Eat

Places to Eat in Looe

Places to Eat in Looe

The oceanside town of Looe beckons to seekers of culinary escapes and sea-kissed sojourns. Found on the banks of the River Looe, it resides in one of the prettiest corners of Cornwall and interweaves endless natural beauty with a wealth of charms.

To uncover the allure of Looe and complement a spellbinding staycation with some of the finest cuisine imaginable, uncover our curated guide to the best places to eat nearby.

Sardine Factory 

Credit Sardine Factory

The Michelin Bib Gourmand Sardine Factory is one of the top seafood restaurants in Cornwall and renowned for its delectable dishes. Specialising in fresh Cornish seafood, this quayside brasserie features a restaurant and café and welcomes diners of all ages to sample its menus of fish and shellfish repasts. Especially sought-after are the restaurant’s spicy seafood gumbo, dayboat market fish, Porthilly oysters, and Cornish crab linguine. Secure a reservation in advance and meander along Looe’s glistening, salt-gilded quay to find this former sardine factory and enjoy a laidback lunch or romantic dinner date. Lunchtimes are also dog-friendly.

Talland Bay Beach Café

For flavoursome fancies by the sea, Talland Bay Beach Café is a delightful destination. Located within the sandy cradle of one of Cornwall’s most beautiful coves, this welcoming idyll overlooks glistening coastal waters and promises a heavenly place to relax for a while. Open from early April to late October, it proposes peaceful pauses throughout the week and serves a range of feel-good favourites, from fresh sandwiches and baguettes to homemade cakes and scones. Choose a sit-down experience within the café or take your treats to go for an alfresco picnic beside the shore and bask in the blissful setting.

Yamas 

Credit Polly Stock

Recommended by the Michelin Guide, Yamas takes pride of place on the waterfront on East Looe’s quayside and promises gourmet Greek cuisine. Book a date for unforgettable feasts for lunch or dinner and anticipate an appetising array of nibbles and dips, small plates and mains, as well as a curated selection of desserts. Take your time perusing the menu and pick your favourite plates ready to savour alongside a glass of something delicious. With the Greek word “Yamas” translating as a toast to good health in English, this is the perfect place to embrace cherished moments with your nearest and dearest. Should you feel like replicating the experience at your Boutique Retreat, you can also explore Yamas’ well-stocked deli shelves brimming with authentic Greek produce.

The Courtyard

The family-run Courtyard café is one of the best places to eat in Looe for its lovingly curated vegetarian and plant-based dishes. Nestled in the heart of Looe, it is beloved by visitors and locals alike and tempts with expertly prepared dishes and drinks. Take a seat within the café’s suntrap Mediterranean garden below fruit-garlanded vines on balmy days or find a seat inside the cosy interiors. Open on select days throughout the year, this hidden haven’s warm welcome is hard to resist. What’s more, The Courtyard is dog-friendly, ensuring all the family can enjoy the charming ambience.

Fifty 

Credit Fifty

Tucked within Looe’s picturesque network of characterful streets is the award-winning Fifty. Hugged by centuries-old pubs and quaint cottages, this inviting, family-run bistro prides itself on its friendly service and flavourful food. Inside, elegant interiors showcase original features and pared-back décor for an intimate dining experience for lunch or dinner. On the menu, an assortment of French-inspired dishes interlaces traditional cooking with modern techniques, elevated by seasonal produce sourced from Cornwall and the South West. Expect simple and sophisticated dishes, from fillet steak with hand-cut, triple-cooked chips to pan-roasted duck breast with wild berry sauce.

The Fish Market

A traditional port with a bustling harbour, Looe is well-known for its maritime heritage and fishing industries. Benefitting from the freshest catches brought in by local fishermen each day, the town is a magnetic destination for lovers of authentic Cornish seafood. Embracing Looe’s fishing legacy, The Fish Market on the quay in East Looe is one of the best places to eat for divine fish and shellfish. Working with local fishermen, the restaurant’s chefs harness the highest quality ingredients with minimal food miles to create a delicious menu of small plates and tapas offerings. Settle into a cosy corner or take a windowside seat to gaze at the stunning views over the River Looe as plates are served and drinks are poured.

Talland Bay Hotel

Credit Talland Bay Hotel

The 2 AA Rosette Talland Bay Hotel near Looe couldn’t be better placed to revel in foodie finery by the sea. Await the finest plates and panoramas and book a table, ready to uncover the creative culinary innovations developed by Head Chef, Glen Merriot, and his talented kitchen team. Crafted using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, dishes can be relished in the dedicated restaurant, lounge and bar, or terraced garden. Making the experience all the more magical is the bar’s extensive beverage offering, with beers, ciders, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks all served with a “special Talland Bay finesse”.

Portbyhan Hotel Restaurant

Culinary pursuits are ready to be savoured at Portbyhan Hotel’s restaurant and portside brasserie in Looe. Opening its doors to diners for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, this waterside establishment ensures every appetite and occasion are well-catered for throughout the year. Start the day with a leisurely brunch overlooking the water as boats to and fro, or adorn your finery for an evening of candlelit romance. Particularly enchanting is the restaurant’s sun terrace on which balmy hours can be spent indulging in alfresco repasts. For soul-soothing Sundays, the restaurant also serves a classic carvery each week.

North Street Kitchen, Fowey 

Credit Chloe Stuart Bennett

One of Cornwall’s Michelin acclaimed restaurants, North Street Kitchen in Fowey is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat near Looe. Take a leisurely drive around the coast to Fowey or hop aboard the Bodinnick ferry to arrive in style and explore the many things to do. Once you have worked up an appetite, North Street Kitchen – set within a lovingly transformed boat shed – captivates with sharing plates of sumptuous seafood. Head over during select hours throughout the year (walk-ins only for lunch and reservations for dinner) and enjoy the beautiful river views, friendly atmosphere, and medley of specials that update each day.

Crocadon, St Mellion 

Credit Rebecca Dickson

For an extra special fine-dining experience, turn your attention to Crocadon in St Mellion. Around half an hour’s drive from Looe, this adored restaurant is bestowed with not only an esteemed Michelin Star, but a Michelin Green Star too. Rooted in a sustainable, field-to-fork ethos, this “soil-centric” farm and restaurant sources much of its ingredients from its own 120-acre organic farm and kitchen gardens, as well as like-minded local suppliers and producers. Led by Head Chef and Owner, Dan Cox, this dedication to pure, clean flavours is evident in each bite of the menu’s contemporary creations. Secure a reservation ahead of time to avoid disappointment and look forward to a sublime culinary journey through the countryside and coastalscapes of Cornwall.

Feeling inspired for an epicurean escape? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in Looe

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