Local Cuisine & Dining

Savor the flavors of Cornwall with these must-try local dishes and exceptional dining experiences.

Must-Try Local Specialties

Iconic Cornish Dishes

• Cornish Pasty - The official dish of Cornwall, with a protected status (PDO). Must include beef, potato, swede, and onion, with a distinctive crimped edge.
• Cream Tea - A Cornish tradition featuring warm scones, clotted cream (applied first!), strawberry jam, and a pot of tea. Best enjoyed at The Potager Garden near Constantine.
• Stargazy Pie - A unique fish pie with pastry-topped fish heads “gazing at the stars.” Try it at The Ship Inn in Mousehole during the winter months.
• Cornish Yarg - A semi-hard cheese wrapped in nettle leaves, produced at Lynher Dairies. Sample it at Treveador Farm or local cheesemongers.
• Saffron Buns - Sweet, golden buns flavored with saffron, a legacy of Cornwall’s historic trade links. Available at traditional bakeries like The Cornish Bakery.

Seafood Specialties

• Cornish Sardines - Fresh from Newlyn, often served grilled with crusty bread.
• St Ives Bay Lobster - Best enjoyed simply with garlic butter at Porthminster Beach Café.
• Mussels & Oysters - Farmed in the Helford River and served at The Mussel Shoal in Porthleven.
• Hake - A Cornish favorite, often served with samphire and new potatoes.

Exceptional Dining Experiences

Fine Dining

1. Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac

   • Michelin-starred seafood in a 15th-century fisherman’s cottage.
   • Try the: Tasting menu featuring the day’s freshest catch
   • Website

2. The Hidden Hut, Portscatho

   • Beachside café serving seasonal, locally-sourced feasts.
   • Don’t miss: Their famous paella nights (booking essential)
   • Website

Seafood Specialists

3. The Mussel Shoal, Porthleven

   • Award-winning seafood with harbor views.
   • Signature dish: Seafood platter for two
   • Website

4. Porthminster Beach Café, St Ives

   • Stunning beachfront location with modern British cuisine.
   • Try: The seafood linguine with local crab
   • Website

Traditional Pubs & Inns

5. The Gurnard’s Head, Zennor

   • Cozy gastropub with seasonal, locally-sourced menu.
   • Must try: Their Sunday roast with all the trimmings
   • Website

6. The Ship Inn, Mousehole

   • Historic pub famous for its Stargazy Pie and sea views.
   • Website

Bakeries & Cafés

7. The Cornish Bakery (Multiple Locations)

   • Artisan bakery serving authentic Cornish pasties and sweet treats.
   • Website

8. The Cornish Hen, Helston

   • Delightful café serving breakfast, brunch, and afternoon tea.
   • Try their: Homemade cakes and Cornish cream tea
   • Facebook

Foodie Experiences

Food Festivals

• Porthleven Food Festival (April) - A celebration of local produce with cooking demos and live music. More Info
• St Ives Food & Drink Festival (May) - Showcasing the best of Cornish food and drink. More Info
• Falmouth Oyster Festival (October) - Celebrating the start of the oyster dredging season. More Info

Local Producers to Visit

• Trevibban Mill Vineyard - Sample award-winning English wines and spirits. Website
• Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm - Tour the orchards and taste traditional ciders. Website
• Trevaskis Farm Shop - Stock up on local produce and artisanal goods. Website

Tip: Many restaurants in Cornwall source ingredients locally. Don’t hesitate to ask about the origins of your meal!

Remember: In Cornwall, it’s jam first, then cream on your scones!