Cornwall's Best Cafés, Coffee Shops & Tearooms

Cornwall’s best cafés and coffee shops

A visit to one of Cornwall’s finest cafés and coffee shops is the perfect tonic for a day on the coast. Whether you’re hiking a clifftop trail or soaking up the rays on a picture-perfect beach, the following destinations are sure to keep you fuelled for a day of adventure. Just as the north and south coasts radiate with a charm all of their own, Cornwall’s collection of eateries is as diverse as it is appetising. From sea-view tea rooms to dog-friendly cafés and menus bursting with sweet treats, breakfasts and vegan options, here are 13 of the best.   

The Peppercorn Café, Perranuthnoe 

There’s something for everyone at The Peppercorn Café. Boasting far-reaching views over Perranuthnoe Beach, you can dine al fresco, indoors, or take your order away for enjoying on the golden sands. You’ll find everything from ice cream and cakes to hearty breakfasts on offer here. Keep an eye on the daily specials menu for seasonal curries, stews and casseroles. 

Where to stay nearby: Become acquainted with Mounts Bay’s mesmerising seascape with a stay at Ednovean House. Enjoying sweeping views of the coastline that serves as a sparkling stage for St Michael's Mount, this large oceanside home is a perfect for bringing large groups together.

Porthgwidden Beach Café, St Ives

© Porthgwidden Beach Café via Facebook

Perched above one of St Ives’ most popular beaches, this scenic café is renowned for serving a contemporary menu that changes with the seasons. You’ll find all the ubiquitous breakfast options alongside fresh seafood courtesy of the town’s working fishing boats. Porthgwidden Beach Café also offers a cocktail menu for relaxing with a tempting tipple in the company of the sun and the sound of the surf. 

Where to stay nearby: Just around the corner and overlooks Porthminster Beach, Shun Lee is a spectacular holiday home in St Ives that lies a short walk from beachside cafés. Boasting unrivalled views over St Ives Bay, this spacious sea-view house is the ultimate getaway for celebrating in style. 

Olive’s Café, St Ives

Located on ‘the Island’ of St Ives, Olive’s Café provides a more restful setting away from the town centre. Both the outdoor tables and the cosy interior space provide an enviable setting for watching the world go by while savouring a cream tea, a slice of cake or a light meal. Olive’s is a favourite among locals and visitors alike and is just moments from the beach. 

Considered by many to be Cornwall’s capital of culinary excellence, read our guide to the best restaurants in St Ives.

Four Teas Café, Mousehole

A stroll along Mousehole’s quaint cobbled streets isn't complete without a visit to the 1940s-themed Four Teas Café. This stylish eatery is a go-to for tasty treats throughout the day, including takeaway Sunday lunches and homemade cakes. You can also combine your experience with a trip across the water – Cormorant Cruising’s bespoke picnics at sea are supplied by Four Teas. 

Where to stay nearby: Immerse yourself in the magic of Mousehole with a stay at The Mouse House. 

Rick Stein’s Café, Padstow

© Sam Harris and Ben Harland for Rick Stein's Café 

Nestled just two minutes from Padstow Harbour, Rick Stein’s Café welcomes all with a relaxed atmosphere from breakfast through to dinner. The menus showcase dishes inspired by Rick’s global travels, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and, of course, fresh fish. It’s the perfect pit-stop for a day exploring Padstow. Tasty highlights include the pondicherry cod curry, a fragrant dish that fuses Rick's passion for seafood with the flavours of southern India. 

Read our pick of Padstow’s best restaurants and find the perfect place to stay among our nearby homes.

Lakeside Café, Newquay

For a change of pace from Newquay’s vibrant town centre and beaches, head to the boating lake for some sheltered indulgence at the Lakeside Café. The menu champions local produce, including the café’s own home-reared lambs and Newquay-sourced free range eggs and fish. Be sure to tuck into one of the roast dinners which feature Lakeside Café’s homemade Yorkshire puddings.

The Pier, Falmouth

© The Pier via Facebook

Retreat from the buzz of Falmouth’s town centre and relax before panoramic views of the harbour. Located on the Prince of Wales Pier, this eclectic eatery serves a contemporary take on café classics by day before transforming into a bar and tapas venue by night. The Pier also hosts regular feast nights and events throughout the year. 

Where to stay nearby: Find a tranquil ocean-view retreat at Cornerways, located just across the river in St Mawes.

Chapel Café, Port Isaac

Set inside a former Cornish chapel, this unique eatery charms with characterful interiors and beautiful views over Port Isaac Harbour. Cakes and cream teas are served all day alongside breakfasts and lunches made with fresh local ingredients cooked to order. Chapel Café is also known for its award-winning fish finger sandwiches – a coastal delicacy if ever there was one. 

Where to stay nearby: There are sparkling sea views aplenty at nearby Gwel Arvor, a true home away from home that lies near some of Port Isaac's best restaurants.

Apple Tree Café, Sennen

© Apple Tree Café (left)

Found just a mile from Land’s End, Apple Tree Café is a wonderful pit stop off the A30 towards Sennen. Absorb the rays outside on the garden benches or kick back indoors where a bright and airy rural idyll, complete with the crackle of a log fire, awaits. The menu features a range of breakfast options, burgers, light bites, and homemade cakes. 

Where to stay nearby: Make the most of Sennen’s famous sunsets with a retreat at Breakwater.

Jordan’s Café, Marazion

This south coast café is blessed with one of Cornwall’s most impressive views. Jordan’s serves a wide range of scrumptious food, including vegan and gluten-free options, together with ice creams and coffees. Tuck in on the benches or get comfy on the sands of Marazion Beach, where the ever-impressive St Michael’s Mount takes centre stage. 

Harbour View Café, Porthleven

Porthleven is arguably the food capital of Cornwall’s south coast, and its cafés are as much of a delight as its fine dining restaurants and pubs. The aptly named Harbour View Café enjoys a pleasing vista of the town’s bobbing boats and sapphire waters, with an impressive menu to match. Sink into a window seat or dine al fresco. 

Where to stay nearby: Take a look at Seathrift for a scenic Porthleven break to remember, complete with outdoor pool and a vista that’s a dream for winter storm-watching. Also close by is The Old School House, a historic coastal home that blends modern luxuries with outstanding views.

Porthmeor Beach Café, St Ives

© Porthmeor Beach Café via Facebook

It’s tough to choose a favourite beach in St Ives, but Porthmeor is undoubtedly the best for surf and sunsets. The latter makes this café a must for tucking into culinary delights al fresco while the golden-orange hues of the sun sink beneath the horizon. Aside from café staples, the menu offers tapas, evening dining and cocktails. 

Black Rock Café, Widemouth Bay

The Black Rock Café is well positioned for refuelling after a day spent navigating the rock pools and golden sands of Widemouth Bay Beach, near Bude. The menu is catered to families, offering breakfasts, baguettes, burgers, toasted ciabattas, light bites and sweet treats. 

Image credits: Porthgwidden Beach Café via Facebook | Sam Harris and Ben Harland for Rick Stein's Café | Porthmeor Beach Café via Facebook | The Pier House via Facebook | Apple Tree Café | All other images are our own.