The best seafood restaurants in Cornwall

Fresh off-the-boat menus and sea-view dining

Cornwall is famed for its seafood. With shoals of great restaurants lining our shores from the tip of Land’s End to Bude, it’s no surprise that for many of us, seafood is top of the list when it comes to holiday dining.

Whether you’re loyal to your favourites or looking to try something new, enjoy the freshest fish in some of the county’s most iconic foodie locations.
 

Prawn on the Lawn in Padstow, Cornwall

© Prawn on the Lawn via Instagram

Showcasing a whole host of awards including the Michelin Guide for eight years running, Prawn on the Lawn has been named one of the Times’ Top 100 restaurants in the UK, and cinched the title of Seafood Restaurant of the Year in 2019. Plus, head chef Rick Toogood is currently up for best chef in the Trencherman’s Guide for 2024.

Serving a range of classic and showstopping dishes, from monkfish and turbot to POTL fruits de mer on ice, the restaurant prides itself on sustainability and changes its menus daily to reflect the fishermen’s catch. 

Nearby properties – The Baobab, Kilden Mor and Harbour Walk in Padstow.

If you're planning a trip to Padstow, take a look at the 10 best restaurants nearby.
 

The Fish House, Fistral

© The Fish House via Instagram 

Enjoying a coveted position above Fistral Beach, this is the place for sunset suppers after days spent in the waves. Having featured in the Michelin Guide for the past few years, The Fish House's reputation is well-established and is loved by locals and visitors alike.

It's family-run and headed up by Paul Harwood, who previously trained with Rick Stein for 14 years before continuing his foodie ventures in his hometown of Newquay. The atmosphere is buzzing and tables book up weeks in advance, with their terrace always full to the brim with al fresco diners. Secure your spot and order the roasted hotshell sharing platter - complete with mussels, crab claws, scallops and tiger prawns. 

Nearby property - Sea House in Porth.
 

The Idle Rocks in St Mawes, Cornwall

© The Idle Rocks via Instagram

Another Cornish favourite and winner of ‘Best Restaurant of the Year’ in 2023 South West Tourism Awards, The Idle Rocks specialises in French and Asian flavours. Standout starters include cured mackerel and lobster raviolo, while from the main menu, expect curried Newlyn hake and freshly caught cod served with seaweed.

With all meat, fish and dairy being strictly Cornish, this much-loved waterside restaurant reimagines the county’s best seasonal produce all year round. Overlooking the peaceful St Mawes harbour, a drink on the terrace is a must.

Nearby property – Cornerways in St Mawes.

If you're planning a trip to St Mawes, take a look our guide to dining in the area.

North Street Kitchen, Fowey

© North Street Kitchen via Instagram

An independent pop-up restaurant proudly bringing its local flavours to Fowey, North Street Kitchen combines the best ingredients from land and sea. With chalkboard menus featuring River Fowey mussels, red mullet escabeche and black queen scallops, dining here is the perfect way to savour some of Cornwall’s best seafood.

Having recently been taken over by Fitzroy’s head chefs, Ethan and Hazel, we highly recommend visiting during a stroll along the River Fowey - it’s open Wednesday to Sunday for lunchtime service.

Nearby properties – Ria Reach in Fowey.

If you're planning a trip to Fowey, take a look at the 12 best restaurants, cafés and pubs nearby.
 

The Sardine Factory, Looe

© The Sardine Factory via Instagram

Sitting on the water's edge in Looe, The Sardine Factory is owned by recent Great British Menu contestant, Chef Ben Palmer. Having opened its doors in 2018, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand two years later and has held onto the prestigious title ever since. Utilising the freshest fish from the harbour's dayboats, you can expect dishes like Cornish crab linguine, Porthilly oysters and of course, Looe sardines served alongside seaweed, lemon and garlic butter. 

Nearby properties – Sea Edge and Eden in Downderry.

If you're planning a trip to Looe, take a look at the six best restaurants nearby.

Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar, Newlyn

© Mackerel Sky Bar via Instagram

Another must-visit for seafood lovers, Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar in Newlyn sits just opposite the harbour and can usually be found with a queue outside of the door. The menu features fresh Newlyn lobsters, steamed mussels, loaded crab fries and of course their signature dish, grilled mackerel with pickled cucumber – all influenced by the fishermen’s morning haul.

They’re all about laid back dining and are dog-friendly too. Grab a seat at the shared counter and watch the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen or head for a bistro table outside for lunch in the sunshine.

 Nearby properties – The Mouse House and Porth Enys House in nearby Mousehole.

Porthminster Kitchen, St Ives

© Porthminster Kitchen via Instagram

Porthminster Kitchen is one of St Ives’s most popular foodie destinations. Sitting on the edge of Porthminster’s white sands, the restaurant enjoys beautiful views and is perfect for al fresco suppers in the summer months. À la carte dishes include north coast mussels and crispy fried squid, while a tempting range of sides, puddings and farmhouse cheeses ensure there’s something for everyone. Accompany your meal with a Porthminster Gin martini or a seasonal blood orange negroni before winding down the evening with a walk along the beach.

Nearby property – Shun Lee in St Ives.

If you're planning a trip to St Ives, take a look at the 15 best restaurants nearby.
 

Staying with us soon? Contact our team on 01208 895 570 for personalised recommendations and table reservations.

Image credits: Prawn on the Lawn via Instagram | The Fish House via Instagram | The Idle Rocks via Instagram | North Street Kitchen via Instagram | Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar via Instagram | Porthminster Kitchen via Instagram | Main image via Unplash.