Restaurants and Cafes
Our Recommendations
The Ancient Mariner Bistro
Size really isn’t everything, as diners discover from culinary tardis The Ancient Mariner. An army of just two staff more than make up for lack of numbers with their food expertise and commitment to getting things just right.
You get quality rather than quantity when it comes to choices on the menu, but the house specialities and the dishes you will find are fresh and reliably delicious. Add a relaxed atmosphere and more than a hint of personalized service and you have one of the best places to eat in Looe.
Must Try: Cider Mussels are delicious, served as a main or starter with fresh local bread.
Website: www.ancientmarinerslooe.com
Talland Bay Hotel
Double AA Rosette dining at one of the best restaurants in Cornwall with a range of cuisine as fresh as our coastal setting, Talland Bay Hotel’s Terrace Restaurant and Brasserie are among the best places to eat in East Cornwall. Our chefs handpick the best produce from the area to create menus packed with both firm favourites and adventurous new twists.
Beautifully cooked Cornish duck, grilled lobster or succulent scallops might all attempt to win your palate, accompanied by an excellent wine list. Whichever option you choose, diners can be assured of food prepared with flair and optimum freshness.
Website: www.tallandbayhotel.co.uk/cornwall-restaurant
Contact Number: 01503 272667
Squid Ink
From the outside, you might think this eatery was a small pub or traditional inn. It is in fact a great little restaurant that offers imaginatively cooked food, with a strong bias towards local fish dishes. The new owners are striving for perfection and, as the name suggests, this is not cooking-by-numbers experience. More adventurous diners are in for a treat in this regard, whether you sample seaweed butter or fresh gurnard with beetroot and shallots.
Must Try: Be bold and go for something new from the daily specials board. It is sure to be fresh and you may well discover a new favourite dish.
Website: www.squidinklooe.co.uk
Contact Number: 01503 262674
Papa Nino
For an intimate dining experience that blends a taste of Italy with coastal cuisine, this Looe restaurant is well worth a visit. It’s a lively little restaurant and tends to be popular, so booking is highly recommended if you want to get a table at any busier time of the year. Hearty portions and richer traditional dishes are also ideal after an active day out.
It is an old school Italian in the best sense of the word, but do be warned that they only accept cash or cheques currently.
Must Try: Lobster Thermidor
Contact number:01503 264231
Cafés and Other Eateries in Looe
While it is always a treat to seek out outstanding local cuisine and restaurants, no food journey in Cornwall would be complete without a taste of simple, tasty and unfussy local dining too.
Whether it’s the temptation of home baked treats from a local cafe or enjoying the sunset with a good old fashioned portion of fish and chips, here are some of the best Looe eateries for lunches, afternoon teas and more.
The Lookout
A stylishly laid back, shabby chic feel dominates this local spot, along with more than a hint of old seaside charm. The atmosphere is lovely and relaxed too, even if the food and drinks on offer are seriously good.
This is definitely the spot for a friendly and informal social evening, whether you go for gourmet finger foods or a taste of craft booze. Tarquin’s Gin, Cornish Coffee and an excellent local meats are all par for the course here.
Must Try: Sharing platters, cocktails.
Website: Click here for Facebook page.
Daisy’s Café
For straightforward freshly baked delights and light bites, Daisy’s is an old school café and bakery with a difference. Well worth tracking down via a side street, this is the top pick for light lunches and cream teas by locals in the know.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a tip off or two, because local savouries and homemade pastries take some beating.
Must Try: Pear and Goat’s Cheese Tart (above) is a homemade favourite.
Website: Try the café’s Facebook Page
Talland Bay Beach Café
Refreshments always taste better with a great view and this café certainly enjoys a lovely position overlooking the beach. It’s the sort of place you could happily while away the afternoon with a crab sandwich or a latte. But it is the home-baked goodies and many flavours of Roskilly’s Cornish Ice Cream that tend to win the locals’ fancy.