The Best Places to Eat in Penzance, Cornwall: A Foodie’s Guide

Planning an off-season trip to west Cornwall? The once sleepy seaside town of Penzance has recently been reborn as west Cornwall’s biggest foodie hotspot, with the arrival of quirky gastropubs, grown-up restaurants and an underground food scene of street food, festivals, pop-ups and experiences including foraging and vineyard tours. Here, local food connoisseur and chef Ben Tunnicliffe gives us his top recommendations for restaurants and cafés in Penzance. Check out our insider’s pick of the bunch and start planning your trip to now – for sandy toes, crisp wine and great food that are best enjoyed outdoors.

The Best Places to Eat in Penzance, Cornwall: A Foodie’s Guide

Ben Tunnicliffe

Chef and restaurateur Ben Tunnicliffe has a string of accolades and a succession of high-profile positions under his belt, yet he hasn’t lost sight of the basics of great food and warm hospitality – qualities which have made his humble harbourside pub one of Cornwall’s most sought-after dining destinations.

As he cooked his way around Britain, between country house hotels and gaining Michelin stars at legendary fine-dining establishment The Abbey, Ben’s technical expertise and knowledge grew and grew – but he hankered after something different.

‘I was never that keen on the fine-dining label, so I decided to look for a pub,’ he explains. ‘Great food in an unpretentious setting was what I aspired to, a place where you could exceed expectations, keep prices affordable and allow people to relax and enjoy themselves.’

Eventually he discovered The Tolcarne, a historic pub directly next to the seawall in Newlyn, which also happens to be Cornwall’s major fishing port. Winning a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its food, Ben’s chalkboard-style menu reads like an ode to the sea; mackerel, cod, brill, bream, scallops, crab, mussels, bass, john dory – all of these and more, according to seasonal abundance.

Here are Ben’s top tips for food lovers visiting his home patch.

Ben’s Pick: The Best Places to Eat in Penzance

Ben Tunnicliffe at The Tolcarne Inn

Mexico Inn, Longrock

Run by a talented young couple, Amy Parsons and Tom Symons, this welcoming, family-friendly pub occupies an easily-overlooked location in Longrock, the outer reaches of Penzance. The food is honest, simple and just so enjoyable – everything I think good pub food should be. The Mexico Inn is our go-to choice for early evening meals with the kids in tow.

4 Riverside, Longrock, Penzance TR20 8JD, themexicoinn.com

The Square, Porthleven

Cornish food legends Anna and Stew Eddy push out consistently first-class food in The Square at Porthleven, which overlooks the town’s harbour and is just 10 minutes’ drive from Penzance. The menu changes regularly, reflecting the couple’s dedicated approach to seasonality and sourcing.

7 Fore St, Porthleven, Helston TR13 9HQ, thesquareatporthleven.co.uk

The Old Coastguard, Mousehole

The Old Coastguard is a modern yet rustic seaside hotel, bar and restaurant which serves the best local produce in an always appealing menu, which is simultaneously inventive yet unpretentious. This is our summer haunt, as you can dine alfresco on the terrace, overlooking the gardens and the beautiful Mount’s Bay.

The Parade, Mousehole, Penzance TR19 6PR, oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk

The Shore, Penzance

If you’re looking for a proper grown-up restaurant experience in Penzance, head to Bruce Rennie’s The Shore on Alverton Street in the town centre. The small daily selection of seafood dishes, each packed with sophisticated techniques and beautifully presented, is lovingly crafted by this inventive and highly experienced chef. A visit here is a real feast for the senses.

13-14 Alverton St, Penzance TR18 2QP, theshorerestaurant.uk

The Victoria Inn, Perranuthnoe

This is practically our local, so a trip here is usually bookmarked by a walk in the beautiful Cornish countryside. Nik Boyle’s food is more sophisticated restaurant than simple pub grub, and consistently really good. The Victoria Inn is a no-brainer if you’re in the area.

Perranuthnoe, Penzance TR20 9NP, victoriainn-penzance.co.uk

Scarlet Wines

A 10-minute drive from Penzance in Lelant, Scarlet Wines is a wine bar, deli and café. If you’re visiting West Cornwall make sure to stop here for brunch (try the baked eggs with feta and chorizo), or just to grab a bottle – Jon Keast’s selection of over 300 wines is a treat to choose from.

Griggs Quay, The Old Forge, Griggs Quay, Hayle TR27 6JG, scarlet-wines.co.uk