Top 10 top Mousehole restaurants

One of Cornwall’s most picturesque destinations, Mousehole is a small fishing village tucked into the curve of Mount’s Bay, 3 miles west of Penzance. Its maze of narrow, winding lanes are lined with picture-perfect cottages and independent shops and galleries – ideal for leisurely strolls as you soak up the sea air and enjoy a slower pace of life. It’s all based around the harbour, which becomes a safe, sandy beach when the tide is out. And if you love wild swimming, Mousehole Rock Pool is an easily accessible tidal pool where children and cold-water dippers alike can enjoy the sea safely. 

As you explore the village’s idyllic streets, you’ll notice numerous cafes and restaurants, tempting you to try everything from freshly baked pasties and local ice cream to the freshest seafood catch. Whether you’re after a hearty brunch, a fine-dining experience with a sea view or a cosy pint beside an open fire, Mousehole has cafés, pubs and restaurants to suit every taste.

Mousehole’s unique charm and tempting restaurants make the village an irresistible choice for a coastal escape. If you’re dreaming of fresh air, tranquillity and delicious meals, now’s the time to start planning your stay.

Skip to sections:

• Mousehole restaurants
• Mousehole cafes
• Mousehole pubs
• Fish and chips in Mousehole

Mousehole restaurants

2 Fore Street

The chef at 2 Fore Street in Mousehole was classically trained under Raymond Blanc, and it shows in the restaurant’s mouthwatering dishes, which make the most of fresh, local produce and carefully balance every flavour. Set right by the harbour, the bistro-style restaurant has views across Mount’s Bay and boasts a summertime garden for outdoor dining. From lemon sole to Korean pork belly, the menu is superb, and reviewers praise the attentive service, too. 

The Old Coastguard

On a sunny day, it’s hard to beat a meal on the garden terrace at The Old Coastguard, looking down over the sub-tropical garden towards the glittering sea. If you’d prefer to be indoors, the Upper Deck and bar offer scrubbed-pine tables, walls full of original art and a cosy atmosphere. The brasserie-style menu changes seasonally to utilise fish from Newlyn day boats, meat from the West Country and veg from local suppliers. It’s all very relaxed, and there’s something for everyone, with a free glass of Polgoon apple juice for little ones and a ‘lunch for less’ option for anyone watching their wallet. 

Mousehole Deli & Kitchen

Enjoy harbour views and watch the world go by from the windows of Mousehole Deli & Kitchen, which serves seasonal, sustainable and delicious food that makes the most of local fish, meat and more. Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or taking your time over a leisurely meal, there’s always at least one seafood, meat and vegan dish on offer, with gluten-free and other dietary requirements also available. Children are welcome, and four-pawed pals (ask when booking for a dog-friendly table on the ground floor) even have their own menu, featuring mackerel pasties and doggie ice cream. 

Orange Café Bar

Fresh, inventive, colourful and creative – the vegetarian and vegan food on offer at Orange is always inventive and deliciously tasty. Just moments from the sea, this little gem offers breakfast, lunch and – on certain nights – evening meals, while regular international nights feature the likes of Thali or Korean feasts, and in winter there’s a much-in-demand Sunday roast. Run by a mother-and-daughter team, Orange has a stylish interior and a cool bar area and also serves its own hand-roasted coffee. Whether you eat meat or not, this is one not to miss. 

Mousehole cafes 

Jessie’s Dairy

When in Cornwall, it’s practically compulsory to have a pasty and some local ice cream – and Jessie's Dairy can help you out with both. This tiny, family-owned ice-cream parlour in the heart of Mousehole also sells milkshakes, hot drinks, cream teas, sausage rolls, homemade homity pie (gluten-free) and pasties (including vegetarian). It’s perfect for a picnic or a treat after a day on the beach. 

Four Teas Café

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, Four Teas Café is a 1940s-themed café/restaurant serving traditional breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Children and dogs are welcome, and all food is freshly cooked to order, with an emphasis on friendly and professional service. 

Rock Pool Cafe

Sitting just on the outskirts of the village, overlooking the tidal pool and the sea, the Rock Pool Café is yet another Mousehole eatery with incredible views. Serving fresh treats including crab sandwiches, homemade cakes and luxury hot chocolate, this is the perfect place to warm up after a dip or a great stopping-off point when walking the coastal path.

Mousehole pubs

The Ship Inn

The Ship Inn overlooks the harbour in Mousehole, serving award-winning beer and delicious food that makes the most of local produce. Expect classic meals such as fish and chips, steak pie and mash or moules mariniere, followed by sticky toffee pudding or Cornish ice cream. The cosy, historic atmosphere is emphasised by exposed-stone walls, old oak beams and open fires, and you’ll often find live music or a pub quiz going on. 

The King’s Arms 

Full of atmosphere, The King’s Arms is believed to date back as far as the 15^th century, and is located in the small village of Paul, just half a mile up the hill inland from Mousehole. The family-run pub prides itself on using beef and pork from its own farm, as well as sustainably sourced ingredients from local suppliers. All food is homemade, ranging from burgers and lasagne to beer-battered catch of the day, accompanied by St Austell Brewery real ales and a specialist gin selection. 

Fish and chips in Mousehole

Lewis’s 

Fresh, flaky fish and a light, crisp batter make the fish and chips from Lewis’s, two miles outside Mousehole in the heart of Newlyn, stand out from the crowd. Portions are generous, and there are gluten-free options, as well as burgers, pies and veggie choices on offer. Order online to avoid the queues. 

Stay at one of our holiday cottages in Mousehole

For family fun, a romantic retreat or a celebration with friends, our self-catering cottages are the perfect base to discover delightful Mousehole and its choice of places to eat and drink. Click below to discover your perfect holiday cottage today.