Where to eat in Polzeath: the best restaurants, pubs and cafés
Posted by Perfect Stays on Updated on
Discover our favourite places to eat in Polzeath
A mecca for surfers and famed for its expansive sandy beach, Polzeath is a family-friendly gem on Cornwall’s north coast. From laid back beach bars serving rum cocktails to family-friendly Italian eateries offering the best local pizza, Polzeath has some of the top beachside dining options in Cornwall.
Catering to all tastes, we’ve rounded up the most highly recommended restaurants, pubs and cafés in and around Polzeath. If you’re staying with us soon, don’t forget to use our inclusive concierge service to take care of all the planning for you.
The Waterfront
© The Waterfront via Instagram
As the name suggests, The Waterfront enjoys stunning views of the beach and sea beyond. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a great all-day dining option for young families and those with a four-legged friend in tow. On sunny days we highly recommend grabbing a table on the outdoor deck for breakfast al fresco or a cocktail in the evening to watch the sunset.
Popular summer specials include dressed crab and pan-fried cod with lemongrass, coconut and coriander beurre blanc. The menu is diverse, so in addition to daily specials you can also enjoy classics such as Cornish beef burgers, fish and chips and Porthilly moules. Little ones will be kept happy too with a simple kid's menu to suit any appetite.
If you’re visiting during autumn or winter, they add a Sunday roast to their menu, offering a selection of beef, pork or nut roast with all the trimmings.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Can you book a table? Yes, book online via their website
Surfside restaurant and rum bar
© Surfside via Instagram
Surfside oozes relaxed beach vibes with its bare wood floors and eclectic interiors featuring a tiki-style bar. Positioned right on the beach, retreat from the midday sun to enjoy a tapas-style lunch of padron peppers, whitebait and oysters with a cold glass of Viognier.
As the sun begins to set, return to sample one of their selection of 90 rums or indulge in a signature cocktail. Best enjoyed from one of the rustic beachside tables, take your drink and watch the waves roll in as you embrace the final rays of sun.
As self-confessed "audiophiles and keen connoisseurs of music", it’s no surprise to learn you can head to Surfside most weekends to experience live music from some of the best local musicians and DJs.
If you’re visiting in winter, cosy up inside and try their famous Sunday roast. Served on a rustic wooden board with freshly roasted meats, winter greens and crisp Yorkshire puddings, it’s a roast not to be missed.
Dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are welcome inside and on the terrace
Can you book a table? Yes, book online via their website
The Atlantic
© The Atlantic via Instagram
Perched above the beach in New Polzeath, The Atlantic is known for its extensive pizza menu and unique Italian food. Opening in 2020, the kitchen is headed up by Head Chef Grant Goodson who worked under Jamie Oliver for almost 10 years.
On summer days, the bifold doors will be open to make the most of the stunning clifftop views and warm sea breeze. With a natural flare for Mediterranean flavours, you can expect to find hand rolled pasta dishes such as Bucatini with tomatoes, nduja and mascarpone, and sizeable 20-inch pizzas featuring toppings to suit every palette.
The restaurant is owned by Harbour Brewing Co. so beer lovers are in for a treat with a wide range of North Cornwall beers on tap as well as wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
In addition to a lunch and dinner service, they also offer a bottomless brunch on Saturdays. We recommend the American pancakes with maple syrup and bacon or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs followed by one of their refreshing "bottomless" cocktails.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Can you book a table? Yes, book online via their website
Oystercatcher
© Oystercatcher via Instagram
A contemporary pub with a large menu of pub classics, light bites and sandwiches. Book ahead during summer months and request one of their tables overlooking the ocean for the perfect family meal out.
The pub has an excellent range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options plus a children’s menu too, so it’s a great option for large groups. What’s more, dogs are welcome too so no one needs to miss out on the fun.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Can you book a table? Yes, book online via their website
TJ’s Kitchen and Bar
© TJ's Kitchen and Bar via Instagram
This relaxed beach café and bar sits atop a popular surf shop in town and enjoy beautiful beach views from almost every table. Highly rated on Tripadvisor with a 2023 Travellers’ Choice award, their menu focuses on wholesome beachside favourites using simple local ingredients.
For a delicious sharing feast, we’d recommend ordering a selection of dishes from their small plates menu. Some of our favourites include their salt and pepper squid, crab and sweetcorn arancini and the ever-popular chorizo bites. Alternatively, they offer crowd-pleasers such as burgers, loaded nachos and chilli con carne.
Open throughout the day and dog-friendly, give TJ’s Kitchen and Bar a try for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Can you book a table? Yes, call or drop in to make a reservation
Visit TJs Kitchen and Bar website
Flo’s Kitchen
© Flo's Kitchen via Instagram
This relaxed coffee shop come café joined Polzeath’s food scene back in 2019 and is now a firm locals favourite. Drop in to pick up morning pastries and coffee before heading down to the beach or grab an outside table and enjoy lunch in the sunshine.
With a delicious selection of salads, deli subs and pasties on offer, Flo’s Kitchen is on hand to fill hungry bellies after hours spent in the waves. Open Monday – Sunday from 8am, add Flo’s to your list of must-visit breakfast and lunch spots.
Dog-friendly? Yes, in the outside seating area
Can you book a table? No, walk-ins only
The Cracking Crab
© The Cracking Crab via Instagram
With a large outdoor seating area overlooking the beach, this is a great spot for a relaxed meal in the sunshine while you watch surfers bobbing in the water. Describing themselves as a "beach-chic seaside restaurant", you can expect everything from crab sandwiches with a serving of fries to seafood platters with the freshest local fish.
The restaurant is closed over winter so make sure you check their website for the latest
If that doesn’t suit your tastebuds, try Beach Farm Café and Yard, their local sister restaurants in Polzeath.
Dog-friendly? Yes, in the outside seating area
Can you book a table? Yes, but only for dinner reservations. Bookings are taken via their website.
The Mowhay
© The Mowhay via Instagram
Situated in Trebetherick, the Mowhay is an all-day eatery just a few minutes’ drive from Polzeath Beach. Take a table in their sunny garden with a lunchtime mocktail or on colder evenings retreat to their art-lined dining room for a delicious three course meal. Enjoy pan fried mackerel to start with a classic salsa verde, followed by the Goan fish curry or beef fillet with fries and diane sauce. End your meal with one of their famous desserts, we hear their deconstructed banoffee pie is always a crowd pleaser.
Dog-friendly? Yes, but only during daytime service
Can you book a table? Yes, book online via their website. Booking is highly recommended during summer months.
Book a trip to Polzeath
If you’ve been inspired to visit Polzeath, look no further than Waders. Positioned at the top of town, the main living area enjoys breath-taking views out to sea. Sleeping 9 - 12 with an open plan layout and hot tub, Waders is the perfect destination for a big family get-together by the coast.
For more ideas visit our Polzeath properties page.
Image credits: The Waterfront | Surfside | The Atlantic | The Oystercatcher | TJ's Kitchen and Bar | Flo's Kitchen | The Cracking Crab | The Mowhay | All other images are our own.
