Culinary Delights: Top Restaurants in West Cornwall
We are so fortunate here in Cornwall to have such a fantastic food scene with excellent local produce, great restaurants and expert, innovative chefs. Here are some of our favourite ‘fine dining’ spots close to us here at the Woodland Collection, all within a 20 minute drive.
Argoe
Where: Newlyn
Price: ££
Distance: 20 mins drive
https://www.argoenewlyn.co.uk
Situated right on the harbour front, overlooking the busy Cornish fish industry, the fish couldn’t have travelled less far unless you were on the water. Argoe is simple and modern and lets the food speak for itself. A range of seafood options with particular focus on what’s been caught that day.
Argoe is run by Newlyn fishmonger Richard Adams and chef Ben Coombs. Richard is a champion of underrated and unused cuts, so be prepared to try something new.
After your meal, walk along the seafront for a few minutes and find a bustling art scene with a cluster of art galleries and studios alongside the historic Newlyn Art Gallery.
Talcarn Inn
Where: Newlyn
Price: ££
Distance: 20 mins drive
https://tolcarneinn.co.uk/
Just down the road from Argoe is the Talcarn Inn, a Gastropub with a broad menu featuring the freshest of seafood options.
The Talcarn Inn is the passion project of Ben Tunnicliffe, a previous Michelin star chef who has worked right across Cornwall.
The pub is over 300 years old, perfect for a cosy lunch huddled up on a stormy day in this piece of Cornish history watching the waves crash on the harbour wall.
Fully dog friendly with easy walks along the front towards Penzance or even towards the picturesque village of Mousehole.
Kota
Where: Porthleven
Price: £££
Distance: 15 mins drive
https://kotarestaurant.co.uk
Kota offers an inspired fusion of Cornish produce and Asian flavours, crafted by renowned chef Jude Kereama, set on the harbour front in Porthleven. Jude creates distinctive dishes that celebrate both local ingredients and global influences, drawing on his Maori and Chinese-Malay heritage.
The restaurant has earned prestigious accolades, including a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide and three AA Rosettes, making it one of Cornwall’s top dining destinations. Jude’s talent has also been recognized with multiple awards, appearances on The Great British Menu, and a spot in Harden’s Top 100 UK Restaurants.
KotaKai
Where: Porthleven
Price ££
Distance: 15 mins drive
https://kotakai.co.uk
Kota Kai is the more relaxed little brother of Kota, a lighter environment to enjoy casual lunches with friends. The building is just along the road from Kota, up on the first floor with wide windows and great views over the harbour.
The food follows a similar style to Kota just a bit simpler with small plate, bar favourites and crowd pleasing puddings.
Ugly Butterfly
Where: Carbis Bay
Price: £££
Distance: 20 min drive.
https://www.uglybutterfly.co.uk/
The Ugly Butterfly is situated almost on top of Carbis Bay beach. Uninterrupted view over the white sands and calm waters of the bay allow you to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, and you can occasionally catch glimpses of seals and dolphins.
Chef Adam Handling MBE has designed a menu full of local Cornish produce with a focus on sustainability with left over cuts and produce being reused into different dishes. Try out the stunning chef’s menu filled with unique flavours and combinations, or enjoy a spectacular afternoon tea.
Porthminster Beach Cafe
Where: St Ives
Price: £££
Distance: 20 mins drive
https://www.porthminstercafe.co.uk/
So much more than a beach café, Porthminster is one of the best restaurants in Cornwall, winning awards with their Mediterranean and Asian influenced menu showcasing the best local produce from land and sea.
The striking whitewash building at the end of the popular Porthminster beach in St. Ives is bigger than it first appears, with a covered veranda with floor to ceiling views across the sea to St. Ives ‘island’. Ben Prior is head chef at Porthminster while he also runs the Big Green Shed here on-site at the Woodland Collection, where he brings his passion for great food to cosy breakfast and lunches.
