You can't beat eating fresh crab sandwiches, fresh seafood or even a big breakfast overlooking the beach on a sunny day. Cornwall has a host of delightful harbour villages and resorts and many have beach cafés that are well worth seeking out. Here are some popular favourites.
Beachcomber Café, Praa Sands
White tablecloths flapping in the sea breeze are just one of the delights of the outdoor tables at this beachfront restaurant. Sitting on an elevated terrace, enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and live music at this delightfully upscale café enviably located on the beach between Marazion and Porthleven.
Watering Hole, Perranporth
The aptly named Watering Hole offers a full menu with specials throughout the year. There are tables inside and out at this characterful casual eatery built from driftwood, which is right on Perranporth Beach. Access is from the car park with a short walk over the sands. The menu is better than most and there is always background music or a live band.
Godrevy Café, Gwithien near Hayle
One of Cornwall's best finds is the Godrevy Café which brings a touch of the Australian Outback to this sandy locale. Great homemade food, coffee, breakfast treats and stunning views from the upper deck make this a great place to start the day.
Indaba Fish on the Beach, Falmouth
More fish restaurant than café, but still on the beach, this nicely presented fish and seafood restaurant celebrates Cornwall's freshest catch-of-the-day cuisine. For a romantic meal, it is hard to beat, with al fresco dining on the terrace which extends out from the original whitewashed fisherman's cottage. And they have champagne on the wine list, too!
Gylly Beach Café, Falmouth
Also in Falmouth, located on the gorgeous sands of Gyllongvase Beach (Gylly for short) is the family-run Gylly Beach Café. With a backdrop of Pendennis Castle and fabulous views across to the Lizard peninsula, you are sure to want to linger over the Cornish menu with locally inspired dishes displaying an original culinary twist.
Bodhi's Beach Café and Bistro, Fistral Beach
Overlooking the surfing mecca of Fistral Beach, Bodhi's is a relaxed come-in-your-wetsuit café by day yet transforms itself into a candlelit bistro after dark. Wonderful seafood menu and views to die for.
Kahuna Restaurant and Beach Bar, Tolcarne Beach, Newquay
Few places hog a more perfect location than the Kahuna Restaurant which has panoramic views of Tolcarne Bay from the stunning terrace on Narrow Cliff. On inclement days, the indoor tables enjoy the same splendid view through the panoramic windows while the beach shack atmosphere makes this a charming and unpretentious place to dine anytime. Relax over coffee on one of the lounge sofas or appreciate the creative genius of head Chef Ryan Mather who serves up beautifully presented dishes from British classics to international favourites.
Sandbar at Praa
Finally, back where we started, the Sandbar at Praa Sands features a team of young and innovative chefs serving Mediterranean inspired dishes overlooking the beach. “Roast on the coast†is a popular Sunday carvery tradition and there is a well-stocked bar for evening gatherings, live music and quiz nights.
There are dozens of small beach cafés around Cornwall. Have you experienced one that is particularly memorable? Feel free to share your thoughts below.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.