Kate A
09 December 2019
Celebrated for its beautiful harbour, rich maritime history and old Kernow culture, Falmouth is making a splash as a key food destination on Cornwall’s culinary map. One of the region’s most creative and cosmopolitan destinations, there is a wonderful profusion of cafes, restaurants and gastropubs in the town, attracting hordes of visitors to its cobbled streets every year.
Unsurprisingly, Falmouth has a superb range of seafood restaurants, many of which serve the native Falmouth oyster. You’ll find everything here, from freshly caught prawns, scallops and mussels to pick-your-own spider crabs and lobsters.
Don’t worry if fish isn’t for you though, you’ll also find an abundance of niche eateries serving everything from Caribbean to South African, mixing exotic flavours with fresh, local produce. And many of them have brilliant vegan and vegetarian menus – so everyone is well-catered for.
If you fancy heading to Cornwall’s hippest seaside town, read on to discover some of the best places to eat in Falmouth. And if you need somewhere to stay, we’ve got a great selection of holiday cottages in Falmouth too, perfect to enjoy the culinary wonders of this pretty portside town.
Laid-back meals with sea views
Price: £££
Why not try? Market fish fritti with gherkins, aioli and duck salt chips.
The Star and Garter credit: Instagram @starandgarterfalmouth
Commanding some of the best views across Falmouth Harbour towards the Roseland Peninsular, this easy-going gastropub has won a slew of awards for its modern British cooking. Fish comes directly from the boat, and the meat from the farm, butchered, cured and smoked by the owners. This is easily the best eatery in Falmouth if you’re looking for something relaxed.
On Mondays, there’s a special American-style menu featuring smoked beef brisket, fried sardines and duck salt chips, complemented by live music from local bands. But it’s the Sunday lunches that have made the pub’s reputation. If you’re looking for the best Sunday roast in Falmouth, take a seat by the roaring fireplace and tuck into moorland-aged rump of beef, a luscious leg of lamb or some proper roast pork with the best crackling you can imagine, served with all the trimmings including crispy duck fat roasties, monster Yorkies, silky gravy and a selection of local, seasonal veg.
Rustic pizzas, pies and West Country ciders
Price: £
Why not try? The Longhorn Jim pizza: marinated Longhorn ground beef, chorizo, field mushrooms, mozzarella and red onion topped with pulled ham hock.
The Falmouth Stable credit: Instagram @thefalmouthstable
A cosy hangout for lunch or dinner with a crackling fire downstairs in the winter, this relaxed West Country-via-Italy diner serves the best pizza and pies around. Replacing beer with cider as the ultimate soulmate to pizza, there is a choice of over 50 varieties on offer, only from the West Country. The best way to sample them is by ordering one of their cider tasting boards where you can try five different styles.
The hardest part of this rustic dining experience is choosing what to order from the creative menu. With fresh sourdough bases, homemade tomato sauce and heaps of delicious toppings, the pizzas are simply mouthwatering with such creations as The Blazing Saddle, Sriracha State of Mind, and The Mignonette featuring hot smoked salmon, tender stem broccoli and a free-range egg. There is also a separate vegan menu.
Fresh off-the-boat seafood
Price: £££
Why not try? Brown Crab, Spider Crab or sweet little Velvets, steamed and served whole with garlic or lemon butter.
A huge hit with locals and known far and wide, this characterful seafood bistro is the place to go if you want the freshest fish in town. Booking here is essential, at least a month ahead as it is so popular and there are only a handful of tables. The menu is always a surprise on the night – the owner meets the fisherman off his boat literally outside the door and whatever he’s caught, is what you’ll get!
Lobsters and crabs are up on a board listed by weight and crossed out when they’re gone. You’ll also find prawns, mussels, scallops and Falmouth native oysters, all served with a choice of chive butter, sourdough bread and oil, skinny fries, salad, and either a house red or white wine – not forgetting rolls of paper towel to soak up the delicious shellfish juices!
Epic hot chocolates on the beach
Price: £
Why not try? A Gylly Burger: duchy steak burger, Cornish brie, primrose herd bacon, truffle mayonnaise, red onion jam, gem lettuce, vine tomato, toasted brioche bun and super crunch chips.
Gylly Beach Cafe credit: Instagram @gyllybeachcafe
Sat on Falmouth's famous Gyllyngvase Beach and overlooked by the imposing Pendennis Castle, this award-winning café is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Falmouth. Serving breakfast, lunches and evening meals, its versatile menu utilises the best in Cornish ingredients. Watch the early morning waves roll in as you tuck into eggs royale, warm yourselves up with a hearty bowl of duck bolognese for lunch, or watch the sun set over the ocean as you indulge in delicious Roseland roasted partridge.
Freshly baked artisan bread is supplied from the Bakery on the Beach next door, with the likes of olive-laced focaccia and organic sourdough gracing the menu. And after an exhilarating day in the surf, you cannot beat a sticky slice of homemade cake and one of their ultimate hot chocolates served with a mountain of whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles.
Traditional fish ‘n’ chip suppers
Price: ££
Why not try? The Fizz & Chips special featuring cod and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce, and a glass of prosecco.
Rick Stein's Fish credit: Instagram @ricksteinrestaurants
You can’t visit the seaside without having a salt and vinegary portion of fish and chips, and this family-friendly restaurant and takeaway is one of Falmouth’s most popular food destinations. This isn’t your everyday chippy, mind you. Alongside an extensive menu of fish and chips where you can choose between lemon sole, haddock, hake or cod, you’ll also see battered oysters, Thai fish cakes and deep-fried squid.
Whether you choose to sit in at the restaurant or take advantage of the takeaway option, you’re sure to have a memorable meal. If you choose to dine in, look out for the Amritsari fish starter originating from the Punjab region of India, and deep-fried sea bream in a chickpea batter, sprinkled with masala spices for a summer treat.
A fine-dining favourite
Price: ££££
Why not try? Fillet steak with sweet onions, cheddar mushroom and Madeira sauce.
The Cove credit: Instagram @the_cove_maenporth_beach
For an elite dining experience with an award-winning menu, impeccable service and breathtaking views of Maenporth Beach, look no further than this Falmouth fine dining restaurant. Just a 10-minute drive from town, the menu is full of seasonal delights and local fare. On warm summer days, soak up the sunshine on the beach before heading over to the restaurant to dine alfresco on the elevated terrace.
From four-course dinners to tapas at the bar, you’re sure to be wowed by the dishes on offer, with a separate vegan menu and one for the kids too. Look forward to the likes of hake with chorizo, sour apple and saffron, or sesame tofu with miso greens, sticky rice, and nori and pineapple salsa.
Flavours of the Caribbean
Price: £££
Why not try? Jamaican jerk chicken, served with coconut steamed rice, fried plantain and pineapple chutney.
Cribbs credit: Instagram @cribbsrestaurant
With a menu packed full of traditional Caribbean favourites, Cribbs transports you from the beautiful beaches of Falmouth to the tropical Caribbean Isles without leaving the restaurant. Indulge in a fruity cocktail or a fine rum from the bar, and watch the chefs create culinary masterpieces in the open-fronted kitchen. Fun, vibrant décor creates an informal atmosphere and all the dishes are created with true Caribbean soul.
Whether you’re after a traditional Caribbean lamb curry, Jamaican ackee and saltfish, or pineapple and coconut janga, your taste buds are sure to be tingling here. There are also plenty of delicious dishes on the vegan and vegetarian menu including jerk n’ mash, giant couscous risotto and ackee and veggie tart.
Stay in Falmouth
By The Brook | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Have we whetted your appetite with these top places to eat in Falmouth? If so, have a browse of our cottages in Falmouth and find yourself a cosy place to put your feet up and relax after indulging in some of the town’s best foodie hotspots. Perfectly placed to be able to enjoy all the great attractions, beaches and sights that this vibrant Cornish town offers, our Falmouth cottages are a perfect choice for a holiday in Cornwall.
For more Falmouth inspiration, have a read of our ‘local’s guide to Falmouth’, or if you’d like some top tips for a fun day out, browse our ‘top things to do in Falmouth’ blog.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.