Guide to the best fish and chips in Cornwall

There’s nothing like fish and chips served fresh and crispy right next to where the fish was landed. And in Cornwall, whose coastal waters are plied with day boats hauling in their catch of the day, the choice of where to buy your tasty, battered cod (or haddock, or other delicious choices) is taken to a whole new level. 

Our selection of some of the best fish and chips in Cornwall covers everything from traditional chippies where you’ll get affordable cod in batter served with mushy peas or curry sauce, right through to seafood restaurants where fish and chips is on the menu but which offer a different kind of dining experience. 

If you’re not a fan of fish and chips, Cornwall has all kinds of cuisines to tempt you, from pasties and cream teas to impressive fine-dining establishments. Click the link below to book your holiday cottage in Cornwall and discover a variety of excellent Cornish cafes, restaurants and takeaways. 

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• The best fish and chips in North Cornwall
• The best fish and chips in South Cornwall
• The best fish and chips in West Cornwall

The best fish and chips in North Cornwall

Seasmiths, Porthtowan

Voted the best fish and chip shop in the UK, Seasmiths in Porthtowan serves up responsibly sourced fish accompanied by crispy, thick-cut chips from Cornish-grown potatoes. This family-run establishment aims to keep it simple and do it well, and it certainly succeeds. The dips – mushy peas, katsu curry sauce and tangy tartare sauce – are homemade, and you’ll get a wedge of lemon and a sprig of parsley, which is always a nice touch. 

Whether you take your meal down to the beach or enjoy it on one of the picnic benches outside, the experience is every bit as satisfying as the food. The sea air and the sound of the waves add to the charm of tucking into a perfectly cooked portion of fish and chips. It’s no surprise that Seasmiths has become a beloved stop for locals and holidaymakers alike.

The Fish House Fistral, Newquay

This small seafood restaurant, run by chef Paul Harwood and his wife Elise, is included in the Michelin Guide and uses the best seasonal ingredients available, including fish and shellfish straight from Newquay Harbour. The Fish House is located on Newquay’s famous Fistral surfing beach, and when you’ve spent a day riding the waves, dining here as you watch the sunset has to be one of the best ways to relax afterwards. 

The menu is inspired by Mediterranean and Asian flavours, with dishes such as Indonesian seafood curry, crab linguine, and whole grilled Cornish sole making regular appearances. The relaxed, rustic interior and friendly service create a welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements the stunning coastal views. Whether you're celebrating something special or just craving expertly cooked seafood, The Fish House Fistral delivers a memorable dining experience.

The Mote, Port Isaac

A seafood restaurant in the heart of picturesque Port Isaac, The Mote celebrates the bounty of the Cornish coast. Using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients from local suppliers, it offers light lunch options, appealing children’s meals and irresistible dinner dishes. After your haddock and chips, you may find room for a decadent dessert, such as sticky toffee pudding, Eton mess or a locally made ice cream.

The cosy interior, with its stone walls and nautical touches, provides a warm and welcoming setting, while the outdoor seating offers harbour views that are hard to beat. The Mote’s carefully curated wine list and selection of local craft beers pair perfectly with the menu, enhancing the flavours of the sea. Whether you're popping in after a coastal walk or planning a leisurely evening meal, this charming spot promises a true taste of Cornwall.

Kernow Chippy, Bude

If you like your portions generous, your batter light and crispy and your fish flaky and full of flavour, then Kernow Chippy, operating from a converted van parked by the church in Bude, is your go-to. Everything is cooked to order, and the menu includes sausage, chicken goujons, kids’ meals and vegetarian options. 

Regulars rave about the friendly service and great value, and there’s something undeniably satisfying about enjoying top-notch fish and chips in such a laid-back, no-frills setting. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after a day on the beach or picking up dinner to take back to your holiday cottage, Kernow Chippy delivers classic seaside comfort food done right.

The best fish and chips in South Cornwall

Harbour Lights, Falmouth

Award-winning Harbour Lights in Falmouth offers click-and-collect, takeaway, home delivery and a restaurant with harbour views. Family run and family friendly, it serves up the finest Cornish potatoes to accompany a variety of fish (delivered daily) from Newlyn. Daily specials reflect what the fishing boats have landed – and it’s all responsibly sourced, with cod, haddock and South Atlantic hake certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. 

The welcoming team at Harbour Lights are passionate about sustainability and flavour, and it shows in every dish. Whether you're dining in and soaking up the panoramic views or enjoying your meal alfresco on the quayside, the quality and freshness are consistently top-notch. With gluten-free options available and even a few sweet treats to finish, it’s easy to see why this Falmouth favourite continues to win fans and awards alike. 

The Fisherman’s Chippy, Mevagissey

If you’ve come for a stroll around the pretty streets of Mevagissey, one of the most beautiful fishing villages in Cornwall, stay for a bite to eat at The Fisherman’s Chippy, just a stone’s throw from the harbour. Serving quality fish and chips using the best ingredients, and with a focus on sourcing from sustainable fish stocks and local farms. Most of the packaging is made from recycled materials, too. 

There’s a real sense of pride in what they do here, from the perfectly cooked chips to the friendly service that makes visitors feel right at home. Grab your order and find a spot by the water to watch the boats come and go, it’s the ideal way to soak up the charm of this historic village. The Fisherman’s Chippy is the kind of place you’ll want to return to every time you visit Mevagissey.

The Coddy Shack, Looe

Described by renowned Cornish chef Nathan Outlaw as ‘the best shed I’ve ever eaten in’, The Coddy Shack is a laid-back, quirky restaurant and takeaway located in a rustic building just outside the fishing village of Looe. With its own large car park, it’s fully licensed, has a well-stocked bar and holds regular live music nights. The Coddy Shack offers seafood with a smile, prioritising fresh, sustainable Cornish produce. Locals and visitors alike love its homemade, light, golden and crispy batter.

The menu goes beyond the classics, with options like seafood platters, loaded fries and indulgent sides that make it a hit with families, groups and solo diners alike. Inside, the atmosphere is fun and informal, with a buzz that builds as the evening goes on, especially when there’s live music on. Whether you’re in flip-flops after a day at the beach or dressed up for a night out, The Coddy Shack delivers a memorable, feel-good dining experience.

Captain Hank’s Crab and Snack Shack, Fowey

Riverside venue? Check. Local produce? Check? A charming old Citroen H van serving tasty seafood? Check. Captain Hank’s is a great choice for a tasty lunch if you’re visiting Fowey in the summer months. In addition to Cornish crab sandwiches, grilled mackerel flatbread and pickled St Austell Bay mussels, you can also enjoy small-batch coffee, beer and wine. 

With its relaxed vibe and unbeatable location beside the River Fowey, Captain Hank’s is the perfect pit stop for hungry wanderers looking to refuel in style. Grab a seat at one of the waterside tables, watch the boats drift by, and tuck into some of the freshest flavours Cornwall has to offer. It’s casual dining done right with no fuss, just fantastic food served with a side of sea breeze.

The best fish and chips in West Cornwall

Greg & Lou’s, Redruth

Customers travel far and wide to savour Greg and Lou’s signature ‘special coated chips’ in Redruth, featuring a crunchy outside and fluffy centre. Not to mention their sustainably caught fish, Greg’s homemade specials, Lou’s tasty tartare sauce and various vegetarian choices. Serving the community and visitors since 2002, this friendly establishment offers takeaways and has a small, dine-in area with space for up to 20 customers (book if you can, as it fills up quickly).  

It’s this mix of quality, consistency and genuine warmth that’s earned Greg and Lou’s such a loyal following. Whether you're a local popping in for your Friday-night fix or a visitor eager to see what all the fuss is about, you’ll find generous portions, friendly faces and food that hits the spot every time. It’s no wonder so many people make it a must-stop on their Cornish travels.

Kellaway’s Fish & Chips, Threemilestone

Tucked away in the village of Threemilestone, near Truro, Kellaway’s Fish & Chips is a long-established, family-run chip shop which has been named the third best in the UK. Focusing on quality and sustainability, they cook all fish to order in beef dripping, with their crispy batter, good portion sizes and homemade tartare sauce a big draw.

The warm, welcoming service and spotless premises add to the appeal, making Kellaway’s a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re picking up a midweek treat or fuelling up after a day exploring nearby Truro, this award-winning chippy delivers on every front. With a reputation built on consistency and care, it’s easy to see why Kellaway’s continues to win national acclaim.

Beck’s, Carbis Bay

This Cornish family business is based in Carbis Bay, just down the road from St Ives, and offers both takeaway and a large, licensed restaurant. Everything is cooked to order at Beck’s, and as well as traditional fish (sustainably sourced) and chips (from local potato growers), there are daily specials, gluten-free options, a children’s menu and vegan dishes. 

The friendly team at Beck’s prides themselves on creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can enjoy a delicious meal, whether you’re dining in with views of the bay or grabbing a quick takeaway to enjoy on the beach. With its commitment to fresh, local ingredients and a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, Beck’s has become a beloved spot for families, couples, and solo diners alike.

Fraser’s, Penzance

Set on Penzance’s promenade, Fraser’s has an extensive menu that includes responsibly sourced Cornish fish, chicken, burgers, gluten-free, veggie, vegan, kid’s and meal-deal options. As the sister shop to Harbour Lights, you’d expect it to be good, and so it is, with customers especially enjoying the crispy batter. Plus, there’s an option to click and collect, so you don’t even need to queue.

The relaxed seaside setting makes Fraser’s a perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring Penzance or the nearby coast. Friendly staff and speedy service ensure you’re well looked after, whether you’re dining in or grabbing a takeaway to enjoy on the beach. With such a wide variety of choices and a commitment to quality, Fraser’s keeps both locals and visitors coming back for more.

Stay with us and enjoy the best fish and chips in Cornwall

If your mouth is watering from reading about the best fish and chips in Cornwall, simply click below to book one of our inviting holiday cottages and experience a fried fish supper for yourself. Our self-catering properties are located all around the county, perfectly positioned for families, couples and large groups to enjoy a Cornish getaway.