The best places to eat in Porthleven

Set within the dramatic sweep of Mount’s Bay on the edge of Cornwall’s west coast, Porthleven is an idyllic destination for a memorable holiday. Life here revolves around the harbour, where fishing boats drift in and out with the daily catch, much of which is served in the town’s flourishing eateries.

Boasting some of the best food and drink in Cornwall, it has earned itself a growing reputation as a great foodie destination, particularly when it comes to freshly landed seafood. From Asian fusion to classic fish and chips, there are so many exceptional places to eat in Porthleven. In fact, the town even has an annual food festival every April, and there are plenty more things to do to help you work up an appetite.

Feeling hungry? We’ve rounded up some of the best Porthleven restaurants, pubs, chippies, and cafés to try on your next visit. And if you’d like to browse our collection of Porthleven cottages, just click the button below.

Cottages in Porthleven

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• Restaurants in Porthleven
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• Fish and chips in Porthleven
• Cafés in Porthleven

Restaurants in Porthleven

For incredible menus of local cuisine created by some of the best chefs in the South West, here is a selection of the best Porthleven restaurants.

The Square at Porthleven

Flaunting blissful views over Porthleven Harbour, The Square at Porthleven is a Michelin-awarded restaurant with a mouthwatering brasserie-style menu.

Its harbourside address means it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon tucking into fresh fish and seasonal produce while watching the waves lap against colourful fishing boats. Expect dishes such as Mounts Bay sardines, Cornish crab, and West Country venison haunch steak.

Amélie

Inspired by the sun-soaked Mediterranean, Amélie is a much-loved Porthleven restaurant, housed within a historic fish smokehouse on the quayside.

Instantly recognisable by its blue-fronted façade, this waterfront eatery sources all its ingredients from within a 25-mile radius, so the menu is a real celebration of Cornish produce with local seafood taking centre stage. Much of the food is cooked in a wood-fired oven, from rustic pizzas to flavoursome fish.

Kota Restaurant

Also found on the harbourfront is a delicious duo in the form of Kota Restaurant and Kota Kai, both run by New Zealand-born chef and star of the BBC’s Great British Menu, Jude Kereama.

Slightly more formal than its sibling, at Kota Restaurant you can experience exquisite dishes with umami accents and Asian flair, with delicate plates including the likes of panko-coated hake and prawns with wasabi tartar. Having won numerous awards, it’s no wonder this is one of the most delicious places to eat in Cornwall.

Kota Kai

A few doors away, little sister restaurant Kota Kai is a more relaxed family-friendly restaurant in Porthleven. Enjoyed by drinkers and diners alike, this laidback venue showcases Jude’s signature flavours but also offers a selection of Thai-inspired tapas and classic kids’ meals.

With its special family room and Tuesday film nights, it’s the perfect place to treat everyone to a special holiday meal.

Pubs in Porthleven

If you’re searching for a hearty meal and local ales, then you’ll be spoiled for choice in this seaside town with the selection of Porthleven pubs on offer.

The Ship Inn

The 17th-century fishermen's haunt of The Ship Inn is well worth a visit for a Porthleven Pale Ale (made by the Cornish brewery, Skinner’s) and a steaming bowl of mussels.

It's especially enchanting on blustery winter days when the waves are crashing down on the rocks below and you are curled up next to the crackling fire without a care in the world. What’s more, it’s one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall, perfect if you’re bringing the whole pack on your Porthleven holiday.

Harbour Inn

Very little tops sipping on a Cornish ale in the sunshine after a day of windswept walks along the sand, and this popular pub in Porthleven enjoys a prime spot for al fresco dining on the harbour wall.

Alongside the well-stocked bar, you’ll have a choice of superbly fresh, homecooked pub dishes at the Harbour Inn, Porthleven as well as a wholesome Sunday carvery that finishes the week off perfectly.

Atlantic Inn

Set on a hill with far-reaching vistas over the rooftops to the sea, the Atlantic Inn Porthleven is a family-run pub, popular with the locals. In the summer months. Kick back with friends on the terrace of this hilltop hideaway with a bottle of wine and marvel at the scenery – on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mousehole.

There’s always a fantastic lineup of weekly entertainment here; time your visit right and you can be savouring your supper to the acoustic strums of a local band.

Fish and chips in Porthleven

No holiday in Cornwall is complete without at least one helping of fish and chips, best eaten overlooking the sea. Porthleven fish and chips are some of the best around, freshly cooked to order with crispy batter, lashings of vinegar and a good sprinkling of salt.

Porthleven Fish and Chips

A short walk from the harbour, Porthleven Fish and Chips has all your favourite chip shop classics, from battered cod and chunky chips to scampi and sausages.

Open for lunch and dinner, you can take your hot parcels down to the water and watch the boats come and go.

Catch Porthleven

Another great local chippy, Catch Porthleven is sure to fill hungry tummies after a busy day exploring the coast. You’ll find all the usual seaside staples as well as some more unusual fishy finds like crispy salt and pepper squid, and tempura king prawns.

The only question you’ll need to ask yourself is whether you fancy mushy peas or curry sauce with your chips…or both!

Cafés in Porthleven

Sometimes, all you need is a warm cuppa and a great big slice of cake – even better when accompanied by a glorious sea view. We’ve found a selection of the best Porthleven cafés where you can enjoy afternoon tea in style.

Origin Coffee

Coffee lovers or those simply needing a caffeine hit before a fun-filled family day out should order from Origin on Harbour Head. This friendly Porthleven eatery is open seven days a week and serves the best coffee for miles, using locally roasted beans from nearby Helston.

Perch on a stool in the window and drink in the maritime views with one of their monthly single-origin feature coffees or sit outside on a sunny day with a refreshing affogato. Alternatively, take your brew to go – they make exceptional hand warmers for a wintery walk along the cliffs!

Nauti But Ice

The perfect place to relax after a memorable morning on the beach, Nauti serves amazing coffee, homemade cake, and freshly baked wood-fired pizza, with captivating views across the harbour.

As its clever name suggests, it’s also a place to treat yourself to some local ‘naughtier’ offerings, including over 30 flavours of Roskilly’s ice cream.

Harbour View Café

Whether you’re in the mood for a full English breakfast with a big pot of tea or a freshly made prawn and avocado sandwich served with a glass of fizz, Harbour View Café is the place to be.

Their simple, honest menu covers every type of hunger pang, and the wonderful harbour views are a mesmerising backdrop to the mountain of treats on offer.

Dan Dan - The Lobster Man

For those craving a traditional crab sandwich by the sea, be sure to stop by Dan Dan - The Lobster Man. From out of their humble shipping container perched on the harbour wall, Dan and his daughter Daisy serve up a cracking local fare of seafood plucked fresh from the waves.

This summertime pop-up’s chalkboard menus are updated throughout the day, with a mouthwatering selection of prawn salads, lobster rolls, cockles, and seafood platters. Grab a bite to eat and take a seat on one of the waterside benches, watching the fishermen at work.

Foodie holidays in Porthleven

Have we tempted you with all these wonderful places to eat in Porthleven? If so, check out our collection of self-catering accommodation nearby by clicking the button below.

From romantic retreats for two to fun-filled houses for the whole family, our Porthleven cottages offer the perfect setting for a Cornish holiday to remember.

Cottages in Porthleven