When coming to visit Cornwall, and with a break in the weather, both locals and visitors are keen to be spending as much time soaking up the sun as possible. Al fresco dining becomes extremely popular in the summer season, with bars and restaurants striving to create a suitable atmosphere and environment, for good quality outdoor dining in Falmouth.

Here at Cornish Holiday Cottages, we have tried and tested cafes, bars and restaurants in both the local area, and wider Cornwall which means we can provide top tips and recommendations on how you can find the best food, drinks, atmosphere and views for your outdoor dining experience.

Chintz is an independent bar tucked away in a cobblestoned courtyard, at the top of the Old High Street in Falmouth. Known for its unique and vivid interior decorations, Chintz has a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a cocktail on the terrace, or a pint in the courtyard.

Since Chintz recently took over the building below as well, the new bar ‘Underland’ stays open late, meaning that your sundowner drink in the courtyard can continue over into the evening. Chintz is also home to a number and variety of live music events. With live jazz, funk and soul bands and DJs, there is never a dull evening at this bar!

Contact number: 07538 006495

Address: The Dental Surgery, Old Brewery yard, Falmouth, TR11 2BY

Opening hours: Chintz, Mon – Sun 12pm – 12am

                             Underland, Mon- Sun 12pm – 1am

This small, independent restaurant located on the Old Highstreet in the centre of Falmouth, provides an intimate al fresco dining experience. Sharing the small courtyard with the popular bar Chintz, dining at Mine allows you to be amongst the buzz whilst enjoying high quality service and food.

Mine produces playful meals using fresh and local produce, and by having a small number of tables, the focus is really on the food. Due to the small number of tables, making a reservation is necessary, and the earlier the better! If you know the dates that you will be in the Falmouth area, booking as far in advance is advised and it can be guaranteed that the dining experience will be worth the wait.

Also bear in mind that if you enjoy a quieter, more laidback atmosphere rather than the buzz of the bar, booking at lunchtime is suggested when Chintz bar is quieter.

Find it at: 4, The Old Brewery Yard, High St, Falmouth, TR11 2BY

Opening hours: Mon, Tues: closed

                             Wed – Sun: 12pm-2pm 6pm-9:30pm

Website: https://www.restaurantmine.co.uk/

Contact number: 01326 211073

Located at the opposite end of the Highstreet, this popular chain restaurant still manages to capture the Cornish charm with local beers and ciders, and dining by the sea.

Visiting the Stable in Falmouth allows you to choose from a selection of freshly made sourdough pizzas, alongside a variety of high-quality ciders and beers. During the summer months, outdoor, waterside seating is available throughout the day and into the evening. This creates a laidback, family friendly atmosphere.

The Stable is popular amongst cider lovers, so a top tip for those wanting to try a range of their unique and high-quality ciders, is to order the cider tasting plater. This provides you with five tasters of different ciders which is perfect to help you pick your favourite!

Find it at: Old custom house, Arwenack Street, Falmouth, TR11 3JT

Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30am – 11pm

Menu: https://falmouth.stablepizza.com/menu/

Contact number: 01326 211199

Located just outside Portscatho, on the Roseland Peninsula, although this spot is slightly further afield from the Falmouth/Helford River area, it is the perfect excuse to explore a new part of Cornwall.

Located right on Porthcurnick beach, The Hidden Hut has got its name for a reason! The best way to find this hidden hut is by parking at Porthcurnick beach car park (put TR2 5HR into the sat nav), where you can then follow a small coastal path with scenic views for a short distance to the beach.

The Hidden Hut creates simple food but made with fresh and local produce, all cooked on a simple outdoor stove and an indoor bakery. Currently the hut is only open at lunchtime (11am-5pm, serving food 12pm-3pm), where food can be enjoyed either sat on the long tables provided, or as a picnic taken to the beach.

The Hidden Hut is also popular for its ‘feast nights’. These selected evenings showcase one dish that celebrate its local produce, in the style of an open-air feast. These nights are really something special so keep an eye on the website to see when they return soon!

Find it at: Porthcurnick Beach, Portscatho, Truro, TR2 5EW

Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 5pm
No contact number as no signal at the hut!

This small coffee trailer located at Pendennis Point may not look like much, however, it provides excellent coffee that can be enjoyed with stunning views.

Only serving hot drinks and a few locally made cakes, the limited menu means that they focus on doing what they do well. Seating is available on the small lawn outside of the coffee hut, where you can enjoy a takeaway coffee whilst soaking up the sun, and admiring the scenic views of castle beach and the surrounding sea. On the other hand, the coffee can be enjoyed on the go when walking the Pendennis loop. Make sure to follow the path that goes close to the sea and through the woodlands as you will be able to discover a number of hidden coves and small beaches, dependent on tide times.

Address: Carpark, Castle Close Divers, Falmouth, TR11 4PE
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 10am-6pm