West Penwith is home to some of Cornwall’s most memorable dining spots — from seafood restaurants overlooking the Atlantic to centuries‑old pubs tucked into moorland villages. Whether guests are exploring the South West Coast Path or enjoying a slow coastal break, these local favourites offer excellent food and a strong sense of place.

Here is some information on our favourite places to eat in the area:

  • The Barbican Bistro, Penzance
  • 2 Fore Street, Mousehole
  • The Dog & Rabbit, St Just
  • Old Success Inn, Sennen Cove
  • Tinner’s Arms, Zennor
  • Gurnard’s Head,
  • Mackerel Skies, Newlyn
  • Cape Cornwall Club, St Just

The Barbican Bistro, Penzance

This is our very favourite restaurant! Delicious food, well-priced and a lovely atmosphere!

The Barbican Bistro is a family run restaurant led by local brothers Jack and Jay Liddicoat. They serve small plates with a focus on fish. The atmosphere is relaxed with casual dining in an historic building right next to Penzance Harbour with views of St Michael’s Mount. This is our favourite restaurant!

The team work with local suppliers in the area, including dad Shane who delivers fish straight off the boat from Newlyn, to bring fresh seasonal ingredients to the kitchen. Their pickled anchovies marinated in chilli & lemon is my favourite. Caleb loves the crab loaded fries and we both adore the butterflied sardines with salsa verde!

Address: Barbican Ln, Penzance TR18 4EF
Website: https://www.barbicanbistro.com/
Contact: 01736 695667

2 Fore Street — Mousehole

Overlooking Mousehole’s postcard‑perfect harbour, 2 Fore Street serves French‑influenced coastal dishes with a light, elegant touch. Expect fresh fish, shellfish and simple, confident cooking. Its terrace is one of the most sought‑after dining spots in West Penwith, especially on warm evenings.

Address: 2 Fore Street, Mousehole, TR19 6QU
Website: https://www.2forestreet.co.uk/
Contact: 01736 731164

The Dog & Rabbit Café, St Just

The Dog & Rabbit Café run by Rosie and Ben since 2018, is one of our very favourite haunts!!  The food is exceptional and the atmosphere is so warm and friendly. 

The café is open 7 days a week from 9.00am —4.00pm.  It is worth booking a table at busy times and you can phone them on tel:+44736449811

Ben, the owner, started out working for the St Austell brewery.
He is very experienced and it shows!
He was a manager at the Old Success Inn in Sennen and at the Cape Cornwall Golf Club.

Rosie had always been in the catering business.  She started young at 14yrs old working in the Sennen Beach Café.  She’s passionate about providing quality, healthy, home-cooked, locally and/or sustainably sourced, delicious food. She’s full of great ideas and recipes!

All the tables are named after animals as the previous owner acquired lots of animal figurines, so don’t take it personally if you hear an order for “another slice of cake for the elephant in the corner”!!!

The coffee is provided by a company from Falmouth called Yallah (Arabic for “Let’s go!”) which was set up by two surfing dudes who buy their beans direct from farmers.  Yallah began with a restored 1950’s roaster, a leaky barn, and a goal to build a sustainably focused business.

The soya is grown in from seed in France; the chipping potatoes come from Camborne and are home cooked and Rosie uses organic flour from the Doves Farm Mill. 

The home-baked cakes are mostly vegan and gluten free, unusual and utterly delicious.  My favourite is their full-sized Jaffa Cake!!!

Address: North Row, St Just, Penzance TR19 7LB
Facebook: Dog & Rabbit
Contact: 01736 449811

Old Success Inn, Sennen Cove

The Old Success Inn offers classic pub favourites right above the sweeping sands of Sennen Cove. With generous seafood plates, local ales and unbeatable Atlantic views, it is ideal for families, walkers and anyone wanting relaxed dining after a day on the beach or cliffs.

Address: Sennen Cove, TR19 7DG
Website: https://www.oldsuccess.co.uk/
Contact: 01736 871232

Tinner’s Arms, Zennor

Dating back to 1271, the Tinners Arms is one of Cornwall’s most atmospheric pubs. Its menu focuses on hearty, well‑made dishes served beside roaring fires in winter and sunlit beer gardens in summer. The moorland setting adds to its charm, making it a must‑visit for guests exploring Zennor and the surrounding coastline.

Address: Zennor, St Ives TR26 3BY
Website: https://tinnersarms.com/
Contact: 01736 796927

Gurnard’s Head, Zennor

A bright yellow landmark on the coastal road between St Ives and St Just, Gurnard’s Head is celebrated for its modern, produce‑driven menu. The cooking is thoughtful yet unfussy, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality. Its dramatic clifftop location makes every meal feel special.

Address: Zennor, St Ives TR26 3DE
Website: https://www.gurnardshead.co.uk/
Contact: 01736 796928

Mackerel Skies, Newlyn

Mackerel Skies is a lively seafood tapas bar offering bold flavours, fresh fish and a sociable, informal atmosphere. It’s perfect for sharing plates and relaxed evenings in the centre of Penzance, with a menu that showcases the best of Cornish coastal ingredients.

Address: New Rd, Newlyn, Penzance TR18 5PZ
Website: https://mackerelskycafe.co.uk/
Contact: 01736 366626

Cape Cornwall Club, St Just

Set above one of Cornwall’s most dramatic headlands, Cape Cornwall Club offers casual dining with panoramic views over the Brisons and the rugged coastline. The menu features comforting classics and local produce, making it an excellent stop after exploring St Just’s mining heritage and coastal paths.

Address: Zennor, St Ives TR26 3BY
Website: https://tinnersarms.com/
Contact: 01736 796927