I was lucky enough to get to live and work in Falmouth for three years while I was doing my degree, giving me the chance to really explore and get to know the town.
Falmouth is a beautiful Cornish town full of independently run shops, eateries, and bars that are all welcoming and unique.
There are so many places to try out, with something for every mood.
Whether you want to go for a full meal, a light bite, or even just some drinks, here are 16 amazing places to eat in Falmouth.
Places to Eat in Falmouth
1. Harbour Lights
Address: Arwenack Street, Falmouth TR11 3LH
Phone number: 01326 316934
One of the Top 10 Finalists in The National Fish & Chip Awards 2019, Harbour Lights is definitely worth the hype.
With Cornish fish that comes straight off the boat from their suppliers in Newlyn, the boards are updated to reflect the catch of the day, giving you the freshest fish possible.
Harbour Lights has a little something for everyone, with a vegetarian and vegan menu that evens offers vegan “fish”!
Eat-in or takeaway and maybe even enjoy your food sat on the beach!. Just make sure you watch out for seagulls!
Try: The Curry Sauce. I still dream about it.
2. The Meat Counter
Address: 25 Arwenack Street, Falmouth TR11 3JE
Phone number: 01326 312220
A favourite amongst students and locals alike, The Meat Counter is the home to affordable, delicious food and local beers that are sure to make even the pickiest of eaters happy.
It’s a dream for all meat–lovers but despite the name, has amazing vegetarian and vegan options too.
The ingredients are locally sourced as well, so you know that you’ll be getting something quality. You’re sure to leave with a food baby.
Try: The Heil Seitan. A vegan burger that even the biggest carnivores will love.
3. Potager Garden
Address: High Cross, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5RF
Phone number: 01326 341258
If you are up for heading a little further out of the main town, then Potager Garden should be next on your list of places to eat in Falmouth to visit.
The food is entirely vegetarian, and changes according to what’s in season, meaning the menu is always fresh and exciting.
A lot of the ingredients they use come straight out of the gardens around you, so why not have an explore of the gardens and see what you can find?
The cafe itself is situated within a giant greenhouse, with hammocks nestled between the trees just outside, should you want to relax.
Or, maybe you fancy a bit more fun?
Why not head into the greenhouse next door, finish your meal, then try your hand at some table tennis?
Try: One of their many workshops, which you can find on their website.
4. The Stable
Address: Old Custom House, Arwenack Street, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 3JT
Phone number: 01326 211199
Pizza, pies, and cider are The Stable‘s thing, and they definitely know their stuff. I have had too many meals here to count, with their pizzas still holding my number 1 spot.
(Yes, I’ve had Franco Manca and no, it does not compare.)
Everything is reasonably priced, and for what you get, it’s seriously impressive.
Not only do these guys serve the best food, but they also put back into the community.
Partnered with Dorset Mind, they regularly raise money to support those who face mental health challenges. What’s not to like?
Try: The Pot of Gold. Just do it.
5. Habanero’s Burrito Bar
Address: 4 Quay Street, Falmouth TR11 3HH
Phone number: 01326 617400
The cult favourite of students. Habenero’s is just really good, tasty Mexican food.
Everything is made fresh and in-house that same morning, meaning the ingredients are as delicious as they possibly can be.
The burritos have fillings to suit every dietary requirement and they are huge!
Their food is so popular that in early 2019, they upgraded from their little bar on the corner to their own restaurant!
You definitely won’t be hungry after a visit here.
Try: Their wide variety of homemade chilli sauces.
6. Sloth and Sparrow
Address: Upton Slip, 48 Church Street, Falmouth TR11 3EA
A relatively new, entirely plant-based kitchen, that serves up the best kind of comfort food without harming the planet, this is one of my favourite places to eat in Falmouth.
Sloth and Sparrow is the place where everyone can eat, and vegans get free reign of the ENTIRE menu (I know, truly a rare sight).
From Sunday roasts to loaded fries of every assortment, there’s so much to try I can barely wrap my head around it all.
Try: Checking out the weekly specials!
7. Swanpool Beach Café
Address: Swanpool Beach, Swanpool, Falmouth TR11 5BG
Phone number: 01326 314740
It’s not unusual to see queues all the way up the beach from this little cafe.
Sat on the top of Swanpool Beach, this cafe serves up everything from handmade cakes, soups and salads, to ice-creams topped with everything imaginable.
The staff are super friendly and are there all year round to supply you with hot drinks on the cold days too, especially if you are one of the ones brave enough to go swimming!
Try: The legendary quirky ice-creams.
8. Good Vibes Café
Address: Swanpool Beach, Swanpool, Falmouth TR11 5BG
Phone number: 01326 211870
There is nothing that can cure a hangover quite like a Good Vibes breakfast.
This cosy cafe serves up great food and drinks that just make you feel all warm and happy.
Good Vibes is the perfect spot for a catch-up or brunch with friends, that won’t break the bank but will leave everyone more than satisfied.
Try: Picking something from their Winter hot chocolate menu.
Places to Drink in Falmouth
9. Beerwolf Books
Address: 3 Bells Ct, Falmouth TR11 3AZ
Phone number: 01326 618474
Nestled away down one of the side streets, Beerwolf Books is popular all year round.
Local beers and cider on tap, big comfy chairs, and in the winter a roaring fire.
What more could you want?
Not only this but in the heart of the bar lies their very own little bookshop where you can have a browse and find something to accompany your drink.
If you visit during the day, you will usually find a peaceful environment of people sipping coffee as they work or catch up with friends.
Be sure to check out their Facebook page to see what they have going on throughout the week.
Try: The Pinball machines at the back. First-round on whoever loses?
10. Beacon Coffee
Address: 28A High St, Falmouth TR11 2AD
It has to be said, Beacon Coffee is my favourite coffee shop of all time.
I spent so much time here that the owners actually remembered my order every time I went in.
You won’t meet a friendlier pair than co-owners Sam and Alex.
They really care about their coffee, making sure that your espresso matches your drink perfectly.
The shop itself is modern and bright, with plants in all the right places.
It’s the best place to go if you are looking for an Instagrammable spot with delicious coffee.
Try: Asking about the different Espressos they have to try.
11. The Games Room
Address: 12 Market St, Falmouth TR11 3AE
Phone number: 01326 212011
Located along the high street above Santander, you’ll find The Games Room, one of the best places to eat in Falmouth for both students and locals alike.
Here you can play every board or card game you can think of, from classics to new releases.
There’s something for everyone to try.
See if you can head into the back for a game of pool, table tennis, or how about giant Jenga?
If sports are more your thing, they regularly show matches of all kinds in the bar on the big screen.
Try: Everything! The options are endless.
12. The Moth and The Moon
Address: 31 Killigrew Street, Falmouth TR11 3PW
Phone number: 01326 315300
A little bit of mystery in the heart of Falmouth, you’ll find this lovely bar just opposite Wetherspoons.
Its unique decor makes it feel like a step-through time into a speakeasy from the past.
A place that feels like it should be in Shoreditch, full of unique cocktails, craft beers, and even a rooftop garden, The Moth and the Moon is well worth a visit.
Try: Taking in the views as you sip on a cocktail from the rooftop garden.
13. Small Ships
Address: Quay St, Falmouth TR11 3HG
In need of a top espresso martini? Small Ships is your place.
Head down to the far end of the high street, and just off the main road, you will find Small Ships.
The perfect place for a cosy catch up, or even a date, you can nestle into the sofas as you enjoy your drink.
They have also been known to hold lots of different events.
From art shows, to live music, to open mic events, they encourage a lot of creativity within the community.
Try: The Black Rock Lager. Small Ships is the brewer’s tap house, after all.
Places to eat in Falmouth: A Little Extra
14. Dolly’s Tea Room
Address: 21 Church St, Falmouth TR11 3EG
Phone number: 01326 218400
If Alice fell down the rabbit hole and ended up in Cornwall, this would have been where she landed.
Traditional tea room by day, wine house and gin palace by night, Dolly’s has it all.
It brings a little class and charm to Falmouth with cocktails served in teapots and teacups as the piano serenades you with everything from Chopin to Sinatra.
Try: Saying hello to their two resident pups, Hebe the Labrador and Pearl the Springer Spaniel!
15. Jacobs Ladder Inn
Address: 1-2 Chapel Terrace, Falmouth TR11 3BQ
Phone number: 01326 311010
Perched proudly at the top of Jacobs Ladder, the longest staircase you will ever find (at least it felt like it), you’ll find the Jacobs Ladder Inn.
It’s a local pub with reasonable prices, good food, and live music.
You can expect to find it bustling with people on a Thursday night, where live acts of all genres are there to entertain the audience.
Make sure to check the chalkboards outside to see what’s on for the week!
Try: Ordering a “Get Laddered” before a night out.
16. The Chintz Symposium
Address: The Dental Surgery Old Brewery Yard, Falmouth TR11 2BY
Phone number: 01326 617550
The Chintz Symposium is truly one of the more unique places to eat in Falmouth.
Head into the Old Brewery Yard and up the staircase at the back to find a bar that boasts quirky and eclectic decor, taking inspiration from Alice in Wonderland to create a colourful experience.
Take a moment out on the patio, which is lit by fairy lights, as you sip on a selection of beers, wines and cocktails all made with care.
Why not go all out and try one of their cheeseboards? With each cheese a different local variety, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Falmouth bar without an array of live entertainment. Check out their Facebook page to see what’s on!
Try: Find the secret room.
There are so many amazing places to eat in Falmouth, so get out there and try everything for yourself!
You’re bound to find a new favourite haunt.
Plus, it’s so important to support local businesses so that they can keep providing you with all the things you love.