Our favourite beachside eateries in the South West

Five splendid spots just moments from the sand

There’s nothing quite like enjoying beautiful food overlooking the beach with the ocean glistening and the sun warming your face. With miles of stunning coastline, the South West is renowned for its delectable beachside cafés and restaurants so we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites for you to try.

From lesser-known beach cafés serving rustic seafood platters to established eating spots from the region’s best chefs, you’ll discover somewhere new to explore.

Beachhouse - South Milton, Devon

Just metres from South Milton Sands Beach and perched overlooking the sea, Beachhouse is the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch while watching the kids play on the beach. This family-friendly eatery is renowned for its fresh seafood platters, grilled fish and generous moules mariniere.

During peak holiday periods make sure you arrive early and grab one of their outdoor seats to make the most of the wonderful beach views.

Where to stay? Tamarisks, Hope Cove

Lula - Hayle, Cornwall

Sister restaurant to Amelies in Porthleven, Lula is a beautiful wood-clad shack perched just above the golden sands of Hayle Beach. This laid back café has a dedicated following of both locals and tourists.

Specialising in fresh Cornish seafood, tasty ribs and lobster sourced directly from the local fishing fleet, Lula is a great destination for a relaxed lunch with friends. If that's not for you, why not pick up one of their famous 'po-boy' sandwiches and take a leisurely walk along the beach. 

Where to stay? Shun Lee, St Ives

Emily Scott Food - The Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall

After a successful pop-up, Emily Scott opened her seaside restaurant at the Watergate Bay Hotel in 2021. Taking over the former Watchful Mary building, she serves simple, elegant seafood and plant-based dishes. The stunning wood-clad building sits just above the world-famous Watergate Bay beach with large glass windows looking out over the blue waters.

Ideal for a luxurious evening out, Emily’s menu features roasted scallops, Cornish crab with brown butter hollandaise and hake with picked samphire to name just a few dishes.

Where to stay? The Hideout, Mawgan Porth

Porthmeor Beach Café - St Ives, Cornwall

Positioned just a few steps above the white sand of Porthmeor Beach with endless views across the Atlantic Ocean, this café is a real gem for foodie lovers. Enjoy breakfast get-togethers after a morning walk through the picturesque streets of St Ives or evening tapas with friends to watch the sun set over the shimmering water. 

The covered terrace is dog-friendly and perfect when the weather is warm, or choose to nestle inside if the wind picks up and watch the ocean waves roll in. With a surf school on the beach and the Tate art gallery just moments away, there's plenty to keep everyone busy.

Where to stay? Shun Lee, St Ives

Hooked on the Rocks - Swanpool, Cornwall

Serving sustainably caught seafood, fresh crab and lobster from the Falmouth fishing fleet, Hooked on the Rocks is a wonderful spot for lovers of fresh fish. Overlooking Swanpool Beach, just outside Falmouth, this lovely restaurant has wonderful views across the beach and is perfect for a quiet meal on the coast. Beautiful interiors with pops of mustard yellow and mid-blue create a luxurious ambience or if you’re after an al fresco dining experience, book one of their terrace tables to enjoy the stunning ocean views.

Where to stay? Seathrift, Porthleven

If you're staying at one of our properties and you'd like some help choosing the best restaurant for your holiday, make the most of our inclusive concierge service and let our friendly team make all the arrangements.

Image credits: Lula images courtesy of Adam Sargent | Beachhouse and Porthmeor Beach Café images courtesy of the restaurant owners | Emily Scott images from Instagram | Swanpool image by Tim Green aka atoach  | All other images are our own or from Unsplash.