Seafood restaurants in Cornwall

Cornwall is synonymous with fantastic fish and seafood, so a trip to the UK’s southwestern tip wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local delicacy. From Port Isaac to Padstow, dive into our pick of the best seafood restaurants in Cornwall

Prawn on the Lawn/Prawn on the Farm, Padstow

Round up a few friends who love fresh fish and seafood as much as you do and head to this popular Padstow restaurant for an epic sociable feast.

The line-up of small plates, whole fish, shellfish platters and delicious sides changes daily depending on what the local fishermen have caught, but the best plan of action is to order as many dishes as you can cram on your table and tuck in – sharing stye.

From April to October, Prawn on the Lawn ups sticks to Trerethern Farm just outside of Padstow (and becomes Prawn on the Farm) where it camps out for the warmer months for alfresco (and tent covered) dining.

Outlaw’s New Road, Port Isaac

Nathan Outlaw is the undisputed Neptune of Cornish cooking, and his flagship Port Isaac restaurant is where fish lovers flock to sample the best of his innovative seafood creations.

Formerly holding two Michelin stars at the New Road restaurant, Nathan decided to do away with the formalities required to retain the prestigious accolade and instead shifted his focus to creating the kind of food he loves to eat. Expect exceptional seasonal dishes which put the Cornish catch front and centre.

Nathan and his skilled team craft a bespoke seafood set menu each day (£95 per person, available at lunch or dinner), which takes guests on a journey of the local waters via six unique courses.

The Watch House, St Mawes

There are plenty of fabulous places to enjoy good food in St Mawes, but for spankingly fresh fish in a relaxed setting it doesn’t get much better than The Watch House.

Locally caught seafood takes the lead on head chef Will Gould’s produce-centric menus. Kick off a long and lazy dinner with a round of Porthilly rock oysters or a medley of roasted shellfish dressed in olive oil, chilli, garlic, parsley and lemon, before moving onto tempting mains such as seafood spaghetti, Keralan cod curry and grilled whole flat fish.

Alternatively, pick up next-level fish and chips to-go from the takeaway hatch and enjoy dinner at your fave spot on the coast path.   

Springtide, Charlestown

Sister to the wildly popular Longstore restaurants in Charlestown and Truro, this new opening overlooking Charlestown Harbour has solid hospitality credentials behind it. Specialising in fresh-from-the-boat seafood and seasonal fish, Springtide offers a taste of the Mediterranean and views of the historic world heritage site.

Exec chefs Will Spurgeon and Matt Liddicoat’s menus feature seaside classics alongside more contemporary dishes. Expect the likes of mackerel burgers with pickled cucumber, crispy onions, and charred lime and chilli mayo, and New England chowder with fresh market seafood, Cornish lardons, potatoes and cream, served with Da Bara Bakery bread.

On sunny days, head to the terrace for alfresco feasting. 

The Cove, Maenporth

This hidden-gem restaurant on Cornwall’s south coast may be within walking distance of the buzzy town of Falmouth, but its location overlooking Maenporth Beach makes it feel a world away from the hustle and bustle.

Michelin chef Michael Caines took over in 2020, so a visit to The Cove is a great opportunity to try his acclaimed cooking in a more relaxed, beachside setting. The glass-fronted terrace (covered in bad weather) is the best spot to devour dishes such as Cornish crab cakes, pan-fried monkfish and roasted troncon of brill.

For the fine dining experience, plump for the Signature Tasting Menu (£90 per person, served exclusively in the evening) which features some of Michael’s favourite ensembles. 

Like 5 of the best seafood restaurants in Cornwall? Check out our roundup of unique places to eat in the South West.

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