Short answer: For casual eating in Cornwall, try The Three Pilchards in Polperro, The Mariners in Rock, The Miners Arms near St Agnes and The Mussel Shoal in Porthleven. All are rated 4.5 or higher on Google with hundreds of reviews. Most are open daily, but the busiest book up at weekends.
Not every good meal in Cornwall needs a tablecloth. This is the casual list: harbour pubs, fish and chips with a view, seafood bars and the cafes that do proper lunches. Everywhere here is rated 4.5 or higher on Google with hundreds of reviews, and we have kept it separate from our best restaurants in Cornwall guide, so there is little overlap.
4.7 from 1,877 Google reviews. On the quay in Polperro. One reviewer called the large fish and chips the best in a very long time, with light, crisp batter, and others mention the steak and ale pie and the pub's own pale ale. Open 11am to 8pm daily. Read our Polperro pub guide.
4.7 from 1,655 Google reviews. A classic downstairs bar with outside tables on Quay Road. Reviewers like the friendly staff and eating outside, though one found the food did not match the hype, so go for the atmosphere and a drink. Open from 12pm most days. More in Polperro pasties and fish and chips.
4.5 from 1,978 Google reviews. On the quay at Mevagissey with harbour-view tables. Reviewers like the courteous staff and say the food is top drawer, while one thought portions small for the price. Open 10am to 3pm and 4:30pm to 8:45pm (from 12pm on Sundays). See best fish and chips in Mevagissey.
4.7 from 1,248 Google reviews. In Charlestown Harbour, where reviewers single out the truffle fries and say staff went out of their way for an anniversary. Open for dinner every day, lunch on Saturday and Sunday lunch from 11:30am. See the St Austell page.
4.6 from 1,247 Google reviews. On Town Quay, open from 9am for coffee through to dinner. A reviewer rated the Cornish Dover sole special the best-cooked fish in years, and the outside area is praised. Good for a boat-trip day. See best Sunday roast in Fowey.
4.5 from 1,781 Google reviews. A harbour pub with a terrace over the water and a restaurant upstairs, serving from 8am to 11pm daily. Reviewers praise the location and prompt, friendly service. It is a safe choice for mixed groups. More in best fish and chips in Falmouth.
4.7 from 489 Google reviews. A small cafe and seafood bar under the harbour wall at Porthleven, open 11am to 8pm daily. A reviewer who wanted a seafood platter found it here, and another said the kitchen is tiny but turns out lunch, coffee and cocktails well. See where to eat in Porthleven.
4.7 from 495 Google reviews. On the Square in Marazion. A burger described as one of the best in England and fresh local ingredients earn it praise, and it rescued a birthday dinner for one party. Open 12pm to 10pm daily. See best Sunday roast in Marazion.
4.6 from 2,186 Google reviews. A pub on Quay Street in Penzance, open 11am to 11pm every day. Reviewers mention generous portions and friendly service. For something lighter, see Penzance fish and chips.
4.7 from 1,884 Google reviews. In Helston, with separate vegan and gluten-free menus and, according to reviewers, huge portions. It is busy, so pre-book. Open from 11:30am every day. Plan more with best Sunday roast in Helston.
4.6 from 2,246 Google reviews. On the slipway across the water from Padstow. The Dog's Pollock gets raves, and so do the fish and chips and the value. Open 11:30am to 11:30pm daily. Our Rock and Polzeath beach guide helps plan the day.
4.7 from 677 Google reviews. A proper local on Lanadwell Street in Padstow, open 11:30am to midnight. Reviewers like the garlic bread starter, the fresh mussels and the prices. Compare with best fish and chips in Padstow.
4.6 from 791 Google reviews. Boscastle's high street pub. A beef cheek and shin pie with home-made chips got two visits from one family, and reviewers say gluten-free options are plentiful and there is live music. Open from 12pm to 11pm daily. See best pubs in Boscastle.
4.6 from 1,298 Google reviews. In Tintagel village, open 11am to 11pm most days. Reviewers say staff look after vegans well, and it is close to the castle. Read best fish and chips in Tintagel for other options.
4.5 from 1,597 Google reviews. Above Summerleaze in Bude, open 10am to 9pm (until 4pm Sunday). Reviewers say the fish and chips are pricey but good, and you can eat inside or out for sunset. See Bude sunset spots.
4.8 from 1,818 Google reviews. A country pub at Mithian near St Agnes, open 12pm to 10pm daily. Reviewers praise pork roast dinners, generous portions and a huge lemon lush pot, and say it is often full. Book. See best pubs in St Agnes.
4.7 from 1,308 Google reviews. A pub at Quintrell Downs near Newquay. Reviewers call its Sunday roast the best they have had and praise seafood and pork belly. Opening is limited on Monday (3pm to 7pm only) and it is open until 10pm Tuesday to Saturday and 9pm on Sunday. See best Sunday roast in Newquay.
4.7 from 562 Google reviews. A Porthleven tea house open 9am to 5pm (10am to 4pm Sunday). Reviewers repeat visits for generous breakfasts and handmade cakes, and there is seating out the back. See breakfast in Porthleven.
4.6 from 726 Google reviews. On Marine Drive in Looe, serving breakfast from 9am. Reviewers praise poached eggs with chilli flakes, French toast and a long list of gluten-free options. Google shows it closed Tuesday. See seafood off the boats in Looe.
The Miners Arms at Mithian, The Mariners in Rock, The Three Pilchards in Polperro and The Golden Lion in Padstow all score 4.6 or higher on Google with plenty of reviews.
Reviewers rate The Three Pilchards in Polperro and The Mariners in Rock highly for fish and chips. Our town guides cover Padstow, St Ives, Newquay and others.
Many do, and the busy ones such as The Miners Arms and Boo Koos are better booked, according to reviewers. Check each pub before you go.
Reviewers say Boo Koos in Helston has separate vegan and gluten-free menus, The Napoleon Inn in Boscastle has many gluten-free options and The Olde Malthouse in Tintagel looks after vegans.
Porthleven, Fowey and Polperro each have several well-rated spots within a few minutes' walk of the water.
Times, prices and dates are the businesses' and organisers' to change, so check before you travel. Spotted something we've got wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.
Pick a town and plan the day around who's with you.
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