Where to Find the Best Fish and Chips in Cornwall

Although Cornwall is better known for pasties and cream teas (jam first, of course), fish and chips are a cornerstone of British hospitality, and this county has plenty to offer. But where can you find the best fish and chips in Cornwall?

If you ask someone where to get the best fish and chips in Cornwall, they’ll likely suggest their local chippy. So to keep things fair, balanced and varied — we’ve done a bit of research and compiled a list to give you a decent selection and an opportunity to discover the best fish and chips Cornwall has to offer!

Rick Stein’s Fish & Chips, Padstow

Rick Stein is one of the key figures of Cornish hospitality and the king of cuisine in the Padstow area. Stein’s Fish & Chips is one of several eateries owned by Rick Stein in Padstow and has developed an excellent reputation for offering some of the best fish and chips in Cornwall.

Overlooking the Camel Estuary, this fish and chip shop is both a takeaway and restaurant. Their menu features a range of battered and grilled local fish, various sides such as hand-cut chips and even oysters if you’re feeling adventurous. While they do sell fish and chips, this is by no means your average chippy. A lot of love and thought goes into their food, and if there’s one thing Rick Stein knows, it’s how to create a brilliant Cornish restaurant. It’s worth noting that they use homemade batter, meaning that gluten-free is also an option.

Harbour Lights, Falmouth

Harbour Lights is a harbour-side Falmouth-based fish and chip shop that’s Cornish through and through. Their menu is full of classic choices you know and love, and their ingredients are locally sourced — with fish from Newlyn’s Stevenson & Son fish merchant and fresh potatoes from local farms. You see, it really couldn’t get more cornish if they tried.

They’re very passionate about their ‘local chippie’ status and endeavour to serve the local community by sponsoring events and other events going on in Falmouth. However, this isn’t to say that their reputation only stretches as far as the county line, as they were named in the top 10 UK fish and chip shops a few years ago!

Sole Plaice, Truro

Having opened their doors for the first time in 1980, this much-loved Truro chippie has established a stellar reputation and has become a go-to for anyone visiting the area. Sole Plaice has a warm and friendly family vibe, and no matter if you pop in for takeaway or sit down in their restaurant, you can expect efficient service with a smile.

Their menu is particularly popular because of its huge variety. Fish and chips, sides, pukka pies, jacket potatoes, and burgers are but a few of their offerings. They also cook lots of their food in beef dripping, which is the most ‘traditional’ method and enhances both flavour and texture. However, if you’re vegetarian or vegan, there’s no need to worry; they have plenty available on the menu for you to enjoy.

Harbour Fish and Chips, St Ives

St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most beautiful and charming tourist hot spots, and where there are tourists, there’s food! Harbour Fish and Chips offers a delicious seafood-based takeaway and in-house menu, for which they seek the services of local fishmonger Matthew Stevens. What better way to enjoy and experience Cornish life than eating fish & chips as you take in the sea breeze and gaze out over the harbour?

Whether you’re staying nearby in accommodation in St Ives or dropping in for a quick visit, why not pop in and see the team at Harbour Fish and Chips?

Flounders, Newquay

Flounders is a much-loved family-run chippy in the centre of Newquay. While they benefit from sea views and the hustle and bustle of such a popular town, they are best known for offering good food in abundance. Flounders is renowned for not doing things by halves, including their portions — which happen to be enormous. They’re another restaurant that adopts the traditional beef dripping cooking method and has plenty of variety to explore, from light bites to a healthy portion of local fish. Oh, and they do deliveries as well if you’re short on time or energy. However, a small piece of advice would be to be wary of Newquay’s seagull population. They’re a fearless and cheeky bunch who love a fish and chips heist.

Beck’s Fish and Chips, Carbis Bay

While we may have a smidge, just a smidge of bias, Carbis Bay is far too delightful to miss out on if you visit Cornwall. Beautiful scenery, a charming local atmosphere, and some delicious fish and chips to boot. Beck’s Fish and Chips is a family business that takes pride in providing customers with a warm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere — combined with a stacked menu of high-quality traditional British meals.

Whether you drop by for a takeaway, sit down with the family in their lovely restaurant, or even just have a glass of wine in their bar — they really do cover all bases. They have a huge car park to the rear of the building, a godsend to locals and tourists during busier periods. One should not miss out on fantastic food because parking space is nowhere in sight!

Mariner’s, Penryn

Tradition and great food have been Mariner’s recipe for success since they opened their doors in 2002. Co-owned by a third-generation chip shop owner and a second-generation fishmonger provides this particular chippie with a unique skillset and experience that few possess. And although they still use one of their Grandmother’s original recipes for speciality batter, their menu is far from the old school. In fact, it’s one of the most diverse and ‘modern’ selections around — with more choices than you could shake a crab stick at!

Located in the heart of Penryn, right on the main street, they’re easy to find, and there’s sufficient parking available within a short walking distance. Or outside if you’re lucky!

What do you consider to be the best fish and chips in Cornwall? Let us know if we missed it! 

Want more helpful advice and recommendations for a trip to Cornwall? Check out our other blog posts. Visiting Cornwall soon? Book your accommodation today with Carbis Bay Holidays.