Newquay is one of the top holiday destinations in the UK thanks to its many sandy beaches and excellent surf breaks. It’s also known for its nightlife and excellent eateries. Below you’ll find 15 of the best restaurants in Newquay no matter your taste or budget.
You’ll find a host of cuisines across the town from typical Cornish seafood dishes to Italian, Asian, and of course British pub classics. I’ve selected the top picks of these for you to enjoy.
So whether you’re looking for a meal with a view, cheap eats, or Michelin quality, you won’t be disappointed.
15 Best Restaurants in Newquay
Having eaten out in Newquay for years, I’ve compiled this list of my favorite restaurants in the town based on the quality of the food, service, location, my personal opinion, and customer reviews (so you know this list is the best of the best).
1. The Fish House (Best Restaurant in Newquay Overall)
The Fish House at Fistral is the only central Newquay restaurant to be recommended in the Michelin Guide. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Newquay for lovers of seafood, with locally caught fish and shellfish a specialty, arriving straight from the boats at Newquay harbor.
This stylish bistro is located a few meters from Newquay’s famous surf spot – Fistral beach – and comes with stunning views over the bay (a great place to watch the sunset with a sumptuous meal and a glass of something bubbly).
This is definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in Newquay thanks to its cozy atmosphere, exceptional food, and magnificent sea views.
I usually try and stop at the Fish House at least once on any trip to Newquay to tuck into the crab and prawn linguine or a nice sea bass fillet (my favorite fish).
The Fish House Info
Address: 5 International Surfing Centre, Headland Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HY
Phone: +44 (0)1637 872085
Operating Hours: 12 pm-9 pm, Mon-Sat, 4:30 pm-9 pm, Sun
Must-Try Meals: Cornish mussels, crab and tiger prawn linguine, pan-fried sea bass
Average Cost: £11-£17 per starter, £22-£28 per main, £8-£12 for desserts
Website: thefishhousefistral.com
2. Butchers Bistro (Best Steak in Newquay)
Butchers’ is the place to go if you’re looking for the best steak in Newquay. The fillet steaks (8oz or 12oz) come from locally reared cattle and are cooked to perfection by master butcher and head chef Chris. Butchers also specialize in local, freshly caught seafood.
Fans of seafood will love the mariniere; a plate bursting with grilled fish, mussels, squid, prawns, langoustine (I love langoustine) and crab claw, all fresh off the boat.
There’s an extensive wine list featuring choices from local vineyards as well as Cornish ales, ciders, and fruit juices.
The prices are also very reasonable for the equality with mains starting at just £10.50 (steaks start at £15.95). If I’m looking for a filling steak after a day’s surfing, then this is my go-to place.
Butchers is the true definition of “surf and turf” and serves up some of the best food in Newquay.
Butchers Bistro Info
Address: 26 Cliff Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2ND
Phone: +44 (0)1637 874470
Operating Hours: 6 pm-9 pm, Wed-Mon (closed Tuesdays)
Must-Try Meals: 8oz fillet steak, seafood mariniere, grilled fish of the day
Average Cost: £4.50-£7.95 per starter, £10.50-£23.95 per main, £4-£5 per dessert
Website: n/a
3. Andy’s Cafe (Best Cafe in Newquay)
If you’re looking to set yourself up for a day’s surfing, swimming, or hiking, then Andy’s full English breakfast can’t be beaten.
You can also grab American and vegetarian breakfasts, (and even a breakfast for your dog as the cafe is welcoming to well-behaved pups.
Located just a five-minute walk from Towan beach, Andy’s is the place for the best brunch in Newquay with a menu bursting with hot and cold snacks, waffles, baked potatoes, sandwiches, and the Cornish favorite – a cream tea.
The menu also includes a few home-cooked specialties including stir-fried vegetable udon noodles (vegetarian), chili con carne, and spaghetti bolognese (the noodles are a great light option for summer).
This is also one of the best places for cheap eats in Newquay thanks to its low prices.
Andy’s Cafe Info
Address: 15 East Street, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1DN
Phone: +44 (0)1637 870666
Operating Hours: 8 am-3 pm, Mon-Sat, 8 am-2 pm, Sun
Must-Try Meals: All-day (full English) breakfast, cream tea, vegetable udon noodles
Average Cost: £3-£9.95 per breakfast, £4.45-£10.95 per main, £4.65 per cream tea
Website: andyscafe.co.uk
4. Rick Stein, Fistral (One of the Top Restaurants in Newquay)
Celebrity chef Rick Stein is famous for his many (four) eateries in Padstow, and now he’s opened one of his trademark seafood restaurants just off Fistral beach in Newquay.
At Rick Stein, Fistral you can expect world-class cooking with a laid-back feel and gorgeous views out across the bay.
Rick brings his trademark fusion cuisine matching fresh, local produce with Asian flavors, British classics, and more contemporary dishes. You really can’t go wrong with the fish and chips here, but if you want to be a bit more adventurous then I recommend the cod curry.
The menu is very reasonably priced (much cheaper than his flagship Seafood Restaurant in Padstow) with mains all under £20.00. I’m a huge fan of Rick Stein for putting Cornwall on the culinary map and I always try and grab a bite in one of his restaurants or cafes when in the county.
Rick Stein, Fistral Info
Address: Fistral Beach Complex, Headland Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HY
Phone: +44 (0)1637 808437
Operating Hours: 12 pm-8 pm, Wed-Sun
Must-Try Meals: Fish and chips, meen kulambu cod curry, pad thai
Average Cost: £1-£4 per starter, £12-£16 per main, £4.50 for desserts
Website: rickstein.com
5. Secret Garden (Best Pizza in Newquay)
If you’re looking for something other than seafood, (Cornwall’s seafood is to die for, but sometimes you need something different), then head to Secret Garden for the best pizza in Newquay, and some of the best views to boot.
Located just off Great Western beach, this Newquay pizzeria also has an excellent wine and drinks menu.
I’m not a huge fan of pizza, but the menu also includes some very good salads (the satay salad is amazing) and I come here for the wines, cocktails, and beach views, especially just before sunset.
This is definitely one of the best places to eat in Newquay for pizza lovers.
Secret Garden Info
Address: 21 Cliff Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2NE
Phone: +44 (0)1841 531177
Operating Hours: 5 pm-10 pm, Mon-Thur, 12 pm-11 pm, Fri-Sat, 12 pm-10 pm, Sun
Must-Try Meals: Satay salad, lamb shabam pizza, Cornish negroni
Average Cost: £10 per salad, £9.95-£14.95 per pizza, £9 per cocktail
Website: secretgardennewquay.co.uk
6. The Red Lion Inn (Best Local Restaurant in Newquay)
Sometimes nothing will satisfy like a nice bit of pub grub, and the Red Lion is the best place in Newquay for simple and filling pub classics like scampi and chips, burgers, and pies. The seafood pie is one of my favorite dishes and one I replicate at home frequently (try to).
The Red Lion is one of the best pubs in Newquay and is my favorite place to spend an evening (it’s also a great place in wintertime with an open fire and cozy atmosphere). If you’re looking for inexpensive, home-cooked meals, then this is definitely the place to go.
The Red Lion Info
Address: N Quay Hill, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HE
Phone: +44 (0)1637 872195
Operating Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Meals: Seafood pie, Sunday roast, hand-battered cod and chips
Average Cost: £4.50-£6.50 per starter, £12-£15 per main, £4.75-£6.75 for desserts
Website: pubanddining.co.uk
7. Little Italy (Best Italian Restaurant in Newquay)
Italian is one of my favorite cuisines and if you want a taste of the Mediterranean next to the Atlantic, then head along to Little Italy.
This classy little Italian joint is one of the best places to eat in Newquay a stone’s throw from the harbor.
Little Italy is also the place to go if you have a sweet tooth and fancy a delicious dessert. With cheesecakes, tiramisu, and a great wine list, this is definitely the best Italian restaurant in Newquay (and a great place for a romantic meal).
Little Italy Info
Address: 1 Tower Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1LR
Phone: +44 (0)1637 498260
Operating Hours: 10 am-9 pm, Thu-Mon
Must-Try Meals: Fresh Cornish crab on toast, spicy king prawn pasta, cheesecake
Average Cost: £4.55-£13.50 per starter, £11-£15 per main, £5 for desserts
Website: littleitaly-newquay.com
8. Emily Scott Food (Best for Fine Dining Newquay)
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience near Newquay, then the Michelin-recommended Emily Scott Food at Watergate Bay is the place to go. The views are as sumptuous as the food at this beachfront restaurant inside the Watergate Bay Hotel.
This is one of the best restaurants near Newquay for fresh, local produce prepared by expert chefs. It offers incredible views over Watergate Bay and an elegant, fine dining experience.
With a six-course taster menu for £75.00, you’ll be able to feast on delights such as Padstow crab and lobster, baked plaice, and tea-smoked Cornish trout.
Emily Scott Food Info
Address: On the Sea Wall, Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA
Phone: +44 (0)1637 818184
Operating Hours: 12 pm-9 pm, Tue-Sat
Must-Try Meals: Padstow crab, baked plaice, chocolate pave
Average Cost: £75 for a six-course lunch or supper
Website: emilyscottfood.com
9. Toast Cafe and Wine Bar (Best Tapas in Newquay)
Toast Wine and Tapas Bar in central Newquay is one of the best places to eat in Newquay for lovers of Spanish food and tapas. With favorites like patatas bravas, chorizo stew, and tiger prawns alongside Mexican dishes and burgers, this is a great little place for a light supper.
With options like pan-fried halloumi, smashed avocado, hummus, and black olive tapenade, this is also one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Newquay.
It’s also the perfect place to enjoy one of the great wines and or cocktails on offer.
Toast Cafe and Wine Bar Info
Address: 12a Central Square, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1EU
Phone: +44 (0)1637 871252
Operating Hours: 5 pm-11 pm, Tue-Sat
Must-Try Meals: Patatas bravas, chorizo in red wine, pan fried halloumi
Average Cost: £2.95-£6.95 per tapas, £8 per cocktail
Website: toastwinebar-newquay
10. The Bowgie Inn (Best Restaurant in Newquay with a Sea View)
The Bowgie Inn is a traditional Cornish pub with the best patio in Newquay. If you’re looking for hearty pub classics and contemporary European cuisine with gorgeous sea views, then this is the place to go – it’s one of my favorite spots in all of Cornwall.
Located in the suburb of Crantock, the Bowgie overlooks Crantock, Pentire, and the Gannel Estuary with outdoor seating perfect for al-fresco dining. The menu makes use of locally sourced, fresh produce and is inexpensive given the incredible coastal surroundings.
The Bowgie Inn Info
Address: West Pentire Road, West Pentire, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5SE
Phone: +44 (0)1637 830363
Operating Hours: 12 pm-6 pm, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Sweet chili tuna steak, quiche,
Average Cost: £10-£15 per main, £5 for desserts
Website: bowgie.com
11. Cafe Cloud (Best Vegan Restaurant in Newquay)
Although there are no vegan-only restaurants in Newquay, Cafe Cloud has an extensive vegan menu, even specializing in vegan cream teas. Other menu items include vegan toasties, waffles, avocado, and hummus.
Hot drinks can be served with soy, coconut, or almond milk making this a great little place for a light bite or afternoon snack.
The cafe is located next to Newquay harbor and a few minute’s walk from Towan beach.
Cafe Cloud Info
Address: 54 Fore Street, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1LW
Phone: +44 (0)7719 822156
Operating Hours: 9 am-4 pm, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Meals: Toasted sandwich with vegan cheese, vegan cream tea, vegan waffles
Average Cost: £5-£8 per main, £4 for cakes and desserts
Website: n/a
12. Sushea (Best For Sushi in Newquay)
The best sushi in Newquay can be found at Sushea on Fore Street just behind the harbor. If you’re not so hot on sushi, the menu also includes delicious alternatives such as dumplings, ramen, curries, and miso soup.
Sushea is also a great option for vegans and vegetarians with plenty on offer outside of meat and fish.
Sushea Info
Address: 82 Fore Street, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1EY
Phone: +44 (0)7376 770505
Operating Hours: 5 pm-9 pm, Fri-Sat
Must-Try Meals: Sushi, gyoza dumplings, wild mushroom with sesame, wakame, and rice
Average Cost: £14.50-£1750 for sushi poke bowls, £9.50-£17.50 per main, £7.50 for desserts
Website: sushea.co.uk
13. Kahuna (Best for Chinese Food in Newquay)
Having lived in China for over six years I am a big fan of Chinese food, and Kahuna is definitely the best Chinese restaurant in Newquay. It has a varied menu that branches out to other Asian cuisines including Thai and Vietnamese.
So, if you’re looking for a taste of the orient, be sure to add Kahuna to your list of top restaurants in Newquay to visit.
From spring rolls to dim sum and chili beef noodles (my favorite) there’s a dish to please all fans of pan-Asian cuisine.
Kahuna Info
Address: Station Approach, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2NG
Phone: +44 (0)1637 850440
Operating Hours: 5:30 pm-9 pm, Tue-Sat
Must-Try Meals: Dim sum, chili beef noodles, Thai green curry
Average Cost: £4-£9 per starter, £14-£19 per main
Website: kahunarestaurant.co.uk
14. Zaman’s (Best for Indian Food in Newquay)
I love a good curry, and Zaman’s is definitely the best Indian restaurant in Newquay thanks to its extensive menu with specialties from south Asia. With all the classics on the menu from tikka masala to biryani, tandoori, balti, and jalfrezi, you’re in for a real treat.
Zaman’s has a host of specialty dishes including Zaman’s Multani bbq chicken with garlic and coriander (cilantro), special fish Tawa with the freshest catch cooked in tandoori spices, and great vegetable masala.
Zaman’s Info
Address: 142 Henver Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 3EQ
Phone: +44 (0)1637 499006
Operating Hours: 5 pm-10:30 pm, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Meals: Tandori chicken, lamb biriyani, zaman’s multani
Average Cost: £3.49-£5.49 per starter, £7.49-£12.49 per main
Website: zamansrestaurant.co.uk
15. Sea Spray (Best Outdoor Restaurant in Newquay)
Sea Spray is located right on the rocks at Fistral beach with gorgeous views of the beach. If you’re looking for the best lunch in Newquay then the Sea Spray hash is a must-try.
With roasted potatoes, chorizo, avocado, Cornish fried eggs, and tahini, this is sure to set you up for the day.
This is also a great place to enjoy a glass of wine or a Cornish beer (try the Cornish Rattler) right on the beach and watch one of Newquay’s fabulous sunsets.
Sea Spray Info
Address: 14 Esplanade Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1QA
Phone: +44 (0)1637 850793
Operating Hours: 9 am-4 pm, Thu-Tue
Must-Try Meals: Sea Spray hash, blueberry bacon pancakes, breakfast brioche
Average Cost: £8.50-£12 per main, £7.50 for wine and £4.50 for beer
Website: n/a
Must-Try Meals in Newquay
With a working harbor, Newquay, and Cornwall in general, is famed for its fish and seafood. Other Cornish delicacies include cream teas, ice cream, and Cornish cider. Below, you’ll find a selection of must-try dishes when visiting Newquay.
Fish and Chips
The classic British dish of fish and chips should need no introduction and Newquay is one of the best places to enjoy it. Whether you want to sit in one of the traditional Newquay restaurants or enjoy al-fresco on the beach, no trip to the seaside is complete without fish and chips.
Cornish Crab
Cornwall is famous for its shellfish, and crab is the most well-known. You can enjoy this tasty morsel in a variety of ways from a dressed crab to one of my favorite dishes, linguine with crab and prawn.
One thing’s for sure, the meat inside the legs is the most succulent – don’t be afraid to use your fingers!
Porthilly Mussels
Porthilly is located 20 miles up the coast from Newquay on the Camel Estuary and is known for its mussels and oysters. I’ve never been overly excited by oysters, but the former is a delicacy that I enjoy when I’m by the sea in Newquay.
Cream Tea
Nothing says Cornwall like cream tea. This afternoon snack of earl grey tea served with homemade scones, Cornish clotted cream, and strawberry jam is an absolute must-try on any trip to the west country.
You can indulge in this sweet treat in most of Newquay’s cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
Cornish Ice Cream
Cornish-clotted cream ice cream is another specialty of the area. My favorite is Kelly’s of Bodmin (sorry Newquay), however, Callestick Farm is a local ice cream maker with 35 different ice creams and sorbets.
Newquay Restaurants: FAQs
The best British restaurant in Newquay is the Red Lion, the best seafood can be had at the Fish House, the best Chinese at Kahuna, and the best Indian at Zamans.
Dinner time in Newquay, like the rest of the UK, is usually between 6 pm and 8 pm.
Lunch in Newquay is usually eaten between 12 pm and 2 pm.
Breakfast in Newquay is eaten before 8 am during the working week, and possibly a bit later (or much later) on the weekend and holiday days.
You don’t need to tip for drinks in Newquay, but for a good meal with exceptional service, a tip of 10% to 15% is usual.
The areas around Fistral beach and the town center (the harbor and Towan beach) have some of the best restaurants, though there are plenty of hidden gems a little farther afield like the Bowgie Inn.
Everywhere in Newquay is within walking distance, so whether you stay at Fistral or by one of the other beaches, all the restaurants are within easy reach.
The best pub food in Newquay can be had at the Red Lion next to the harbor.
Many of Newquay’s restaurants (most in fact) have stunning views of the sea. Sea Spray at Fistral, Little Italy, Secret Garden, and Rick Stein’s all have fantastic views.
The Fish House at Fistral beach is the best seafood restaurant in Newquay (and the Michelin guide agrees).
To Summarize
Now you know about the best places to eat in Newquay and some of my favorite restaurants in the town. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack, or drinks, there are so many great Newquay restaurants to choose from.
Seafood is the order of the day, given the town’s working harbor, but there are plenty of other options too (when I miss food from Asia, Kahuna and Zaman’s are my go-to).
Sticking with a theme of the sea you can’t go wrong with Little Italy for Mediterranean, and of course the Red Lion for proper British grub.
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