At Falmouth Uncovered we’re mainly focused on guiding visitors through historical Falmouth, but we rather like the modern town too! That’s partly down to the sheer number of wonderful restaurants — there’s many an eatery to leave you contentedly patting your tummy. But which are a must-visit? Here are a few of our favourites:
Daaku is not your average Indian restaurant. The emphasis here is on small, constantly changing menus of primarily North Indian food (co-owner, Jasmine, is from Rajasthan) that uses Cornish produce (co-owner, Ben, is from Cornwall) to bring forth exemplarily deliciousness. The food is always good, but the Thursday Thali nights are particularly worth sampling.
Where? 2 Bell’s Court, Falmouth (next to Beerwolf).
Best for? Experiencing a skilful use of spice.
History? Bell’s Court was the setting for the famous ‘Falmouth Mutiny’ in 1810, when local packet crewmen assembled and angrily demanded more pay. The militia was called and the riot act was read.
Are you a vegan/vegetarian? Or just someone who likes the sound of ‘plant based comfort food’? Sloth & Sparrow serves up a menu of fast food without a hint of an animal product — think soya burgers with vegan mayonnaise and cheese. It’s all great stuff, but notably filling — prepare to feel very full up and in need of a lie-down afterwards.
Where? On Upton Slip, just off Church Street.
Best for? Ethical self-indulgence.
History? Upton Slip is laden with Falmouthian history. It also plays host to ‘Amy’, Falmouth’s famous figurehead, which supposedly originated from the wreckage of the RMS Amazon in 1852.
INDIdog offers ‘cafe style breakfast, bistro lunch and restaurant fine food by evening’, and has a well-earned reputation for quality and attention to detail. The restaurant also benefits from a fantastic view: located on the harbour wall, with a wall of large windows, INDIdog makes the most of the busy harbour's charms.
Where? The entrance is on the left of Fish Strand Quay.
Best for? A special dinner (or the best cooked breakfast in Falmouth).
History? INDIdog is located a few yards away from the exact spot where the news of the Battle of Trafalgar first landed on British soil. Lieutenant Lapenotière arrived on the HMS Pickle, and then rode the 271-mile journey to London to alert the Admiralty of the victory.
Okay, okay, Pizza Pls is in Penryn, not in Falmouth, but it very much deserves to be on this list. Why? Well, their pizza is, quite simply, the most reliably terrific pizza in the area (though Brothers Pizza in Falmouth is strong competition). The toppings are great, the dough is fresh, and there are vegan options aplenty if that’s your thing.
Where? Bohl's Yard, St Thomas Sreet, Penryn. Takeaway deliveries are also available.
Best for? Pizza. Obviously.
History? Pizza Pls is located in what used to be the grounds of Glasney College, the most important religious institution in medieval Cornwall and a centre for Cornish learning and culture.
Seafood Bar is an out-and-out gem. It’s a small space that offers small plates of gorgeously prepared seafood, washed down with Verdant beer, brewed a few miles away in Penryn. It’s very easy to spend whole afternoons here, ordering a steady stream of fish dishes and craft beer while relaxing into the atmosphere of chilled good-livin’.
Tables can’t be booked ahead of time — you just have to call by and hope for the best.
Where? Quay Street, right near the harbour.
Best for? A relaxed first date.
History? Quay Street is one of the oldest spaces in Falmouth and has played host to generations of rogues and adventurers looking for a drink or some (ahem) company.
We’re including these two together because they’re located very near other and both serve food that you’re less likely to find in the UK (Caribbean and South African). The emphasis with both is to make the very most of their respective cuisines, so prepare for some notably delicious offerings.
Where? Arwenack Street, at 33 and 38, respectively.
Best for? A plate of food that you’ll remember for some time.
History? Amanzi used to be the Ship Inn. In 1909 some sloshed soldiers from Pendennis Castle were refused service there and kicked off, leading to a running battle with police in the street outside. It sounds like a nasty fight: one of the drunken squaddies actually bit one of the coppers.
When visiting the seaside it’s not unnatural to hanker after some seafood. There are plenty of places locally that serve it, but Hooked on the Rocks is probably the best place in Falmouth at doing it well. Located on the edge of the town, by the often underrated Swanpool Beach, Hooked on the Rocks has sea views to go with the seafood, and can be relied upon to provide a special experience.
Where? Swanpool Road, by the beach.
Best for? A plate of fish, crab or oysters.
History? It’s hard to believe now, but the site was once located between a silver & lead mine, and an arsenic works.
Now, we know there's a chance that you're thinking 'But how could you not mention ______!?' We agree entirely; there are loads of cracking places in Falmouth that also deserve to be included here. Maybe next time.
If you’re interested in properly exploring the Falmouth of centuries past, why not come on one of our walking tours? We run them throughout the week and have a perfect 5* Tripadvisor rating, so you know you’re in for some special storytelling. Tickets are available here.
