The festive period revolves around eating and drinking, and whilst we all love to cook it’s sometimes nice to let somebody else do the hard work and simply savour the food.
If you’re planning to eat out over this Christmas and New Year, whether that’s lunch with colleagues before you finish work for the year, dinner and drinks with friends, or an all-out “let somebody else take the strain” celebration on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, here are our recommendations for the best places to eat out in Cornwall:
The Cove Cafe
Riviere Towans, Hayle
We couldn’t start with anywhere other than our own Cove Cafe. With sea views overlooking St Ives Bay (it’s an amazing place to sit and watch if it’s stormy outside), a suitably seasonal lunch menu, regular feast nights and plenty of space, you need look no further! There’ll be a special lunch menu on Christmas Eve, and a long-lunch on New Year’s Eve. Just a few steps from the door there are miles of sand dunes and the beach (at low tide) for a winter walk to either work up an appetite or walk off your lunch, too!
Onda
Wadebridge
Our friend Ben Ambridge’s new Italian-inspired eatery in the heart of Wadebridge is not to be missed. Indulge in the heartwarming traditions of Italy this festive season with their special Christmas menu (three-course set menu £45 per person) or welcome in 2024 there and enjoy a five course chef’s menu for £75 per person.
St Enodoc Hotel
Rock
St Enodoc Hotel has two restaurants, both with incredible views over the Camel Esturay and open to non-residents as well as hotel guests. Open from December 20th through the Christmas and New Year period, the Brasserie (pictured) is open 12-2pm for lunch and 6 – 8.45pm for dinner, whilst 3 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant Karrek is open Thursdays to Sundays with bookings between 6.30 – 7.45pm. They still have places for both residents and non residents at their New Year’s Eve three-course dinner in the Brasserie and availability if you fancy New Year’s Eve away with their two-night NYE package.
The Thomas Daniell
Truro
Recently re-opened under new management and with a fantastic Head Chef, The Thomas Daniell Eating & Drinking House is just a short walk from Truro city centre and has a menu and atmosphere as fantastic as its Christmas decorations. The menu focuses on British and European cuisine, blending traditional pub favourites and innovative dishes.
The Barley Sheaf
Gorran
Cornwall Pub of The year in 2022, The Barley Sheaf at Gorran (near Mevagissey) is a classic pub with an amazing team in the kitchen headed up by chef/owner Tim Kendle and Head Chef Dan Hyams. They are open throughout the festive period and have a great looking Christmas Eve menu with three courses for £45 or two courses for £39 between 12 – 6pm.