With such a wide variety of charming pubs, restaurants, cafes, bistros and so much more, it’s no wonder that Cornwall is the number one spot for holidays in the country. All year round visitors flock in their thousands to get a taste of the county, but it’s fair to say that the place really comes alive in the Summer months, when the heat is beating down and the days are long. And seeing as the Summer Solstice has just passed, we thought we’d kick off the Summer by discovering ten of the best beach bars and restaurants in Cornwall, you’re welcome!
The Mussel Shoals, Porthleven
Fresh seafood, fantastic drinks, harbourside views, and funky music, The Mussel Shoals on Porthleven harbourside has everything you need for a lively evening on the Cornish coast. Operating from a small kiosk in Porthleven, choose to eat at their tables along the harbour, or take away your food and drink to eat on the pontoons, local beaches, or your holiday home!
Serving French bistro-style food, choose from steaming moules-frites, locally caught fish, crab, hake, squid, meat, and veggie options, and much more! If you fancy a drink, then an offer are a range of locally sourced beers and ciders, as well as wines, bubbly and cocktails! Whether you’re visiting alone, as a couple, with friends or family, you’re sure to have a brilliant time at The Mussel Shoals.
The Watering Hole, Perranporth
Known around the county for their incredible live music events that’s attracted the likes of Billy Ocean and Seasick Steve, The Watering Hole is the perfect beach bar, offering a range of drinks and excellent local food. Sit on the outdoor benches with your feet in the sand whilst you enjoy their wide range of locally sourced beers, ciders, cocktails and wines. If you fancy a bite, they serve food from 9am until late, offering breakfasts, wraps, burgers, main courses, light bites and kids food.
And if it’s more than food and drink you’re looking for, make sure to look ahead at The Watering Hole’s calendar of events which features some excellent live music! Including the Bands in the Sands festival, silent discos, tribute acts and much more.
https://www.thewateringhole.co.uk/
The Rockpool Beach Cafe, Gwithian
The Rockpool beach cafe is situated in the Gwithian dunes, just steps from Godrevy beach. The vibe here is friendly and relaxed, buzzing with families, friends, surfers, wild swimmers and salty seadogs. Endorsed by Surfers Against Sewage as ‘Plastic Free Champions’ and in their 250 Members’ Club, The Rockpool are at the forefront of supporting their beautiful outdoor location.
The menu is fresh, flavourful yet unfussy – delicious, flavourful options from small bites to main meals, using only the finest Cornish produce. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are also built into the menu. Events and music occur throughout the year, particularly the summer months, so make sure to check out their news page and follow to find out more. Oh and for the dog walkers, your furry friends are welcome all year round!
https://therockpoolbeachcafe.co.uk/
The Hidden Hut, Portscatho
Tucked away along the South West Coast Path near Portscatho, the Hidden Hut is a quirky and beautiful spot to enjoy freshly cooked and locally sourced food in the Cornish sea air. As well as being highly rated by the likes of Rick Stein and Dawn French, this takeaway on the beach is popular amongst locals for its outdoor kitchen.
In the day, enjoy fresh and seasonal food that includes soups, chowders, salads, grilled seafood, pasties, cakes, ice cream and more! And by night, enjoy open air feasts that are set to return now larger crowds can gather again, bring your own plate and enjoy some stunning, locally sourced food.
Sam’s On The Beach, Polkerris
This once RNLI lifeboat station was built 162 years ago and restored in 2009 – transformed into one of Cornwall’s most attractive beach bistros. Based on the picturesque Polkerris Beach, enjoy a wide choice of incredibly fresh and locally sourced seafood, pasta and artesian pizzas from their custom-built wood burning pizza oven. Combined with fresh fish that is caught daily from their very own fishing boat, visitors here really do have a range of stunning dishes to enjoy.
https://samscornwall.co.uk/on-the-beach/on-the-beach-about/
Surfside Cafe & Bar, Polzeath
Enjoy a vibrant menu of exciting food and tropical drinks as you watch the Camel Estuary meet the Atlantic ocean on the popular surfing beach of Polzeath. Sat literally on the beach, this stunning venue is the perfect spot to relax after a surf or long day in the sun. Open from Easter to October, Surfside are committed to serving fresh food with high quality ingredients from local suppliers, supporting Cornish farmers, fishermen, and other small businesses in the region.
The delicious seafood on offer include oysters, langoustines, fresh crab, mussels, fish and chips and more! And if you’re just stopping by for a drink, why not try their secret rum bar where you can enjoy a wide range of drinks and live music.
https://www.surfsidepolzeath.com/
Wavecrest Cafe, Lizard Point
Sitting on Lizard point, the UK’s most southernly point, Wavecrest Cafe offers panoramic sea views overlooking the rugged coastline of South Cornwall. Situated at the start of the coast path leading to Kynance Cove, Wavecrest offers the perfect place to sit and take in this atmospheric and historic location. Well behaved dogs are welcome, and super-fast broadband available for customer use.
The menu has plenty of choices for you, including fresh seafood, baguettes, salads, pasties and burgers, all made fresh to order using local produce. They also serve cakes, homemade scones and delicious locally made ice cream. To drink is a range of local beers and ciders, Italian coffee, speciality teas, indulgent hot chocolate, Wavecrest milkshakes made with Cornish ice cream, and a wide selection of soft drinks.
https://wavecrestcornwall.co.uk/
The Blue Bar, Porthtowan
Another spot for anyone looking to enjoy a drink with a sea view and sand between their toes, this sun-blushed beach bar in Porthtowan is all you need on a sunny day in Cornwall! Situated on the dunes of Porthtowan beach, The Blue Bar serves food all day and is the perfect place to get together with family and friends. Families should note that it’s a child friendly bar, with healthy kids meals and always plenty of crayons. Dogs are welcome too!
Sit out on their large terrace and enjoy the fresh food on offer, including their famous ‘blue burger’, sharing platters, stone baked pizzas, fresh and local seafood, salads and more! If you don’t fancy eating outdoors, then head inside where you can still enjoy panoramic sea views with your food and drink.
The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay
With two miles of sand, dramatic cliffs and fantastic surf, Watergate Bay is home to The Beach Hut. Boasting stunning views across Watergate Bay from indoor tables and the decked balcony, this spot is all about relaxing in the sun with your food and drink whilst you look out over Watergate Bay. The menu runs from breakfast, through to coffees, lunches, afternoon cakes, and to dinner. Locally caught fish is always on the daily specials board, whilst the rest of the menu is focused around steaks, burgers and shellfish with an emphasis on local, seasonal produce.
Kids have their own menu of dishes that even the fussiest eaters will love and the puddings are original, imaginative and far too tempting. A comprehensive drinks menu is available all day, from lovingly made Origin coffees to the iconic Extreme hot chocolates complete with chocolate discs and marshmallows. If you’re looking for great food with the most jaw-dropping view in Cornwall, head to The Beach Hut at Watergate Bay.
https://www.watergatebay.co.uk/eat/the-beach-hut
Kennack Sands Beach Cafe Helston
Tucked away on Kennack Sands near Helston, this pretty little beach cafe offers food and drink for you to enjoy on their sun-blushed terracing, or to takeaway and enjoy on the picturesque beach and fields nearby. Enjoy live music and watch the waves crash beneath your feet whilst you choose from a local selection of beers, ciders, wines and soft drinks. If you’re hungry, then the team at the beach cafe offer food from breakfast through to dinner.
