Planning a sojourn in Cornwall’s lively coastal town? Know where to find somewhere exquisite to eat with our pick of restaurants in Falmouth
Culture
Culture cemented its place on Falmouth’s thriving food scene after it was awarded a Michelin green star just nine months after opening in July 2022. The ripple effect of success continued as not long afterward it also achieved three-AA-rosette status, bolstering its reputation further and helping it become a sought-after spot for discerning gourmets visiting the Cornish town.
Chef-owner Hylton Espey and wife Petronella have carved out a novel experience in the town, thanks to their sustainable, produce-led cooking which is complemented by an immersive style of dining – inquisitive guests can interact with Hylton in the open kitchen and dishes are served with impeccable detail.
Hylton describes his cooking as ‘nature-inspired cuisine with a focus on the landscapes, flora and fauna’, which is reflected in the micro-seasonal menus that highlight uber-local ingredients, with dishes on the lunch and dinner menus namechecking local fishermen, farmers and producers of note.
It would be remiss not to explore the on-point drinks pairings at Culture. The restaurant’s glass wine cellar encloses a fantastic global selection of bottles.
Restaurant Mine
Seek out this rustic neighbourhood restaurant at Old Brewery Yard to enjoy simple-yet-refined dishes which champion the local larder.
Classic British fare is treated with a dash of decadence at Angus Bell’s Restaurant Mine, as the experienced chef puts a contemporary Cornish spin on dishes such as Cornish mackerel tartare with squid-ink crumpet and pickled wild garlic buds; and fillet of Cornish hake with haricot bean cassoluet, clams and velouté. The small but perfectly formed menu rotates weekly and is built around one meat, one fish and one vegan option for each course.
The buzzy vibe encourages chatter among guests and in clement weather tables spill out onto the pretty cobbled courtyard creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Water’s Edge restaurant
Feasting on incredibly fresh fish to a backdrop of panoramic harbour views is an undeniable draw for dining at Trencherman’s Guide-rated Water’s Edge restaurant, located within luxurious maritime hotel The Greenbank.
Born and bred Cornwall chefs Nick Hodges and Bobby Southworth work together to create seasonal menus which make the most of ingredients fished, farmed and foraged in the county. Flavour-packed coastal creations include the likes of catch of the day with saffron, mussel chowder and salsa verde and are served within a laid-back setting befitting of its nautical location.
In addition to evening dining inside the restaurant, there’s also the opportunity to dine alfresco on the sun-dappled terrace, nibbling on delicious light bites and sipping luscious cocktails, or delight in an elegant afternoon tea.
Brasserie on the Bay
Overlooking Falmouth’s famed Gyllyngvase Beach, this contemporary restaurant at St Michaels Resort is just the place to experience a taste of the Cornish coast.
The ocean-view restaurant’s menus angle toward seafood and shellfish, and piscatorial fans will relish tucking into fresh briny finds while gazing over the waters in which they were earlier caught. Seasonality and provenance are the watchwords in the kitchen and the talented team devise their menus depending on what ingredients are abundant in the county at that time – whether that’s produce freshly picked from Cornwall’s fertile soils or found in its crystal-clear waters.
Carnivores are well catered for on the menus too, and dishes are switched up to reflect the seasons (venison and pheasant winter dishes, for example, are replaced with sumptuous Marsh Farm duck and lamb rump to feed the spring crowds). A cracking drinks list complements the food menu and includes regional drops from Knightor Winery, Tarquin’s Gin and Harbour Brewing Co.
The Mulberry
Those with a penchant for small plates or a preference for set menus make a beeline for this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant just off Falmouth High Street.
Ambitious chefs Jay Brady and Harry Cartwright create the differing menus to suit guests’ favoured dining styles, yet both experiences showcase Cornish ingredients, chosen for their provenance and sustainability.
Let the chefs steer the experience via the set menu and they’ll see to it that you delight in a series of creative dishes such as yuzu and limoncello cured trout; truffled potato terrine; and Chocolarder white chocolate mousse. Plump for the keenly priced small plates and tussle forks over the likes of Falmouth saffron arancini with preserved lemon mayonnaise, and ChalkStream trout ceviche with fermented chilli and blackened squash.
Enjoyed reading our pick of the best restaurants in Falmouth? Dive into our insider’s guide to the coastal town and discover more excellent restaurants as well as places to stay, drink and shop.
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