Dining in St Austell offers a mix of the traditional and the surprising. You can enjoy a Sunday roast in a 16th-century coaching inn, grab a gourmet burger in a hidden courtyard, or discover fine dining tucked away in a residential avenue.
From the best cakes in the Market House to polished evening dining, here is our curated guide to eating out in St Austell.
The St Austell Food Map
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Our Top Picks
These three spots are the culinary highlights of the town and its immediate surroundings.
1. Edie’s Kitchen (Best for Local Produce)
Located in Carlyon Bay (a 5-minute drive from the town centre), this is widely considered the best restaurant in the area. It is run by a chef with experience in high-end London kitchens.
- The Vibe: Family-run, welcoming, and relaxed. It feels like a neighbourhood bistro but with serious culinary credentials.
- The Food: The menu is seasonal and changes regularly. Expect dishes like Cornish crab risotto, slow-cooked pork belly, and incredible soufflés. It is “fine dining” without the stiff atmosphere.
- Good to Know: It is tucked away in a small row of shops, so keep your eyes peeled or you might miss it.
2. The Nepalese Gurkha (Best for International)
Situated on Fore Street in the town centre, this restaurant is a local institution. St Austell has a surprising number of excellent Gurkha restaurants, and this is arguably the best.
- The Vibe: Traditional, warm, and quiet. It is located on the first floor, offering a retreat from the high street below.
- The Food: Authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine. The “Gurkha Special” curries are fantastic, often featuring distinct Himalayan spices you won’t find in a standard curry house.
3. The Britannia Inn (Best for History & Roasts)
Located on the road between St Austell and Par, this 16th-century coaching inn is the definition of a crowd-pleaser.
- The Vibe: Historic and sprawling. It has huge fireplaces, flagstone floors, and a massive beer garden. It is buzzing on weekends.
- The Food: Reliable, high-quality pub classics. Their steak and ale pie is famous locally, and they serve a very popular carvery on Sundays.
Casual & Town Centre
- Moustache Jacks: Tucked away in Biddicks Court (a small alley off the main street), this spot offers a “street food” vibe. They specialise in loaded burgers, waffle fries, and craft beers. It is great for a casual, messy lunch.
- Trinity Café: Located in the old Hop and Vine building near the church, this is a community-focused cafe. It is perfect for a quiet coffee and a slice of homemade cake while exploring the town centre.
- The Polgooth Inn: A short drive into the valley of Polgooth, this is a classic village pub. It is incredibly picturesque, set in a rural valley, and they even have glamping pods in the garden. The food is honest, hearty, and locally sourced.
Parking for Foodies
- White River Place: This is the main multi-storey car park in the town centre. It is convenient for The Nepalese Gurkha, Moustache Jacks, and the cinema.
- Priory Car Park: A good alternative for the town centre, often slightly quieter than White River.
- Carlyon Bay: For Edie’s Kitchen, there is on-street parking available on Beach Road, but it can get busy in summer.
Full of Cornish cake?
Explore the Clay Trails or visit the nearby historic ports. View our guide to the best things to do in St Austell