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Newquay restaurants are sure to take you on a gastronomic journey, experiencing some of Cornwall’s finest ingredients. But where do you start? Read our mouth-watering guide to the best restaurants in Newquay.
They say variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to where to eat in Newquay, there really are a plethora of options. Newquay is one of Cornwall’s main foodie hotspots, and while it’s yet to cinch any prestigious Michelin stars, it’s an area which has attracted celebrity chefs for years. Jamie Oliver first put Newquay on the map by opening Fifteen in Watergate Bay, but sadly that closed its doors 13 years later in 2019.  However, Rick Stein and Emily Scott both have restaurants here and who could blame them, with direct access to some of the best produce in the country.
Newquay’s seafood restaurants are big business, with fish dishes taking centre stage on eateries menus, but if that doesn’t float your boat, fear not. Newquay restaurants are wonderfully varied, with global cuisine gracing its restaurants. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of beachside venues where the views are as good as the food, but don’t neglect Newquay’s high streets where there’s an abundance of top-notch places to eat, too. Newquay is also particularly dog friendly, so you can step off the beach and into a restaurant with your furry friend in tow.
Here, we’ve put together our list of the best restaurants in Newquay – bon appetit!
With a mention in the prestigious Michelin Guide, and run by chef Paul Harwood of Rick Stein stock, The Fish House overlooking Fistral Beach is one of the best restaurants in Newquay. While it may come across as a relaxed beachside hangout, don’t underestimate the food. Often regarded as the top seafood restaurant in Newquay, the menu has been inspired by chef Paul’s travels and love of Asian cooking, so on the menu you’ll find dishes such as Korean fried monkfish, Sri Lankan prawn curry or Bajan roasted hake fillet. You’ll also find a children’s menu, dedicated vegan menu and lighter lunch options.
It’s also a dog-friendly, with dogs are welcome to join on the terrace for the lunchtime slot, which in true relaxed style runs until 4:30pm.
Looking for a restaurant with a view in Newquay? Diners can escape to the water’s edge for some fine dining at luxurious Lewinnick Lodge. The light and bright restaurant, with spectacular cliff edge views over the Atlantic ocean, is big on seafood specials and classic Cornish dishes. Children are also very welcome, with a dedicated kids’ menu, and dogs on leads are welcome to join in Lewinnick Lodge’s bar and outdoor areas.
At this Newquay restaurant, you really can enjoy all-day dining; start with a hearty breakfast from 8am-11am, an open-sandwich for a lunch pit-stop, or their much-talked-about roast dinners on a relaxed Sunday afternoon. There really is something for everyone!
Tapas is a popular choice for group dining, and Newquay is spoilt with Toast & Tapas. An independent family run Newquay restaurant, Toast & Tapas is only open in the evening for good food, drinks and music.
Serving up classic small plates, you’ll find meat, fish and plenty of vegetarian dishes. Beverages are taken very seriously here, too. The cocktails are splendid, as is the comprehensive wine menu. And if it’s dog friendly restaurants in Newquay that you’re looking for, then it’s hard to beat Toast & Tapas who love to welcome four-legged friends.
From the outside, Butchers Bistro is quite unassuming, but don’t judge on first looks. It’s one of Newquay’s best-loved fish, seafood and steak restaurants, popular with both locals and visitors alike. Spearheaded by Chris, a true Cornishman, he is both a master butcher and chef, who has a passion for using the very best Cornish produce. The steaks are talk of the town, while the seafood such as scallops, crab and Moules mariniere come highly recommended.
A laidback beachfront option is The Boathouse which is situated on Newquay Harbour. With a relaxed vibe, there’s a global mix of vendors offering street food on the beach. If you’re dining as a large group, then everyone’s tastebuds are catered for at The Boathouse, one diner can be enjoying a crab sandwich, while the other a fully-loaded pizza. Vendors often change, so it’s always offering something new to try. Plus, for those looking for a dog-friendly place to eat, furry friends are sorted too, as dogs are welcome outside and on the decking area which is undercover.
Positioned just outside of Newquay on Carvynick Farm, this award-winning pub, which is over 400 years old, is worth a trip. Run by chef Ben Ambridge, who has made waves in Cornwall and beyond, his relaxed approach is big on punchy flavours, sharing dishes and good ol’ pub food. There’s a dedicated children’s menu, dogs are welcome and there’s a strong focus on local produce. We love the cosy traditional feel inside with charming features alongside contemporary décor.
One of Newquay’s best restaurants if you’ve a penchant for pan-Asian food, has to be Kahuna. With a tropical modern décor, the freshness of this Newquay restaurant’s interior matches its creative menu. With authentic dishes, from rice and noodle dishes to a selection of curries, each dish has a Kahuna spin on it. It’s also wonderfully family-friendly here, and there’s even a menu aimed at little diners.
If you’re looking for a true Cornish tearoom, then Pauline’s Creamery should be on your radar. Positioned on Newquay’s high street, this independently run bakery has been trading by the same family for over three decades. While you won’t find fancy plated dishes or contemporary décor, you will find a delicious range of food, from a variety of cakes, gateaux and Cornish cream teas – all produced on the premises – to wholesome savoury options such as pasties, sandwiches and baguettes.  This Cornish tearoom is full of charm from the warm welcome to the hearty menu. Perfect for the whole family, even four-legged friends are welcome to join.
If you like to take pictures of pretty food – after all good food requires documentation – then you’re in for a whole lot of #foodiesofinstagram content at Box & Barber, even its full English breakfast is an artistic masterpiece. Open daily from 8am-3pm, this dog-friendly Newquay restaurant features breakfast wraps, sourdough toasties, acai bowls, pancakes as well as the most colourful smoothies.
This new café is flooded with light, there’s a collection of tables inside, or if you prefer to dine under the Cornish sun then head to the patio space.
A fish and chip dinner is a rite of passage when on a seaside holiday, but with lots of competition where do you go for the best fish and chips in Newquay? While many of the gastro eateries in Newquay offer fish and chips on the menu, and as delicious as they are, you can’t beat a traditional style chippy, which you takeaway and enjoy on the beach.
Flounders has been serving fish and chips to locals and visitors alike for over a decade. This no-thrills chippy serves up all the classics, but for us you can’t beat the British classic! If the weather isn’t on your side there’s a small selection of tables inside.
You probably didn’t think you’d visit Cornwall and see kangaroo on the menu. At Bush Pepper, you’ll experience a taste of global Australian influenced food, nestled in the heart of Newquay. Of course, if far-flung meats aren’t your thing then you won’t go hungry, the seafood dishes are very popular as is the Sunday roast. Australians certainly know how to do breakfast properly too, served from 9am Bush Pepper’s breakfast and brunch menu will set you up for a day exploring Newquay.
A surfing mecca with beaches galore and top-notch foodie hotspots, secure your dream holiday booking in Newquay with Cornish Secrets.
Categories: Food & Drink
