Best places to eat in Looe, Cornwall

Looe is a working Cornish fishing town with a brilliant mix of places to eat, from harbourside seafood to proper pasties, fish and chips and international flavours. If you're wondering where to eat in Looe, this is our guide to the best restaurants in Looe, all a short drive from The Vale. Opening times and menus change through the year, so it's worth checking or booking ahead, especially in summer.

Seafood restaurants in Looe

The Sardine Factory, West Looe

On the quayside in West Looe, The Sardine Factory is the most celebrated of all the Looe restaurants. Listed in the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking, it serves Cornish seafood and seasonal produce in a converted sardine factory with views across the harbour to East Looe. Expect day-boat fish, sardines and a popular soft serve ice cream for pudding. Book ahead for an evening table.

The Fish Market, East Looe

Right on the East Looe quayside, The Fish Market serves tapas-style seafood from an open kitchen, with a menu that changes daily depending on the catch. Order a few small plates to share and watch the boats come in.

The Sea Kitchen, Hannafore

Out at Hannafore Point, The Sea Kitchen serves lunch and dinner with views across the bay. Expect a relaxed, sunny dining experience after a walk along the West Looe seafront. Dogs are welcome.

Traditional pubs and Cornish classics

Smugglers Cott, East Looe

Set in a historic building in East Looe, Smugglers Cott is full of character, with seafood, steaks and a Sunday carvery. A children's menu makes it a good choice for families.

The Jolly Sailor, West Looe

Said to date back to 1516, The Jolly Sailor is one of Looe's oldest pubs, with live music including shanty nights. Pets are welcome, so bring the dog.

Ye Olde Salutation Inn and The Golden Guinea, East Looe

For a pint and a home-cooked meal, Ye Olde Salutation Inn serves real ales in a historic setting. The Golden Guinea is a Grade II-listed pub with a garden cocktail bar and a children's menu. Both welcome dogs.

Fish and chips in Looe

Ben's Plaice

For classic fish and chips, Ben's Plaice on Barbican Road is an award-winning chippy with eat-in and takeaway options, plus a self-serve gelato machine for afters.

The Coddy Shack

Just outside town at St Martin, The Coddy Shack serves fish and chips in a rustic setting, with live music nights. Pets are welcome until 5pm.

Pasties, cafés and quick bites

Sarah's Pasty Shop

No trip to Cornwall is complete without a proper pasty. Sarah's Pasty Shop on Buller Street in Looe bakes traditional pasties filled with beef skirt, potato, swede and onion, and it's a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Grab one for a picnic on East Looe Beach.

International flavours

Yamas

On the quay, Yamas serves Greek food with river views. As the sister restaurant to The Sardine Factory, it shares the same focus on locally sourced ingredients, and dogs are welcome on the outside decking.

La Bocca, East Looe

For Italian, La Bocca on Higher Market Street serves wood-fired pizza and pasta, with dine-in and takeaway. Family friendly and relaxed, it suits an easy evening out.

Pepe's Tex-Mex Kitchen

Craving some spice? Pepe's serves Mexican classics like burritos, tacos and enchiladas in a lively, family-friendly setting.

Ocean and Earth

For Thai food, Ocean and Earth serves dishes like pad thai and green curry in a cosy setting.

Chennai Indian Fusion, West Looe

Chennai Indian Fusion serves Indian dishes to eat in or take away. It doesn't sell alcohol, but you can bring your own.

Local food and drink to try in Looe

Part of the fun of a holiday in Cornwall is tasting the local food and drink. In Looe, look out for these popular dishes and treats:

• Fresh Cornish seafood: as a working fishing port, Looe is the place for day-boat fish, crab, mussels and sardines.
• A proper Cornish pasty: crimped pastry with beef skirt, potato, swede and onion, best eaten by the sea.
• A cream tea: scones with jam first, then clotted cream, the Cornish way.
• Cornish gin: Copperfish Distillery in Looe makes award winning gins with local botanicals, perfect for a tasting.
• Cornish ice cream: a must on a sunny day, whatever your age.

Dog friendly restaurants in Looe

The town of Looe is wonderfully pet friendly. The Jolly Sailor, Ye Olde Salutation Inn, The Golden Guinea and The Sea Kitchen all welcome dogs, and Yamas welcomes dogs on its outside decking. Check when you book, as policies can change.

Eating in at The Vale

After a day exploring, sometimes the best restaurant is your own deck. Every lodge and cottage at The Vale has a fully equipped kitchen and a Ninja BBQ, so you can pick up fresh fish from Looe or a few pasties and eat outside under the stars. Our shop has the essentials, and you can add a local butcher's breakfast pack to your stay.

Make The Vale your base near Looe

The Vale by Ohana Mua is a peaceful countryside retreat about 5 miles from Looe and 4 miles from Polperro and Fowey. Choose from nine lodges and cottages, each with an outdoor copper bath or private hot tub, and dogs are welcome, up to three. For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in Looe, then check availability and book direct.

Looe restaurants: good to know

Do I need to book restaurants in Looe?

In summer and on weekends, it's best to book, especially for the harbourside seafood restaurants.

Where can I get fish and chips in Looe?

Ben's Plaice on Barbican Road is a popular award-winning chippy, and The Coddy Shack at St Martin is just outside town.

How far is The Vale from Looe?

The Vale is about 5 miles from Looe, around a 15-minute drive.