One of the pleasures of staying on this particular stretch of the south Cornwall coast is that good food rarely requires much of a journey round these parts.

Between the winding harbour streets of Polperro and the ever-so-quaint fishing port of Looe, there are restaurants, bakeries, pubs and tucked-away tables doing exactly what Cornwall does best: freshly landed seafood, proper family-run hospitality, marvellous ingredients grown and raised within striking distance, and a strong sense that what’s on your plate hasn’t had to travel very far at all.

From Talland Bay, both villages are within easy reach: both by car or on foot if you’re feeling energetic enough to take on one of the loveliest stretches of the South West Coast Path. We’ve gathered a few local favourites below; all places we recommend often, return to happily, and generally try not to tell too many people about. But since it’s you, here’s all you need to know.

A harbour table at The Sardine Factory, Looe

Looe’s fishing fleet still sits at the heart of the town, and The Sardine Factory makes very good use of that fact.

Set beside the water, it has an easy confidence about it; nothing overly fancy, just thoughtful cooking, good Cornish ingredients, and seafood that’s allowed to speak for itself.

Go for lunch and let it drift slightly longer than planned, watching the boats come and go outside.

Seafood and sunsets at High Tide

Tucked in the heart of Looe, High Tide is another spot that makes the most of its coastal home.

Much of the fish and shellfish comes from Pengelly’s Fishmongers, so the menu moves with the day’s catch and the rhythm of the harbour. Which happens to be just how we like it in our own restaurant too.

On a warm afternoon, with fresh seafood in front of you and a glass of something cold within reach, it becomes very clear why locals are fond of it and why visitors tend to go back multiple times each trip.

Long lunches in Polperro

Polperro is such a tiny town that you can’t help but take it a bit easier here.

Its narrow lanes, chalky walled cottages and working harbour have a habit of slowing you down and lunch at Harbour Green House is just reward for those who don’t rush.

Family-run and close to the water, its menus tend to lean into local ingredients with a dash of Mediterranean magic. On a warm summer’s day, it’s very easy to find yourself marooned at a table on the terrace for far longer than you intended.

The village pubs worth shouting about

Some of Cornwall’s most memorable meals don’t arrive beneath polished cloches. They arrive in harbour pubs, after a walk, with sandy paws under the table and a pint that feels bloomin well earned.

The Three Pilchards and The Blue Peter Inn are two Polperro institutions that do all of these things very well indeed. Both sit just minutes from the harbour and have been drawing in walkers, sailors, locals and hungry passers-by for generations.

After a morning on the coast path from Talland Bay Hotel, there are few things more satisfying than a harbour view, a proper pub lunch and the smugness that comes from having walked there first. Don’t forget to leave extra time for a slightly wobblier walk back…

A stop worth making: Polperro Bakery

Not every culinary highlight needs a wine list.

The scent of freshly baked pastries drifting from Polperro Bakery has become something of a landmark in its own right. Handmade cakes, traditional Cornish pasties and the sort of things you buy “for later” before eating immediately.

Stop for provisions before a coastal walk or beach stop, or pause for coffee and watch the village go about its day.

What makes eating your way around this corner of Cornwall so appetising isn’t just the food, but a setting and approach to ingredient sourcing that only this side o the South West can serve up for foodies. Fishing boats still land daily catches in Looe. Family-run businesses remain at the heart of Polperro. Menus follow the seasons, the tide and the view just beyond the kitchen door. From the pastries that start a day’s adventures to waterside lunches that have you searching Rightmove and seafood suppers with wine that is undeniably more indulgent a choice than your usual tipple at home, some of the best times happen around a table here.

Best of all, they’re all close enough to enjoy before returning to Talland with the satisfaction of knowing you’re eating your way around a side of Cornwall many haven’t yet discovered.

stay at talland and eat cornwall