There is a lot to love about Cornwall. From its rich history to its natural wonders, the county is brimming with great attractions to explore and activities to experience. Whether you want to surf, take a walk or enjoy some of the best dishes in the city, Cornwall stands ready to accommodate your every need. Cornwall also has some of the best beaches in the world. And when you combine the sublime views of golden sands, crashing waves and breathtaking scenery, with fun, tasty food a these beachside Cafés you are guaranteed a memorable experience.
With such a wide variety of restaurants and Cafés on offer, most of them perched in glorious spots along the coast, it’s hard to refine the selection into a short list. But we have done our best with our choice of favourite beach Cafés in Cornwall to enjoy whether you are visiting on holiday or live here all year-round.
Godrevy Café
Located near Hayle, Godrevy Café is perched at the edge of sand dunes overlooking one of Cornwall’s best surfing beaches. Its fitting in this natural environment, that the Café is constructed entirely out of wood. Yet it is warm and cosy inside offering a great retreat to warm up with a cup of coffee after a stroll on the beach. This friendly café is favoured by the locals not only for its good food but the reasonable prices on offer. A seat at the top deck offers one the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of grassy sand dunes. With generous hearty breakfasts and delicious Mexican wraps, a stroll along the beach afterwards provides one the opportunity to drink in a clear and open view of the sea.
Swanpool Beach Café
This tiny beach café has so much more to offer than most people presume; the outdoor seating on the deck is as close to the sea as it is to the road. The homemade food is not only lovely but affordable, complimented by hot drinks and a diverse offering of ice cream, making it perfect for every season.
Burgers & Fish
With a growing reputation as one of the best gourmet burger restaurants in Cornwall, this Padstow restaurant is in a league of its own and well worth a visit to refuel after an energetic day on the beach. Not exactly on the beach, but its seaside setting in the heart of Padstow and laid, back trendy atmosphere make it a welcome addition to this list of Cornwall’s best beach Cafés. This diner specialises in gourmet burgers, as well as scrumptious fish dishes.
Porthmeor Beach Café
You haven’t seen St Ives until you have visited Porthmeor Beach. The café here offers a wide range of very delicious food items, this including breakfast and lunch; the juice bar is even more impressive. The freshly pressed juices and smoothies can fend off even the most powerful hangover, a refreshing treat to accompany one on their stroll across the beach. Or just sit back and admire the view of surfers riding the waves.
Gylly Beach Café
This café is located on Gyllanvase Beach in Falmouth and is a favourite for visiting tourists, as well as being a hangout for students from the local Falmouth College of Art. The decor is designed to meet the expectations of the young and trendy, while serving high quality food to match the superior sea views from this beachside eatery. Gylly will accommodate the needs of the young and the old, individuals and families, even visitors both foreign and local. The deck provides the perfect atmosphere for summer time, while glass walls will keep the chill of winter at bay, while creating an outdoors feel.
Kynance Café
Located on the Lizard peninsula, Kynance is a great hangout no matter the time of year. With a turquoise sea, sandy beach and caves to explore, there is a mysterious air surrounding the rocky headlands on either side of the cove. The National Trust Car Park and its environmentally friendly café are just behind the beach. The café is well known for its wide selection of cakes and coffees which can brighten up even the dreariest days at this spot close to the southernmost tip of the British Isles.
The Cabin Café
The Cabin Café is a little known gem on Cornwall’s south coast. It is often recommended because of how friendly and welcoming it has proven to be. Opening all year round and located above the beach at Perranuthnoe, the café provides homemade food and drinks throughout the day, with many gluten-free options. The fact that it welcomes dogs, or at least the well behaved type, is an added advantage for those out for a walk on this lovely stretch of coast.