What’s for dinner tonight? That’s the usual question people ask as the busy day comes to an end. Looking for a terrific seafood restaurant whilst in Cornwall? You’re in luck as Cornwall is home to a vast array of superb seafood cafes and restaurants selling fresh catches straight from the fishing boats onto the plate. This list (in no particular order) combines a mix of expensive Michelin star rated luxury restaurants in Cornwall for that ‘special occasion’ along with more affordable seafood menus for all the family to enjoy.
The Wheel House, Falmouth
One of Cornwall’s best kept secrets, The Wheel House in Falmouth is a crab and oyster bar hidden down a little side street. You only have to read the hundreds of p5 star trip advisor ratings to see that everyone who dines here loves it. The simple menu consists of crabs, mussels, scallops, prawns. All seafood is local and fresh from the harbour.
Wreckers Restaurant, Charlestown
This bistro is a quirky refurbished old boat shed. They use locally caught fish (often caught yards away on the quay) and produce whenever possible in creating their dishes. The menu changes seasonally and daily specials boards always feature a tasty catch of the day.
KOTA Restaurant, Porthleven
Kota is known for its organic fish and farm produced seafood. The award winning owner/chef of Kota, Jude Kereama, is known for his wonderful seafood served with a slight Asian flavour. The restaurant also serves over 90 wines from around the world. Kota was recently awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide 2013 – one of just a few in Cornwall.
The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow
No top seafood restaurant list is complete without the world famous chef, Rick Stein who lives in Padstow and opened this restaurant in 1975. This seafood restaurant is known for its internationally flair and Rick Stein only uses the best fish and seafood in his restaurants often landed right on the doorstep by local fishermen.
Squid Ink Restaurant, Looe
The Squid Ink Restaurant is located in the historic fishing port of Looe. It is a proud chef owned and operated business since 2008. The restaurant is known for is local fish and terrific seafood dishes. The Squid Ink Restaurant uniquely combines British style cooking, with the tastes of Asia and the Mediterranean.
The Shack Seafood Restaurant, Falmouth
The Shack Seafood Restaurant is a shellfish bar located in the busy Events Square of Falmouth. It prides itself on fresh locally caught seafood. Not only do they offer a wide variety of shellfish, but they also have a fresh catch of the day.
Porthminster Cafe, St Ives
The award winning Porthminster Café is located right on the stunning Porthminster beach in St Ives, voted one of the best beaches in Europe by Trip Advisor users. The restaurant specialises in local seafood cooked in the flavours of the Mediterranean and Asia regions. The Porthminster’s Monkfish Curry is a real favourite brimming with mild Indonesian styled mussels, prawns, coconut, tamarind and jasmine rice.
Nathan Outlaw at The St Enodoc Hotel, Rock
The St Enodoc Hotel has two famous seafood restaurants on site. The Outlaw’s Seafood Restaurant is open daily. The Restaurant Nathan Outlaw was named the best seafood restaurant in Britain and is a more formal dining experience. It has been awarded a two Star Michelin rating. Both restaurants pride themselves on the use of local seafood and produce.
Amelies at The Smokehouse, Porthleven
The Amelies is another quirky and unique restaurant in Cornwall. By day they are an informal relaxed café. When the sunsets and the tea lights are lit, Amelies is transformed into an intimate dining experience perched on the harbourside. Like many Cornish seafood restaurants, they prides themselves on fresh seafood. They buy directly from the local fisherman, and turn the catch of the day into unforgettable dishes.
Fifteen Restaurant, Watergate Bay
The Fifteen Restaurant is an upscale restaurant with an Italian flair and amazing views across Watergate bay. The Fifteen uses only seasonal fresh produce and seafood. All profits from the restaurant go to the Cornwall Foundation of Promise.