Summer is coming, and we’ve got our eyes set on long days spent on the beach in Cornwall admist dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and picturesque villages. Cornwall makes the perfect summer getaway from London, and it’s also quickly become a food lover’s paradise with charming seaside bistros serving the freshest seafood to cosy countryside pubs offering hearty, traditional fare.

Book a stay at one of Cornwall’s best hotels, and you’ve got yourself a great weekend. These are some of the best restaurants in Cornwall, where exceptional food meets stunning scenery.

Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling

Chef Adam Handling’s Cornwall restaurant offers stunning views of the Cornish coast. While you dig into glorious, beautifully plated food, you might just find yourself watching dolphins and seals with the sound of the ocean playing in the background. The menu is super local with produce predominantly from across Cornwall. The chef’s menu takes you from bluefin tuna served with herb stalks and radish to Orkney scallop and pumpkin, and for dessert, we spotted a glorious Cornish lemon, white chocolate and pistachio dish.

where: Carbis Bay, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2NP
website: www.uglybutterfly.co.uk

The Mariners

Overlooking Cornwall’s Camel Estuary, The Mariners is a much-loved seaside spot with an all-day menu that focuses on British classics while championing the best of local produce. There’s also a fabulous Sunday Roast menu with highlights like the Roast Cornish Dexter sirloin of beef, braised short rib with beef dripping roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding filled with beef trivet onions or for the veggies go for the chargrilled hispi cabbage.

where: Slipway, Rock, Cornwall, PL27 6LD
website: www.paul-ainsworth.co.uk

Porthmister Cafe

This is a must-visit spot in Cornwall – serving Asian and Mediterranean influences Porthminster Cafe is all about the freshest seafood, garden-grown produce and foraged coastal ingredients. You can expect spectacular panoramic views of St Ives Bay while you dine. Starters include Porthminster squid with black spice, citrus miso and Asian salad or go for the home-cured trout pastrami served with crème fraiche, pickles and oat cakes.

where: Porthminster Beac, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2EB
website: www.porthminstercafe.co.uk

Rick Stein The Seafood Restaurant

Opened by Rick and Jill Stein in 1975, the restaurant on the quay is famous for its classic seafood dishes and excellent wines. The menu is influenced by the seasons and showcases the best of local and sustainable seafood. At the heart of the restaurant is the seafood bar, and there’s also a chef’s table experience where you can watch the team shuck oysters and pour drinks and learn all about their process. There’s also a gorgeous spring and summer terrace where you can enjoy the seaviews and sip on cockails.

where: Riverside, Padstow PL28 8BY
website: www.rickstein.com

Outlaws

Run by Nathan Outlaw, the dishes prepared at Outlaw’s is all about elevated seafood. With a fabulous seaview from the restaurant, there are lots of options if you like your fish. The seafood tasting menu can take you from scallops and lobster to sourdough with seaweed butter and a gorgeous rhubarb with vanilla cream for dessert. On the a la carte menu, we spotted John Dory with crab sauce, cabbage and nori and fresh lemon sole with pickled cucumber and oyster sauce – there’s lots to love here.

where: 6 New Road, Port Isaac, Cornwall, PL29 3SB
website: www.outlaws.co.uk

Prawn on the Lawn

Located in the charming coastal town of Padstow, Prawn on the Lawn is a seafood lover’s dream. One of the best places in Cornwall for fresh and sustainably sourced seafood, the menu changes daily based on the local catch. Dishes range from sashimi-style plates to small plates with global influences and you can expect a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to enjoy long lunches and dinners. Go for the whole fish baked in Thai-style marinades or sample their signature tuna tartare – you’ll be spoilt for choice here.

where: 11 Duke Street, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AB
website: www.prawnonthelawn.com

The Shore

The Shore is a one man operation and is one of Cornwall’s loveliest foodie gems. Run by Bruce Rennie, the restaurant is an intimate, relaxed space with only 10 guests each evening, and there are no menus planned in advance. Menus are written on the day based on the best locally available fish and veggies so you can expect only the freshest food on the your plate. The menu is served in multiple small courses and includes the best ingredients the owner can find from local farmers, fishermen, growers and even his own garden. Be sure to book your table in advance.

where: 13-14 Alverton St, Penzance TR18 2QP
website: www.theshorerestaurant.uk

Food & Drink, Restaurants, Travel, UK

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