Eating in Charlestown is all about the atmosphere. There are few places in the world where you can dine overlooking a UNESCO World Heritage harbour filled with 18th-century sailing ships. The scene here is vibrant, modern, and surprisingly diverse.
From lively moonshine bars to relaxed harbour-side bistros, here is our curated guide to eating out in Charlestown.
The Charlestown Food Map
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Our Top Picks
These three restaurants have put Charlestown firmly on the culinary map.
1. The Longstore (Best for Steaks & Seafood)
Located in a beautifully renovated sail loft, The Longstore is the flagship restaurant of the harbour. It feels industrial, chic, and bustling.
- The Vibe: New York loft meets Cornish harbour. It has high ceilings, exposed beams, and a great buzzing atmosphere.
- The Food: They specialise in dry-aged steaks and local seafood. The ‘Winchester’ steak is a local favourite, and their Sunday roasts are often booked out weeks in advance.
- Good to Know: Ask for a table upstairs near the window for a view of the ships.
2. Springtide (Best for Fresh Fish)
The younger sister to The Longstore, Springtide is located right on the harbour wall. It offers a lighter, fresher approach to seafood.
- The Vibe: Bright, breezy, and relaxed. It feels like a modern Mediterranean fish restaurant.
- The Food: The menu focuses on fresh pasta and seafood. Think crab linguine, moules marinière, and catch of the day. It is perfect for a long, lazy lunch in the sun.
3. The Pier House (Best for Harbour Views)
You can’t get closer to the water than this. The Pier House is the large hotel/pub that dominates the harbour front.
- The Vibe: Classic and comfortable. It has a huge outdoor terrace that is the prime spot for people-watching in the summer.
- The Food: reliable pub classics done well. It is the place to go for fish and chips, a burger, or a cream tea while watching the waves crash against the harbour wall.
Casual & Cool
- Rebellion Roast House: This place has a distinct “rock and roll” vibe. They specialise in “Moonshine” cocktails and slow-cooked meats. It’s loud, fun, and serves incredible ribs and wings.
- Short & Strong: A tiny deli and cafe tucked away behind the main street. They serve arguably the best coffee in the village and fantastic salad boxes.
- Tall Ships Creamery: No visit is complete without an ice cream from here. Located in a tiny hut near the shipwreck museum, they make their own award-winning flavours using Cornish clotted cream.
Pop-Ups & Seasonal
- HarbourQ: In the summer months, look out for HarbourQ on the quay. It is an open-air BBQ spot serving smoker-style food. Eating brisket and burnt ends while sitting on the harbour wall is a summer highlight.
Parking for Foodies
- Holmbush Car Park: This is the main car park at the top of the hill. It is a 5-minute walk down to the harbour.
- The Slope: Charlestown is steep! If you park at the top, remember you have to walk back up after a heavy meal. There is very limited parking at the bottom near the harbour, which fills up instantly.
Time to explore the history?
Once you’ve finished eating, take a walk around the historic ships and the museum. View our guide to the best things to do in Charlestown