UPDATED: 07/05/2025

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, as well as Emily Scott who also cooked up a storm here. Rick Stein still has a restaurant here and who could blame him, 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!

The Fish House

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.

thefishhousefistral.com

Lewinnick Lodge

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!

lewinnicklodge.co.uk

Pachanga

Cornwall may not have the blazing weather of Cancun, or the ancient Mayan ruins, but when it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, Mexican style, Pachanga is here to serve Newquay. Founded by duo Carla, a Mexican chef, and John a Zimbabwean engineer, life started out in an ex postal van ‘’El Huichol’’ in 2016, for private catering, the couple’s next move was opening Taco Shack in 2020 in Newquay Harbour at the Boathouse, and in 2023 saw them moving into a permanent residency with Pachanga.

Making as much as possible from scratch, using traditional Mexican techniques, think  salsas, punchy marinades, and even their own tortillas. Meats and vegetables are wood fired for tenderness and a traditional smoky flavour, and we highly recommend trying their quesadillas with tasty, cured beef or spicy pork and lashings of melted cheese. This relaxed hangout is a three-minute walk from Great Western Beach, let the good food flow.

thepachanga.co.uk

Butchers Bistro

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.

facebook.com/butchersbistronewquay/

The Boathouse

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.

streetfoodonthebeach.co.uk

The Tartan Fox

Positioned just outside of Newquay on Carvynick Farm, this country pub, which is over 400 years old, is worth a trip. The Tartan Fox is the latest venture by acclaimed Chef Adam Handling MBE, which opened its doors in the early summer of 2024. It offers a refined take on classic pub fare, showcasing the best of Cornish produce with a touch of Scottish influence.

Menu highlights include smaller dishes like the ‘Beef tartare, St. Ewe yolk, crispy potato’ and the pub’s signature ‘Mother’ dish, alongside larger offerings such as ‘Roast rump of lamb and Hake, with each dish reflecting Adam’s commitment to sustainable, local luxury.

tartanfoxpub.co.uk

Pauline’s Creamery

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.

Box & Barber

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.

facebook.com/boxandbarber/

Flounders

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.