The 11 Best Mevagissey Restaurants

Tucked into a small valley on the south coast of Cornwall six miles from St Austell, the picture-postcard fishing village of Mevagissey is home to rows of handsome terraced houses that cluster around a historic harbour, and a range of delicious Mevagissey restaurants for visitors to choose from.

Mevagissey’s charm has made it hugely popular with tourists, and it’s even been a setting for TV shows and films (including Bad Education), but its long fishing history still continues with a fleet of colourful boats that bring in mackerel, sole, ray, lobsters, crabs and more. 

A stay in Mevagissey might include crabbing from the harbour, a beach day at Porthmellon, a boat trip to Fowey, or a trip to The Lost Gardens of Heligan. If this sounds irresistible, check out our selection of self-catering holiday cottages, which cater for romantic getaways, family fun, large groups and, of course, your canine companions. 

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• Restaurants in Mevagissey
• Pubs in Mevagissey
• Fish and chips in Mevagissey

Restaurants in Mevagissey

Sharksfin

One of the most impressive Mevagissey restaurants is Sharksfin. Drink or dine at the Sharksfin and you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the picturesque harbour through its bifold doors. Watch the sun set as you tuck in to fresh, local produce that includes signature burgers, tacos, chowder and mussels, catch of the day and tasty salads, served with a smile by the friendly staff. Wash it all down with a pint of St Austell ale for a real Cornish experience. 

Alvorada

Alvadora is a charming Mevagissey restaurant seating just 12 people and with an open kitchen, Alvorada is an authentic Portuguese eaterie serving fresh fish (often caught by the owner) and Mediterranean specialities. Expect a friendly, intimate atmosphere, enhanced by Portuguese music in the background and traditional terracotta crockery (which is also for sale). Book in advance and, as this hidden gem isn’t open all year round, check times before making a special journey. 

One Polkirt Hill

While the emphasis may be on locally sourced seafood, from monkfish and scallops to Thai red seafood curry, One Polkirt Hill also does a fantastic rib-eye steak that customers rave about. They also praise the excellent service, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and good selection of wines. This Mevagissey restaurant is one not to miss.

The Lighthouse Café

When in Cornwall a cream tea is a must, and when it comes to the best Mevagissey restaurants and cafes, The Lighthouse Cafe is a great choice, offering not only a classic Cornish cream tea but also savoury, gluten-free and vegan options. This dog-friendly cafe also serves all-day breakfast, brunch, lunch, salads, home-made cakes, sundaes and waffles, and is popular among locals as well as visitors for its welcoming atmosphere, generous portions and great value for money. You can eat in or take away.

Mevagissey Spice

Offering both eat-in and takeaway meals, award-winning Mevagissey Spice focuses on authentic flavours from Bangladesh, and diners rave about its perfectly cooked food and generous portions. You’ll find all your favourites, plus the house special of jaffroni, with plenty of vegetarian options, too. 

She Sells Mevagissey

A fun, friendly and innovative cafe right on the harbour, She Sells Mevagissey is renowned for its delicious and authentic French crepes and galettes, and also serves bagels, pasties, artisan cakes, milkshakes, sundaes, Treleavens ice cream and Origin coffee. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, too. In the winter they hold supper nights – don’t miss the French raclette evenings! Top tip: sit outside and watch the world go by.

The King’s Arms

This isn’t your typical pub, but actually a quirky, intimate restaurant, plus a bakery and wine shop. The King’s Arms has no set menu, utilising whatever is available from the local boats and farms, and each day is different, with the chef making absolutely everything himself. Prepare for an adventure, and expect more of an emphasis on seafood (and sometimes pizza) in spring and summer, with game featuring heavily in autumn and winter. Do note that, unfortunately, The King’s Arms is unable to cater for allergens or dietary requirements. This unique Mevagissey restaurant is an ideal choice.

Pubs in Mevagissey

The Harbour Tavern

Sip a pint or tuck into a meal at The Harbour Tavern and enjoy its excellent views and welcoming atmosphere. Located on Mevagissey’s harbour, the cosy pub offers ales, lagers, ciders, wines, spirits, soft drinks, coffee, tea and hot chocolate, as well as pub-style food all year round, plus cakes and cream teas in the summer months. Dogs are welcome (there are treats behind the bar) and there’s regular live music, too. 

The Ship Inn

When it comes to the most historical Mevagissey restaurants and pubs, look no further than The Ship Inn. Built in the 1600s and, according to legend, once the haunt of smugglers and wreckers, The Ship Inn boasts a quintessential, unspoilt charm and traditional, friendly ambience. You’ll find real ale and locally sourced, home-cooked food, with fresh fish on the menu virtually every day (depending on the weather). On a Tuesday evening you can join in the quiz night, and on Saturday nights you’ll be treated to music from local bands, singers and players. With good-value, generous portions, it’s often busy, and you can’t book, so you may have to wait for a table.

Fish and chips in Mevagissey

The Fishermen’s Chippy

Just a stone’s throw from the harbour, The Fishermen’s Chippy serves up flaky, fresh fish (from sustainable stocks) in a light, tasty batter, accompanied by traditional chips made from local potatoes. A classic, delicious takeaway. It’s highly popular, and rightly so. 

The Fish Grill and More

Diners rave about the fresh, locally caught fish served either battered or grilled from this street-food van on the quayside. As well as perfectly cooked fish and chips, The Fish Grill and More offers scallops, mackerel, sardines, smash burgers, chicken tenders and children’s meals, all great value for money.

Book a stay in Mevagissey

Head to Mevagissey and sample some of the best seafood in Cornwall, as well as cream teas, curries, crepes, pub classics and even Portuguese delicacies. To book a stay in one of our self-catering cottages, perfect for couples, families and group bookings, simply click the link below.