The 8 best Polperro restaurants and pubs

Picturesque Polperro, on the South Cornwall coast, has so much to offer, from its narrow, traffic-free streets and pretty harbour to quaint, whitewashed cottages and a plethora of cute shops. 

Among its delights are a great choice of high-quality places to eat and drink, and we’ve put together our selection of the best Polperro pubs and restaurants for you to explore, whether you’re after fine dining, a sweet treat or a pint by the fireside in a traditional inn. Bear in mind that prices can vary, and opening hours often depend on the time of year – with some establishments closed entirely for a month or two during the winter, enjoying a well-earned break. 

After a delicious meal or an evening drink, imagine strolling home to your welcoming holiday cottage in Polperro. If you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a family-friendly house or a dog-friendly property, just click the link below to see our choice of accommodation in and around this gorgeous Cornish village. 

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Polperro restaurants

Polperro is home to a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes, making it a great destination for food lovers.

Best for fine dining | Couch’s

Couch’s offers a fine-dining experience that has visitors travelling from far and wide to experience delicious, fresh flavours and a warm atmosphere. Executive head chef Richard McGeown has worked with some of the country’s most famous names, including Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White and Raymond Blanc.  

McGeown set up Couch’s in 2004, serving exceptional, modern cuisine in a historic building in the heart of town – for a small number of diners and on just three nights a week. Expect delights such as burrata with chilli plums, roasted squash, pine nuts and salsa verde, or confit duck with roasted fennel hearts, harissa carrot puree and hoi sin vinaigrette. It’s worth noting that the restaurant does not admit dogs, or children under the age of 7.

Best for Sunday roast | Michelle’s Restaurant

This family-run restaurant specialises in home-cooked dishes, including fresh crab and lobster caught by local fishermen. It’s small and gets booked up quickly, so reserve your table in advance to experience a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and the kind of impressive food that has earned Michelle’s a Good Food Award Blue Ribbon. 

The menu at Michelle’s might include delights such as monkfish and coconut curry, luxury fish pie, or a surf ‘n’ turf of treacle-cured fillet steak. On Sundays you may be defeated by the generous portion sizes of their legendary home-made roast dinner, served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a choice of three meats. Michelle’s is dog-friendly, but asks that you inform them that you’re bringing a dog when you book. 

Best dog friendly restaurant | OXOX Restaurant

In a 16^th-century building close to the harbour, OXOX has been completely refurbished, and opened in October 2024. It has already garnered some great reviews for its high-quality, seasonal Cornish dishes, cooked with passion and served in a laid-back atmosphere.

On the menu you might find Cornish lamb scrumpets, day-boat fish en papillote and fig frangipane – complemented by a range of wines and cocktails. Please bear in mind that although the restaurant is dog-friendly, it is not suitable for young children.

Best for pizzas | Turntable Pizza & Beer

In a cute, whitewashed building close to the harbour, Turntable Pizza is another winner of a prestigious Good Food Award. Their pizzas are all made from scratch and cooked to order in a wood-fired oven, and the delicious crusts are matched by generous toppings, which include American hot, four cheese and meat feast – with occasional specials such as Nutella and mascarpone. They also sell various wines and a unique selection of interesting beers. 

Although predominantly a takeaway, Turntable has a small seating area and there’s a good vibe inside, with fast, friendly service. Dogs are welcome, too. 

Polperro cafes

Polperro boasts charming cafes tucked along its winding streets, offering freshly brewed coffee and homemade treats with stunning harbour views.

Best for views | The House on the Props

This unique ‘house on stilts’, is a charming cafe and restaurant, tucked in the historic heart of Polperro and has picturesque views over the harbour. In the dining area you’ll find all kinds of fascinating nautical and smuggling artefacts, not least of which are the beams, which came from a ship which foundered around 1700.

The House on Props is open for breakfast and lunch all year, with evening meals in the summer, and you’ll find first-class service complementing a variety of home-made meals and lighter choices, all made using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Irresistible options include the likes of fresh mussels, hake loin with Puttanesca sauce, and smoked mackerel with blueberry pate. During the day, pop in for a variety of cakes, sweet treats and Cornish scones (including gluten-free and vegan), all made daily on the premises.

Best for cream teas | The Plantation Tea Rooms

Experience the taste of Cornwall in the form of a cream tea at this quaint tearoom. It’s right by the river in the heart of Polperro and, as well as a cosy interior, has a serene garden with lovely views. 

It offers toasties, soups, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and favourites such as lasagne or pie with mash and gravy, plus an array of cakes and scones, and a variety of appealing vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. The tearoom is dog friendly inside and out. There’s occasional live music and, if you’re visiting Polperro in the winter, The Plantation Tea Rooms also hosts regular curry nights.

Polperro pubs

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

Best oldest pub in Polperro | The Three Pilchards

Situated right on the quay, The Three Pilchards is a classic, family-run pub – the oldest in Polperro – prides itself on selling the freshest seafood ever, as well as home-cooked, hearty meals and an extensive range of wines, beers and lagers. 

There are stunning views across the harbour from its rooftop beer garden, and in cooler months you can snuggle inside by the log fire – perhaps listening to a tale of smuggling adventures. Dogs are allowed and the pub is renowned for its warm welcome to visitors and locals alike. 

Best for live music | The Blue Peter Inn

If you’re looking for great views, a vibrant atmosphere, live music and historic charm, The Blue Peter Inn could be the place for you. The traditional English freehouse dates back to the 18^th century and is tucked between ancient smugglers’ cottages on the harbourfront. It’s known for its traditional Cornish ales (though it has an extensive range of all kinds of beers, lagers, wines and spirits) and hearty, wholesome food, made from fresh, local produce. 

The Blue Peter Inn’s staff are renowned for their warmth and friendliness – as you might expect from a destination whose motto is ‘Enter as strangers, leave as friends’ – and the pub is both family friendly and dog friendly (there’s an endless supply of dog treats behind the bar). Regular live music adds to the inviting atmosphere. 

Map of places to eat in Polperro

Please find all the above Polperro eateries with the help of our handy map.

Stay with us in Polperro

Are you looking for a quick snack, a Cornish cream tea or a gourmet dining experience? If so, our guide to Polperro restaurants has got you covered. And for a locally brewed beer and a warm welcome, the best Polperro pubs can’t be beaten. To experience more places to eat and drink in this fantastic coastal, click on the link below and stay in one of our holiday cottages, suitable for couples, families and groups – and often furry friends, too.