The top 10 places to eat in Bude

Bude is one of North Cornwall’s most popular seaside towns, famous for the stunning Summerleaze Beach. Considering its relatively small size, Bude has plenty to do, with a bustling high street and a great selection of places to eat, where there is something for every taste and budget. The tranquil Bude Canal adds an element of interest to the town and is a popular location for a number of restaurants and pubs, with their tables spilling out next to the water.

If you like the idea of a leisurely lunch with a sea view, there are a handful of restaurants located right on the front at Summerleaze, where you can enjoy a glass of chilled wine whilst admiring the sun sparkling on the sea. 

Whether you are after Michelin excellence or a hearty plate of fish and chips, there is plenty of choice in Bude. We’ve put together a list of some of Bude’s most popular eateries in this guide to help you choose.

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• Restaurants in Bude
• Pubs in Bude
• International cuisine in Bude
• Cafes in Bude
• Map of places to eat in Bude

Restaurants in Bude

Bude is home to a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes, making it a great destination for food lovers; discover the best restaurants in Bude here.

Temple

Conveniently located in the town centre, Temple is Bude’s only restaurant to feature in the Michelin Guide. The interior may look relaxed and low-key, but the food on offer is anything but. The restaurant has a big focus on sustainability and organically grown ingredients.

Serving up delicious, locally sourced dishes, such as oysters in chilli sauce and hake with orange fennel, Temple is an unmissable destination for food worshippers. Whether you want a leisurely lunch or a few glasses of wine and some tasty bar snacks late afternoon in the rooftop bar, Up-Top, Temple is a gastronomic delight. 

Life’s a Beach

No ordinary beach cafe, Life's A Beach is an ever-popular restaurant that overlooks Summerleaze Beach itself, offering glorious views of the bay. The food on offer ranges from dressed crab baguettes during the day, to grilled rump steak and salt-baked sea bream to whet your appetite in the evening. Cornish cream tea is also available, along with a choice of delicious home-baked cakes. 

During the day, food is available to either eat in or take away and enjoy on the beach. The restaurant tends to get very busy in the evenings so it’s always worth booking ahead to avoid disappointment. 

There is an extensive selection of dishes for children on the menu, and vegan and vegetarian customers are very well catered for. Dogs are welcome inside and out, and the outside picnic tables are a particularly popular spot to sit and watch the sun go down with a glass of chilled wine. 

The Deck

Located on Summerleaze Crescent with a lovely view of the eponymous bay, The Deck has been a Bude favourite for the past 15 years. On warm days the outside tables on the decking fill up fast, but there is also plenty of seating inside, where the welcoming yellow and blue decor reflects the coastal location. 

Breakfast, lunch and evening meals are on offer, so whether you fancy eggs Benedict and a healthy smoothie in the morning sunshine, or a huge hanging seafood skewer along with a few cocktails in the evening, The Deck has it all. And if you have room for more, the fabulous hanging doughnut dunkers are unmissable.

There are several vegetarian options and plenty to appeal to younger ones in your group too. The restaurant has a limited number of dog-friendly tables, so if you want to take your four-legged friend with you, we advise booking in advance if you want to sit inside.

Pubs in Bude

Bude is not without its fair share of pubs. Here we’ve detailed a few of our favourite finds...

The Brendon Arms 

Photo credit: The Brendon Arms

One of the oldest pubs in Bude, the Brendon Arms has been open since 1872 and in the ownership of the Brendon family continually since then. It sits next to the landmark Falcon Hotel and overlooks Bude’s inner harbour at the front and the picturesque Bude Canal from the garden at the rear. There are plenty of outside tables where you can sit in the sun and enjoy the food or just a drink in the sunshine.

The interior is light and airy, with a modern feel, yet the food on offer is top-quality traditional pub grub, including fish and chips, homemade pies, steaks and burgers. On Sundays, a full roast is always on the menu, with beef, chicken, or vegetarian options available. 

Although not permitted into the restaurant, canine companions are most welcome in the bar area; just call up beforehand to reserve a table to be on the safe side. 

The Preston Gate Inn

Located in Poughill, about a mile out of Bude, The Preston Gate Inn is a friendly and welcoming inn, with its traditional beamed ceiling and flagstone floor. On the menu is largely traditional pub grub, including steaks and burgers, alongside fish and chips, sea bass fillets and mackerel and crab fishcakes. There is also a selection of ciabatta sandwiches available. On Sunday there are traditional roasts to enjoy, with both a kid’s menu and vegetarian options on offer. The drinks menu is extensive, including an array of specialist Cornish gins, local beers and ciders. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside in the pleasant pub garden.

International cuisine in Bude

Bude offers a diverse range of international cuisine, with its vibrant restaurants and cafes serving everything from Italian-inspired dishes to Spanish tapas.

The Bank      

Situated on the edge of Bude, in a scenic spot overlooking the River Neet, The Bank is a specialist in Spanish tapas with a hint of Cornish flavour. From traditional Spanish plates of calamari and albondigas to more locally inspired dishes of battered fish in a brioche bun and South Coast scallops, the menu is both extensive and delicious. The interior is a riot of colour, creating a truly buzzing atmosphere. There is plenty of outside seating too, including some cosy covered booths that are perfect for cooler days.

If you have a four-legged family friend in tow, the Bank is very dog-friendly, with bowls of water and blankets laid on for your pet. Named one of Opentable’s top 100 restaurants two years running, a visit to The Bank is unmissable if you are staying in Bude. 

Elements at the Beach Hotel

With fabulous views over Summerleaze Bay, Elements is the in-house restaurant of The Beach Hotel. Serving beautifully presented, Italian-inspired food, it has a relaxed yet elegant vibe perfect for either a couple’s night out or a special family meal. Modern and sophisticated in style, light floods in through the floor-to-ceiling windows and allows glorious vistas of the coast and surrounding countryside. 

In the evening, the restaurant’s cocktail bar is a buzzing destination in itself, and the perfect way to kickstart your evening. On the menu you will find a selection of pizzas and pasta dishes alongside some more Cornish favourites such as catch of the day and of course, Bude fish and chips. There is a special menu for little diners and a good selection of vegetarian options. Dogs are welcome outside on the terrace.

Cafes in Bude

There are lots of lovely cafes in Bude, here are a couple of our recommended spots.

The Olive Tree

Set in a charming location on the Bude Canal in a delightful stone and timber-beamed building, The Olive Tree bistro is a lovely destination, whether you fancy a coffee in the sunshine or a leisurely lunch. The interior decor is charming and simple, with whitewashed walls and wooden floors and tables, creating a cosy and informal atmosphere. 

From warm croissants with scrambled eggs for breakfast to seafood linguine for lunch, there is something on the menu for everyone, with plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians too, as well as gluten-free dishes. If you fancy a treat with your morning coffee, try one of the delicious homemade cakes or desserts on offer.  Note that dogs are welcome outside only.

The Cornish Pie Company

The Cornish Pie Company is a tiny and unassuming little cafe tucked in amongst various other eateries on one of Bude’s bustling high streets. During the day it offers customers the option to eat in or take away one of its fresh, homemade pies, or sit in with a slice of cake and a coffee. In the evening it is transformed into a cosy bistro, with not just pies on the menu but also fabulous homemade burgers, pulled pork bao buns, Korean chicken wings and much more. A good selection of wines and beers is also on offer, many of them produced in Cornwall.

The simple and rustic interior provides a welcoming space for couples or families – especially with the free entertainment on offer in the form of a selection of popular board games to keep impatient youngsters entertained. Dogs are more than welcome too, making it a popular choice for all.

House of Chaplin

Caffeine lovers will want to head to this independent coffee shop located on the road to Crooklets Beach for a dose of coffee heaven. House of Chaplin has a stylish interior with its comfortable leather sofas and rustic wooden tables, which is the perfect spot for a leisurely morning coffee or an informal lunch. 

Pop in for breakfast and enjoy poached eggs and smashed avocado or try one of the speciality bagels for lunch – gluten-free alternatives are available. If you fancy something stronger than coffee, then a few carefully chosen alcoholic beverages are on the menu, including Cornish cider, stout and ales.

For an afternoon treat on the way back from the beach, the homemade milkshakes – made with local Cornish ice cream – will be a hit with kids of all sizes. Dogs are welcome too – even when wet and sandy from a morning walk. 

Map of places to eat in Bude

Please find all of the above Bude restaurants and pubs with the help of our handy map.

Stay with us in Bude

Whether you are considering staying in Bude with family, friends or both, we have a wide selection of accommodation to choose from, ensuring you‘ll find the perfect pad for your trip to sunny South Cornwall. Take a look at our guide to the best beaches in Bude if you’re in need of inspiration! Click on the button below to see our range of places to stay and find your next Cornish holiday.