Whether you decide to book your entire stay in West Cornwall’s idyllic fishing port of Mousehole for daily access to the sheltered beach and striking views across Mount’s Bay and St Michael’s Mount – or schedule a day trip to explore the historic harbour and its hidden spoils, any time spent in this beyond-picturesque locale will be treasured.

At wintertime it’s literally like a scene from a Christmas card courtesy of the show-stopping light displays that continue to draw crowds from across the globe; while Tom Bawcock’s Eve on the 23rd of December commemorates the local hero with the traditional dish, Stargazy Pie.

In summer, the cobbled streets (said to be the inspiration for Dylan Thomas’s ‘Under Milk Wood’) are frequented with visitors enjoying the bounty of galleries, shops and cafés all winding their way toward the water where you can swim, kayak, sup, go coasteering, or sunbathe to your heart’s content. Take a boat trip, walk, or an excursion to nearby destinations like Newlyn and Penzance, or lavish in the away-from-it-all feel of the village.

And when your appetite is called into action, there are plenty of places for a quick bite, local delicacy, coffee and cake, local ice cream, Cornish cream tea, or three-course supper.

Here’s our lowdown on the best places to eat in Mousehole...

The Old Coastguard Hotel

Best for: Snug interiors, sea-gazing views and fresh seafood

The Parade, Mousehole TR19 6PR
oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk

Teetering over the water’s edge as you first enter the village, The Old Coastguard offers staggering bay-wide views alongside the most inviting myriad of spaces to sit, sip on your favourite tipple, and tuck into the freshest foodstuffs. The seasonal menu is replete with the day’s catch, featuring the likes of saltfish croquettes, crispy monkfish, Fowey mussels, sea bass and monkfish, alongside courses of lamb rump, pork belly, spiced couscous and courgette & pea risotto; while a full Sunday roast is also available. Wash your feast down with a Cornish ale from St Austell Brewery, Harbour Brewing, Padstow Brewing or Verdant, or opt for one of their lip-smacking wines, which – as overall winner of the IWC 2019 Restaurant Wine List of the Year awards – guarantees the most palate-pleasing finish. Snuggle up in front of the fire in winter, or soak up the sunshine in the outside terrace and tropical garden surrounds during the warmer months. Sublime.

The Ship Inn

Best for: Storm-watching and local flavours

South Cliff, Mousehole TR19 6QX
shipinnmousehole.co.uk

Nestled on the edge of the harbour, The Ship Inn is the perfect place for a post-swim pint, evening supper, or lazy lunch in front of the open fire. A welcome escape during all seasons, whether you’re storm-watching or gazing at the boats drifting in and out of the harbour mouth, the inviting interiors and friendly service will always have you wanting to stay a while longer. Locally sourced food is always the order of the day here, and the menu is bursting with flavour. Tuck into a light lunch of sausage and mash or banana blossom ‘fish’ & chips, southern fried chicken or beetroot falafel wrap, or sample an array of dishes from the main menu including Caesar salad, fish & chips, scampi, Malaysian laksa, fish pie, seafood sharer, and chicken, ham and hock pie. They also serve traditional Sunday roasts, while a children’s menu will keep the little ones happy (plus dogs are welcome in the bar area). Drinks-wise, there’s a lip-smacking list featuring sparkling (including local Polgoon Seyval Blanc), white, rosé and red, or select any of their award-winning range of St Austell Brewery beers as you sink a pint alongside those to-die-for views.

2 Fore Street

Best for: Relaxed bistro dining

2 Fore Street, Mousehole TR19 6QU
2forestreet.co.uk

Situated a stone’s throw from the harbour front, 2 Fore Street presents a light, airy and laidback space for all-day dining. The regularly changing menu features the freshest local produce (and a special children’s menu). Book a table for breakfast (St Ives Bakery pastries, toast, granola, omelette, smoked salmon and scrambled egg), pop in for coffee, or settle in for a lunch or dinner of moules marinière, seafood curry, shellfish and saffron risotto, hand picked Newlyn crab linguine, McFadden rib-eye steak, pork schnitzel, aubergine burger or venison ragu rounded off by vanilla panna cotta, affogato, tarte tatin or a liqueur coffee. Dine in or escape to the private garden for an alfresco feast before stocking up on goodies (cheese, bread, coffee, seasonal fruit & veg) by visiting their sister venture, No. 1 Millpool Deli/Store, which is located just around the corner in the Millpool Courtyard.

Jessie’s Dairy

Best for: Takeaways and ice cream

11 Fore Street, Mousehole TR19 6TQ 

Tucked away on a side street the smallest of strolls from the harbour lies a hidden gem. Small and family-owned, this is the perfect place for takeaway bites like Cornish pasties (including vegetarian), sausage rolls, homemade homity pies (gluten free), coffee, milkshake, or a Cornish cream tea. Snap up a graze box for a picnic on the beach, baked goods for breakfast, or sweet treats for the car journey home. However, the main attraction is their ice cream. Home to Cornwall’s lauded Roskilly’s ice cream, pick from a dizzying range of delights such as clotted cream, strawberry, Cornish golden fudge, rum & raisin, mint choc chip and gooseberry yoghurt.

Mousehole Deli & Kitchen

Best for: Harbour views and artisan foods

North Cliffs, Mousehole TR19 6PH
mouseholedeli.co.uk

Catering to a mix of customers with extensive sit-down and takeaway menus, as well as a well-stocked deli shop, expect your appetite to be fully satisfied with wholesome local flavour – with a side serving of stunning views. Perched on the corner overlooking the harbour as you first wind downward towards it, Mousehole Deli & Kitchen is a place for people-watchers alongside those who appreciate good food. 

Visit for breakfast (variations of full Cornish, breakfast sandwiches and eggs/avocado/smoked haddock on toast), or lunch – which ranges from small plates of monkfish taco, halloumi chips and Cornish mussels, to an array of sandwiches and salads featuring crab, grilled mackerel, falafel, roast vegetables, hot beef brisket and ham. Main meals (lunch and evening) incorporate classics like fish and chips and seafood paella alongside signature dishes such as Asian Dashi, Rogan squash and braised venison stew, while a small selection of the menu can be ordered to take away. Swing by for a coffee, tea, hot chocolate, smoothie or glass of wine, and stockpile local products including fresh fruit and vegetables, chocolate, fudge, biscuits, beers, spirits and wines to enjoy back at your holiday cottage (if they make it that far!).

Four Teas Café Mousehole

Best for: Characterful interiors and fresh food

3 Mill Lane, Mousehole TR19 6RP

The fabulous, 1940s themed café-restaurant is set slightly back from the centre of the harbour in a quiet, tucked away position off the cobbled streets. Dine in or takeaway at any time of day, from breakfast to lunch, afternoon tea and supper. Pick a hot daily special, pasty, sandwich, full Cornish breakfast, homemade cake or afternoon tea – or indulge in their fish pie, which is reported by many to be the best they’ve ever tasted!

The Old Pilchard Press Café

Best for...Homemade food and high tea

8 Portland Place, Mousehole TR19 6RY

Eat in or collect, the tantalising choice is yours when it comes to sampling some of The Old Pilchard Press Café’s delicious homemade menu. Situated at the far end of the harbour, expect a plethora of options, from children’s to lunch alongside afternoon and high tea, all dietary requirements and fancies will be sated here in lip-smacking style. Whether you plump for a sandwich or panini (ham, cheese, tuna, smoked salmon – and gluten-free) or tuck into traditional high tea of finger sandwiches and Cornish cream tea or cake, there’s plenty to pique all palates. Sweet teeth will delight in a traditional cream tea, toasted teacake or ice cream, while their ever-changing specials and pop up menus provide a constant taste surprise.

And a few must-trys nearby...

Argoe

Best for: Fantastic fish fresh from the sea

The Strand, Newlyn TR18 5HW
argoenewlyn.co.uk

Practically floating on the water at the edge of the historic working harbour, Argoe is all about embracing a sense of place – and the fishing industry that it’s famous for. Using traditional European cooking methods, (changing daily) sharing plates are served with minimal intervention wines for a pairing made in waterside heaven. From fish soup and sardines on toast, to grills including black bream, monkfish steak, John Dory fillet and hand dived scallops, expect perfectly cooked and seasoned local seafood (and a few vegetarian dishes), flavoursome sides and delectable wines for impeccable, fuss-free dining.

Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar

Best for: Award-winning seafood and style

The Bridge, New Road, Newlyn TR18 5PZ
mackerelskycafe.co.uk

Fresh Cornish seafood is the order of the day here, which can be enjoyed in the heart of the fishing port town. Tapas style tasting plates of crispy sole, grilled mackerel, scallops, crispy monkfish burger, mussels, crab mayo sandwich, crab nachos can be mixed and matched or bulked up with a side or two (or dessert) to create your own plate of loveliness; while neighbouring outlet – The Shack, acts as an extension during busier months while offering a weekly-changing menu and seafood tasting evenings during the off season. Be advised that they operate a queue-only system (no bookings), and most seating is outdoors (with heating, but layer up accordingly!).

The Bridge

Best for: Italian flavours in a Cornish setting

4 New Road, Newlyn TR18 5PZ
bridgenewlyn.com

If local food with an Italian flavour served in the centre of Newlyn (or ordered to take away) sounds like your type of gastronomy, then The Bridge is definitely worth a visit. The brasserie, pizzeria and bar is as atmospheric as it is belly-filling, presenting fish and meat specials every week alongside staples such as antipasto, bolognese, carbonara, chicken supreme, linguine, burgers and hand rolled sourdough pizzas topped with homemade tomato sauce. Using seasonal ingredients including Newlyn-landed fish and locally sourced meat and vegetables ensures the freshest and most flavoursome feed for all. Plus, their covered patio is both dog friendly and heated – and open 52 weeks of the year!

Dreaming of a foodie holiday in Mousehole? Visit our webcam for a taster, and discover our collection of welcoming holiday cottages in the village.

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