Though Bude is home to an array of stunning sandy stretches that’ll spellbind your senses, it’s not all about the beaches as Bude also promises to sate your appetite with a top-notch tally of restaurants.

From world flavours to fresh, locally sourced dishes, Bude offers taste in abundance. Expect everything from pan-Asian cuisine to Cornish classics served in some truly memorable locations – so whether you fancy a takeaway at your favourite picnic spot or dining under the stars overlooking the ocean, Bude has every eating situation covered in inimitable style.

Here’s the lowdown on the best places to eat in Bude…

Life’s a Beach

Best for: seaside spoils

16 Summerleaze Crescent, Bude EX23 8HN
lifesabeach.info

Enjoying stunning vistas of Summerleaze beach, this beachside restaurant offers epic food, vibes, and views to those wanting to dine by the sea. Presenting a creative menu using delicious local produce, it offers the discerning diner a rare mix of a spectacular setting and lip-smacking food – making it one of Bude’s culinary places to be.

Seafood is a speciality, which – combined with the chefs’ passion for cooking – results in the mouth-watering likes of salt and pepper squid and draught beer battered fish and chips (mushy peas optional but always recommended).

Tuck into a cod and crab chowder, large crevettes (prawns) or a fresh crab sandwich or, for meat eaters – L.A.B. beef burgers or the pub classic, ham, egg, and chips. Vegetarians will find something scrumptious such as Chipotle spiced halloumi and pineapple burger to suit.

Sit in for stunning sea views as you chow down or take your meal to go and enjoy it with your toes nestled happily in the sand. You’ll also find a great selection of uber refreshing beers and cocktails that are sure to make your evening one to remember.

The Bank

Best for: Global flavours

Pethericks Mill, Bude EX23 8TF
thebankatbude.com

Bude’s resident tapas bar is set in a sublime spot near the River Neet, combining specially imported Spanish ingredients with Cornish produce for a fabulous fusion of flavours you can enjoy while soaking up the spectacular décor.

Pick tapas from the field such as crispy slow cooked pork belly; tapas from the sea like Westcountry mussels; tapas from the garden including stuffed red peppers – along with a smattering of salads, potato dishes, breads, paellas, and lobster specials.

Select a sweet something such as lemon citrus tart served with Cornish clotted cream for a fantastic finish all while making the most of their impressive list of cocktails or a jug of Sangria.

Olive Tree Coffee House & Bistro

Best for: Alfresco on-the-canal dining

The Wharf, Bude EX23 8LG
olivetreebude.co.uk

Sample some of the best Bude and Cornish sourced produce with an eclectic mix of menus, whether you fancy a coffee, lunch or a spot of dining outdoors accompanied by super scenic views of Bude Canal.

Serving sumptuous mains such as Wicketts Farm chicken, dressed crab, Cornish ribeye steak and Sri Lanken vegetable curry, along with a selection of sweets and lip-smacking drinks – the Olive Tree promises gorgeous local gastronomy amongst ambient surrounds.

The Olive Tree is also en route for many of the lovely walks in and around Bude, making it the perfect stop-off for a pre, mid, or post-walk feed.

Café Limelight

Best for: Coffee, cake and castles

The Castle, Bude EX23 8LD
thecastlebude.co.uk/cafe-limelight

Catering to every foodie need, from dog owners to picnickers, Café Limelight is one of Bude’s most well-positioned cafés thanks to its sweeping views over the sand dunes behind Summerleaze beach, Bude Canal, and even out to sea and the famous Barrel Rock.

Located in Bude’s historic castle, which is impressively perched amidst Cornish sand dunes, the Limelight Café offers historians and thirsty walkers a lovely place to refuel with a menu full of cakes, sandwiches, and a proper Cornish cream tea.

The conservatory is dog-friendly making it ideal for dog walkers, while the café also offers picnic boxes, which pair perfectly with a day sprawled out on the sand at Summerleaze beach.

Crooklets Beach Café

Best for: Breakfast on the beach

Crooklets, Bude EX23 8NE
crookletsbeachcafe.co.uk

If you’re looking for laid-back fare you can enjoy in the warmth of a café or out on the sands, Crooklets Beach Café is ready to ply you with hearty breakfasts, burgers, and more.

Situated, as the name suggests, next to Crooklets beach, this little café packs a mega punch with its mouth-watering menu and easy-going vibes. Start your day off right with a stack of American pancakes or a Crooklets full English (complete with local sausages and rosti potatoes) or indulge in a burger and loaded chips later in the day.

You can enjoy your feast in the café or on the beach thanks to the fab takeaway options (their hot chocolates really do turn a blustery day into a cosy affair) or you can pop along to one of their live music events or themed evenings for an extra special experience.

Falcon Hotel

Best for: A little bit of everything

Breakwater Rd, Bude EX23 8SD
falconhotel.com/eat-drink

With three eateries to choose from, The Falcon Hotel is a powerhouse of foodie delights, whether you fancy a quiet drink or a slap-up Sunday lunch.

For those who believe there is nothing finer than a roast potato, head to the Breakwater Brasserie for their week-defining Sunday roast with all the trimmings alongside a superb weekly menu that offers everything from pizza to fish pie to Moules marinere.

In the dog-friendly Coachman’s Bar, you’ll find the same great food as the brasserie alongside chilled vibes and an eye-popping selection of drinks – Friday Fizz (5-7pm) is a particularly good time to visit as champagne is half price! Sip on real ales as you take in the views from the terrace, which overlooks Bude Canal and the harbour.

Finally, providing sun-soaked refreshments, the Secret Garden is ready and waiting to fill your day with scrumptious cakes and soul-soothing coffee, all surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.

Rosie’s Kitchen

Best for: A post-surf feed

Crooklets, Bude EX23 8NE
rosieskitchen.co.uk

Overlooking the beachy wiles of Crooklets beach, Rosie’s is all about feeding the stomach and the soul. Offering staggering breakfasts and lunches (with a fantastic selection of vegan and gluten-free options) alongside a bar fully stocked with all your favourites, you’ll be spoilt for choice as you peruse the locally sourced menu.

Burgers and hot dogs are always a great choice, while the ‘Messy Chip Madness’ gives you the chance to pile your fries sky-high with homemade chilli or pulled pork. Follow your food with a marvellous milkshake or fresh fruit smoothie and you have the makings of a meal you’ll never forget, but will definitely seek to repeat!

Oh, and if you’re just after an ice cream on the beach, Rosie’s has over 20 flavours to choose from including vegan, gluten-free and dog-friendly – all made locally.

The Barge

Best for: Riverside dining with a difference

Canal, The Wharf, The Lower, Bude EX23 8LG
thebargebude.co.uk

Ready to leave land behind while you dine in nautical style? Climb aboard The Barge for idyllic views along Bude’s historic canal while feasting on an array of tasty dishes. Drop anchor for breakfast or join the crew for lunch and a choice of jacket potatoes, light bites, and delicious filled ciabattas and sandwiches – not to mention a selection of cakes and sweet treats that are rudderly delicious.

The barge itself is decked out in a traditional style with a lovely seated area in the stern, which enjoys tranquil views over the canal – perfect for a glass of something fizzy with a loved one. During the day, the barge offers a lovely place to pause while stretching your legs along the canal while dusk provides a glittering backdrop that turns your meal into a true foodie experience.

Temple

Best for: Seriously seasonal grub

10 Granville Ter, Bude EX23 8JZ
templecornwall.com

When it comes to making the most of the natural larder that is Cornwall, Temple certainly goes above and beyond. With a set, two-course menu that changes daily depending on the catch of the day and the local harvest, you can be sure that the food on your plate has travelled a very short distance in a very short amount of time.

This focus on local produce means you could be met with anything from half a lobster to grilled mushrooms, but don’t worry, there are always vegetarian options on-hand. While the restaurant focuses on the food, the bar upstairs provides a relaxed venue for a drink or two, with a choice of small plates and bar snacks providing delicious nibbles to enjoy alongside.

Ready to dine out in style? Discover our wonderful collection of holiday cottages in Bude and start planning your foodie tour of North Cornwall.

Tags: Bude | Eating out | Family | North Cornwall |