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Our guide to Bude's best restaurants will offer plenty of food for thought. It's time to tuck in to some delicious Cornish fare...
Holidays often revolve around gastronomy, and what better place for a food-focused staycation than Cornwall. Bude, in north Cornwall, is often overshadowed by its neighbours Port Isaac and Padstow but recent years has seen its food scene develop. And rightly so, this seaside town has plentiful locally-sourced produce on its doorstep, from super-fresh fish to succulent locally-reared meat and carefully nurtured vegetables grown in the Cornish sunshine.
But what are the best restaurants in Bude? From seafood restaurants to hidden bakeries and fine dining, we’ve tried them all. Here are the top ten greatest Bude restaurants and places to eat.
Location: The Depot, Kings Hill, Bude EX23 8PQ
The best place for a weekend lunch in Bude, has to be Electric Bakery, which is a stone’s throw from Bude Canal. Every Saturday, between the hours of 11:30am and 1:45pm, you’ll find a flock of hungry inhabitants hankering for Al’s latest special at Electric Bakery. You could call it Bude’s best secret, but the food is too good not to share and the popularity speaks volumes. Al is short for Alex Bluett, Electric Bakery’s chef and forager. He and his talented team are responsible for serving slap-up specials every Saturday from their much-loved bakery.
With no indoor seating – there is a collection of benches outside – a trip to Electric Bakery can be a gamble. The key is to plan ahead with Al’s Saturday Specials. Pop in to pre-order, give them a call or message them on Instagram. It’s not just about Saturdays though, from Wednesday to Sunday you’ll find wonderful baked goods, chunky bacon sandwiches, dhal pasties and more.
Potters ©James Capsule Studio
Location: 2 Lansdown Rd, Bude EX23 8BH
Potters swiftly became one of the best restaurants in Bude after opening in 2020. Local to Bude, chef Oly Clarke along with his wife, Nikki, who runs front of house, created one of Bude’s most talked about fine dining restaurants. For 2023 this Bude restaurant has taken a change in direction to offer a more casual and affordable menu letting fish take centre stage.
Steering towards a seafood restaurant, there’s a strong focus on seaside classic fish and chips, but diners can also be tempted by the daily changing specials. Expect to see things like the local catch, mussels, and shellfish. Situated in the heart of Bude, while you won’t get a sea view here you’ll certainly get a taste of the fruit of the sea!
Landing in the heart of Bude in 2017, Temple offers creative cooking, seasonal menus and a relaxed vibe in the centre of the seaside town. The menu is modern, fresh and likely to inspire your own cooking with clever twists. Produce is as local as possible, and you’ll often find greens from Neetfield Market Garden, award-winning meat from Philip Warrens, and fish from local fishmonger Fisherman Dan’s Fresh Fish gracing the plates.
Last year this Bude restaurant reached new heights, opening its upstairs bar and sunny roof terrace, which has wonderful views over Summerleaze beach. Open for lunch and dinner sittings, it’s a meal to remember.
Location: 17 Summerleaze Crescent, Bude EX23 8HJ
If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant in Bude, then Sea Fever is just the ticket. The chef, Kyan Hooper, is a proud Cornishman and his passion is the beating heart of this small restaurant overlooking Summerleaze beach.
Serving just 32 covers, the restaurant has an intimate and romantic feel. Meanwhile the menu is ever changing, depicted by the season and what’s available on the day. We recommend the tandoori mackerel for a taste sensation. Sea Fever is relaxed, well priced and offers undeniably fresh fish dishes.
Situated less than two miles outside of Bude, the Preston Gate Inn is a warm welcoming village pub which serves up delicious food and equally tasty beer. Hearty dishes are order or the day here, offering pub classics cooked to perfection. There’s often a tempting specials menu, and if you’re visiting on a Sunday its Sunday lunch comes highly recommended, but do you choose the Cornish beef or Cornish pork… or go to town and have both?
A dog-friendly pub, there’s also a generous beer garden, quality real ales and craft beers, and you’ll always be greeted with a warm welcome.
Location: 2 Morwenna Rd, Bude EX23 8BU
Starting roots as a popular pitstop on Bude’s industrial estate, House of Chaplin made its mark in Bude’s town centre in 2021 and has been a popular place to eat ever since.
Breakfasters can fill up on the Chaplin breakfast – of meat, veggie and vegan variations. For lunch think American inspired bagels and fries, or locally-sourced burgers, all washed down with its dedicated cocktail menu or delicious coffee options.
While this is more of a daytime hangout, on a Friday night you’ll often find Castillo Loco Taco taking residency, if Mexican cuisine is your thing.
Location: The Wharf, Bude EX23 8LG
Situated along the Wharf – a cobbled stretch along Bude’s canal – it’s a picturesque spot and buzzing with people enjoying water-based activities or arts and crafts. The Olive Tree, is in a desirable location, with plenty of outdoor seating where dogs can join too. Meaning diners can enjoy a Mediterranean inspired menu al fresco. Inside is equally spacious, and offers a relaxed dining experience.
This Bude restaurant is a great find for a hearty breakfast, leisurely lunch or more intimate family dinner. Celebrating Cornish produce, Olive Tree’s selection of tasty burgers, superfood salads, and many pasta options. There’s a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, and we’d recommend stopping by its cake counter!
Location: Pethericks Mill, Bude EX23 8TF
Tapas but Cornish style. The Bank is Bude’s only tapas restaurant and quite a unique setting. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, dine in the main restaurant under canvas or in the heated dining pods (max four diners), either way you’re in for a gastronomic experience. The menu is split into three categories, with fish, meat and vegetarian and vegan small plates. The riverside location coupled with the luscious plant-filled interior makes for a perfect occasion spot.
Location: 19 Summerleaze Crescent, Bude EX23 8HJ
Moments from Summerleaze beach, diners can expect flip-flop friendly cuisine with perfect dishes for feasting on after a long day on the beach. If you’re looking for a relaxed Bude restaurant, family-run The Deck is a place popular with all age groups. Their signature dish has to be the hanging skewers, but the ribs come highly recommended too.
Location: The Depot, Kings Hill, Bude EX23 8PQ
Penchant for pizzas? As you’ve probably guessed by the name, this Bude restaurant puts authentic pizza centre stage. And they’re rather special. Hand-crafted dough topped with Sicilian sauce and the creamiest Italian mozzarella, there’s over ten tempting flavours to choose from, many featuring Cornish produce such as Cornish Blue cheese and locally sourced bacon.
Starting as a takeaway service operating from Widemouth Bay, the restaurant itself opened near Bude canal late summer last year, and has been a popular hangout ever since.
Want to book your next getaway in beautiful Bude? Check out our collection of Bude’s very best luxury self-catering cottages and holiday homes for an unforgettable Cornish stay.
Categories: Food & Drink
