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Two cooked crabs on a serving board with wedges of lime and pepper.

Discover these wonderful places to eat in North Cornwall; think scenic views, coastal air and of course delicious food!

North Cornwall has miles of golden sands and crystal blue waters. Along this idyllic stretch you’ll find plenty of mouth-watering places to eat, along with refreshing watering holes.

From fresh seafood by the harbour, to homecooked pub grub with a view, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at our top 5 best restaurants in North Cornwall.

Read on to discover the best places to eat in North Cornwall…

A bowl of mussels with a lemon wedge on top.


1. The Waterfront

Just across the road from Polzeath Beach is The Waterfront. This wonderful restaurant and takeaway is a casual and family-friendly beachside establishment.

The Waterfront is one of our favourite North Cornwall restaurants for its variety of menu items. You can grab a delicious cooked breakfast to set you up for a day of surfing. Stop for a quick bite at lunch and tuck into one of their sandwiches, or choose to enjoy the evening sunset at dinner.

Or, simply order from their takeaway menu and enjoy food at your Polzeath holiday cottage!

2. The Oystercatcher

The Oystercatcher is a 5-minute walk up the hill from the beautiful Polzeath Beach. With a cracking view of the coast from the outdoor terrace, this popular pub is perfect for après-surf drinks and food.

Expect to find classic pub favourites along with Cornish fish, chips and mussels.

St Austell Brewery manages the pub and it’s popular with both locals and holidaymakers. There’s a large free car park, sports TV and a pool table. And dogs and sandy boots are welcome too!

3. Ruby Tuesday’s Café

This lovely little café sits on the hilltop between Port Isaac and Port Gaverne.

Ruby Tuesday’s is run by friendly mother and son team Ann and Harry. Together they whip up excellent breakfasts, barista coffees, cream teas, home-made cakes and delicious light lunches.

Relax at a table with the newspapers provided, or perch at the window bar and watch the hustle and bustle of Port Isaac through large picture windows. It’s also very reasonably priced!

4. Caffé Rojano by Paul Ainsworth

Certainly one of the best restaurants in North Cornwall, Caffé Rojano sits just a few steps away from Padstow Harbour.

Serving seasonal plates and rustic Napoletana-style pizzas, it offers a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.

The menus cater to any dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan, as well as offering a children’s menu too.

Rojano’s finds top quality Cornish and British ingredients as well as the best Italian produce.

With excellent, professional service, this restaurant has become very popular so it’s worth booking ahead to avoid disappointment. It’s open daily from 12 to 9:30pm. 

5. Port Gaverne Restaurant & Hotel

Port Gaverne Restaurant & Hotel proudly has AA 5 star status and 2 Rosettes. This 17th century inn sits nestled in a secluded cove near Port Isaac on the coast.

The bar has traditional slate floors and wooden beams line the ceilings and walls for added autheniticity. 

There’s a feast of local seafood on the menu, with ultra-fresh and locally sourced produce. 

Cosy, intimate dining rooms that lead from one into another are quirkily adorned with sea-themed decorations, adding to the characterful, historic atmosphere.

It’s excellent quality and value for money too.


Why not head to one of these fabulous North Cornwall restaurants after a refreshing walk? Pick from a range of walks in North Cornwall from our handy guide.

Discover heaps of hidden locations along North Cornwall’s coast too by reading our guide on secret coves in North Cornwall.

Book your next break with John Bray Cornish Holidays and experience our top 5 best restaurants in North Cornwall for yourself!