Restaurants with a view in Cornwall
With over 400 miles of coastline, it’s hard to miss out on a spectacular sea view in Cornwall. To help visitors make the most of the beautiful scenery, many independent restaurants, bars and cafes have occupied unique locations on beaches and clifftops. In this article, we look at some of the very best restaurants with a view in Cornwall.
The Watering Hole, Perranporth
The UK’s only bar on the beach can be found in the picturesque seaside town of Perranporth. The Watering Hole is an oasis in the golden sand, welcoming surfers and holidaymakers in one of the region’s most popular resorts. The restaurant serves a selection of delicious meals, from fajitas and enchiladas to juicy burgers and seafood, making it the perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner. One of The Watering Hole’s biggest draws is its full calendar of live music. The venue has welcomed acts including Dizzee Rascal, Lee Scratch Perry and Faithless and hosts a summer festival, Tunes in the Dunes.
The Ship Inn, Porthleven
Porthleven’s iconic harbour is instantly recognisable due to its imposing clock tower. In big swells, surfers can be seen riding the wave which breaks near the harbour wall. The picturesque town on Cornwall’s south coast is also home to one of the cosiest pubs in the region, The Ship Inn.
“The Ship Inn is a 17th century pub overlooking one of the most picturesque harbours in the country,” said owner Tom Harrison. “Come here in the summer to watch seabirds and fisherman go about their business in the sunshine, or brave the storms in winter to sip a perfectly poured pint by the large open fire.
“Beer mats and brasses adorn the ceiling and walls in this old fisherman’s haunt, while flagstones and floorboards lay underfoot. A terraced garden with ample seating gives a good vantage point to take in the village with one of the five ales always on offer – these are usually Doom Bar, Cornish Coaster, Skinners Porthleven and two guest ales.
“The food is simple, well-done traditional pub food – expect fish pies, steaks, mussels, crab and the catch of the day from the harbour that is literally on the door step.”
The Ship Inn features in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2018.
The Blue Peter Inn, Polperro
Less than four miles from our Cornwall holiday park, The Blue Peter Inn overlooks the idyllic quay in Polperro. Set amid a cluster of cottages, this is the perfect place to take in the village views. The pub’s award-winning menu offers freshly caught seafood and exceptional meat dishes sourced from the local butcher. Be sure to take a pint or a glass of wine outside while you wait, or dine outdoors to make the most of the stunning location.
Sam’s On the Beach, Polkerris
For an exceptional stone-baked pizza on the beach, you’d be hard pushed to find somewhere better than Sam’s On the Beach. Overlooking Polkerris Beach, the restaurant (occupying a former RNLI lifeboat station) is famous for its fresh speciality pizzas, all made in a traditional wood-fire oven. There’s plenty to choose from, such as the sharp yet delicious goat’s cheese pizza with sun-dried tomatoes, red onions and olives, or the seafood pizza topped with smoked salmon, squid, octopus, mussels, anchovies, red onions, capers and fresh rosemary. If pizza isn’t your thing, Sam’s offers an impressive seafood menu.
Lusty Glaze Beach Bar & Restaurant, Newquay
Away from the hustle and bustle of Newquay’s town centre lies Lusty Glaze, a privately-owned beach and restaurant offering taste of luxury dining. A set of 133 steps leads down to Lusty Glaze Beach Bar and Restaurant, which offers guests a trendy menu made with fresh Cornish produce. We caught up with the team to find out what makes Lusty Glaze such a beautiful place to dine:
“Nestled in a secluded, privately-owned cove, the Bar & Restaurant at Lusty Glaze Beach is a unique setting for lazy lunches, cosy coffees and seaside suppers.
“No matter the weather, you’ll always enjoy breath-taking views from your table. Either dine on the terrace and soak up the sunshine in the summer, or, on wild winter days, cosy up inside by our roaring log burners and watch the waves roll in. Well behaved dogs (and owners!) are welcome all-year-round.”
“We’re located on our very own beach, that means the only sounds you’ll be hearing whilst you dine are the waves gently rolling ashore, glasses clinking with merriment and the occasional acoustic tones of our live music nights. Not to mention that the entire restaurant is adorned with fairy lights, creating the most magical and romantic atmosphere.
“Being a stone’s throw from the sea means Lusty Glaze is the ultimate seafoodie’s paradise, with everything from fresh Cornish mussels to whole catch of the day and of course, classic fish and chips on the menu. Our legendary steak hot rocks also go down a treat and you just can’t go wrong with a gooey dessert by the log burner after a blustery walk on the beach!”
Bay View Inn, Widemouth
The beautiful, vast beach at Widemouth Bay can be found just three miles from the Cornish holiday resort of Bude. Overlooking its golden sands is The Bay View Inn, a vibrant pub and restaurant. Expect quality, traditional fare including fish pie, gammon and a selection of daily specials for lunch and dinner. On a sunny day, sit outside on the picnic benches overlooking Widemouth.
Ben Tunnicliffe at Sennen
With beautiful blue water in the summer and a wild, remote feel in winter, Sennen Cove is well worth a visit on your holiday to Cornwall. A small cluster of houses and shops make up the fishing village, which is popular among surfers. If you’re looking for somewhere to sample the area’s fresh fish, be sure to visit Ben Tunnicliffe.
Classically trained chef Ben Tunnicliffe opened the restaurant in 2015 after a series of successful ventures in Cornwall. Ben worked with the Scarlett Hotel in Mawgan Porth as Head Chef until 2012 and subsequently took over the Tolcarne Inn in Newlyn. We caught up with the team to find out what makes Sennen so special:
“Driving down the steep hill, you are suddenly presented by the most magnificent and sublime view. For a moment looking out to the ocean with its beautiful blue water, you could be forgiven for mistaking it for somewhere exotic, but this is the Atlantic in all its glory. The traditional Cornish fishing village is unmistakable nestled into the cove.”
As for its menu? Well, you’ll be spoiled for choice. But we asked the team for its top choices:
- Pizza – Freshly baked pizza cooked to perfection. A light, crisp base with toppings of your choice, whether you love seafood, meat, vegetables or to keep it simple with tomato sauce and cheese. Full of taste.
- Fish and chips – Full of great flavours, an ultimate British favourite – golden beer battered haddock, hand cut chips and homemade tartare sauce. Well worth a go.
- Specials menu – Making the most of our coastal location, the specials menu sees a variety of the best quality fish and seafood. There’s always something new to try.
- Crab ciabatta, rocket basil and mayonnaise – Bursting with zesty flavours, delicate crab offset by freshness, this sandwich is anything but ordinary.
Coombe Barton Inn, Crackington Haven
Backed by towering cliffs in Crackington Haven, The Coombe Barton Inn is a cosy pub and restaurant. In the winter, the dramatic rock formations and crashing waves make this eatery the perfect spot to hunker down. As well as a fantastic selection of local ales and ciders, the pub has an extensive menu featuring dishes such as grilled rump of English Rose veal with peppercorn sauce and braised brisket of beef in broth.
The Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick
Overlooking Porthcurnick Beach near Portscatho on Cornwall’s spectacular Roseland Peninsula, The Hidden Hut is one of the region’s worst kept secrets. The small, unassuming café has big ideas when it comes to dining. During the day the hut serves traditional beachside snacks and lunches including Cornish ice cream, freshly baked cakes and delicious pasties. By night, however, the café transforms into one of the best coastal restaurants in the region. On selected evenings, The Hidden Hut hosts rustic open-air feast nights, welcoming guests to enjoy lobster, slow-roasted spring lamb, wood-fired seafood paella and many more delectable creations. Simply bring your own plate and a bottle of wine, beer or cider, and enjoy the evening.
Pandora Inn, Falmouth
itting out on the pontoon at Falmouth’s Pandora Inn is an experience everyone should enjoy at least once. The pretty thatched pub overlooks Restronguet Creek, offering guests the chance to either dine inside its cosy restaurant on cold winter days, or to sit out by the water in the sunshine. Unlike many pubs, The Pandora Inn’s main menu is served all day from 12pm to 9.30pm. Its impressive menu offers British fare with a Pandora twist, a selection of local ales, ciders and wines and an extensive list of Cornish gin from the likes of Tarquin’s and Trevethan.
Sandbar, Praa Sands
There are few places in Cornwall where you can enjoy a pint and a meal while watching surfers ride the waves right in front of you. Sandbar in, or rather on, Praa Sands, is one such place. Its traditional yet tasty menu of British classics features the likes of beer battered cod, steaks and gourmet burgers. Wash it down with a local ale or cider, or choose from the extensive wine list.
Boscastle Farm Shop
Although it’s not strictly a restaurant, we couldn’t leave Boscastle Farm Shop off the list. Surrounded by National Trust farmland just 50 yards from the coast path to Boscastle, you’d be a fool to miss out on lunch or at least a homemade cake on your holiday to Cornwall. Along with a selection of fresh drinks and coffees, the farm shop café serves Camel Valley wine and cider from Cornish Orchards. Stop by for a hearty breakfast or light lunch overlooking the fields and sea beyond.
The Port William Inn, Trebarwith Strand
Perhaps one of the most dramatic views in Cornwall can be found at Trebarwith Strand, just two miles south of Tintagel. Towering cliffs give way to a beautiful sandy beach and smooth slabs of rock at low tide, which can all be admired from the comfort of The Port William Inn. On a stormy day, take shelter in the sea-facing booths, or take advantage of the sunshine on one of the cliff-top tables outside. The menu features delicious seafood dishes such as fresh local mussels and lobster burgers, as well as pub classics.
Maharajah Restaurant, Newquay
If you’re looking for something different to the usual fish and chips or gourmet burger, pay a visit to Maharajah Restaurant for some exceptional Indian food. The eatery can be found on a clifftop with panoramic views over the coast and is the only restaurant of its kind in the UK. Maharajah Restaurant serves traditional dishes from all over India, including classic recipes and signature dishes.
On your next visit to one of our Cornwall holiday parks, be sure to try one of these fantastic independent eateries. Whether you’re enjoying lunch on the beach or a feast on a clifftop, we’re sure you’ll love exploring some of the region’s finest cuisine.
Image Credit: David Bleasdale, The Ship Inn, Lusty Glaze; 16801915@N06, atoach (flickr.com)
