There’s no better way to warm up after a walk on the beach than at a cosy café with a sea view and a Cornish cream tea. We pick eight of the best coastal cafes with a beach on the doorstep to visit in Cornwall
1. Sunset Surf Café, Gwithian Towans
With stunning views across St Ives bay, you can expect dramatic coastal scenes come rain or shine while dining at the Sunset Surf Café. Start the day right with a hearty Sunset Surf breakfast. Expect stacks of Belgian waffles, pancakes, full English breakfasts and eggs Benedict, Florentine or Royale. In the summer, breakfast can be enjoyed al fresco in the sunshine of the café terrace or in the garden. And don't worry about the calories - you can always walk them off on Gwithian Sands afterwards!
2. Carbis Bay Beach Club, Carbis Bay Beach
This fairly recent and upmarket addition to the Carbis Bay Hotel collection has breathtaking views of the white sands and rolling turquoise waves of Carbis Bay Beach. Warm up with your morning coffee or a Champagne breakfast for two complete with smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and two glasses of Bollinger. The café-cum-restaurant also serves a tempting selection of light mains on the menu too - perfect for a spot of refuelling after a walk on the beach.
3. ROCK POOL, Mousehole
This cosy café has shabby chic interiors and serves a delicious Cornish cream tea in teapots and dainty China cups. Enjoy scones with a side of clotted cream while you soak up the views out to sea (with the occasional pair of frolicking seals passing by too). No trip to the ROCK POOL café is complete without trying one of their famous hot chocolates with whipped cream and chocolate flakes served in a copper mug, and/or their Cornish crab sandwich.
4. Porthtowan Beach Café, Porthtowan
Porthtowan Beach Café has laid back vibes and nautical interiors with big comfy wicker chairs and plenty of throw cushions to snuggle up when the Cornish weather is doing its thing outside. In warmer climates, there's plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the beach to relax in the sunshine. On the menu you'll find full English breakfasts, paninis, burgers, nachos and fantastic coffee from Olfactory where the beans are hand roasted down the road in Penryn.
5. Chapel Rock Café, Marazion
One of the best things for pet owners visiting and living in Cornwall is the good selection of high quality restaurants, pubs and cafés where you can take your dog; and the Chapel Rock Café in Marazion is one of them. After a walk on Marazion Beach you can unwind in the café with a glass of wine and a stonebaked pizza while looking out onto Mount's Bay and one of Cornwall's most iconic landmarks - St Michael's Mount.
6. Sea Spray Café, Fistral Beach
Overlooking the surfing hotspot Fistral Beach, you'll find the welcoming Sea Spray Café. Get here for the breakfast sitting early and you'll be able to enjoy a table with a sea view. Choose to indulge in a filling full English breakfast with all of the best bits, or opt to go for a healthier (but still delicious) option such as the granola tower with natural yoghurt and fresh fruit. On the go? Sea Spray serves its takeaway dishes with 100% compostable containers and wooden spoons.
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7. WAX, Watergate Bay
You can't beat a spot of informal dining after a day exploring Cornwall and WAX has a great atmosphere to grab a bite to eat - especially in the height of summer when it's full of people straight off the beach. Kick back with a local beer, a pizza or burger and some great company while you watch the sun go down on Watergate Bay. Dogs are invited to join in with the fun too.
8. Surfside, Polzeath
From the lobster, crab and steak on the menu, to the beer and coffee behind the bar, at Surfside almost every food and drink item available is sourced locally right here in Cornwall. The café is open from Easter through to November and when we're fortunate enough to have hot and sunny weather, Surfside serve food from the barbeque on the terrace.
