When visiting Cornwall expect to find pristine beaches, stunning coastal vistas, plenty of sunshine and rolling countryside. This beautiful part of the UK has so much to offer, it comes as no surprise that holidaymakers flock here each year to make the most of it.
Aside from its impressive scenery and laid-back atmosphere, Cornwall also has some of the best food in the country. With famous chefs setting up restaurants here, fresh fish and chips in local towns, plus multiple fine dining options, there is something for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Cornwall to make the most of its food offerings, you’re likely wondering about the best places to go with a view. We have put together our top recommendations below so that you can enjoy the fine cuisines on offer, all whilst making the most of Cornwall’s stunning vistas.
The Star & Garter
When seeking the best places to eat in Cornwall with a view, The Star and Garter should certainly be on your list. For all foodies and pub lovers, this is the place to be. Not only will you find an excellent menu with fresh fish, locally sourced meat, plus plenty of British classics, but its setting is unmatched.
Located next to Falmouth Harbour, the views from the Star and Garter out to sea will take your breath away. Relax in the old Georgian townhouse whilst enjoying incredible dishes, alongside a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
We highly recommend visiting on a weekend when The Star and Garter put on a mouth-watering Sunday roast. Try the duck roast potatoes, seasoned Yorkshire puddings, alongside fresh meat and a selection of sides and vegetables. There is no better way to round off a day exploring Cornwall than with a hearty pub lunch!
Lewinnick Lodge
If you happen to find yourself in Newquay, then a trip to Lewinnick Lodge is the place to go for incredible food and some of the best views. This fantastic restaurant sits atop the Pentire peninsula displaying incredible views over the Atlantic and Fistral beach.
Its position right next to the water means that Lewinnick specialises in offering fresh seafood to guests. With their food being straight from the sea to your table, it allows for the ultimate foodie experience when in Cornwall.
Sit in the dining area or terrace at Lewinnick Lodge and watch as the waves crash against the shore. The restaurant offers bistro-style dining with a selection of wine, beers and spirits to accompany your food perfectly.
For those seeking somewhere to relax in Cornwall, or perhaps escape the hustle and bustle of Newquay, Lewinnick Lodge will do just the trick!
Driftwood Restaurant
When looking for places to eat in Cornwall, Driftwood Restaurant won’t let you down. This Michelin-starred, four AA Rosette establishment offers the ultimate fine dining experience, adding a little luxury to your trip.
With locally sourced, fresh food, incredible views across Gerrans Bay, plus excellent presentation and fantastic service, you couldn’t ask for much better than Driftwood. Not only do you get a place to eat in Cornwall with a view, but the high-quality dishes provide the ultimate foodie experience.
Driftwood Restaurant is decked with elegant decor, neutral colours and a calming aura, providing the perfect place to sit and unwind when in Cornwall. If the sun is shining, sit out on the terrace where you can take in the impressive coastal views and surrounding greenery.
Porthminster Kitchen
Porthminster Kitchen is situated in the popular tourist town of St Ives, Cornwall. Here you will find a place boasting attractive architecture, alongside breathtaking views over St Ives Bay. From here, you can sit and enjoy some of the best seafood that the county has to offer, all whilst taking in the vistas of Godrevy Lighthouse and the town’s harbour.
The menus at Porthminster mainly consist of fresh seafood, with mussels, scallops and salmon dishes to start, plus crab linguine and Cornish sea bass filet for the main. Although, if you’re not a fan of fish, they also offer other plates such as roasted duck, Tempeh curry, Wagyu beef, plus much more. The food at Porthminster is fresh and locally sourced, meaning you will get the best of the best when deciding to eat here.
After visiting Porthminster Kitchen, you might even want to try out some of their dishes at home. Luckily for you, they also sell their own cookbook on-site, so you can take a slice of Cornwall home with you.
For a true taste of Cornwall, paired with wonderful sweeping views of the coastline, there is no better place to visit than Porthminster Kitchen. It is worth remembering that St Ives is a particularly busy place, especially during summer, so it’s always best to book in advance when looking to eat here.
The Beach Hut
There are so many places to choose from that eating out in Cornwall can seem a tricky task. For those seeking a relaxed atmosphere, modern interior and stunning seaside views, The Beach Hut at Watergate Bay is the place to be.
For surfers, beach lovers and anyone looking for a vibrant beach bar with a diverse menu, The Beach Hut is the perfect option. With 50% of their menu being plant-based, you will also find a selection of dishes for all types of foodies. Whether you’re looking for fresh mussels and seafood or tasty salads and tapas, there is something for everyone here.
Its ideal location on the beach, laid-back setting and friendly service makes The Beach Hut a favoured spot among many. It’s always best to book ahead when looking to visit here, especially during peak tourist season.
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen
Another great seafood spot in Cornwall is the Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in the favoured town of Port Isaac. Its position overlooking the harbour provides gorgeous views and a sense of tranquillity. Located in a 15th-century fisherman’s cottage, this restaurant displays an unmatched charm and quintessential setting.
With the best seafood delivered straight to your table, you will find some of the finest food that Cornwall has to offer at Outlaws. The restaurant has a huge focus on quality and sustainability, alongside a fixed menu, so it’s always best to ring before visiting for any dietary requirements.
There is a mouth-watering sample menu on offer, comprising crab, lobster, monkfish, mackerel and much more. With so many choices, you will find yourself needing more than one visit to try everything that Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen has to offer.
Being such a popular place for many in Cornwall, bookings are essential before visiting Outlaws. They accept tables of up to 6 people with a 2-hour slot allocated to each table for food and drinks.
The Working Boat
For those visiting Falmouth, Cornwall, The Working Boat is an excellent choice for delicious food on the waterfront. The bustling harbour provides hours of entertainment where you can sit and watch boats as they bob lazily in the water, or the sun as it sets on the horizon. Pair all of this with incredible dishes and you have one of the top restaurants in Cornwall.
The Working Boat is the perfect location for anyone looking for an authentic pub with a cosy atmosphere and hearty food. Enjoy local brews alongside traditional British dishes all whilst overlooking Falmouth harbour.
With pub quizzes, festivities, live music and many more vibrant events, there is always something happening at The Working Boat. Not only is this a great place to soak up the buzzing atmosphere, but it’s excellent for those looking for dog-friendly places to eat in Cornwall, as your four-legged friends are welcome too!
The Fish House
Being a popular seaside destination for many means that tourists are often searching for good seafood restaurants in Cornwall. Luckily for you, we have yet another recommendation for fish lovers.
The Fish House at Newquay is positioned right on the famous surfing spot, Fistral beach. Its location allows for the perfect place to watch as the surfers attempt to ride the waves, all whilst you indulge in some of the finest food in the county.
Delivering dishes straight from Newquay harbour means that you get some of the freshest seafood that Cornwall has to offer. With locally sourced ingredients and a vibrant atmosphere, there is no better place to watch the sunset than at The Fish House in Newquay.
Polpeor Cafe, Lizard Point
A must-see when visiting Cornwall is Lizard point on the Lizard peninsula. With dramatic, sweeping views of the Cornish coastline, alongside lush greenery and turquoise waters, there is no better place to relax and unwind than here.
If you’re planning a trip to Lizard Point, you’re likely wondering where to grab a bite to eat. Polpeor Cafe is the perfect place to go for those looking for excellent food with breathtaking views.
Sit out at Polpeor and enjoy the surrounding rugged cliff edges, alongside views over Caerthillian Cove and Kynance Cove. Dogs are also welcome here, making it the ideal place to go with the whole family, including your furry friends!
After you have spent some time exploring Cornwall’s coastal path to Kynance Cove, stop off at Polpeor Cafe for some filling food and a drink or two!
Margaret’s Rustic Tea Garden
The Rustic Tea Garden is favoured among locals and visitors alike in Bude. Having been in the family since 1963, the tea room has long been serving people in Cornwall. Not only will you find an authentic place to grab some lunch and a cup of tea, but Margaret has become a well-known figure in the area, having worked there for so long.
This family-run business provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere with friendly service and tasty homemade treats. Expect to find yourself struggling between the many cakes, scones and desserts at Margaret’s Rustic Tea Garden – as they all look so good!
With gardens situated on the edge of the family farm, this is the perfect place to explore with the whole clan. A brook runs through the middle allowing a place for kids to play and have fun. The gardens are brimming with bright flowers and lush greenery, creating the ultimate location to enjoy a bite to eat from The Rustic Tea Garden.
Summary
With so many incredible places to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the best places to eat in Cornwall with a view. From Michelin-star, fine dining restaurants, to quaint family-owned cafes, there is a huge variety waiting for you to try. No matter where you choose to visit, you will find somewhere full of exceptional cuisine, breathtaking scenery and tranquil coastal settings.
If you’re planning to visit Cornwall to try out some of the places above, you’re likely looking for somewhere to rest your head after filling your belly. Independent Cottages offer a range of stunning rental properties throughout the county. With ideal locations to explore some of Cornwall’s best sights, alongside picturesque coastal panoramas, there is something for everyone when deciding to stay here.