A Guide to Cornwall’s Best Seafood Restaurants in 2025

Cornwall is the ultimate destination for seafood lovers. With over 400 miles of coastline, the county is blessed with an abundance of fresh fish and shellfish, making it home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the UK. Whether you’re craving fine dining with a harbour view, a rustic beachside feast, or a laid-back seafood bar, Cornwall has it all.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked the 10 best seafood restaurants in Cornwall for 2025, ensuring that wherever you go, you’ll experience unforgettable flavours straight from the ocean.

1. The Fish House, Fistral – Newquay

📍 Location: Fistral Beach, Newquay
🌐 Website: thefishhousefistral.com
🍽️ Best for: Beachside seafood with a view

Set against the backdrop of Newquay’s famous Fistral Beach, The Fish House is an award-winning restaurant run by Paul Harwood, a chef with years of experience at Rick Stein’s restaurants.

🔥 Why You Should Go:
✅ Stunning ocean views with a relaxed atmosphere
✅ Locally sourced fish and shellfish straight from the harbour
✅ A top-rated spot for both casual lunches and romantic dinners

2. Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant – Padstow

📍 Location: Riverside, Padstow
🌐 Website: rickstein.com
🍽️ Best for: The ultimate Cornish seafood experience

Since 1975, Rick Stein’s flagship Seafood Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Cornwall’s dining scene. Located in Padstow, this iconic eatery is a pilgrimage site for seafood lovers.

🔥 Why You Should Go:
✅ One of the UK’s most famous seafood restaurants
✅ Expertly cooked locally sourced seafood
✅ Extensive wine list paired perfectly with fresh fish

3. The Mariners – Rock

📍 Location: Rock, near Padstow
🌐 Website: paul-ainsworth.co.uk
🍽️ Best for: Gastropub seafood with a twist

Owned by celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth, The Mariners is a beautifully restored gastropub overlooking the Camel Estuary.

🔥 Why You Should Go:
✅ Laid-back pub atmosphere with fine-dining quality food
✅ Stunning views across the estuary
✅ A great selection of local beers and ciders

4. Prawn on the Lawn – Padstow

📍 Location: Duke Street, Padstow
🌐 Website: prawnonthelawn.com
🍽️ Best for: Fresh seafood with creative small plates

This intimate seafood restaurant and fishmonger serves up some of the freshest and most innovative seafood dishes in Cornwall.

🔥 Why You Should Go:
✅ Daily-changing menu depending on the fresh catch
✅ Small-plate dining experience perfect for sharing
✅ Lively and intimate atmosphere

5. Kota – Porthleven

📍 Location: Harbour Head, Porthleven
🌐 Website: kotarestaurant.co.uk
🍽️ Best for: Asian-inspired seafood dishes

Kota, meaning “shellfish” in Māori, is run by Michelin-awarded chef Jude Kereama. This restaurant is known for its fusion of Cornish seafood and Asian flavours.

🔥 Why You Should Go:
✅ A Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant
✅ Fusion of Cornish ingredients with Asian techniques
✅ Beautiful harbour views in Porthleven

6. The Hidden Hut – Porthcurnick Beach

📍 Location: Porthcurnick Beach, Roseland Peninsula
🌐 Website: hiddenhut.co.uk
🍽️ Best for: Rustic, outdoor seafood feasts

Tucked away on Porthcurnick Beach, The Hidden Hut offers one of the most unique dining experiences in Cornwall. There are no tables or waiters—just simple, high-quality seafood cooked over an open fire and served on the beach.

🔥 Why You Should Go:
✅ Completely unique beachside dining experience
✅ Famous Feast Nights where guests gather to eat around open fires
✅ Locally sourced ingredients cooked fresh over wood fires

7. The Harbour Fish and Grill – Newquay

📍 Location: North Quay Hill, Newquay
🌐 Website: theharbourfishandgrill.com
🍽️ Best for: Elevated seafood dining with stunning sea views

Perched on Newquay’s picturesque harbour, The Harbour Fish and Grill is one of Cornwall’s best-kept seafood secrets. Offering exceptional seafood with a fine-dining twist, this restaurant boasts breathtaking sea views, a locally inspired menu, and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere.

Run by chef Aaron Janes, The Harbour Fish and Grill focuses on fresh, sustainable seafood, expertly prepared with creative flair. Whether you’re indulging in a decadent lobster dish, tucking into grilled fish straight from the harbour, or sharing a seafood platter, you’ll be treated to some of the best seafood in Cornwall.

🔥 Why You Should Go:
✅ Spectacular Sea Views: Situated on Newquay’s North Quay Hill, this restaurant offers unrivalled views over the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re dining inside or out on the terrace, the setting is truly breathtaking.
✅ Locally Sourced, Sustainable Seafood: The Harbour Fish and Grill works closely with local fishermen to ensure all seafood is fresh and sustainably caught.
✅ Fine-Dining Quality Without the Stiff Atmosphere: While the food is Michelin-level quality, the restaurant itself remains relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for all occasions.
✅ Unique & Creative Seafood Dishes: While classic Cornish seafood is celebrated here, expect bold, creative twists that elevate each dish to fine-dining excellence.
✅ Ideal for Romantic Dinners or Special Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a memorable seafood experience, this is the perfect setting.

8. The Sardine Factory – Looe

📍 Location: Quay Road, Looe
🌐 Website: thesardinefactorylooe.com
🍽️ Best for: Modern seafood with a view

Located in the heart of Looe Harbour, The Sardine Factory is a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant that has gained a reputation for its contemporary take on Cornish seafood. With a focus on sustainable fishing and seasonal ingredients, this restaurant offers an exciting menu full of creative, flavour-packed seafood dishes.

The restaurant’s minimalist and stylish interior provides a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Looe Harbour, giving you the perfect backdrop to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re after a quick seafood lunch or a long, indulgent dinner, The Sardine Factory delivers a memorable dining experience.

9. The Shack – Falmouth

📍 Location: Events Square, Falmouth
🌐 Website: sardinefactorylooe.com
🍽️ Best for: Fresh shellfish and relaxed dining

Located in Falmouth’s bustling Events Square, The Shack is a relaxed and welcoming seafood spot that focuses on fresh shellfish, hearty seafood platters, and simple, honest cooking.

🔥 Why You Should Go:
✅ Great casual seafood spot with fantastic service
✅ Large portions of incredibly fresh shellfish
✅ Ideal for a seafood feast with friends and family

10. Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar – Newlyn

📍 Location: New Road, Newlyn
🌐 Website: sardinefactorylooe.com
🍽️ Best for: No-fuss, fresh seafood in a relaxed setting

Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar in Newlyn is one of Cornwall’s most beloved seafood spots, known for its small-plate dining, fresh fish, and unpretentious atmosphere. There’s no reservations, so expect to queue, but trust us—it’s worth the wait.

🔥 Why You Should Go:
✅ Some of the freshest seafood in Cornwall
✅ Great variety of small plates, ideal for sharing
✅ No-fuss, relaxed dining with an emphasis on great ingredients

Final Thoughts

ornwall’s seafood scene in 2025 is thriving, offering everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to rustic beachside feasts. Whether you’re cracking into freshly caught crab, indulging in chargrilled lobster, or tucking into a hearty seafood platter, every meal here is a celebration of the ocean’s finest flavours.

These 10 incredible restaurants are just a taste of what Cornwall has to offer, but with so many amazing seafood spots scattered along the coast, we know there are plenty more gems out there.

Now it’s over to you! Have we missed your favourite seafood spot? Do you swear by a hidden harbourside gem or know of a beach shack serving the best fish and chips? We’d love to hear from you – drop your recommendations in the comments and share your top seafood dining experiences in Cornwall!