upstairs balcony, and you’ll see why it’s always buzzing. Just be ready to battle for a seat.
The Ship Inn, Porthleven
If you’re after a fun, lively night out, the Ship Inn in Porthleven is the place to head. It sits right on the harbour wall and has this brilliant buzz about it, thanks to the regulars — many of whom are the creative minds behind Love Riot and the Masked Ball. That means things can get a little wild, but always in a good‑natured, joyful way. Expect big characters, surprise moments, and a night you’ll be laughing about long after.
The Stable, Newquay
Relatively new on the Cornwall food scene, The Stable has basically become a little slice of heaven for anyone who loves pizza and cider. Huge wall‑to‑ceiling windows look straight out over Fistral beach, and the pizzas are made with gorgeous local ingredients. It’s one of those places where everything just feels easy and delicious.
Sandbar, Praa Sands
Cosy in winter and an absolute sun trap when summer finally decides to show up, Sandbar is a family friendly favourite all year round. And if you’re there on a Sunday, brace yourself, their carvery is genuinely bigger than your face. It’s even better when there’s a classic Cornish storm raging outside while you tuck in.
Blue Bar, Porthtowan
A personal favourite of mine, Blue Bar is a great place to go with family and friends and anything that calls for good food right on the beach. Tucked away in a little pocket with zero phone signal, it has this lovely, intimate vibe with just a hint of surfer hipster energy. And when the sun is shining— grab a mate, a cold glass of wine or pint, and settle on the steps with your face turned to the sea. It’s bliss. Definitely one of the best bars and restaurants in Cornwall
Driftwood Spars, St Agnes
Reasons to love the Driftwood? Easy. It’s right on Trevaunance Cove, so you can wander straight from the surf to the bar without missing a beat. The layout is wonderfully quirky and you will get lost, but in a fun, “where does this staircase even go?” kind of way. The food is just… unreal. So good. They’ve got their own microbrewery. Honestly, what more do you need. I absolutely love it here.
Sunset Surf, Gwithian Towans
Sunset Surf has had one seriously impressive refurb lately — fresh decking outside and an even friendlier vibe than before. Stroll straight off the beach, grab yourself a drink and watch the sun melt into the horizon right in front of you. Honestly, it’s about as close to heaven on earth as it gets.
Gylly Beach Café, Falmouth
Gylly Beach Café is always busy and good reason. The vibe is super chilled, the food is delicious, and the view is even better. Perched right above Gyllyngvase Beach with a sweeping ocean backdrop, it’s the ideal spot to snuggle under the heaters, wrap yourself in a blanket, crack open a bottle of wine, and settle in with your favourite person. They’ve also got free live music on the regular, which just adds to the whole atmosphere.
Trevaskis Farm, Connor Downs
Trevaskis is well known across Cornwall for its absolutely enormous portions ,we’re talking desserts the size of tractor wheels and steaks thicker than your arm. It’s the kind of place where whole families happily roll out in a Sunday food coma. And the Bailey’s cheesecake? Truly incredible.
The Rock Pool, Mousehole
Tucked just behind Mousehole’s best known hotel, The Old Coastguard, you’ll find a little café hiding inside what’s basically an oversized beach hut, looking out across the whole sweep of Mounts Bay. Not a single piece of crockery matches and the kitchen is so tiny you’ll genuinely wonder how they squeeze five people in there. The food is proper home-cooked comfort stuff and unapologetically indulgent, exactly how I like it.
Becks Fish and Chips, Carbis Bay
People travel from all over the Duchy just for a Becks. You’ll probably queue out the door for a bit, but it’s worth every minute. Grab your paper wrapped feast, wander down to the beach car park, and tuck into that glorious, salt and vinegar soaked goodness. It’s simple, it’s iconic, and it absolutely hits the spot.
Beerwolf, Falmouth
Beerwolf not only has the greatest pun known to man, but it’s a literary snob and beer lover’s haven. Direct quote: “Decent beer, loads of rum, foosball AND a bookshop. Plus you can negotiate with the bar staff on what tunes to play of an evening!” Win.
The Beached Lamb, Newquay
This cute little café might just have the friendliest hippy vibe on the planet. Breakfast at The Beached Lamb is genuinely next level, whether you’re into fresh fruit, waffles, or a big, glorious fry-up. They’ve got cakes, smoothies, fresh juices, and a steady stream of lovely humans drifting about. Honestly… I can’t help but adore it.
Sunset Surf, Gwithian Towans
Sunset Surf has had one seriously impressive refurb lately — fresh decking outside and an even friendlier vibe than before. Stroll straight off the beach, grab yourself a drink and watch the sun melt into the horizon right in front of you. Honestly, it’s about as close to heaven on earth as it gets.
Dolphin Penzance
The Dolphin is brilliant pub. It’s dark and snug on winter nights, and the menu is packed with all the good stuff — sticky toffee pudding, sizzling chicken, gloriously greasy lasagne, and chutney and Stilton sandwiches. Proper old school pub grub. And if you stumble in at Christmas, don’t miss the annual Carolaoke. It’s a whole experience.
The Vault, Penzance
A cocktail bar-come-bistro in an old bank at the top of Penzance’s most historic street, The Vault goes from sophisticated beer garden to knickers-round-your-ankles as quickly as it takes to down a Dark and Stormy. The sun deck is great for slurping a jug of Pimm’s in the summer, and the DJ booth lives behind an old piano in the middle of an Alice in Wonderland themed dancefloor. If you’re brave enough to return to the scene of the crime, they serve breakfast all day on Sunday: Kiwi Stacks highly recommended.
Random Arms, Maker
Tucked away in a part of Cornwall I didn’t even know existed until recently, the Random Arms at Maker Heights is one of those brilliant hidden spots that instantly wins you over. They run bi‑weekly open mic nights, there’s camping right outside, and the adjoining venue regularly hosts live bands. And apparently a certain well known act even played a secret gig there not too long ago… which definitely adds to its cool factor.
SAM’s on the Beach, Polkerris
Down on the south coast near Fowey, there’s a little stretch of sand with a serious foodie surprise waiting for you. SAM’s on the Beach is always buzzing, and getting a table can be a bit of a mission thanks to its loyal fan base. If you can’t snag a spot straight away, no stress, the SAM’s crew have you covered with three other restaurants in Fowey, Truro, and Crinnis Bay, so you can still get your fix while you wait for that perfect seaside moment.
Kathmandu, Truro
Hidden behind Truro Cathedral, Kathmandu is a Nepalese restaurant that has the feeling of stepping into the family living room, your granddad offering you a beer whilst your sister cooks and hums to the radio in the kitchen. There is no place in Cornwall that even comes near the greatness of the curry at Kathmandu.
Bowgie, Crantock
The Bowgie Inn’s scenic location with stunning sea views is its what makes it a great place. A great place to stop off after a dog walk. Also a popular spot to catch up with a drink in the summer.
The rest of St. Ives
I’ve been thinking of any lovely place in St Ives and honestly, I’ve admitted defeat. They’re all brilliant. Special shout‑outs, though, to Rum & Crab Shack, Blas Burgers, Porthminster Café, Seafood Café, Peppers, The Firehouse, Ocean Grill, The Mermaid, and Balcony.
Take a walk on the coast path or explore by car, there are so many wonderful bars and restaurants in Cornwall, all worth a visit.