Image credit, Instagram: @thekingfowey
Fowey is a beautiful and characterful estuary town surrounded by Cornish countryside and filled with delights – it's a perfect place for a quiet break with loved ones.
If you're planning a trip to this charming town, you may be curious to hear about the fantastic places to eat places to eat in Fowey. With independent delis, seafood suppers and fine dining throughout town, Fowey is a fantastic destination for dishes to make your mouth water and we've put this guide together to showcase our favourites! You can also check out our guide to the best places to eat across Cornwall for even more dining out ideas, or read our guide to Cornwall's most iconic food and drink.
Discover our top Fowey restaurants and eating-out destinations, we've compiled a wonderful round-up of our favourite establishments below. If you haven’t booked a break yet, click the button to explore our inspiring cottages.
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Top Fowey restaurants for eating out
We've begun by listing what we consider to be the very best restaurants in Fowey and have included a wide selection so you can plan big family get-togethers or romantic evenings out with your partner during your holiday. You can discover a choice of tapas dishes, traditional Cornish meals and fine dining options to whet your appetite below.
Image credit, Instagram: @samsfowey
Sam's Fowey – best for a vibrant atmosphere
Sam's Fowey is a brilliant restaurant for an evening meal out, boasting a lively feel in the heart of town and within walking distance of the seafront. This bright bistro and cocktail bar is filled to the rafters with pop memorabilia, and the menu consists of award-winning char-grilled burgers, locally caught fish and mussels from the bay. They have a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options so you can bring the whole family along to this exciting restaurant.
Good to know
- Location: 20 Fore St, Fowey PL23 1AQ
- Opening times: 12pm–9pm every day
- Why not try: Samburger Deluxe – a delicious burger straight from the grill topped with melted cheddar or blue cheese and smoky bacon
- Stay nearby: Killas Cottage, Fowey | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Images credit, Instagram: @pintxofowey (both)
Pintxo – best for tapas and sherry
A restaurant with a fantastic menu boasting a wide selection of tasty tapas classics such as patatas bravas, croquetas and albondigas – Pintxo serves up Spanish-style dishes with a Cornish twist. It's set on the Esplanade, the seafront thoroughfare stretching from town to pretty Readymoney Cove. This enchanting little eatery is a delight all year round, but a real favourite for cosying up and tucking into delicious dishes during the winter months.
Good to know
- Location: 38 Esplanade, Fowey PL23 1HZ
- Opening times: 12pm–9pm every day
- Why not try: Spider crab and saffron croquetas
- Stay nearby: Harbour's Reach, Fowey | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Image credit, Instagram: @sail_away2023
The Old Quay House – best for waterfront dining
Watch the boats sail by during a mouthwatering meal and refreshing drink at this restaurant that’s called The Old Quay House. At this sea-view restaurant, doors lead out to a stunning terrace with seating, making The Old Quay House a perfect fine dining destination for fresh drinks by the water. Head chef Richard Massey has dreamt up a range of delicious options using local produce that are elegantly presented on the plate, including monkfish, sirloin steak and Cornish lobster.
Good to know
- Location: The Old Quay House Hotel, 28 Fore St, PL23 1AQ
- Opening times: Lunch 12pm–2.30pm Wednesday to Monday, dinner 6pm to 8pm every day (bookings essential)
- Why not try: Dukkha spiced pork fillet (GF) – crispy belly, rhubarb, parsnip, crispy sage, and cidre jus
- Stay nearby: Yardarm Cottage, Fowey | sleeps 6
Images credit, Instagram: @nsk.fowey (both)
North Street Kitchen – best for casual dinners
North Street Kitchen is a restaurant that should be first on your list if you're partial to fresh, local, great-quality seafood dinners – that's what they are known for! They are a pop-up, seafood-serving, open kitchen that overlooks the beautiful River Fowey and serves produce including pollock, megrim and spider crab – the everchanging menu is written up on their blackboard, so you'll have to wait to find out what's on offer until you arrive and see for yourself.
Good to know
- Location: 55 North St, Fowey PL23 1DB
- Opening times: 12pm–3pm Wednesday to Sunday
- Why not try: You'll have to wait and check the board, which changes daily, but they get a lot of Cornish king crab (otherwise known as spider crab) which we recommend you try!
- Stay nearby: 45 North Street, Fowey | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Appleton’s – best for fine dining
Run by Andy and Lyndsey Appleton in Fowey, this stunning restaurant on Fore Street is a delightful stop for brunch, lunch or a very special Italian-inspired dinner, and it is in the Michelin guide. The dishes are the creation of Andy Appleton who is self-taught and, before opening Appleton's, was the head chef of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall. Perhaps sip on a refreshing glass of red wine from the bar while trying their delectable squid ink linguine, potato agnolotti or saffron mafaldine.
Good to know
- Location: 19 Fore St, Fowey PL23 1AH
- Opening times: 10am–12am Tuesday to Saturday
- Why not try: Potato agnolotti 'alla Genovese' green beans, pumpkin seed pesto and goat's curd
- Stay nearby: Pont View, Fowey | sleeps 4
Images credit, Instagram: @thekingfowey (both)
King of Prussia – best for exquisite and intimate meals
With a range of fish dishes offering seafood such as smoked mussels, grilled octopus and hand-dived scallops, King of Prussia is a great fine-dining spot for tasting the food Cornwall is known for. Like many foodie places on this list, it's a restaurant that champions local produce and suppliers. The great food and drink options on their menu combine traditional charm with contemporary elegance – plus they have a selection of artfully crafted cocktails too.
Good to know
- Location: 3 Town Quay, Fowey PL23 1AT
- Opening times: Lunch 12pm–3pm, dinner 6pm–9pm, Sunday roast 12pm–5pm
- Why not try: Plaice, potato, leek, Champagne and caviar sauce
- Stay nearby: Refuge Cottage, Fowey | sleeps 5 + 1 dog
The best pubs in Fowey
If you're looking for quality pub grub, Fowey has plenty to offer! This old fishing town has ancient watering holes full of atmosphere and creaky old beams, alongside more contemporary establishments too. Enjoy cod and chips, steak and ale pie, well-stacked burgers, and quality locally brewed beers at these great pubs in Fowey.
Image credit, Instagram: @stillbigrob
The Galleon Inn – best for music nights
The Galleon Inn is another quality waterfront place to eat, set on the River Fowey with a lively atmosphere and welcoming owners. If you're looking for foodie events, this Fowey pub boasts fun music nights in a spectacular setting. Sit out on the terrace by the river and listen to the music while you dine or share a couple of ice-cold drinks from the bar. For dinner, their menu consists of a mix of food everyone can enjoy with pizzas, baguettes and jacket potatoes to tuck into.
Good to know
- Location: 12 Fore Street, Fowey, Cornwall PL23 1AQ
- Opening times: 10am–11.00pm Sunday to Thursday, 10am–11.30pm Friday to Saturday
- Why not try: Local beer-battered cod fillet, chips and a choice of peas, mushy peas or salad
- Stay nearby: Sideways Cottage, Fowey | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Images credit, Instagram: @havenersfowey (both)
Haveners – best for a stylish setting
A popular choice among the locals, Haveners is another charming eatery on the River Fowey, set in a sought-after location in the centre of town. Stylish interiors and contemporary, covered, outdoor seating combine to create a beautiful space for relaxed restaurant-style dining in an elegant pub by the sea. It's a great place to head to with friends in the summer months, boasting day and evening menus offering classic pub meals, seafood dishes, and tasty desserts too.
Good to know
- Location: Town Quay, Fowey PL23 1AT
- Opening times: 10am–10 pm every day
- Why not try: Sautéed wood mushrooms, poached egg, parmesan shavings, white truffle oil and parsley
- Stay nearby: Guinevere, Fowey | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Image credit, Instagram: @rambling_adventuresx
The Ship Inn – best for historic surroundings
With an olde-worlde interior and open fire roaring during chilly days, The Ship Inn is a warm, welcoming place to eat with friends and family. It's Fowey's oldest pub, having been built by adventurer John Rashleigh in 1570, and boasts rustic beams and other quaint heritage features. They make full use of the local area, with wonderful seafood to enjoy alongside Cornish ales and delicious wine. If you don't fancy fish, tuck into a proper Cornish pub lunch with pie, curry and burgers all on their menu.
Good to know
- Location: Trafalgar Square, Fowey PL23 1AZ
- Opening times: 11am–11pm Monday to Friday, 11am–1pm Saturday, 12pm–11pm Sunday
- Why not try: Fowey River Moules Mariniere (GFO)
- Stay nearby: Veryan Cottage, Fowey | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Images credit, Instagram: @southwestfoodies_uk (left) and @clarke.family.travels (right)
The Old Ferry Inn – best for a quiet evening out
Set on the banks of the River Fowey, The Old Ferry Inn is a popular pub with great local produce and sits just across the river in the lovely, scenic village of Bodinnick. You can hop on the ferry from Fowey and it's a 5-minute trip across the beautiful estuary for a quiet evening in a warm and welcoming pub with a relaxed atmosphere. The Old Ferry Inn is also dog friendly with their own four-pawed mascot to greet visitors, dog biscuits behind the bar and water on hand.
Good to know
- Location: Bodinnick, Fowey PL23 1LX
- Opening times: 12pm–9pm Sunday to Thursday, 3pm–10pm Friday and Saturday
- Why not try: Home-roasted honey ham, egg and chips – they roast this ham themselves and serve it with St Ewe’s golden yolkers
- Stay nearby: Choughs, Fowey | sleeps 4
The best coffee shops and cafes in Fowey
If you're just looking for a light bite between your holiday adventures, these lovely places to eat in Fowey will hit the spot. Pop in for freshly brewed coffee, tasty sandwiches and sugary cakes at one of these charming eateries.
Image credit, Instagram: @benhuckle
The Dwelling House – best for afternoon tea
If you fancy a little elegance during your meal, The Dwelling House in Fowey is an enchanting little hideaway where you can treat yourself and your loved ones to Cornish cakes, crab sandwiches, and beef rendang. If you want to plan something special during your holiday, book one of their excellent afternoon teas – visitors only have good things to say about the food here. It's a top choice year-round for families and groups exploring this Cornish town.
Good to know
- Location: 6 Fore Street, Fowey PL23 1AQ
- Opening times: 12.30pm–10pm Thursday to Monday
- Why not try: Warm scones, clotted creams and a selection of jams
- Stay nearby: Refuge Cottage, Fowey | sleep 5 + 1 dog
Images credit, Instagram: @brownsugar_fowey (both)
Brown Sugar Café – best for quality coffee
Whether you're planning to share a meal or grab a snack to go, this quirky cafe is perfect for eating in or taking away so you can enjoy Fowey's seafront. Taste-test the delicious coffees at Brown Sugar Cafe and pick through the lovely food and drinks on their menu – treat yourself to pancakes for breakfast or a crab sandwich for lunch. This is a cafe with a real flair and mouthwatering food you won't soon forget.
Good to know
- Location: 2 South St, Fowey PL23 1AR
- Opening times: 8.30am–5pm Monday to Saturday, 8.30am–4pm Sunday
- Why not try: Iced mocha and a blueberry Bakewell
- Stay nearby: Pendeen – Fowey, Fowey | sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
Top places for fresh produce in Fowey
During your holiday, you might want to spend a few evenings cooking your own dishes and dining together back at your cottage, so you need to know the best places in Fowey to pick up quality locally sourced ingredients. Below, you'll find our favourite places for food shopping on your getaway to Fowey.
Image credit, Instagram: @gemfawcusrobinson
Kittows of Fowey – best deli
Want to pick up tasty goodies for a delicious lunch back at your holiday cottage? Head to Kittows of Fowey who sell a brilliant selection of food ranging from fresh veg, Cornish fish and locally reared meats. They even have homemade cakes and Cornish pasties so you can take your pick of quality local produce at this fantastic shop and deli.
Good to know
- Location: 1-3 South St, Fowey PL23 1AR
- Opening times: 8.30pm–5pm every day
- Why not try: White chocolate cheesecake
- Stay nearby: 1 Cobbs Well, Fowey | sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
Image credit, Instagram: @fauxrealuk (right)
Quay Bakery – best for a proper Cornish pasty
Head to the Quay Bakery, a delightful choice for hearty goodies after a blustery stroll along the South West Coast Path or days out in the Cornish countryside. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere ensures a warm welcome at this charming establishment. Cut a slice from one of their homemade cakes, pick up artisan bread or taste proper Cornish pasties at the wonderful Quay Bakery.
Good to know
- Location: 37 Fore St, Fowey PL23 1AH
- Opening times: 7am–5pm Tuesday to Saturday
- Why not try: Skirt steak, potato, swede and onion pasties
- Stay nearby: Secret Garden Cottage, Fowey | sleeps 4
Map of our top places to eat in Fowey
Which of these places to eat in Fowey has caught your eye? Find all our top Fowey pubs and restaurants on our map below.
Places to stay in Fowey
Now you've discovered these fantastic places to eat in Fowey and have planned your dining itinerary, you'll need to find the perfect holiday cottage for your stay.
From enchanting old farmhouse cottages to holiday homes with sea views, you'll find a wonderful selection in our range of Fowey retreats. Browse through our excellent selection of cottages in Fowey or check out our wider range of Cornwall holiday cottages to find a property you'll love.
Fowey cottages