10 of the Best Cafes in Cornwall

Overlooking Lizard Point, the most southerly point of the UK mainland, with its lighthouse and stunning cliff scenery, Polpeor Cafe has spectacular views towards Caerthillian Cove and Kynance Cove (owned by the National Trust). You may be lucky to see choughs who breed on cliffs nearby.

Plenty of outdoor seating and the option to sit indoors if you prefer.

Dogs are allowed inside and out and there is always plenty of water available for them.

Polpeor Cafe is open daily from 9.30pm. During the summer months opening is until 6.30pm. During other times of the year closing times vary.

You can enjoy a lovely circular walk along the Cornwall coast path to Kynance Cove

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Tucked away in beautiful countryside near Coverack on the east side of the Lizard Peninsula, Roskilly’s is most well known for its ice cream which is made here at the farm but this is just a small part of what it has to offer. The restaurant/cafe, farm shop, farm animals, gallery and farm trail offer a very pleasant day out.

Plenty of outdoor seating in a lovely, sheltered courtyard with shrubs and wild birds and indoor seating if you prefer.

Dogs are allowed in the courtyard and covered outdoor areas but not inside the restaurant.

Roskilly’s is open throughout the year. Summer opening is from 9am - 9pm. You can visit the farm for free and meet the animals.

You can enjoy a lovely walk past the ponds and through unspoiled meadows and Old Withy Woods.

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This little cafe is unusual as it is located in a beautiful churchyard filled with orchids and other wild flowers, one of Cornwall’s Living Churchyards. The small building serves tea/coffee, cream teas and a range of homemade cakes, as well as containing local history information and exhibitions.

Seating is mostly outside, where you enjoy a lovely view of St Uny Church.

Dogs are allowed on a lead inside and outside.

Lelant Heritage Centre Cafe is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am until 4pm between Easter and the end of October.

This is a great place to take a break if you’ve been walking the St Michael’s Way or if you’re heading down onto Porthkidney Beach which is dog friendly all year round.

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A most unusual cafe experience is this double decker bus cafe serving delicious food sourced locally. Located in a field at Castle Gate, Bus Fayre overlooks the beautiful Mount’s Bay.

Dogs are allowed inside and out.

Bus Fayre is open Saturdays and Sundays during the spring and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July to early September 10am to 4pm

From the upper deck not only can you admire the view of St Michael’s Mount and Mount’s Bay but you can also catch a glimpse of the folly Rogers Tower. above the Castle-an-Dinas Quarry.

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Set in a pretty courtyard at the National Trust’s Porth Farm and only minutes from the beautiful Towan Beach, The Thirstea Co. is based in a Citroen H Van.

Outside seating. Dogs are welcome.

The Thirstea Co. is open Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm Friday Closed (Open during School Holidays) Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.

A lovely place to take a circular walk along the coast path and through meadows and woodland. Towan Beach is dog friendly all year round.

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Tucked away in a wooded valley the restored 16th century water mill, Melinsey Mill is a delightful find in the hinterland of Veryan’s beautiful Pendower Beach.

Inside and outside seating including rustic shelters. Dogs are welcome outside.

Melinsey Mill is open from April to end of October 10am - 5.30pm.
Closed on Mondays apart from during July, August and Bank Holidays.
Closed on Friday 27th July.

You can choose to walk up through the wooded valley to the mill from Pendower Beach.

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On the sandy beach at Seaton right next to the Seaton River, Seaton Beach Cafe has plenty of outdoor seating, much of it undercover, so you can enjoy a visit at any time of the year.

Seaton Beach Cafe is open all year round Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Friday - Sunday 9am - 5.30pm

Seaton Beach is dog friendly all year round and the cafe welcomes well behaved dogs.

Ideal after a walk on the beach with your dog. At low to mid tide you can walk across the sand from Downderry Beach.

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The Smugglers’ Rest is a licensed cafe situated on beautiful Talland Bay near Looe in south east Cornwall.

The cafe’s elevated position provides lovely sea views over the bay.

Open from Easter to November with a great selection of food. Cash only

Seating outside and covered seating. Dogs are welcome.

After your meal why not enjoy a visit to Talland’s historic church or explore the beach.

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Overlooking the delightful Hawker’s Cove on the Camel estuary between Padstow and Stepper Point, Rest A While Tea Garden is a lovely, hidden gem.

Outside seating. Dogs are welcome.

Rest A While Tea Garden is open between Easter and October. Daily between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

You can walk from Padstow along the coast path or park at the Hawker’s Cove car park and enjoy a visit after exploring Stepper Point towering above the Camel estuary.

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On the Cornwall coast path at Northcott Mouth between Bude and Duckpool, The Rustic Tea Garden stands beside a winding stream just above the beach.

All outdoor seating. Dogs are welcome.

The Rustic Tea Garden is open daily during the summer months until October from 10am to 6pm.

Enjoy a visit when walking along the Cornwall coast path from Bude or Duckpool or park at Northcott Mouth.

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With panoramic views towards the coast at Falmouth you can sit and enjoy watching the donkeys and ponies as they live out their lives at this lovely donkey sanctuary.

Overlooking the donkey paddocks, this vegetarian cafe sells tea, coffee, hot chocolate and soft drinks, delicious homemade cake and light snacks with all proceeds going to the charity and the care of the wonderful resident donkeys. Vegan options are also available. Toasties and sandwiches are made to order.

Dogs are welcome inside and outside the cafe and there are ample water bowls to keep your four-legged (canine) friend hydrated.

​The Tea Bray'k Tea Room is open all year round from 11am - 4pm each day (closed Mondays and Fridays except Bank Holiday Mondays).

You are welcome to find out about the working of the sanctuary and the lovely donkeys who reside here. There is no charge to visit the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary.

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