When it comes to food and drink, Cornwall has it in abundance, with some towns hailed as food-filled ‘meccas’ that people will travel the length of the country for.
But despite its popularity and reputation as a surfing haven, ‘Newquay’ is often missed out when it comes to people’s rave reviews about restaurants and bars. But actually it shouldn’t be. Because between the boozers and holiday shops, the town has plenty to offer from fine dining to street food, and everything in between.
So in a bid to change Newquay’s outdated reputation, here are a few places I’ve already found in the short time and few visits I’ve made. I’ll be adding to this as we go, but hopefully it’s a bit of a hint that there’s plenty of great food and drink, along with glorious beaches, shops and more.
Ugly Butterfly
It’s safe to say, Carbis Bay’s loss of Ugly Butterfly in 2025 was Newquay’s gain, and since Adam Handling’s Cornish outpost moved to The Headland Hotel, it’s gone from strength to strength. In early 2026 it was awarded a Michelin Star and offers an exceptional experience overlooking the iconic views of Fistral Beach.
Despite serving up virtually flawless food, most of which is sourced from right on its doorstep, there’s a relaxing air to Ugly Butterfly making it the perfect place to enjoy a lazy lunch or long dinner. One for a special occasion maybe, given the not insignificant bill that comes with a Michelin-star experience, but well worth it.
Counter Culture
Newquay’s answer to a Basque-inspired Pintxos bar, I’d heard nothing but good things about Counter Culture before we went, and certainly wasn’t disappointed. Unassuming from the outside, its interior is beautifully done, served up alongside food and wine that even on a very brief visit transported me right back to San Sebastián.
At the time of writing this I’m yet to go back for the full experience, but even a few Pintxos showcasing fresh flavours and quality ingredients, teamed with a nice glass of wine, was enough to make me fangirl what … and his team have created.
Clover Club
Clover Club is right on the high street and reminds me a bit of one of the Lounges (I was a massive fan of Bacco Lounge in Rugby and now quite like a lunch at Truro Lounge), but it’s actually independent. It’s a relaxed, casual eaterie with a broad range of small plates. There’s a fun vibe to it, so it would be good for groups or families, and as well as food they do a pretty good range of drinks, including cocktails. I think they do events like bottomless brunches too, so one for the fun-lovers out there.
The Colonial
The Colonial sits within Tolcarne Bay and is part of what is a rather lovely hotel right on the beach. You don’t have to be a resident to eat there and the first time we ever went, we enjoyed a long lunch overlooking the beach from the warmth of its conservatory. The food is fairly crowd-pleasing but done well, and the staff are helpful. Outside is a huge terrace that’s great for summer, and the rooms and beach houses are really quite stupendous.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse is tucked right down within the harbour and is essentially a bar and street food market right on the beach. The vendors rotate relatively regularly collection of street food traders right on the beach. You can order from your table, or mooch the little area that the vendors sit on, and it’s a great place to enjoy the sunshine and watch the harbour. Also good if you’re a group and everyone wants something different.
Rebellion Roast House & Moonshine Bar
Rebellion looks a bit more bar than restaurant from the outside, but that’s all part of its brand – harking back to the prohibition era. The drinks side has a big cocktail menu, and it’s a nice atmosphere to sit for a bit. But it’s also got the restaurant menu which is all hearty, indulgent dishes with a bit of a barbecue vibe. Think big burgers, smoked meats, ribs, wings and flame-grilled steaks. One for a big feed and when we went in a big group they were super accommodating.
Rick Stein Fistral
It’s easy to want to veer away from some of the more ‘big name’ establishments sometimes, but Rick Stein Fistral does occupy a rather lovely spot. On top of that, on both occasions that I’ve been I’ve enjoyed good food and excellent service – which is no mean feat given how busy it can get. It’s mainly fish-based as you’d expect but there’s plenty of choice, and there are far worse spots to sit and have lunch with a glorious view.
Tom Thumb
One for the cocktail lovers, Tom Thumb is well worth seeking out. It’s been in Newquay since 2016 and has received critical acclaim, having been given a One Star Award for excellence in the Pinnacle Guide – described by some as the ‘Michelin Guide of the drinks world’. They do incredibly well-made classic cocktails as well as their own creations, but it’s still got that neighbourhood bar feeling without some of the snobbery you sometimes find in places whose cocktails are this good. Owner Jamie is lovely and lives and breathes Newquay – plus it’s dog friendly.
Ginger & Joe
Handy if you’re heading to Tom Thumb, Ginger & Joe is just across the road and another good cocktail bar. It also does food, though I haven’t tried it, but enjoyed a nice few drinks there.
Secret Garden
Secret Garden is a pizza and wine bar – it’s real piece de resistance is the terrace at the back with stunning views across to Newquay harbour. Another great place to sit al fresco when the weather gets it right. I haven’t tried the pizzas, but they have an extensive wine and beer selection plus cocktails.
