The top 10 pubs and restaurants in Fowey

Small but perfectly formed Fowey offers lots to do and is also increasingly a magnet for food lovers, with its wide choice of eateries, from cosy pubs serving traditional Cornish fare to elegant fine dining establishments. Set on the banks of the River Fowey, the town adorns the west side of the river, with breathtaking views across to Polruan on the eastern side.

Fowey’s location means that many restaurants offer fabulous views of the river, and many have terraces where you can sit and enjoy a leisurely meal with a stunning view. Others are tucked away in the backstreets of this pretty seaside town, with their own fascinating history to tell, invariably related to the smuggling that went on in this area for many years and provided the inspiration for author Daphne du Maurier.

Whether you fancy fish and chips or fine dining, you will be spoilt for choice in Fowey. We’ve put together a selection of some of the best, most highly rated Fowey eateries for you to choose from. Just bear in mind that it’s generally worth booking ahead, especially if you are visiting in the height of summer. 

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• The best restaurants in Fowey
• The best restaurants in Fowey with a view
• The best international dining in Fowey
• The best pubs in Fowey
• The best pubs in Fowey with a view

The best restaurants in Fowey

There are lots of lovely restaurants in Fowey, here are a couple of our recommended spots.

Sam’s Fowey

Set in a charming 13^th-century building on Fore Street, just behind the harbour, Sam’s is a very popular bistro, bar and restaurant. The restaurant interior is cosy and welcoming with exposed brick walls and ceiling beams, and a mix of both diner-style booths and wooden tables. In contrast, the buzzy cocktail bar is a riot of colour, with hot pink banquettes and matching wallpaper, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.

The menu offers simple but delicious dishes such as homemade burgers and steak alongside freshly caught local fish and seafood. Specialities include fish stew, surf ‘n’ turf and roasted sea bream with fennel. A children’s menu is available, and vegetarians are well catered for.

The King of Prussia

With its distinctive, pink-painted facade, the King of Prussia is unmissable on the quayside in Fowey and has been part of the fabric of the small town since the 17^th century. Today, rather than a pub, it is home to an upmarket restaurant and offers a fine dining experience, although it is still possible to just go for drinks – there is an excellent cocktail list. 

The elegant dining room of this Georgian property has been decorated in tasteful neutrals and the large sash windows allow light to flood in. The menu reflects the quiet sophistication of the surroundings with such dishes as roast guinea fowl, wild seabass, oysters and venison loin to choose from. Open for lunch and in the evening, the restaurant also offers snacks throughout the day as well as a roast every Sunday. There is no separate children’s menu, but smaller portions are available for little ones.

The best restaurants in Fowey with a view

These Fowey restaurants provide a delightful dining experience, combining exquisite cuisine with breathtaking views across the Fowey River. 

The Old Quay House

Photo credit: The Old Quay House

Set right on the waterfront, The Old Quay House is home to a fine dining restaurant with glorious views over the estuary. The restaurant is light and airy and elegantly styled. The double French doors offer a breathtaking view of the river, especially on warm days when they are thrown open, allowing diners to enjoy panoramic vistas. 

Many of the dishes on the menu are crafted from locally sourced ingredients including Cornish crab, lobster and cheeses. Main courses include monkfish with couscous, dukkha-spiced pork belly and St Austell Bay mussels. Open for lunch and dinner, The Old Quay House is also a fabulous place to go for a drink. The sizeable waterside terrace is an idyllic spot for either a mid-morning coffee or an evening aperitif. 

Fowey Harbour Kitchen, Bar and Terrace

For elevated views, elegance and fabulous cocktails, look no further than the Fowey Harbour Kitchen, Bar and Terrace. This venue offers it all, with delicious dishes such as roast salmon fillet with chorizo, slow-cooked beef and duck leg confit on the menu, served up alongside a breathtaking view of the estuary due to the elevated position. As well as lunch and dinner, guests can also book in for afternoon cream tea or Sunday roast.

Inside the luxurious sea-blue decor echoes the beauty of the surrounding Cornish coastline. Adjacent to the restaurant is the bar, which, with its large picture windows, is perfect for enjoying a pre-dinner aperitif with a view. On a warm day, the terrace offers breathtaking views and is a fabulous spot for enjoying a glass of bubbly in the sunshine.

The best international dining in Fowey

Fowey offers a diverse range of international cuisine, with its vibrant restaurants and cafes serving everything from Italian, Greek and Spanish dishes. 

The Dwelling House

This former merchant’s building, located in the heart of Fowey on historic Fore Street, is home to a charming tea room. The interior is styled in keeping with its history as an Edwardian house, with a stripped wooden floor and simple décor. The Dwelling House also has a lovely courtyard garden tucked away at the back of the café, filled with plants, where you can enjoy lunch or a drink in the dappled sunshine.

On the main menu is an interesting mixture of delicious Italian antipasti, alongside Greek specialities such as prawn saganaki and lamb giouvetsi, as well as several Asian-inspired dishes including Vietnamese Pork bun cha and beef rendeng, all of which are inspired by the world travels of the owners. 

Pintxo

This delightful tapas bar, Pintxo, is tucked away in Fowey’s charming back streets, secluded from the bustle of the quayside. A traditional blue-and-white tiled sign greets customers outside, and the interior is cosy and welcoming, with an authentic vibe that is enhanced by the ceiling covered in old Spanish newspapers.

Translating as ‘little snack’, this small slice of Spain offers delicious plates of traditional tapas, including patatas fritas, Serrano ham and Iberian chorizo, Manchego cheese and albondigas (spicy meatballs). Also on offer is a wide selection of Spanish sherries and wine, perfect for sipping on a warm summer’s evening at one of the pavement tables outside. 

The best pubs in Fowey

Fowey boasts a variety of welcoming pubs where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and bite to eat. Here, we’ve included some of our favourites. 

The Lugger Inn

Nestled in the heart of Fowey, this welcoming pub, The Lugger Inn dates back to the 17^th century. Named after the traditional Cornish fishing boat, the interior is appropriately decorated with maritime paraphernalia, including paintings, a large ship’s wheel and several model sailing boats. Bright and welcoming inside, the central bar is well-stocked with beers from the St Austell brewery.

The menu offers a mixture of traditional pub fare, including steak, pork belly and fish and chips, as well as more local specialities such as homemade fish stew and Fowey River mussels. On Sundays there is a choice of roast available at lunchtime, with both gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives on offer. 

The Ship Inn

Photo credit: The Ship Inn

Affectionately known as The Old Lady of Fowey, the Ship Inn is located in Fowey’s Trafalgar Square and dates back to the 16^th century, making it Fowey’s oldest pub. Walking into the cosy interior is like taking a step back in time, with the wooden panelling, beamed ceiling and stunning stained-glass window that depicts preparations to sail against the Spanish Armada in 1588. 

The daily menu features an array of popular pub classics alongside gastropub specialities including cider-battered fish and chips, Fowey moules marinieres, seafood pie and duck confit. Youngsters are welcome and well catered for with a children’s menu and a selection of tasty puddings. 

The best pubs in Fowey with a view

Sit back, relax and enjoy these Fowey pubs which offer a view across the wonderful Fowey River too! What could be better?

Haveners Fowey

This popular pub restaurant, Haveners is set right on the town quay and offers fabulous views, good quality pub grub and an excellent array of beers on tap, provided by St Austell Brewery. The menu includes locally caught fish and chips, steak baguette and venison burger and there are vegetarian and vegan options too.

Inside the decor is simple and rustic, but light and airy with flagstone floors and whitewashed walls and ceiling beams. Outside there is a row of tables right by the water where you can sit and soak up the hustle and bustle of the surrounding quayside whilst enjoy a leisurely lunch or afternoon pint. 

The Galleon Inn

With its large waterside terrace, the Galleon Inn is another Fowey landmark. Whether you are after a pleasant spot for a morning coffee or a few drinks and a bite to eat in the evening, this light and airy pub ticks all the boxes. An array of local drinks is on offer, from Cornish ciders and ales to locally produced gin. 

On the menu, you will find homemade pizzas, burgers and steak, as well as locally caught fish and a selection of vegetarian/vegan dishes. Jacket potatoes and baguettes are also on offer if you are after something lighter, and the children’s menu has a good selection for younger ones. 

Map of top places to eat in Fowey

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

Stay in Fowey

If you are considering a stay in or around Fowey, we have a wide selection of properties on offer. From romantic little apartments in the heart of the town, just a short walk from Fowey’s fabulous restaurants, to spacious and stylish houses overlooking the river that can easily accommodate large groups of family and friends, we can help you find a property that will be just perfect for your Cornish getaway.