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Cornwall’s food scene continues to grow, and something we can’t be rivalled on is our epic views, which can be appreciated from a selection of Falmouth restaurants. Whether you want harbour-side dining or a cool beach hangout, we’re pleased to share that Falmouth’s food offerings will take your gastronomic journey to the next level, with some of the best restaurants in Cornwall.
Falmouth’s seafood restaurants are some of the best in the county, and fish dishes often take centre stage here. But there’s really something for everyone, with plenty of dog-friendly places to eat, too. From a hearty brunch, laidback lunch or a romantic evening meal, here, we round up 15 of the best Falmouth restaurants to have on your radar.
Taking an enviable position beside the Grade II listed harbour wall of Fish Strand Quay, overlooking the Carrick Roads and The Roseland Peninsula with totally uninterrupted views, Indidog Eatery has something for every meal, and to suit every palate. Breakfast and brunch comes with raving reviews, a leisurely lunch soaking up the views or an evening meal watching the sunset is pretty special here.
All the tables have harbour views, but you’re also given the option to watch the talented team in the kitchen at work, as they’re in full view. Daily specials have been known to include Cornish hake, a deluxe fish finger sandwich and mouthwatering fillet steak. As you’ve probably guessed by the name (named after the owners’ dog), yes, your doggos can join at this dog-friendly restaurant in Falmouth, in fact they’re made to feel totally at home, just as every diner is.
Finding a seafood restaurant in Falmouth is a breeze, but where do you choose? One of our favourite Falmouth seafood eateries has to be The Verdant Seafood Bar. The ever changing menu is dictated by what’s available, as fresh fish is order of the day here. The menu is full of small plates, think Porthilly oysters and Cornish crab, alongside grilled mackerel, roasted scallops, and fried monkfish. There’s also eight lines of beer on tap from Verdant‘s brewery, which is based up the road in Penryn.
If you’re looking for something a little quirky with a neighbourhood vibe, then cicchetti bar, café and deli Provedore, is certainly worth a visit. Off the beaten track, on Trelawney Road, it’s the perfect place to while away the hours, sipping on delicious cocktails and grazing on Italian inspired snacks.
Pronounced chi-KET-tee, these are snacks or small plates, traditionally served in bars throughout Venice. Expect, smoked new potatoes, sausage skewers, filled foccacia and breakfast bagels. Think, Venice meets Cornwall, bellissimo!
From tasty tacos and burgers, to a Cornish seafood selection, it’s all about hearty pub grub, good times and good views at The Working Boat pub. Situated on the quay, below The Greenbank Hotel it’s a great place for a spot of food and drink in Falmouth.
One of the most dog-friendly restaurants in Falmouth, there’s always a jar of dog biscuits at the bar, and water bowls are readily available. There are plenty of seats outside and on the deck, where you can best appreciate the harbour views and a Cornish sunset.
While Falmouth currently doesn’t hold any Michelin Stars, Culture is a 2023 Michelin green star winner, which is testament to the Falmouth restaurant’s food philosophy. Curated by head chef Hylton Espey, the plates are inspired by nature, sustainable ingredients take centre stage and are served through an inventive tasting menu, which takes you on a journey through Cornwall. From a trip to a local farm to chocolatier down the road in Falmouth.
©Adam Sargent
©Smilte Seimyte
In an enviable position overlooking Swanpool Beach, this Falmouth seafood restaurant is a real stalwart on the fish scene. Fish fanatics can expect to see Falmouth Bay scallops and Cornish oysters alongside Falmouth Bay lobster or crab, both served with garlic and herb butter, seaweed and garlic aioli and crisp skinny fries, tempting, right?
Good views, good food and a warm welcome is guaranteed here, and if you’re wanting to visit with your dog too, no worries four-legged friends can join on the awning area and terrace space.
Beach cafes in Cornwall take their food seriously, and Gylly Beach Café is a fine example of this. A fabulous light-filled cafe right on Gyllyngvase Beach, this beachside hangout provides fine homemade, freshly-cooked food. Overlooking Henry’s VIII’s coastal fortress, Pendennis Castle, the café is open 364 days a year.
While you can’t make a reservation it’s worth persevering, with the menu showcasing fresh seafood landed locally direct from Falmouth Bay. By day, it’s a chilled beach café, by night a buzzing restaurant. And if you’re looking for a dog-friendly restaurant in Falmouth, your four-legged friends are on the veranda, which offers up the best views in the house.
In the heart of old Falmouth on the High Street at the harbour’s edge, the award-winning Georgian Star and Garter is said to be the best foodie gastro pub in the south-west.
Expect fish direct from the Newlyn boat, meat from award-winning Philip Warrens farm plus artisan local food suppliers, and chefs who love cooking over an open fire. It’s such a gorgeously characterful place, too, dating from 1892, with views over the harbour not to be missed.
Another waterfront Falmouth restaurant serving fresh seafood is The Shack, overlooking the harbour, it’s the sister restaurant of The Shed – which is another excellent choice – next door.
For fish fanatics look out for fish from Newlyn and oysters from Porthilly, they serve an excellent sharing platter for indecisive diners, or try its signature smoked haddock and bacon chowder dish? There are plenty of regularly changing specials, too.
©Kevin Gitsham
Looking for a date night destination in Falmouth? Let us suggest neighbourhood eatery, Restaurant Mine, serving up some very special Cornish produce. This Falmouth Restaurant is in a unique location at The Old Brewery Yard, where you can also enjoy some alfresco feasting on the cobbled courtyard.
If you like fine dining and pretty plates then Restaurant Mine is the Falmouth restaurant for you. For starters expect dishes such as West Country venison tartare and buttermilk fried monkfish, and for mains locally reared Primrose Herd pork loin and pan-roasted Cornish trout. Restaurant Mine is a foodie’s delight.
Just two miles from Falmouth, if it’s fine dining and even finer views you’re looking for, then The Cove in Maenporth has to be on your radar. Under acclaimed Michelin-star chef Michael Caines, diners can appreciate uninterrupted views across Falmouth Bay, complimented by plenty of local produce.
The more relaxed option is the main menu or go to town with Michael’s signature dining experience – a six-course seasonal feast, which can be paired with a wine flight.
Sushi, ramen, bao buns and dumplings await at Bango Kitchen in nearby Penryn. This casual pan-Asian restaurant is more than worth the ten-minute drive from Falmouth. While it’s rather unassuming from the outside, inside a feast of flavours grace the menu from 8am until 3pm.
We can’t get enough of its generously filled bao buns, but be sure to check out the specials board too, for something exciting and creative. The service is always friendly, with a vibrant atmosphere and dogs are welcome too.
For morning coffee and treats, Espressini is an independent coffee house based in Falmouth’s west end, which opened in 2010. Its mission is to seek out the best beans, the best growers and the best-tasting coffee for you. For that all-important caffeine fix with brunch or cake, or a tasty lunch, head to Espressini – open 8-4pm. You can’t miss it, it’s the hot pink building!
A destination pub and restaurant, The Pandora Inn is situated on the edge of the beautiful Restronguet Creek, five miles outside of Falmouth. Dating from the 13th century, this iconic thatched inn, named after HMS Pandora, is full of charming features.
Diners can choose to eat indoors in cosy comfort, or outside on their fabulous popular pontoon where you can watch the boats float by. On the menu expect pub classics, plus an ever-changing specials board.
It’s a dog-friendly restaurant too, welcome in the downstairs bar and on the pontoon.
Looking for the best place for fish and chips in Falmouth? Whether you’re wanting to take away and enjoy down by the harbour or on one of Falmouth’s beaches, or fancy enjoying this British classic in its restaurant, award-winning Harbour Lights it’s the place to go.
With a wonderful selection of high-quality fish and tasty chips from the finest Cornish potatoes, you can expect the usual suspects on the menu, plus vegan and veggie options as well as burgers and tempting fish dishes. There are a few dog-friendly tables in the restaurant, too.
Want to book your next getaway in fabulous Falmouth? We have handpicked our favourite self-catering cottages and holiday homes in this stunning Cornish town.
Categories: Food & Drink
