David's guide for food and drink
Pubs
Some of the best pubs in the area. My favourite is the 13th Century Pandora Inn, reachable by land and sea. It was named in memory of the HMS Pandora, the naval ship sent to Tahiti to capture the mutineers of Captain Bligh's Bounty.
A 13th century thatched pub frequented by smugglers and pirates, with a 6ft replica of the 18th century galleon that gave the pub its name.
The Pandora was tasked with capturing the mutineers from the Bounty, but hit the Great Barrier Reef and sank on its way to Tahiti.
Reachable by land and sea!
162 locals recommend
Pandora Inn
Restronguet HillA 13th century thatched pub frequented by smugglers and pirates, with a 6ft replica of the 18th century galleon that gave the pub its name.
The Pandora was tasked with capturing the mutineers from the Bounty, but hit the Great Barrier Reef and sank on its way to Tahiti.
Reachable by land and sea!
Good Pub Guide review: Light and airy bar rooms in friendly pub with four real ales, good wine, imaginative food and seats on pretty back terraces; bedrooms
Walkers, cyclists and even horse riders enjoy this convivial place as it's just 50 metres from the coast-to-coast Portreath to Devoran Mineral Tramways cycle path. The easy-going, roomy bar has an interesting wood-burner set halfway up one wall, a cushioned window seat, wall settles and a few bar stools around just three tables on stripped boards, and bar chairs by the counter.
Black Sheep, Sharps Atlantic and Doom Bar and Skinners Betty Stogs on handpump and good wines by the glass (including prosecco).
Off to the left is an airy room with pictures by local artists (for sale), built-in cushioned wall seating, plush stools and a couple of big tables on the dark slate floor. To the other side of the bar is another light room with more settles and farmhouse chairs, attractive blue and white striped cushions and more sailing photographs; darts and board games.
As well as benches outside at the front looking down through the trees to the water, there's a series of snug little back terraces with picnic-sets and chairs and tables. The two bedrooms (one faces the quay, the other overlooks the garden) have shared facilities. Nearby parking is limited unless you arrive early. There is wheelchair access through a side door.
They use carefully sourced, very local produce for the pleasing food.
25 locals recommend
The Old Quay Inn
32-33 St John's TerraceGood Pub Guide review: Light and airy bar rooms in friendly pub with four real ales, good wine, imaginative food and seats on pretty back terraces; bedrooms
Walkers, cyclists and even horse riders enjoy this convivial place as it's just 50 metres from the coast-to-coast Portreath to Devoran Mineral Tramways cycle path. The easy-going, roomy bar has an interesting wood-burner set halfway up one wall, a cushioned window seat, wall settles and a few bar stools around just three tables on stripped boards, and bar chairs by the counter.
Black Sheep, Sharps Atlantic and Doom Bar and Skinners Betty Stogs on handpump and good wines by the glass (including prosecco).
Off to the left is an airy room with pictures by local artists (for sale), built-in cushioned wall seating, plush stools and a couple of big tables on the dark slate floor. To the other side of the bar is another light room with more settles and farmhouse chairs, attractive blue and white striped cushions and more sailing photographs; darts and board games.
As well as benches outside at the front looking down through the trees to the water, there's a series of snug little back terraces with picnic-sets and chairs and tables. The two bedrooms (one faces the quay, the other overlooks the garden) have shared facilities. Nearby parking is limited unless you arrive early. There is wheelchair access through a side door.
They use carefully sourced, very local produce for the pleasing food.
Good Pub Guide review: Well-run inn surrounded by big gardens with a friendly welcome for all, and popular food and drink; bedrooms
The long-serving owners run this bustling country place with great care and thought and our readers enjoy their visits very much. The long, low-beamed main bar has a sociable feel (especially in the evening when locals drop in), all sorts of tables, chairs and settles, a wood-burning stove, lots of pump clips, and cricket team photos and bats on the walls.
Penzance Potion No 9, Sharps Doom Bar and a changing guest beer on handpump, lots of wines by the glass, 80 malt whiskies and 11 gins. Leading off the bar is the conservatory family room and there's also a cosy bistro. The six acres of gardens are well worth a wander and offer plenty of seats and picnic-sets under large parasols.
The cottagey bedrooms are comfortable and breakfasts highly regarded, and as the inn is not far from the Helford River and tucked away on a peaceful hillside, you'll find good nearby walks.
Well regarded food.
32 locals recommend
The Trengilly Wartha Inn Ltd
Good Pub Guide review: Well-run inn surrounded by big gardens with a friendly welcome for all, and popular food and drink; bedrooms
The long-serving owners run this bustling country place with great care and thought and our readers enjoy their visits very much. The long, low-beamed main bar has a sociable feel (especially in the evening when locals drop in), all sorts of tables, chairs and settles, a wood-burning stove, lots of pump clips, and cricket team photos and bats on the walls.
Penzance Potion No 9, Sharps Doom Bar and a changing guest beer on handpump, lots of wines by the glass, 80 malt whiskies and 11 gins. Leading off the bar is the conservatory family room and there's also a cosy bistro. The six acres of gardens are well worth a wander and offer plenty of seats and picnic-sets under large parasols.
The cottagey bedrooms are comfortable and breakfasts highly regarded, and as the inn is not far from the Helford River and tucked away on a peaceful hillside, you'll find good nearby walks.
Well regarded food.
A lovely old pub in the heart of Flushing with an outdoor terrace and sea views. Has great food as well!
11 locals recommend
Royal Standard
A lovely old pub in the heart of Flushing with an outdoor terrace and sea views. Has great food as well!
Food scene
A lovely family run restaurant on the 400 year old working fishing quay in the centre of Flushing. Fantastic day boat fish and chips is just one highlight.
7 locals recommend
The Waterside
53 Trefusis RdA lovely family run restaurant on the 400 year old working fishing quay in the centre of Flushing. Fantastic day boat fish and chips is just one highlight.
Wonderfully positioned on Falmouth’s famous Gyllyngvase Beach, overlooked by the imposing Pendennis Castle and central to panoramic views of the Lizard Peninsula and The Helford River, Gylly Café is a unique, stylish and popular eatery.
Family-run and award-winning, our café offers a warm welcome, outstanding service and locally sourced food, served in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
141 locals recommend
Gylly Beach Cafe
Cliff RoadWonderfully positioned on Falmouth’s famous Gyllyngvase Beach, overlooked by the imposing Pendennis Castle and central to panoramic views of the Lizard Peninsula and The Helford River, Gylly Café is a unique, stylish and popular eatery.
Family-run and award-winning, our café offers a warm welcome, outstanding service and locally sourced food, served in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Conveniently located right next door to the St Mawes Ferry in the centre of Falmouth, Restaurant Four is a superb eatery. Formerly known as Olivers, a hugely popular, award-winning restaurant, it reopened in 2019 under new ownership as Restaurant Four, ready to fill the big culinary boots of its predecessors.
46 locals recommend
Oliver's
33 High StConveniently located right next door to the St Mawes Ferry in the centre of Falmouth, Restaurant Four is a superb eatery. Formerly known as Olivers, a hugely popular, award-winning restaurant, it reopened in 2019 under new ownership as Restaurant Four, ready to fill the big culinary boots of its predecessors.
Fish direct from the boat. Meat from the farm, butchered, cured and smoked by us. World class whiskies. Rums galore. Harbour views, singing the blues.
Welcome to the Star and Garter, in the heart of Falmouth.
A Georgian Townhouse with boutique apartments & award winning restaurant.
80 locals recommend
The Star & Garter
52 High StFish direct from the boat. Meat from the farm, butchered, cured and smoked by us. World class whiskies. Rums galore. Harbour views, singing the blues.
Welcome to the Star and Garter, in the heart of Falmouth.
A Georgian Townhouse with boutique apartments & award winning restaurant.
Found tucked away along the coast path near Portscatho on the remote Roseland Peninsula, the Hidden Hut is a special spot to enjoy freshly cooked food out in the sea air.
During the day, the hut serves a small menu of simple, freshly-made lunches and refreshments. No need to book, just turn up and order. All items are packed to takeaway onto the beach as a picnic. No deep-fat fryers, just a simple outdoor stove and indoor bakery oven. The menu is always sourced from the best pick of local ingredients and made fresh each morning.
137 locals recommend
The Hidden Hut
Found tucked away along the coast path near Portscatho on the remote Roseland Peninsula, the Hidden Hut is a special spot to enjoy freshly cooked food out in the sea air.
During the day, the hut serves a small menu of simple, freshly-made lunches and refreshments. No need to book, just turn up and order. All items are packed to takeaway onto the beach as a picnic. No deep-fat fryers, just a simple outdoor stove and indoor bakery oven. The menu is always sourced from the best pick of local ingredients and made fresh each morning.
Idyllically situated on the edge of the historic Mylor Yacht Harbour. It is not just about the location, and they pride themselves on their service, offering barista coffee, freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks.
On a personal note, they have an amazing vegan and vegetarian selection.
29 locals recommend
Cafe Mylor
Idyllically situated on the edge of the historic Mylor Yacht Harbour. It is not just about the location, and they pride themselves on their service, offering barista coffee, freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks.
On a personal note, they have an amazing vegan and vegetarian selection.
Nestled on the bank of the Fal River on the Carrick Roads Estuary at Mylor Harbour, Castaways offers a dynamic seasonal menu with quality seafood, locally sourced produce, draught beers, great wine and stunning views.
18 locals recommend
Castaways Wine Bar
Nestled on the bank of the Fal River on the Carrick Roads Estuary at Mylor Harbour, Castaways offers a dynamic seasonal menu with quality seafood, locally sourced produce, draught beers, great wine and stunning views.
Cocktail Bars
Far down the rabbit hole in the heart of Falmouth lies The Chintz Bar, a bar like no other. Vividly patterned wallpaper, walls of mirrors, secret rooms and gaudy vintage furniture evoke the bright and abstract fantasy created by Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland. Specialising in wines, cheese, cocktails, wise debates, music and awesome parties. The Chintz Bar is the best place to relax, put your feet up and watch the mayhem unfold...
39 locals recommend
The Chintz Bar
Far down the rabbit hole in the heart of Falmouth lies The Chintz Bar, a bar like no other. Vividly patterned wallpaper, walls of mirrors, secret rooms and gaudy vintage furniture evoke the bright and abstract fantasy created by Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland. Specialising in wines, cheese, cocktails, wise debates, music and awesome parties. The Chintz Bar is the best place to relax, put your feet up and watch the mayhem unfold...
The Moth and The Moon is a dimly lit speakeasy-style cocktail bar in a converted pub on Killigrew Street. With its dark green walls, slate floors and tin plate ceiling above a green-tiled bar, it’s all very secretive and low-key, but the cocktails are of the highest quality. Signature drinks include The Harbour Master, a blend of spiced rum, cloudy apple juice, ginger syrup, aromatic bitters, lime, ginger beer and black walnut bitters. It’s described as a ‘Dark & Stormy on steroids’. The Moth And The Moon is just up from the ennycomequick, an 18th-century inn serving a fine pint of St Austell beer and a seasonal menu including Cornish fish stew and day boat fish specials.
6 locals recommend
The Moth and Moon
31 Killigrew St The Moth and The Moon is a dimly lit speakeasy-style cocktail bar in a converted pub on Killigrew Street. With its dark green walls, slate floors and tin plate ceiling above a green-tiled bar, it’s all very secretive and low-key, but the cocktails are of the highest quality. Signature drinks include The Harbour Master, a blend of spiced rum, cloudy apple juice, ginger syrup, aromatic bitters, lime, ginger beer and black walnut bitters. It’s described as a ‘Dark & Stormy on steroids’. The Moth And The Moon is just up from the ennycomequick, an 18th-century inn serving a fine pint of St Austell beer and a seasonal menu including Cornish fish stew and day boat fish specials.