The famously beautiful Cornish coastline is home to dozens of picturesque seaside towns and villages. Penzance, located on the southern section of Cornwall’s peninsula, is a year-round destination for visitors wanting to explore the rocky shores and sandy beaches of the area, as well as sample another of the area's biggest attractions. Cornish cuisine is built on the bounty of fish and seafood hauled in every day by local fishing boats across the coastline, bringing everything from shellfish to seabass and swordfish.
While seafood is a star attraction, the town’s top restaurants don’t stop there—many serve equally refined dishes from the land. Whether you’re after fine dining or rustic charm, these are the places that define the culinary landscape of this enchanting corner of Cornwall.
The Shore, Penzance
It is hard to find a restaurant in the UK that can compete with the intimacy of The Shore, or match the enthusiasm and personability of its chef-owner, Bruce Rennie. Nestled in a charming stone building, soft neutral tones dominate the interior, complemented by natural wood furnishings and subtle maritime accents that pay homage to the town's heritage. With room enough for only ten covers, guests can expect a very hands-on affair from the chef, whose eye for detail is evident in the beautifully presented seafood dishes, which balance creative flair with wholesome flavour.
The menu at The Shore is a testament to Rennie's commitment to showcasing the finest locally caught bounty of the sea. Standout offerings are the line-caught mackerel and the pan-seared turbot with a velvety cauliflower purée and a drizzle of saffron-infused oil. The dessert menu is equally triumphant, highlighted by a gorgeous lemon posset with a raspberry compote.
Ugly Butterfly, Carbis Bay
A 20-minute drive across the peninsula brings you to Carbis Bay near St Ives, where Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling sits overlooking the coastline with sweeping views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a sunlit terrace. Rooted in a philosophy of sustainability, Handling sources ingredients from the surrounding estate and local producers, crafting a menu that reimagines Cornish seafood with a creative twist.
Distinctive dishes include the famed 'Wastage Snacks' – delicious, small-plate appetisers made from offcuts. Other menu offerings include fresh Cornish crab, Newlyn cod, golden grains with chicken butter, and Yorkshire rhubarb served in a “Waste Wine” reduction. The Ugly Butterfly’s dedication to sustainability is a great example of what’s possible for the daring chefs seeking to experiment with sustainable, local produce.
The Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn
In the adjacent town of Newlyn, the Tolcarne Inn blends rustic maritime charm with traditional Cornish cooking. The building's weathered stone exterior and slate roof are characteristic of many seaside properties that have stood for centuries across the county in defiance of the elements. Inside the inn, the setting is warm and welcoming, with a roaring fireplace and imposing wooden timbers creating a cosy setting, especially during the harsh winter months.
The Tolcarne Inn offers a menu that evolves with every day’s catch, with the fruits of local fishermen’s labours carted straight from the nearby harbour, into the kitchen. Subject to the seasons, menu offerings include pan-fried John Dory, served atop sautéed samphire and drizzled with a light lemon butter sauce, along with Cornish hake with a ragout of local shellfish and finished with a saffron-infused broth. The inn is an ideal dining spot for a fresh, hearty meal that serves up all the staples of Cornwall's bountiful seafood.
Old Coastguard, Mousehole
Nestled in the picturesque village of Mousehole, with its enchanting rock pools and stunning coastline, this former coastguard cottage is now an upscale boutique inn with panoramic views of Mount's Bay. Within, the inn has charming whitewashed walls, immaculate hardwood floors, cosy fireplaces, and walls adorned with the work of local artists offering their take on the area’s stunning seascapes. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, characterised by bay windows with sweeping views of the rocky shoreline below.
The restaurant celebrates the best of Cornwall’s land and sea with signature dishes like roasted Cornish lamb rump served with seasonal vegetables and a rich red wine jus, and grilled fillet of sea bass served alongside a fennel and orange salad. On warm summer evenings, it’s hard to resist the temptation to linger on the sub-tropical garden terrace, watching the sun set over the bay with a glass in hand and a plate of something fresh and local in front of you.
Argoe, Newlyn
Perched on the edge of Newlyn's busy harbour, Argoe’s Scandinavian-inspired wood-panelled shack has received Bib Gourmand recognition from the Michelin guide, reflecting the value and quality of its food. This chic little bistro offers an abundance of fresh seafood dishes to diners throughout the year, having the pick of the day’s catch from its advantageous position at the harbour’s edge.
Char-grilled is the preferred modus operandi for Argoe’s approach to fish and seafood. Whether it is mackerel served with a tangy gooseberry compote, charred sea bream, or an all-out seafood platter, the food at Argoe finds focus in balancing the delicate fresh flavours of Cornwall’s bountiful coastline with the sharp, smokey flavours of the grill. The wine list features a curated selection of biodynamic wines from across the UK, thoughtfully selected to complement the menu.
Harris, Penzance
Located on New Street in the heart of Penzance, Harris has been delighting diners for over 36 years with its delicious seafood dishes, all locally sourced from Newlyn Harbour. Nestled in a charming Victorian terrace, the restaurant's interior features rose coloured walls and a delightful spiral staircase for access to seating on the upper floors. It’s an intimate restaurant, with warm candlelight providing a moody and romantic atmosphere in the evenings.
Among the most popular dishes on the menu are roasted monkfish with saffron and mushroom risotto, grilled scallops, and the renowned Newlyn crab. Alternatively, the locally-sourced Guinea Fowl, grilled goat's cheese salad and rotating daily specials offer a refreshing alternative to the seafood options. Harris offers an old-school dining experience with a menu that’s built around several decades of tried and tested recipes.
