Top 50 Gastropubs

Where can foodies eat in Cornwall?

Eat your way around England’s southwestern coast as we guide you around the best gastropubs in Cornwall.

By Charli Tomney | 25/04/2024

Cornwall offers a culinary adventure unlike any other, from quaint coastal villages to bustling market towns, this picturesque region boasts a vibrant food scene that celebrates its rich maritime heritage and bountiful local produce. Join us as we embark on a gastronomic journey through some of Cornwall's best eateries, where traditional fish and chips meet fusion seafood creations, all showcasing the region's culinary delights. Discover why Cornwall is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking unforgettable dining experiences.

Home to some of the UK’s most renowned chefs, its no wonder this area of the UK is bursting with flavour and unique culinary creations. Experience Rick Stein's seafood empire, where fresh catch is transformed into unforgettable dishes. Explore Nathan Outlaw's Michelin-starred restaurants, where precision and creativity elevate Cornwall's seafood to new heights. These culinary maestros contribute to Cornwall's reputation as a haven for epicurean excellence.

The Mariners 

Based in Rock, The Mariners is the brainchild of celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth where chefs blend local ingredients with global influences.

The pub's motto is simple: create warm memories with food that brings smiles and drinks that energise. Chef Joe Rozier leads a skilled team delivering high-quality dishes. With six menus, including lunch and dinner, little sailors, gluten free, Sunday lunch, vegan, and vegetarian, diverse tastes are catered for.

Highlights from the main menu feature aged beef ribs, gourmet burgers, and locally sourced pies. The seaside-inspired Dogs Pollock hotdog delights with crisp pollock and flavourful toppings. Paul and Emma Ainsworth express gratitude for their loyal patrons, emphasising continuous improvement and attention to detail.

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Port Gaverne

The Port Gaverne serves up the freshest seafood, some caught just hours before serving. With 16 boutique hotel rooms, guests can soak in the stunning surroundings. After a full refit, the kitchen now maximises the area's superb produce.

Executive chef Danny Young is at the helm prioritising serving quality tasteful food at a high standard showcasing some of the best ingredients the local area has to offer. The kitchen’s aim is to provide great tasting food full of flavour that will make you want to come back for more.

Menus are subject to change seasonally but previous highlights have included main dishes of roasted Cornish gurnard with shellfish sauce, salsify and lovage, or Cornish grey mullet served with turnip purée, baby turnips and gooseberry and beurre blanc sauce.

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The Rising Sun 

The award-winning gastropub, The Rising Sun in Truro, is over 200 years old. Tom and Kate Hannon revitalised it eight years ago from what they called "a very dark and sad shell of a pub," into their vision of a modern establishment.

Chef patron Tom Hannon's passion for food culture shines through his menus, showcasing Cornwall's finest seasonal ingredients. While renowned for its cuisine, The Rising Sun remains a welcoming pub, offering a selection of beers, wines, and spirits, including a Secret Cellar list curated by the owners.

Meals can be started with a butternut squash velouté with blue cheese and spinach tortellini, toasted pumpkin seeds and vegetable crisps followed by a main of West Country duck with orange glazed carrots, parmentier potatoes and pomegranate jus.

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St Kew Inn 

Nestled in St Kew Parish, The St Kew Inn embodies the charm of a traditional village pub. Enjoy wines from the extensive cellars or seasonal cask beers in the tranquil setting. Renowned for quality, their kitchen offers a superb selection of dishes across four dining areas.

Menu highlights feature starters such as Cornish crab and salmon on toast with kohlrabi and apple, followed by a main of whole baked Cornish sole with warm tartare sauce and fried potatoes. Desserts have included blood orange posset with pink peppercorn shortbread or rhubarb pavlova with Chantilly cream and pistachios.

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St Tudy Inn 

The charm of home meets the warmth of good company at St Tudy Inn, offering a true rural escape. With seasonal menus, a selection of the finest Cornish beverages, and cosy log burners in colder months, this inn embodies the essence of a proper country pub.

Step into the pub and immerse yourself in its inviting interior, opt for a lighter lunch from the bar menu, or a more substantial meal, head to the dining room and savour the finest pub fare. Indulge in vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients sourced from the rich local larder in north Cornwall.

Enjoy dishes such as deep fried zucchini keftedes with spiced yogurt and rocket salad to start followed by a hearty dish of chicken supreme with wild mushroom cream, garlic, spinach and rosemary sautéed potatoes.