Falmouth is the culinary melting pot of Cornwall. Fueled by a creative university crowd and a working harbour, the town is packed with independent bistros, craft beer halls, and some of the best seafood restaurants in the South West. It’s less about white tablecloths and more about innovative, sustainable cooking in cool settings.
From award-winning fish and chips to hidden tapas bars, here is our curated guide to eating out in Falmouth.
The Falmouth Food Map
Map coming soon! We are currently curating the interactive map for this guide. Check back shortly.
The “Best in Cornwall” Top Picks
Falmouth has a lot of choice, but these three spots currently stand out for their consistency, location, and reputation.
1. Culture (Best for Foodies)
This is the most exciting table in town. Chef Hylton Espey focuses on “nature-inspired cuisine,” using ingredients foraged or farmed nearby.
- The Vibe: An open kitchen, polished concrete, and a very modern, industrial-chic feel.
- The Food: It’s a set tasting menu experience. Expect dishes named after local landmarks and flavours that tell a story of the Cornish landscape. Michelin Green Star holder.
- Good to Know: It sits on Custom House Quay, so you are right in the historic heart of town.
2. Star & Garter (Best for Views & Roast)
Perched high on the High Street, this Victorian pub has wall-to-wall windows offering a panoramic view of Falmouth Harbour.
- The Vibe: A proper gastro-pub. Dark wood, cosy corners, and a bustling atmosphere.
- The Food: Famous for open-fire cooking. Their Sunday Roast is widely considered one of the best in the entire county (book weeks ahead).
- Good to Know: Try to request a window table when booking—the view of the boats is mesmerising.
3. INDIDOG (Best for Brunch & Lunch)
Located literally on the harbour wall, this is a glass-fronted, modern eatery that feels like you are floating on the water.
- The Vibe: Bright, airy, and relaxed. It’s perfect for a sunny day.
- The Food: Great for breakfast and lunch, serving everything from shakshuka to fresh mackerel. In the evening, it switches to a more intimate bistro menu.
Seafood with a View
You can’t visit a port town without eating seafood.
- Hooked on the Rocks: Located a short drive away at Swanpool Beach. This place hangs over the cliff edge. Order the shellfish platter and watch the sun go down over the bay. It is spectacular.
- Harbour Lights: This isn’t your average chippy. Consistently voted among the top fish and chip shops in the UK. Eat in their restaurant overlooking the harbour or take a box to the pier.
Local Legends (Hidden Gems)
- Provedore: A tiny, quirky tapas bar in a residential street (The Moor area). It’s run by locals, for locals. The menu changes constantly and the vibe is unbeatable.
- The Meat Counter: If you need a break from seafood, this place serves the best burgers in town. It’s unpretentious, messy, and delicious.
Waterside Pubs
- The Working Boat: Hidden underneath the Greenbank Hotel. It has its own private pontoon where sailors pull up for a pint. Great pub grub and very dog-friendly.
- The Chain Locker: One of the oldest buildings in Falmouth. It’s right on Custom House Quay and is steeped in maritime history. The roof terrace offers great views of the inner harbour.
Parking for Foodies
Falmouth has a long, one-way main street which can be tricky to navigate.
- Maritime Car Park: Best for The Chain Locker, Pizza Express, and the Discovery Quay area.
- The Moor: Good for the High Street, but often busy.
- Quarry Car Park: A bit of a walk (uphill) but usually has spaces when the others are full.
Staying the night?
Falmouth has some incredible hotels right on the water. Check out our accommodation guide.