The 10 best places to eat in Perranporth

Coastal, Food and Drink, Destinations

Posted by Stephane Lawes on 22nd April 2024

An aerial shot of Perranporth Beach as the waves roll in, with fields and the town behind

The surf town of Perranporth on Cornwall’s rugged coastline is a hot spot of things to do for all those who enjoy glorious beaches, vibrant communities and up-and-coming Cornish restaurants. This sun-soaked resort offers a quieter, more laid-back alternative to its popular sibling Newquay, as well as plenty of coastal restaurants and pubs serving classic Cornish dishes.

When it comes to Perranporth restaurants, visitors and surfers alike are spoiled with a wide range of quirky eateries that are scattered along the windswept beachfront and hidden in the town’s sandy streets. To guide you through the best places to eat in Perranporth, we’ve featured 10 of our favourite restaurants, pubs and cafes below. 

After an evening spent in one of the many Perranporth restaurants, why drive all the way home when you can book a night in one of our cottages nearby instead? Click the button below to explore our collection.

Holiday cottages in Perranporth


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Restaurants in Perranporth

Serving produce from the waters and fields nearby, the restaurants in Perranporth beckon long lunches and sociable evenings together. Whether you’re seeking sea views or quiet, candle-lit corners, the choice of Perranporth restaurants is sure to impress.


Two photos of The Summer House restaurant in Cornwall; the restaurant’s sun-soaked interior, and a steaming bowl of mussels Photo credit: The Summer House

The Summer House

Through floor-to-ceiling windows or from the sun-soaked terrace, diners at The Summer House are treated to a first-class view of Perranporth’s golden sands and the surrounding, glistening waters. Combine this scenery with their vibrant menu – you’ve got one of the most memorable and popular Perranporth restaurants. 

The perfect spot for a halftime pause to your beach day, this stylish restaurant offers a range of smaller and bigger plates, shellfish platters and a punchy cocktail menu. For something light, enjoy dishes like torched local mackerel or crispy calamari, or throw yourselves into your seaside holiday by sharing a plate of classic oysters or tucking into a delicious crab roll. 

If you just fancy a drink, then enjoy the wide range of cocktails, wines, beers and ciders on offer before sitting back to absorb the seaside charm.

Good to know

  • Location: The Summer House, 38 Ponsmere Road, Perranporth, TR6 0FJ
  • Why not try? Dirty pork birria tacos served with pickled veg, onion and chillies
  • Stay nearby: No 16 The Dunes, Perranporth | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

The No.4 Breakfast and Bisto in Perranporth; a loaded hot dog with a cocktail, and an image of the restaurant's exterior Photo credit: No. 4 Breakfast and Bistro

No. 4 Breakfast and Bistro

Whether you fancy a cooked breakfast to kickstart your beach day, a sun-soaked lunch or a sophisticated evening of seafood, No. 4 Breakfast and Bistro is ready and waiting. Perched at the edge of the beach’s dunes in the heart of town, this is the place to be to soak in Perranporth’s laid-back atmosphere, watching surfers and beach-goers pass by. 

If you’re an early bird, enjoy the wide choice of cooked and cooler breakfasts – some of which you can take away to eat on the sands! At lunch and dinnertime, immerse yourselves in No. 4’s impressive range of fresh and locally caught seafood, pasta dishes, Thai cuisine and colourful vegan and veggie dishes. 

Surrounded by the town’s greenery and golden sands, this is no doubt one of the best restaurants in Perranporth for soaking up the coastal vibes and watching life go by.

Good to know

  • Location: No. 4 Breakfast and Bistro, 4 Beach Road, Perranporth, TR6 0JL
  • Why not try? Tempura prawns served with sweet chilli sauce and garlic mayo
  • Stay nearby: No 34 The Dunes, Perranporth | sleeps 6 + 1 dog

Two photos of The Seiners Arms in Perranporth; the building from afar next to the sea, the quaint interior with beach viewsPhoto credit: The Seiners Arms

The Seiners Arms

You can’t fail to notice The Seiners Arms as you arrive in Perranporth; this delightful restaurant and bar is nestled into the cliff and overlooks the town’s huge beach through its scenic windows that hide a welcoming and traditional interior. 

As you tuck into The Seiners’ locally sourced dishes, look beyond to enjoy the exclusive views of the town’s iconic Chapel Rock, 3 miles of white sand, and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Choose from seafood delights such as marinated tiger prawns or steaming bowls of mussels – no doubt sourced from Newlyn’s buzzing fish market. 

Opt for something more traditional like steak and chips, or on Sundays, eat like a king over a plate of their popular roast dinners. Supporting local butchers in nearby Port Isaac, you’re guaranteed fresh and local fare at this most popular of Perranporth restaurants.

Good to know

  • Location: The Seiners Arms, Beach Road, Perranporth, TR6 0JL
  • Why not try? Seafood pie served with mash, crushed peas and lemon
  • Stay nearby: Templeton, Perranporth | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs

Pubs in Perranporth

There’s nothing quite like tasty food and drink complemented by ocean views on a seaside getaway. The good news is that the pubs in Perranporth offer all three in abundance. From beachfront bars to traditional inns, fans of good fare and vistas are utterly spoiled.


Two shots of The Watering Hole pub on Perranporth Beach; the pub’s scenic interior, and a roast dinner with the beach behind Photo credit: The Watering Hole

The Watering Hole

If you’re on the hunt for pubs in Perranporth and fancy a true seaside experience, then look no further than the sandy confines of The Watering Hole, set in the centre of Perranporth’s magnificent beach. 

Soaking up the heat from the pub’s outside seating with the sand between your toes, you could quite easily forget that you’re in England. Combined with the fantastic scenery is the pub’s busy calendar of live entertainment and even more exciting food. 

The quirky, coastal menu boasts delights such as the captain’s catch of the day, mackerel Thai choo chee, towering burgers, lighter bites and quaint side dishes. Offering food every day of the week and a fantastic atmosphere, it’s no wonder that this is the most popular of all the pubs in Perranporth.

Good to know

  • Location: The Watering Hole, 19 St Pirans Road, Perranporth, TR6 0BH
  • Why not try? Roasted harissa aubergine served with vegan yoghurt
  • Stay nearby: Rolling Waves, Perranporth | sleeps 6

The Waterfront pub in Perranporth; a photo of a mural outside the pub, and a fresh pint of lager in the beer garden Photo credit: The Waterfront

The Waterfront

Found on Beach Lane in the heart of town, you won’t be surprised to hear that The Waterfront is one of the best pubs in Perranporth for seaside vibes and sun-drenched beer gardens. 

Whether you sit in the pub’s lively interior or under the palm trees outside, it’s easy to soak up the holiday atmosphere that makes this corner of Cornwall so popular. When stomachs start to rumble, you’ll love the modern, exciting dishes that await. 

Under the sun, share a bowl of loaded fries, with toppings like BBQ chicken or chorizo. Tuck into a chicken wings platter with six different flavours to choose from, or if you’re feeling ravenous, don’t miss out on the pub’s renowned range of burgers and hot dogs, with over 15 to choose from!

Good to know

  • Location: The Waterfront, 1 Beach Lane, Perranporth, TR6 0BQ
  • Why not try? Handmade battered fish burger served with salad
  • Stay nearby: Trenarren, Perranporth | sleeps 10 + 2 dogs

The Tywarnhayle Inn in Perranporth; a fried breakfast at an outside table, and two coffees Photo credit: The Tywarnhayle Inn

The Tywarnhayle Inn

Surrounded by surf shops and bustling restaurants, The Tywarnhayle Inn is one of the most popular dog-friendly pubs in Perranporth, meaning your furry friends won’t be left behind! 

Sit in the pub’s stylish interior or out under blue skies when you dine at this relaxed, seaside venue. Visit in the morning to build your own fried breakfast, choosing from a long list of classic ingredients, or find a table in the afternoon and dine as the evening draws in. 

From the main menu, choose from lighter baguettes and wraps, jacket potatoes of all varieties, the pub’s famous stacked nachos, or something more substantial like a steak and Cornish ale pie, or the trio of Cornish sausages.

Good to know

  • Location: The Tywarnhayle, Tywarnhayle Square, Perranporth, TR6 0ER
  • Why not try? Home-made steak and Cornish Tribute Ale pie
  • Stay nearby: Smugglers, Perranporth | sleeps 4

Fish and chips in Perranporth

If you’re looking for places to eat in Perranporth and you’re craving something classic, then you’ll love the wealth of traditional fish and chip shops that await your discovery.


Fish and chips in a takeaway box on the beach, and an aerial shot of Perranporth Beach as the waves roll in

The Haddock’s End

When it comes to places to eat in Perranporth that are quick and classic, The Haddock’s End beckons with its fantastic location by the beach and even more impressive range of daily specials, caught locally. 

Their takeaway service makes it easy to choose your battered delights before taking them back for the rest of the group on the beach, just a minute’s walk away. From the menu, enjoy something fresh like Cornish hake or steamed mussels, or opt for a classic fish and chips with mushy peas – when in Rome...

Good to know

  • Location: The Haddock’s End, 8 Beach Road, Perranporth, TR6 0JL
  • Why not try? Fresh Cornish hake served with chips and salad
  • Stay nearby: Living at the Edge, Perranporth | sleeps 8 + 1 dog

An aerial shot of Perranporth Beach, and a close-up of a man eating fish and chips

Brown's Fish and Chip Shop

If you’re committed to fish and chips in Perranporth but fancy eating in, rather than taking away, then Brown's Fish and Chip Shop in the town’s centre is the foodie choice for you.

Brown’s classic interior is just what you’d expect from a fish and chip shop in England – diner-style tables combined with the smells and sounds of local fish in the fryer. When it’s time to eat, the choice is obvious – generously priced, traditional fish and chips. Choose from various fish including cod, plaice and haddock, or go lighter with a plate of scampi or fish cakes.

Good to know

  • Location: Brown's Fish and Chips, 2 Lower Tywarnhayle, Perranporth, TR6 0ER
  • Why not try? Classic battered fish and chips served with mushy peas
  • Stay nearby: Hillhead, Perranporth | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Cafes in Perranporth

If a traditional seaside holiday wasn’t already British enough, then a fried breakfast in a local cafe certainly is. Beyond breakfast, the cafes in Perranporth also offer a classy, coastal spin, with many staying open long into the night – swapping coffees for cocktails and toast for tunes.


Alcatraz Bar and Cafe in Perranporth; the building’s exterior and balconies, and two empty chairs overlooking the beach Photo credit: Alcatraz Bar and Cafe

Alcatraz Bar and Cafe

If you’re looking for waterside places to eat in Perranporth that are cute and quaint, then head for Alcatraz Bar and Cafe – a former WWII gun shelter perched on the edge of the town’s golden sands, with splendid sea views. 

Although compact, this is one of the most delightful cafes/restaurants in Perranporth thanks to its crisp and airy interior where panoramic views, artisan coffees and cakes, and exquisite cocktails combine. 

Whether you’re stopping by for a hand-crafted cocktail using local garnishes, a refreshing Cornish beer, or a light bite of hearty soups, toasties and cakes, you won’t regret discovering this charming little spot.

Good to know

  • Location: Alcatraz Bar and Cafe, 38, The Dunes, Perranporth, TR6 0FJ
  • Why not try? A slice of artisan cake (vegan and gluten-free options available)
  • Stay nearby: Colmans Cottage, Perranporth | sleeps 2

A fried breakfast on the table in a cafe, and a photo of a classic cafe with traditional wooden chairs

The Stepping Stones Cafe

Perched near the banks of the town’s boating lake and park, Stepping Stones Cafe offers one of the best places to eat in Perranporth if you’re an early bird and need a good feeding before your day on the beach.

Inside this typical cafe, expect a great choice of cooked breakfasts in the morning, and substantial dishes that are perfect for recharging at lunchtime.

On the menu, choose from freshly made sandwiches, jacket potatoes and meaty burgers – with vegan options also available. Pick classic plates like steak and ale pie or various omelettes, and let the little ones enjoy the generous selection from the children’s menu.

Good to know

  • Location: The Stepping Stones Cafe, 1 Liskey Hill, Perranporth, TR6 0ES
  • Why not try? Chef’s own steak and ale pie served with chips and peas
  • Stay nearby: Bronfield, Perranporth | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Map of places to eat in Perranporth

To help you find our favourite Perranporth restaurants, pubs in Perranporth and other places to eat, check out our map below.

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Stay at one of our holiday cottages in Perranporth

Now you’re in the know when it comes to Perranporth restaurants, why not extend your seaside getaway with a night in one of our holiday cottages nearby? 

With properties perfect for solo travellers and couples, and larger cottages for families and groups of friends, we’re confident that our collection has something for you!

Holiday cottages in Perranporth

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.