Best Beach Cafés in Cornwall

Where to Stop for a Spot of Lunch on the Cornish Coast

When it comes to eating out, Padstow is understandably one of Cornwall’s top foodie destinations. Our little town must have more quality restaurants and cafés per square mile than anywhere else in Cornwall. But where else can food fans visit when they’re exploring the glorious Cornish coast and its beaches? Here we share some of our favourite beach cafés in Cornwall for a spot of lunch while out and about.

Surfside Café & Bar, Polzeath

This laid back café is located right on the sand at this popular surfing beach in North Cornwall. Only a short drive, or ferry and walk, from Padstow, this café is a lovely place to stop for lunch. At Surfside you can enjoy a steak bun, lobster roll or homemade macaroni cheese overlooking the beach and Pentire headland.

More information: Surfsidepolzeath.com

Trevone Beach Café

As one of our favourite beaches near Padstow, we often find ourselves sipping a coffee or eating a delicious lunch at this beachside café. On a sunny day it’s a nice place to sit outside on the deck and enjoy the sights and sounds of the beach and coast. Many people visit here just for the pizzas, but they also do good sandwiches and smoothies.

More information: Trevone Beach Café

Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac

If you’re visiting the Port Isaac area, you’ll be spoilt for choice for great places to eat. But this restaurant overlooking the harbour deserves a special mention for its top notch cuisine served under the banner of ‘Britain’s top chef’ Nathan Outlaw. It’s a little smarter than than some of the other cafés on this list, but it’s still a good choice for a casual lunch. The menu is dictated by the catch hauled in each day by Port Isaac’s fishermen.

More information: Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen

Sandymouth Café, near Bude

Sandymouth Café is good for a lunch break while exploring the dramatic coastline around Bude. Sandymouth is a beautiful, isolated beach popular with surfers and walkers. There’s not much here except this wonderful National Trust café which serves up hearty favourites, such as burgers, paninis and jacket potatoes.

More information: Sandymouth.com

The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay

This is one of the most famous beachside restaurants in Cornwall, and for good reason. The Beach Hut blends stunning beach views, with delicious food and relaxed atmosphere, making it an idyllic spot for lunch. Menu favourites include the Steak Frite, Crab Spaghetti and Cornish Mussels. Only 20 minutes by car from Padstow, Watergate Bay is one of the stand out beaches to visit while exploring the North Cornwall coast.

More information: The Beach Hut

Porthminster Café, St Ives

St Ives makes a great day out while staying in the Padstow area. Only an hour away by car, this beautiful town has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its thriving art scene. It’s also a foodie haven, with may fine restaurants and cafés to choose from. Our favourite is the Porthminster Café perched beside the white sand and turquoise water at Porthminster Beach. Push the boat out and sample the Crab Linguine or Cornish Hake Fillet. You won’t be disappointed!

More information: Porthminstercafé.co.uk

Chapel Rock Café, Marazion

Situated opposite St Michael’s Mount, which is one of Cornwall’s must-see landmarks, this small café is bursting with flavour and atmosphere. Take a stroll along windswept Marazion beach and enjoy fine views of the mount, before refueling here with stone baked pizza or tasty ciabatta sandwiches.

More information: Chapelrockcafé.com

The Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick Beach

The Hidden Hut is small in stature but big on reputation. It’s little more than a shack but its popularity has grown thanks to the delicious food it serves. Its feast nights are now legendary, but it’s also a great place for a lunchtime snack while exploring the Roseland Peninsula. The seating is all outside, so you need to come prepared for the weather, but this just adds to the experience.

More information: Hiddenhut.co.uk

Now that we’ve got your taste buds going, why not book your next foodie holiday in Padstow so you can also sample the delights of Cornwall’s best beach cafés? Start your holiday property search here.