Patrick Browne
Surrounded on three sides by ocean, it’s really of no surprise that Cornwall offers some of the finest seafood. Local chefs have grown up searing scallops and shucking oysters to perfection – so what better place than to sample some of the gems available? Here are some of the finest restaurants specialising in seafood dotted around our coastline…
- The Wheelhouse, Falmouth. The best restaurant in Cornwall – we would challenge anyone to disagree. Because of this, make your booking literally months before you arrive – it’s always booked up about 3 months in advance, but this charming restaurant’s aim is to maintain its intimate feel and uphold their excellent customer service. The fresh seafood is delivered daily, priced by the kilo and served simply. It is always flawless (the wine’s pretty top-notch too).
- The Fish House, Newquay. Practically on Fistral Beach, head chef and owner, Paul, is passionate about doing Cornwall’s finest seafood justice with his cooking. Find a deliciously diverse menu in the evening or enjoy a beautiful crab sandwich at lunch – worth a visit whether you’re staying in Newquay or not.
- The Shore, Penzance/Mount’s Bay. This little restaurant has a phenomenal reputation, and the one-man kitchen – the workplace for owner, Bruce Rennie. Offering a set menu of perfectly cooked fish, be sure to book a table at this restaurant.
- Ben’s Cornish Kitchen, Marazion. Somehow, this incredible place has managed to stay relatively under the radar – goodness knows how, as everyone who has ever been simply raves about it. Whilst seafood is done brilliantly here, there are plenty of land-based meals too, vegetarian and otherwise.
- Kota, Porthleven. This Asian-fusion restaurant sits at the head of the harbour in this little fishing village. Jude Kereama (you may recognise him from The Great British Menu) owns and chefs this award-winning restaurant and takes inspiration from his Maori and Chinese Malay roots and pairs it with beautiful Cornish seafood. A match made in heaven.
- Trengilly Wartha, Constantine. A countryside pub with stunning gardens and a real community feel, you can enjoy local ales as well as simple, delicious and local fish dishes. This award-winning restaurant is definitely one to get a table booked at.
- Restaurant Nathan Outlaw. For an occasion or simply to celebrate the fact that you’re on a well-deserved holiday, visit Outlaw’s flagship Port Isaac restaurant (there is Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen down opposite the harbour too for a more budget option) for some fine dining and Michelin-star quality.
- Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow. The sister restaurant of the Islington eatery of the same name, this is one of the best restaurants in the county. With fish sold at market pricing or as small, eclectic tapas dishes, eating here is a real delight (also try Barnaby’s – the owners’ newest creation in Padstow, too).
