Alice James
25 July 2025
Good food goes hand in hand with a good holiday. From super chic surf hangouts to creative dining experiences, Polzeath has a tantalising array of cafés and restaurants. Take a look at our handy guide to Polzeath's foodie offerings.
Baby Bay Beach Club
By day, Baby Bay becomes home to the Baby Bay Beach Club, a pop-up lunch spot from Porthilly Spirit x Plonk’d. It’s a low-key, high-flavour hangout serving fire-cooked tapas and small plates from 12-3pm every weekend. With just a few tables on the sand and a handpicked list of wines, cocktails and local beers, it’s the hottest new place to be.
Need to know
- Opening times: Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for lunch 12pm-3pm (please keep an eye on their Instagram as they are open throughout the summer, however, it’s weather-dependent and dates can vary)
- Menu: Small tapas-style plates and fire-cooked sharing plates
- We love: Local Porthilly oysters
- Price guide: ££
- Views of the water: Yes
- Dog friendly: No
- Parking: Yes, at New Polzeath Car Park
The Mowhay
The Mowhay is a vibrant arts café sits a short distance from Polzeath in the quieter village of Trebetherick. In spring, you can dine under the cherry blossoms and enjoy a peaceful lunch. Out of season, warm up beside the crackling wood burner in the colourful restaurant. Serving a high-quality à la carte menu, it is well worth the visit, with parking directly outside, making it easy.
Need to know
- Opening times: Open Monday to Saturday 10am-3pm, 6pm untill late, Sunday 12pm-3pm
- Menu: British classics and the best local produce
- We love: Sunday roasts
- Price guide: ££
- Views of the water: No
- Dog friendly: Yes, welcome during the day but not during evening service
- Parking: Yes, directly outside
The Oyster Catcher
The Oyster Catcher is the place to head for vibrant atmosphere and to let your hair down after dinner with a drink or two. The surfer chic décor and sea views create a lovely atmosphere for an evening out, complete with all the pub classics.
Need to know
- Opening times: Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner (from 9 am-11pm)
- Menu: Pub classics with a twist
- We love: Moules mariniere or another of their tasty seafood dishes
- Price guide: ££
- Views of the water: Yes
- Dog friendly: Yes, in the bar and outside spaces
- Parking: Yes, directly outside
The Cracking Crab
Perched on the clifftop above Polzeath Beach, The Cracking Crab occupies one of the best locations for enjoying a drink or meal with a view. The large garden will be loved by both children and dogs, and the colourful décor makes this a fun place to spend time beside the sea.
Need to know
- Opening times: Thursday to Monday 11am-9pm (times can vary, please keep an eye on their website)
- Menu: British seaside classics
- We love: Treat yourself to the pick-your-own surf and turf option!
- Price guide: ££
- Views of the water: Yes
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Parking: No, use the pay and display car parks (Tristram Car Park is the closest)
Surfside
If you want to enjoy a meal quite literally on the beach, then Surfside is the place for you. Serving creative food, Surfside will become a firm favourite with the family, with delicious small plates and fresh seafood dishes. As an added bonus, you can head to the secret Rum Bar behind the restaurant for the best cocktails around, and keep an eye out for their fun local events.
Need to know
- Opening times: Daily 12pm-3pm and 5pm-8pm (closed between October and the beginning of April)
- Menu: Colourful and imaginative local, seasonal produce
- We love: Clam chowder
- Price guide: ££
- Views of the water: Yes
- Dog friendly: No
- Parking: No, use the pay and display car park on the beach
TJ’s Café
TJ’s Café is conveniently located on the edge of the beach, where you can enjoy fantastic views from the balcony. Head up the spiral staircase and be delighted by the pretty décor and cosy window seats framing the view of the beach. This is a great place to head for a hearty brunch after a session amongst the waves.
Need to know
- Opening times: Daily from 9.30am for breakfast and lunch (booking recommended during busy periods)
- Menu: Café classics
- We love: Full Cornish Breakfast (and there’s veggie and vegan options!)
- Price guide: £-££
- Views of the water: Yes
- Dog friendly: Yes (treat your dog to their dog sausage or doggy ice cream)
- Parking: No, use the pay and display car park on the beach
The Waterfront
The Waterfront is trustily open throughout the year for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Grab a local tipple and enjoy the view from the balcony. A stunning, stylish foodie destination for romantic dining or a big family celebration.
Need to know
- Opening times: Monday to Thursday 10am-8.30pm, Friday to Sunday 9am-8.30pm
- Menu: Flavours from the sea and locally sourced ingredients
- We love: Porthilly mussels
- Price guide: ££
- Views of the water: Yes
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Parking: No, use the pay and display car park on the beach
Paradise Pizza
If you can't tear yourself away from the sand, then order a Paradise Pizza and enjoy it on the beach as the sun goes down. These are our personal favourites for pizzas in Polzeath. Creative ingredients and an ever-changing menu keep the takeaway options exciting.
Need to know
- Opening times: For evening takeaways through the main holiday season
- Menu: Wood-fired pizzas
- We love: Go Pesto with chicken or goats cheese
- Views of the water: No
- Price guide: £-££
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Parking: No, use the pay and display car park on the beach
Flo's Kitchen
Planning a day of coastal adventures? Flo’s kitchen in the heart of Polzeath is the perfect pit stop for delicious, fresh treats to take away. Fully stocked with homemade deli subs, toasties, salad bowls and fresh bread, keep an eye on their specials board for something extra special. Stop by on your way out of Polzeath to stock up on any last-minute dinner party ingredients.
Need to know
- Opening times: Daily for breakfast and lunch (opening times vary throughout the year, so please check their Facebook page)
- Menu: Deli subs, salad pots, poke bowls and homemade sweet treats
- We love: Jam-packed sandwiches and the salad bar
- Price guide: £-££
- Views of the water: No
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Parking: No, park in the pay and display car park on the beach
Stay in Polzeath
If you fancy a local tipple to wash down your meal, then leave the car keys at home and pick one of our properties within walking distance of your chosen Polzeath restaurant. Browse our Polzeath cottages and select the perfect property for your foodie convenience.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.