Food & Drink

Porthmeor Beach Cafe, St Ives

In front of Tate St Ives and overlooking one of the finest beaches in the region, this cool and buzzy cafe is linked to the surf school next door. Open for alfresco breakfast, lunch and dinner, including good value tapas, it also serves excellent Cornish-roasted Origin coffee.

Polgoon Vineyard Tours, Penzance

Polgoon is dedicated to producing a range of artisan Cornish wines, ciders and juices on the family-run vineyard and orchard in Penzance, Cornwall. You can visit Polgoon for a tour and tasting throughout the year and you can buy the wines and local ciders and juices in the shop.

Fat Hen Wild Cookery School, St Buryan

If foraging for your supper is your thing, former ecological consultant Caroline Davey runs one of the best courses in the UK. As well as supplying local restaurants and pubs with seasonal wild food, she runs a number of courses, including gourmet wild food weekends, bread making and seaweed foraging and cooking.

Trelawney Fish & Deli, Newlyn

Just 500 metres from the quayside in the bustling fishing port of Newlyn, Trelawney Fish supplies that day’s catch to local restaurants and pubs but it also has a shop and deli selling the freshest fish and seafood. Ask them nicely and they will even pack up a 'cool box' for your onward journey.

Camel Valley Vineyard, Nanstallon

In the sheltered middle valley of the river Camel, good soils and reliable sun produce international award-winning still and sparkling wines. Camel Valley Vineyard offers daily tours (in season) around the vineyard plus a comprehensive range of wines to taste and purchase.

Potager Garden Cafe, Constantine

Potager has emerged from the bramble choked wilderness of an abandoned plant nursery and is now a relaxing and beautiful haven to rest a while, learning, eating, meeting friends or just relaxing. The super café is in a converted greenhouse and serves delicious homemade cakes, great veggie breakfasts and wholesome lunches made to order. Arts and Crafts studios and regular workshops.

Gylly Beach Cafe & Bakery, Falmouth

A unique and stylish family-run cafe with adjoining bakery smack on Falmouth's famous Gyllyngvase Beach with stunning views towards the Lizard peninsula. Open for decent breakfasts, an interesting all-day/evening menu offering the likes of hake cassoulet and and fish and chips, freshly prepared using local produce.

Rockpool Cafe, Mousehole

In Mousehole, strolling round the pretty harbour and in need of a reviving cuppa, then seek out this cool little cafe perched on the rocks above the sea pool. Enjoy great coffee and cake, lunchtime sandwiches and afternoon tea and scones on the rustic terrace, soaking up the fabulous sea views.

Olive & Co Cafe, Siblyback Lake

Independent cafe with a focus on quality, serving delicious homemade food and artisan tea and coffee in beautiful surroundings overlooking Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor. Bag a lakeside table and tuck into eggs on sourdough toast for breakfast and imaginatively filled galletes or bacon sandwiches at lunchtime.

The Allotment Deli, St Ives

Enterprising small deli in the heart of St Ives that supports local brands and sources Cornish produce, stocking award winning salamis, cheeses, olives, Cornish pies, Vicki's locally baked bread and fish from Matthew Stevens. The deli counter also offers delicious homemade savouries and cakes, alongside freshly made sandwiches, salads and tarts.

Boscastle Farm Shop & Cafe

Set on a National Trust and just yards from the coast path, this excellent farm shop and cafe enjoys stunning views out to sea and across rolling farmland. You'll find home-reared beef, lamb and pork, fresh home-grown produce, Boscastle caught lobster, artisan breads, pies and pasties, cakes and treats (made in the coastal kitchen) and speciality foods from local producers in the deli and on the menu in the cafe.

The Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick Beach

Tucked away along the coast path overlooking Porthcurnick Beach near Portscatho, the Hidden Hut certainly lives up to its name and it's a very special spot to enjoy freshly cooked food out in the sea air. Find it for big beach salads and grilled seafood in the summer and hearty soups, chowders and spiced dhals during the spring and autumn. Don't miss the summer evening open-air feast nights - lobster and chips or seafood paella anyone...!

Lobbs Farm Shop & Deli, Heligan

Three farming brothers each own a farm and supply the Lobb family farm shop with home-reared beef, lamb and pork, and a great range of fresh vegetables, from cauliflower, kale and red cabbage to beetroot and spinach. You can also buy bread and cakes, soft drinks, local wines and beers, local preserves, smoked fish and frozen goods (including their own pies and homemade dishes).

Woods Cafe, Cardinham

Family run independent cafe in the middle of the beautiful Cardinham Woods near Bodmin - the perfect pitstop following a magical woodland walk. They are passionate about serving delicious, homemade food using fresh and local ingredients. Expect freshly-baked scones and cakes, served with Tregothnan tea, decent sandwiches and hearty winter stews.

Porthgwidden Cafe

Relaxed cafe tucked beneath the steep grassy slopes of St Ives “Island”, right on the beach with fabulous uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay. Specialises in Mediterranean and Asian seafood cuisine.

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery & Cafe, Lostwithiel

Well worth the short detour off the A30, this fabulous nursery, stylish gift emporium and super cafe is set in a former slate quarry and enjoys views over the Fowey Valley to Restormel Castle. Meander through tumbling flowers to locate the cafe, a cosy haven replete with wood burning stove, the daily papers and a glorious summer terrace. Refuel on homemade soups and bread, fresh salads, hearty burgers, and don't miss the proper Cornish afternoon teas.

Rick Stein's Cafe, Padstow

The most relaxed of Rick Stein's restaurants in Padstow is a casual cafe-with-rooms decked out with a nautical theme. The family-friendly eatery is open all day, so call in for breakfast, peruse the papers over a great cappuccino, or arrive early for simple lunches and dinners prepared from fish landed on the quay and locally sourced ingredients.

St Austell Brewery Tours, St Austell

The Brewhouse Tour will give you an insight into the brewing process and how the St Austell beers go from grain to glass. Starting the tour with a welcome drink at the Small Batch Bar, you will then be talked through the timeline of St Austell Brewery over the last 168 years and then be taken up to the very top of the active Victorian Brewhouse, from there you will follow the brewing process and the journey of our beer!

Southwestern Distillery (Tarquin's Gin), St Ervan

Hear about the inspiring story of how Tarquin's Gin began in 2012; learn about the unique botanicals they use and the particular characteristics they each bring to the mix, and the special processes behind the production of the gin; and be introduced to the 'Copper Ladies' - Tamara, Senara, Ferrara and Tressa. Enjoy a delicious tasting flight through the core gin range, then book a Distilling Masterclass at their Gin School in Padstow.

Bosavern Community Farm, St Just

On the road between St Just and Land’s End, this community farm shop sells an impressive range of fresh vegetables grown in the surrounding fields, as well as local honey, jams, chutneys and fresh bread on Fridays.

Penlee House Gallery & Cafe, Penzance

The only Cornish public gallery specialising in work from the Newlyn School artists (1880-1940), the delightful Penlee House is set amongst beautiful gardens of Penlee Park. Visit the lovely Orangery cafe (& terrace) for fish pie, Newlyn crab sandwiches and home-baked cakes for afternoon tea.

Courtyard Deli & Kitchen, Falmouth

Gem of a deli-cum-diner tucked away up an alleyway off Falmouth's High Street offering top quality cheeses, charcuterie, oils, spices and vinegars alongside homemade tarts, salads and quiches from the deli counter. Good breakfasts and vegetarian/vegan options too.

Pilchards Cafe, Port Gaverne

Laid-back sister eatery to the Port Gaverne Hotel next door and the Stargazy Inn up the hill in Port Isaac. At high tide, the sea is only a few yards away from the tables on the front decking - it's the perfect spot to while away a summer's afternoon but do get here early to bag a table. All-day menu features the likes of mussels, local crab on toast, Port Gaverne lobster and lemon sole with clams and samphire.

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Last updated: 19/02/21

Photo credit: Unsplash