We get it, your dog is family. Luckily, Cornwall gets it too and there is no shortage of dog friendly cottages, attractions, beaches and things to do in this county. (For more dog friendly days out, check out our Dog friendly Cornwall guide).
And when it comes to dog friendly places to eat, Cornwall has got the goods. From fine dining to laidback beachside cafes, there is no shortage of eateries that will have a warm welcome for you and your dog.
North Cornwall
Scott & Babs, St. Mawgan
Nestled in lush countryside set just back from Mawgan Porth beach, you'll find Scott and Babs, a quirky restaurant specialising in open fire cooking and spit roasts. This family-friendly restaurant is also very welcoming to dogs, with treats and water bowls as standard.
Dig into their legendary pizzas and other wood fire cooked delights, or visit on one of their themed nights for a fish feast, bowl of paella or save yourself for lobster night. You can choose to sit outdoors and cosy up next to the firepit or pick a table or sofa indoors. Their music nights are popular too, so it's worth booking in advance to get a table.
The restaurant is open all summer, but hours vary through spring and autumn (and it's closed in January and February) so make sure you check the website or Facebook page before heading over.
Mawgan Porth beach is dog friendly year-round, so wrap up your visit with a frolic along the shore afterwards. For more dog friendly beach inspiration, check out our dog friendly Cornish beaches guide.
St Petroc’s Bistro, Padstow
If you’re looking for upmarket dog friendly restaurants, Cornwall will see you spoilt for choice. For French bistro vibes on the north Cornish coast, you can’t beat St Petroc’s Bistro, a short stroll from Padstow Harbour.
Given the location, there is a heavy focus on seafood here and diners can enjoy oysters charentaise, lobster thermidor and traditional bouillabaisse, and the wine selection is also excellent. There are private dining rooms for celebrations and dogs are heartily welcome outside in the pretty courtyard garden, as well as in the bar area.
Afterwards take a stroll around charming Padstow and stock up on baked goods for later, or hop aboard the dog friendly ferry for a wander in Rock (the beach is dog friendly year-round).
The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay
For sea views and dog spoiling aplenty, head to The Beach Hut set just up from the beach at Watergate Bay. This restaurant is as scenic as they come and you and your dog will be treated to rolling waves while you dine in style.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu is classic and includes options like American style pancakes for breakfast and crab spaghetti or fried squid for lunch and dinner. There's plenty of space indoors, or you can sit outdoors or in the glass extension (the views from in here are breathtakingly good). Ask for a booth if you've got a nervous dog, as this restaurant is rarely quiet.
Afterwards, it's got to be on to Watergate Bay (which is dog friendly year-round) to run off the grub and explore the caves and rock pools. Note, The Beach Hut is currently closed and will open again in October.
The Angry Anchovy, Port Isaac
If pizza is your jam, you need to get a table at The Angry Anchovy in Port Isaac pronto. This bohemian restaurant has a laidback atmosphere and its own dedicated doggy friendly pizzas to boot.
And when it comes to pizza, they take things very seriously. The flour, tomatoes, charcuterie, and some of the desserts are imported from Italy, meanwhile fresh ingredients are sourced from local producers. The dough and tomato sauce are made fresh on site every day and they even offer gluten free bases and vegan cheese too, so everyone can enjoy their pizza.
As well as dog friendly pizzas, there's a feature wall covered with photos of dog diners enjoying their treats. You can have one put up for a small fee, 100% of which goes to help a dog charity in Greece. After you're done eating, head down to Port Isaac beach which is dog friendly year-round. Time it right and see Fisherman's Friends perform on the beach.
The Lock Gates Tea Room, Bude
Head to The Lock Gates Tea Room in the centre of bustling Bude and have a cream tea with your dog either inside or out.
Here, you can start the day right with proper coffee and a fortifying full English breakfast, or stop off for a wedge of homemade cake or a decadent cream tea. As food is all freshly prepared, service isn't quick and you'd be well advised to book a table to avoid disappointment.
Afterwards you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. Summerleaze is a popular choice, though dogs must be on leads between 10am and 6pm from 15th May to 30th September. Northcott Mouth Beach, Sandymouth Bay, Duckpool Beach, Black Rock Beach and Millook Beach remain dog friendly year-round with no restrictions.
C-Bay Cafe, Crantock
When it comes to dog friendly cafes, Cornwall has boatloads. But for seriously good views out to sea and a warm welcome for you and your dog, head to C-Bay Café in Crantock. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is something for everyone here.
Try the traditional afternoon tea with Tregothnan tea, Rodda’s cream and Boddington’s strawberry jam. Throughout the day too, there is a focus on local suppliers and the classic ‘C-Bay’ burger is served in a Baker Tom bun, while fish dishes will have been locally caught.
It's positioned minutes from the coast path, making it ideal for exploring the West Pentire Peninsula area. Take a wander around and down to Poly Joke beach, which is sure to be a hit with your dog.
Check out our complete guide to North Cornwall for more ideas.
South Cornwall
Michelle’s Restaurant, Polperro
A family run restaurant with fish supplied from their own boats, Michelle's Restaurant in Polperro is a popular spot with foodies and dog owners alike. This is a cosy restaurant and jam-packed year-round, so it’s not the best choice if you've got a nervous dog.
Got a sociable pup who doesn't mind a crowd? You'll want to get in early and book a table, during peak season the phone is ringing off the hook and there can be week long waits. You'll understand why once you've dined here, it's a fish lover’s paradise. Try the luxury fish pie or haddock Florentine and you won’t be disappointed.
If you're not a fish fan, book a table on a Sunday and tuck into a roast dinner with all the trimmings. Think potatoes cooked in goose fat, seasonal vegetables, proper Yorkshire puds and a choice of three meats. You can even arrange a plate for your dog.
Afterwards, take a stomp along the coast path for some south coast good views. Feeling energetic? The 5.5-mile walk to Looe is a proper beauty.
Appleton’s, Fowey
For rustic Italian vibes tucked up in scenic southern Cornwall surrounds, head to Appleton's in Fowey. Chef Andy cut his teeth as Head Chef of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall before opening Appleton's and he's serious about cooking up high quality, seasonal fare.
Food is sourced direct from Italy as well as locally, with the menu changing to suit the seasons. Depending on when you go, you could tuck into potato agnolotti with ox cheek ragu or smoked duck breast with roman spring stew. There is a good amount of space between tables too, making it an excellent choice for those with bigger dogs.
Afterwards take a stroll around the scenic port town of Fowey, sat at the mouth of the Fowey Estuary, and enjoy browsing an eclectic range of independent shops. If you're keen to explore further, take the dog friendly ferry across to Polruan.
The Ferry Boat Inn, Helford Passage
With its roaring fireplace and flagstone floors, the 300-year-old Ferryboat Inn is a cosy place to tuck into some decent pub grub. It's sat on the North Helford Passage on the waterfront and surrounded by woodlands and lush fields, making it not only dog friendly but incredibly picturesque too.
On sunny days you can sit on the terrace and soak up the glorious views, but when winter arrives, beside the fireplace is the place to be. The menu is full of farm and sea to table pub classics like Cornish white crab on sourdough toast and beer battered haddock with chunky chips. Given the big portions and location on the coast path, it’s an excellent spot for a mid-walk lunch to keep even the hungriest of hikers fuelled.
Pandora Inn, Mylor Bridge
If you're looking for a dog friendly pub you can arrive at by boat, look no further than the Pandora Inn which boasts its own mooring. Arrive early to snag a spot. The same is true even if you drive, as the small car park fills up early on. Alternatively, you can park up at Mylor Bridge and walk-through fields and along Restronguet Creek.
With its flagstone floors, low-beamed ceiling and thatched roof, it's not hard to tell this pub dates back to the 13th century. Today you can sit inside the atmospheric pub, or grab a table on the floating pontoon, both are dog friendly.
The menu puts the freshest, local, seasonal produce front and centre, plus there's a huge wine list and plenty of real ales available. The potted shrimp and brown crab is a winner and you can't go wrong with the Pandora fish pie.
Teacup Tearoom, Mevagissey
With countless awards, Teacup Tearoom is a must visit destination for anyone serious about cream teas. (See our guide to the best cream teas in Cornwall here.) They most recently snagged the 'Most Dog Friendly Business' bronze prize at the 2020/21 Cornwall Tourism Awards, so you definitely need to bring your dog along for this one.
Inside, they have fluffy towels, comfy beds, blankets and treats galore to make the trip worthwhile for dogs. And as for humans, along with cream teas, homemade cakes and very good coffee, there is a warm atmosphere and friendly service.
It's just a short walk down to Mevagissey harbour where you can while away the hours watching the fishermen head out to catch or people taking a dip. There isn't much of a beach here, but you can take a wander along the coast path up to Polstreath Beach. It's a steep climb down, but it's dog friendly year-round and sure to be a bit hit with your dog.
Check out our complete guide to South Cornwall for more ideas.
West Cornwall
The Sandbar, Praa Sands
Boasting panoramic views across Praa Sands Beach, Sandbar is the perfect place for a post walk spot of lunch. Inside you'll find home cooked Cornish produce with a Mediterranean twist; think mezze platters, linguine and seafood pizza.
The beach has a dog ban between July 1st and August 31st (10am-6pm), but dogs will receive a super friendly welcome year-round at the Sandbar. Inside they'll be treated to a water bowl and free doggie nibbles at the bar. They even keep a stash of doggie bags on hand in case you run out.
There's plenty to keep you all entertained inside the pub with a pool table, air hockey table and gaming machines. There's also live music, Sunday carvery and open mic night. You’ll all enjoy plenty of space to choose from too, with a sea view outside terrace or spacious indoor dining area.
After eating, you can let your dog have a run around on the beach when the ban is over. Otherwise, there's a large village green overlooking the beach where your dog is welcome anytime.
The Gurnard’s Head, Zennor
By now you might be convinced that when it comes to dog friendly pubs, Cornwall has more than you could visit in one trip! But for an out of this world setting and truly exceptional food, serious foodies will fall head over heels for The Gurnard’s Head.
A short, fresh and seasonal menu changes daily here, depending on what's available. If you visit during the winter, you might be tucking into fish soup with rouille, and in the summer you'll try ceviche or sea bass. Inside log fires keep the place cosy and atmospheric, while the big enclosed garden is the perfect spot for a long, leisurely lunch when the sun is out. The tables are very well spaced out inside, meaning there is plenty of room for bigger or more nervous dogs too.
Afterwards, you can be on the clifftop coast path in under five minutes for jaw dropping views.
Scoff Troff Café, St Ives
With warehouse aesthetics and a name that means business, you and your dog are in for a good time at Scoff Troff Cafe. The industrial style cafe has lots of tables and there's plenty of room underneath for nervous or tired pups to chill out.
The cafe is open for breakfast where you can try out the Scoffs English, crab rarebit or scrambled tofu for vegan diners. Or head here for lunch and tuck into crab nachos, dirty wedges or halloumi fries. The coffee is very good too, but it doesn't stop there. Anyone for Cornish mist? A surprising but smooth combination of Earl Grey, vanilla and steamed milk.
Afterwards the town of St Ives is a delight to explore. Once you’ve had your fill of independent shops and boutiques, grab an ice-cream and take your dog down to Bamaluz Beach, the town’s only year-round restriction free beach, for a swim and a sniff around the rockpools. See our full guide to St Ives beaches here.
Fat Apples Café, Porthallow
A one-minute drive from Porthallow beach you'll find Fat Apples Cafe, which serves up breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in gorgeous countryside surrounds. It's a bit off the beaten track, but well worth the journey to find this hidden gem.
The focus here is on homecooked food using local butchers, bakers and fishermen for produca homity pie and salad for lunch.
There are around 30 covers inside the cafe and outside there is a canvas awning along with picnic benches and umbrellas. Given its popularity, booking is advisable.
The onsite shop is also well worth a peruse and you can find a range of quirky items (Cornish food, second-hand books and artwork) that make wonderful gifts. After you’ve fuelled up with a full English, take your dog down to Porthallow beach for a run around on this year-round dog friendly beach.
Check out our complete guide to West Cornwall for more ideas.
If that’s got your stomach rumbling and your dog’s tail wagging, why not check out some beautiful cottages in Cornwall and get your next break away booked?
