Best dog-friendly restaurants in Cornwall
When you go on holiday with your pooch, the last thing you want to do is leave them behind when it comes to dinner time. We know it can be difficult to find genuinely dog-friendly places to eat, so we’ve brought you five of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Cornwall that have all been tried and tested by our team.
1. The Cornish Barn, Penzance
This smokehouse come bar is part of the much loved Artist Residence family, so you know to expect eclectic interiors and quality in abundance. The homely menus are full of locally sourced produce cooked freshly: from grilled sea bass and chips to vegan lobster rolls and beer-can chicken. Gorgeous persian rugs adorn the floors, whilst linen-covered benches and kilim cushions help keep you comfortable. Dogs are more than welcome here, and are often greeted with a good scratch behind the ears and a homemade doggy treat or two. On sunny days head up to the roof terrace for lunch under the sun or dinners beside the firepit. On summer evenings there are barbecues using the big green egg and a brilliant cocktail menu to choose from. Whether you’re inside or out, it really is a place for eating, drinking and merry-making.
Fancy staying overnight? Check out the rooms at Artist Residence Hotel.
2. Scott and Babs, Mawgan Porth
Located in a peaceful woodland just a stone’s throw from Mawgan Porth is this wonderful family-run restaurant set within the old Retorrick Mill. The foodie couple run their open plan kitchen in the barn, cooking up tasty treats on open fires, spit roasts and slow roasting smoking barrels using ingredients from local producers. Pizzas and wood-fired dishes are the norm, but expect to find paella nights, lobster evenings and live music performances to boot!
Diners sit on long trestle tables inside or on collected vintage furniture out in the courtyard. It’s fun and friendly, with a laid back atmosphere and lots of happy holiday makers around. Dogs are more than welcome too, and they’ll love walking through the woods after a busy day on the beach!
3. The Old Coastguard, Mousehole
Visit on a Sunday and you’ll be blown away by the friendly welcome of happy beach dogs and their owners enjoying a hearty Sunday lunch. Warm welcomes are just the start with this delightful seaside hotel, and you can expect to find a marvellous menu and well-stocked bar all for you to enjoy. It’s a peaceful spot with walls of glass framing pretty sea views out over Mousehole and the south Cornish coastline.
Inside, the style is a harmous mix of rustic countryside chic and contemporary cool vibes. Local artwork hangs on the wall alongside big bold colours, there’s worn farmhouse dining tables and candle-sticks to set the scene. Whilst outside, a lovely beer garden awaits for warmer days with tropical greenery and endless sea views.
Fancy staying overnight? Check out the rooms at The Old Coastguard.
4. Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay
It’s hard to find a better positioned dog friendly restaurant in Cornwall than this. Poised above the cliff edge to a backdrop of headland, you’re overlooking the ocean from most angles so look out for seals and dolphins from the terrace! Dogs are most welcome in the outdoor areas and the bar, where you can tuck into fantastic food and try from the extensive drinks list.
Food is a real focus – it’s fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced. The dinner menus are pleasingly short and packed with fish straight from the sea, meat from the fields around and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. You’re between Fistral and Crantock beaches so head here for a treat after completing long walks on the coastal path.
Fancy staying overnight? Check out the rooms at Lewinnick Lodge.
5. Appleton’s, Fowey
When it comes to the best dog friendly restaurants in Cornwall for fine dining, this is your spot. After originally opening with an operational vineyard and winery just outside of Padstow, Tom Appleton and his wife recently relocated to the bustling town of Fowey to continue their culinary journey. Their ethos is focused about sourcing the very best seasonal ingredients at their peak and letting them do the talking without unnecessary complexity. They’ve taken rustic Italian dishes and added a contemporary twist, creating unique menus that bring to life the very best of Italy and Cornwall.
Whilst we all love a visit to the pub, sometimes holiday’s call for an evening of finer dining. You can rest assured your pooch will receive a welcome just as warm as yours here, especially from Gnocchi the little resident sausage dog!
Written by
Ella Perryman
Ella has a great eye for telling a story in a full article or a single picture. Marshall only has eyes for anyone who’ll give him a scratch or a biscuit. He’s also partial to a wander in the woods and days spent digging in the sand. Together, they’re a coastal adventure dream team who love heading back to Ella’s Devon roots or exploring the rugged fringes of Wales.
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