Despite being beside the sea every day, we still can’t get enough of it. Knowing that we are never too far away from the beauty of a sea view feels like a luxury that will never get old. We have a beautiful selection of coastal restaurants in Cornwall, and in the Falmouth and Helford River area, we certainly aren’t short of options.
Indulge in a large Sunday roast while watching the comings and goings of the busy harbour. Sip on something sweet and delicious as the sun sets below an ocean horizon. Tuck into a slice of heavenly cake on a drizzly day, with a view that looks over the dramatic coastline.
Indidog
An elegant eatery perched directly over the water, Indidog is as welcoming to dogs as it is to people. The glass-fronted restaurant has its own balcony with a limited number of tables for first-come-first-served diners. With menu items that reflect the changing seasons and that use local produce, the standard of the food promises to match the stunning views. Dine to the clicking boats of Falmouth harbour and soak in the far-reaching views of the Carrick roads towards St Mawes. Feast on beautiful brunches, sharing platters, sundown dinners and creative cocktails.
Star and Garter
For those seeking a superb Sunday roast with some of the best views of Falmouth, a visit to Star & Garter on the Old High Street is a must. With lip-smacking roast items including their famously huge horseradish and thyme Yorkshire puddings, BBQ monktail, moorland rump, pork shoulder and duck fat roast potatoes, spring greens and cauliflower cheese.. they certainly don’t scrimp on taste or portion sizes.
Handsome and comfortable booths line the far wall, where light and harbour views flood through large windows and invite guests to gaze out over the busy harbour. For those who take to this gorgeous eatery, a stay in characterful Maker’s Loft will make this your local throughout your visit, as it is less than a minute’s walk from door to door.
Sabzi Deli
New to Falmouth, Sabzi Deli is a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired deli run by Masterchef quarter-finalist Kate Attlee. This gorgeous space has large windows that are graced with vistas of the Carrick Roads, Trefusis Point and the vibrant harbour. Diners can choose to take away one of her healthy, flavour-packed and delicious salads to the beach, to enjoy with toes dipped in the sand. Select your brimming and beautiful box and head to Gyllynvase Beach for the perfect picnic feast with a sea view. If the weather is wet and grey you can choose to sit inside in the dry and watch the storms pass through Falmouth and rain clouds drift over the distant banks.
Gylly Beach Café
There’s nothing quite like dining on the beach. Gylly Beach Café is placed proudly on Gyllyngvase Beach and offers beachside banqueting with unbeatable sparkling sea views. With its wrap-around heated terrace, food and drink can be enjoyed outside next to the ocean all year round. Pop by for a post-dip lunch of small plates, sandwiches or salads. When the evening draws in, the laid-back vibe gives way to ambient coastal dining.
Calm waters, eager paddleboarders and soaring seabirds are just a few of the uplifting sights to drink in while dining at Gylly Beach Café.
Cornish Bank
Little things are more fabulous than dinner with a live-music performance, and when paired with a picturesque sea view, there are few eateries that offer such a unique experience. Built from the bones of a former bank and old council one-stop-shop in Church Street, this large and colourful live music venue has tall sash windows next to wooden tables, so diners and drinkers can enjoy views of the water. Their menu is a changing rotation of pizza nights, bank BBQs, Sunday roasts and daily specials. If the weather permits, food can also be enjoyed on their bijou terrace where bobbing yachts and the Penryn River provide a memorable backdrop.
Pandora Inn
The historic Pandora Inn is located on a timeless and peaceful creek near Mylor, and is one of our favourite places to dine by the water. Sailors can moor up in front of the restaurant on their long pontoon and visit for a quick drink or stay to savour a delicious dinner. They serve food throughout the day, starting with breakfast at 10:30am, and then their full menu from 12 noon. The menu highlight is their fresh seafood, with must-try dishes such as fish pie in shallot and pastis cream sauce, steamed mussels and seared scallops.
Stepping into Pandora Inn is like stepping back in time. For those searching for somewhere idyllic to dine with a sea view, big-portion dishes and nearby strolls to walk off that cheeky extra pud’, head to Pandora.
Ferryboat Inn
Sandy feet are welcome at this unspoilt eatery set in a beautiful cove of the Helford River, which overlooks one of Cornwall’s most magical places. Operated by husband and wife team Sander and Sarah Towhill, along with their three daughters, The Ferryboat Inn serves up a menu of moreish pub fare in a historic and recently renovated building beside the sea.
This is seaside dining at its most wholesome. A beautiful backdrop can take a meal from pleasant to unforgettable. Diners can arrive by water along the North Helford Passage and sit on the pub’s terrace or beach seating, which overlooks arguably some of the finest views in the south west. Tuck into signature dishes such as chicken schnitzel, mackerel tacos and classic fish and chips. The Ferryboat Inn have a ‘farm to table’ philosophy so that nothing comes between diners and the produce they serve.
