7 Beach Cafes in South Cornwall | places to eat

Seaside restaurants and cafes in South Cornwall

There are so many adventures to be had along the Cornish coastal paths. From the rugged splendor of the North Coast, with its shimmering swells and tall chimneys, to the milder climes of the South and its golden estuaries, harbors and shores… Cornwall has a path for everyone. What better place to relax, refuel and refresh than a coastal cafe. Here are ten of our favorite seaside restaurants in Cornwall.

1. The Hidden Shack, near Portscatho, Roseland Peninsula

Smuggled to the beautiful Roseland Peninsula, The Hidden Hut is a hungry walker’s delight. Serving a selection of freshly prepared lunches, its friendly staff will also be happy to prepare your snacks to take away if you fancy a picnic on the beach. Only local producers and ingredients are on the menu and all hot dishes are cooked on the café’s outdoor stove or leavened in the baker’s oven… no fryers here! Soups, stews, chowders, chillies and spicy dhals are all favorites, while grilled meats and summer salads are popular during peak season. Herbs and vegetables are picked fresh from the coffee plot, grilled mackerel caught in local waters and beef steaks from the Cape herd. Lighter bites include warm toast and seasonal dips (try the homemade hummus), steak patties and handmade sausage rolls straight from the oven.

2. Rock Pool Cafe, Mousehole

This delicate cafe located above the pool of the sea offers many sumptuous options. Its cake menu is of patisserie proportions, traditional cream teas are a roaring trade, while breakfasts and lunches are fresh and tasty. The glistening canal views are a dreamy canvas for a lazy summer day, perfect for a Rock Pool cocktail or two. The cafe is also available for hire for special occasions. The coastal village of Mousehole is a few miles west of Penzance and is famous for its fishing heritage, once Mounts Bay’s main fishing port.

3. Kynance Cafe, Lizard Peninsula

Not far from the southern tip of Cornwall, on a blue sky day, there is nothing more beautiful than Kynance Cove. Sheltered by grassy cliffs and beautiful serpentine rocks, the white sands, turquoise waters and sea caves could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean were it not for the Cornish cattle grazing on the sloping grasslands and the crabs chasing sand locusts along of the coastline. More recently, the cove has made headlines as one of the locations used during the filming of the BBC One drama Poldark, which is part of Ross Poldark’s Nampara estate. Walkers, beach lovers and wild swimmers exploring this exquisite coastal corner will stumble upon Kynance Café – an ever-popular seaside restaurant with a menu filled with hearty options. The café is dedicated to its sustainable philosophy, composting its food waste and generating its electricity from its solar tiles.

4. She sells, Mevagissey

With its narrow, winding streets and picturesque harbour, Mevagissey is a characterful fishing port on the heritage coast of Roseland. She Sells Cafe adjoins a quirky store decorated with tasteful gifts, cards and trinkets. On the menu you will find crepes, cakes, galettes, bagels and Treleaven ice cream (considered by many to be the most luxurious in Cornwall). Coffee connoisseurs will love this waterfront venue, She Sell’s ‘Coffee Corner’ club, an instant hit with blending and roasting enthusiasts.

5. Talland Bay Beach Cafe

Between the gruff but majestic headlands of Lantic Bay and the bustling maritime town of Looe lie the shingle shores of Talland Bay. Here walkers and sea swimmers can enjoy some of the finest views along the south east Cornish coast as they explore the tracks and trails that skirt this precious stretch. Meanwhile, at the beach cafe…freshly brewed cappuccinos, lattes and espressos are on hand, along with a freshly baked muffin or a slice from the griddle. Satisfy your lunchtime hunger with a freshly made-to-order sandwich or ciabatta, and if the sun is out, treat yourself to Roskillys Cornish ice cream.

6. Muddy Beach Cafe, Penryn

Penryn’s Jubilee Wharf is the location of Muddy Beach Café, a family business with roots dating back to the town’s first fish and chip shop. With its sleek Scandi design and shabby chic tones, you can’t help but feel right at home gazing out to the shoreline through the picture windows – one of West Cornwall’s most enchanting views. Dogs are welcome here too, indeed there is a dedicated dog area where dog walkers can relax in the sun after their walks by the river. The name “Muddy Beach” comes from a local nickname for the shore in front of the cafe, a quiet spot for waders. Delicious cuisine and a well-traveled wine list prove an irresistible combination, whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read your book or a table for lunch for the whole family, the staff at Muddy Beach has you covered. .

7. Café Mylor, near Falmouth

Located on the sparkling waters of Mylor Marina, Café Mylor is a popular sailor’s haunt with a menu suitable for the Captain’s Table. Barista coffees, cooked-to-order breakfasts, an extensive lunch menu, daily specials and afternoon snacks are an integral part of the Café Mylor experience. Another Cornish-flagged restaurant, guests arrive by land and water for a table on the terrace and stunning views of the sparkling harbor and Carrick Road estuary. Dog walkers are welcome here, the ideal stopover along or ending with a myriad of circular walks that wind between creeks and creeks. Flushing Beach is a short walk from the headland, admiring the panoramic views from Trefusis Point and taking the ferry to Falmouth if you wish.