Cornwall is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations – and with good reason! The county has become synonymous with surfing, stunning beaches, coastal walks, folk laws of giants and pirates and of course, it’s delicious cider! But those who haven’t been might not know that Cornwall is also a foodies paradise and the people there are proud of its exceptional seafood, delicious desserts and other fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
From its small fishing villages to its bigger towns and cities, there are thousands of quirky places that you can stop and grab a bite to eat or drink, the problem is choosing where to go! You’ll have your pick of traditional country pubs, Michelin-starred restaurants, quaint cafes and delicious street food stalls.
So if you’re planning a trip to Cornwall in 2021 (when we’re allowed to travel again), we’re here to help. We’ve put together a foodie’s guide to planning the perfect getaway in Cornwall next year.
For the seafood lovers
From fish and chips by the beach to a luxurious seafood buffet, Cornwall has it all! The county is well-known and well-regarded for its seafood, in particular its shellfish, mussels and oysters. If you’re looking to sample some of the ocean’s finest foods, harbour towns like Padstow and St. Ives are popular spots, but these aren’t the only places to enjoy a fish supper. Some of the greatest fish restaurants in Cornwall include:
- The Fish House, Newquay
- Prawn On The Lawn, Padstow
- Cove Restaurant And Bar, Falmouth
- Seafood Cafe, St Ives
- Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Padstow
For fresh, locally sourced meat
Cornish farmers work hard to ensure they supply the very best cuts of meat to local restaurants, butchers and supermarkets. Farm-to-table dining has become very popular in Cornwall in recent years, especially amongst those that care about what they’re putting in their bodies and want good quality food,. And this is great news for the local farmers! Many restaurants across the county pride themselves on choosing fresh, locally sourced meats and ingredients, but some of the finest steaks and burgers around can be found in these restaurants:
- Coombeshead Farm, Launceston
- The Ranch, Falmouth
- The Longstore, Charlestown
- The Meat Counter, Falmouth
- Butchers Bistro, Newquay
For proper pub grub
Traditional pub grub has always been a staple for English people, because let’s face it, nothing beats sitting in a cosy country pub tucking in to your favourite comfort foods. Whether you’re starting the day with a Full English Breakfast or catching up with family and friends over a Sunday roast, pub grub is always a winner. And the good news is there are so many wonderful pubs to choose from in Cornwall. So if you’re looking for a hearty, traditional pub meal, these are some of the best places to go:
- The Old Success Inn, Sennen Cove
- Bolingey Inn, Bolingey
- Driftwood Spars, St Agnes
- Cornish Arms, St Merryn
- Port Gaverne Inn, Port Isaac
For a lovely afternoon tea
Which goes first, the jam or the cream? Well, if you ask the Cornish locals they’ll tell you the jam must always go first and if you’re visiting Cornwall you certainly can’t go without having a traditional cream tea. This delicious treat is a classic of the county which is why there are plenty of lovely places that you can stop and grab yourself a spot of afternoon tea. Some of the best spots for a slice of cake, pot of tea and a scone, include:
- Woods Cafe, Bodmin
- Apple Tree Cafe, Sennen Cove
- Fistral Beach Hotel, Newquay
- Miss Vs Vintage High Tea, St. Just
- Dolly’s Tea Room, Falmouth
For the perfect Cornish pasty
Just like a cream tea, the Cornish pasty is one of the most recognisable symbols of this great county and you’d be crazy to visit without grabbing yourself this yummy pastry at some point. And no, we don’t mean just grabbing a pre-packaged Ginsters when you’re out and about, we mean treating yourself to a traditionally prepared Cornish pasty made with the finest local ingredients and baked fresh that day. Sound good? Then you should definitely visit the following places:
- Cough Bakery, Padstow
- St. Agnes Bakery, St. Agnes
- Pips Pasties, Penryn
- Ferrell S H & Son, St Ives
- Tasty Pasties, Bude
For yummy street food
Over the years, clever chefs have created quirky little eateries in the back of vans, trucks and even horse boxes! This has seen the emergence of more and more street food vendors and markets across Cornwall. If you love nothing more than grabbing a bite on the go or getting some dinner to take to the beach with you as you watch the sunset, then you’l love Cornwall. You’ll find everything from delicious vegan dishes, to traditional English eats and fresh seafood. So if you love street food, it’s definitely worth checking out these lovely little gems:
- Ramen and Rice, Perranporth
- Sweet Food Market, Newquay Harbour
- Christmas Food Market, Truro
- Cornish Catch, St. Ives
- The Yard, Perranporth
For a refreshing pint of cider
Not strictly food but the Cornish folk know how to brew a good cider! So whether you’re stopping for a drink on the beach or looking for the perfect tipple to accompany that pasty, cider is usually the answer. Some of the best spots to stop for a pint are:
- The Watering Hole, Perranporth
- Healey’s Cider Farm, Penhallow
- Harbour Tavern, Mevagissey
- Blue Bar, Porthtowan
- The Rockpool, Gwithian
So is it time to plan your Cornish getaway?
If you’re looking for a lovely beach break and a chance to enjoy some delicious food, then your 2021 holiday should be to Cornwall. Whether you’re looking for a luxury seafood dinner or just a chance to grab some fish and chips by the harbour, you won’t be disappointed! Cornwall is not just a surfers paradise, it is also the ideal location for foodies looking to enjoy some of the best foods the UK has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Start looking for your perfect holiday destination in Cornwall today.
