Mermaid Alley in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

Still thinking about the lamb samosas a week later. Always delicious and obviously cooked with passion and talent.

I enjoyed a fantastic evening at Mermaid Alley this evening with a group of friends. The food was fantastic, the staff were friendly and attentive and the cocktails were delicious. This is such a cute little place with great decor and was value for money. Definitely a new favourite!

I would drive 7 hours back from Cambridge to go here again! The food was insane, the people were so friendly and it's such a cute place. The curry loaded fries are an absolute MUST. We went for lunch so could only choose from the tapas but it did not disappoint. I'm also more restricted with not being able to have gluten but they had quite a number of GF options and good lord they were amazing. 100% would go again.

What a fantastic place, the food was amazing, and reasonably priced. Drinks are amazing the cocktails are great. The whole experience was 10/10

I have to say, I thought the food here was delicious. It was cooked well and the flavours worked so well. The staff were friendly and the service quick. If I lived here - I would eat here all the time !

Warm friendly atmosphere and good service. We had a selection of the small plates. All the food was well put together, interesting and delicious. Well worth a visit.

This food was amazing. I'm gonna have to come back if I visit Penzance because the food from here was a highlight from Penzance definitely. Staff were super friendly and we ordered to go but yeah absolutely great experience.

Every now and then you eat at a restaurant, and are so glad you spent your money. The food here was amazing and the service impeccable, the owner and all the bar staff are really friendly and welcoming and if me and my family are ever in the area again we will make our way back #pnefc

We hadn't booked, but were able to get a table by the bar which was very comfortable. We regretted not returning here during our trip - being lured in by fish restaurants other evenings, which weren't always such a good find. The food was plentiful, delicious and good value. Need I say anything more.

Quite a surprise. A Mauritian in Penzance! With an interesting menu, excellent service and good wine. We had a starter and a curry main course, both among the best we’ve ever had. Great localities, in short a great dining experience!

My husband and I had a fabulous meal last night at Mermaid Alley. We had the Mauritian lamb curry and chicken curry, tempura prawns and lemon posset. Absolutely delicious. Plus I am coeliac and their knowledge was great, so really reassuring. Staff are a super nice bunch. What a great place. Oh and the cocktails are fab too! Highly recommend!!

Awesome place with a lovely menu, we came back and were not disappointed. Very friendly staff and service was on point . We will come again next time we are down.

I can see for some people this would be a great place but was not really for us. The courses come out quickly making it feel a little like you are being processed throng the restaurant quickly (an in/out policy). the waiter is attentive and ever present and the food good compared to some other restaurants serving this fare Not a good place for an intimate dinner and the wine list is limited.

I came here to for a drink to kill some time and was not disappointed! I had the Dead Merman cocktail. It was delicious! I didn’t have a chance to try any of the food, but from what I smelled and saw coming out of the kitchen, this place is definitely worth a visit. The staff are very friendly as well!

We had a delicious, hearty meal here, the food tasted like a home cooked meal with a very good portion size, definitely worth a visit if in Penzance

We visited place for quick lunch last week. Food was very tasty and preparation was unique. Initially it took time to locate the restaurant but it was worth visiting and eating there.

I was eating out alone the evening before joining a tall ship. I am a coeliac and pescatarian but it looked as if Mermaid Alley would be a good choice for that. I was sat at a lovely little table downstairs near the bar and made to feel very welcome. There was a problem with the food I had ordered ( the spicy gluten free fish and chips) and so I had the sweet potato curry, but they compensated me for the very slight delay with a free ( second) cocktail. But this was all good because it meant that the food was safe for me, which I appreciated. It was an absolutely gorgeous, friendly place with delicious food and good value too. Totally recommended.

Arriving at the restaurant by chance, there were only two of us and we don't understand why, this restaurant is so highly recommended. The lamb and chicken à la Moritienne were simply succulent, the meats perfectly cooked, the accompaniment ditto, the sauces well seasoned as required and all in sufficient quantity. The decor is quite successful, the staff is friendly and the sound ambiance is quite appropriate. The price is contained compared to other restaurants where the dishes are more classic, more basic. Well done and good luck!

Make this one of the places you try while in Penzance. I found it by following the incredible smell. I mean for real the heavenly scent floated me across town like a scrumptious window pie in a cartoon, but the flavor was even better. I ordered the chicken curry and a mock-tail and both were tip top. The mock-tail was refreshing and delightful. The curry dish was incredible! I’m telling you right now this chef is working with a bit of magic, don’t miss out. The staff we’re both professional and warm. It is a small establishment with limited seating though so I recommend booking a reservation.

Did a bit or research on eating out in Penzance for a night away we had planned, Mermaid Alley reviewed very well and did not disappoint. The alternative cocktails did not disappoint either! Service was excellent and not over fussy. Food-wise we would recommend the squid and crab starters, the lamb and chicken curry (such a great use of spice - made us both feel warm without burning the mouth or detracting from the flavour). For dessert..... the Passionfruit Cheesecake with mango ice cream is to die for <3

Ordered The Chief burgers for myself and family, Got to say this is the best burger I’ve had in Pz. Everyone enjoyed, I have a large family and was anticipating a long wait, but food was ready in no time. Home made patty was amazing, cooked and put together perfectly. Clearly some thought and love has gone into making this food. 100% recommended.

Fantastic food and gluten-free heaven. We came here for lunch after reading reviews from this site, stating that they cater well for gluten free needs. One of our group is a coeliac. I asked what was gf and she was able to adapt two thirds of the menu. More than anywhere I’ve been in many years. Awareness that chips need to be cooked in a separate fryer etc, make a massive difference to confidence to eat out. All our meals and drinks were fantastic and super tasty and for a rare time my gf daughter felt she wasn’t the odd one out and missing out, This place isn’t easy to spot down an alley but worth seeking out when needing a great place to eat.

Absolutely phenomenal burger and fries from this place. Ordered chief burgers, fries and onion rings from Just Eat and all were hot, well made and delicious. Food came quick and was delivered by restaurant staff. Very friendly and had informed us that he’d thrown in some extras! Overall amazing service and amazing food. Would 1000% recommend.

We were a group of 7 adults and 5 children and the first time we visited this restaurant we were so impressed with the food and service that we decided to come again a few days later for a birthday celebration. At that time they were usually closed on a Wednesday, but they did not hesitate to open up the downstairs area for our party. Again the food was absolutely delicious and the service was outstanding. All 12 of us were very happy and we can highly recommend this restaurant to both adults and kids. Brilliant!

Lives up to the reviews, great spot! Dishes are all unique, loved the choices that were on the menu

Great family owned/run business, beautifully authentic, vegan options, really warm atmosphere, friendly approach, very attentive and great drinks menu! Thoroughly enjoyed myself and will be back

Awesome food, creative and seasonal menu, nice eclectic menu. Only let down by slow and sloppy service but worth putting up with!!

We came to this restaurant after a boat trip as it looked like there was nice food when googling online so we wanted to try it out. As we entered we were starving and dehydrated from not daring to drink on the boat so we didnt need the toilet. We were shown to a table and we sat down to wait for menus for drinks and food. We were sat there 30 minutes with no menu and no drinks still. But the waitess was walking around us taking drinks and meals to people. Ignoring us and not acknowledging that we had no menus, etc. So we walked out as I don't understand why we had to ask for them again in such a small place when she walked past us many times. The venue was gorgeous but a shame about the service, she definitely needed to be more attentive to customers and seemed overwhelmed when the venue was not even half full.

Such lush cocktails!! And Leila Rose is a G xxx🩷🩷🩷

the best food i’ve eaten, highly recommend… so filled with flavour and lovely staff!

Genuinely our favourite place we ate at on out trip to Cornwall A very cosy and warm restaurant with happy and helpful staff and cool decor. The food was genuinely some of the best food me and my partner has had. And the cocktails were brilliant. Highly recommend getting food here.

Excellent menu for those wanting a twist on traditional dishes, will certainly be visiting again

Lovely local restaurant and the food was delicious!

We went there based on the recommendations in the travel guide and Google. The ambience is unusual, but not as quaintly cozy as most pubs. A little clearer and cooler, a little like the sea. The staff was incredibly friendly and very competent. The gurnard was very tasty, buttery soft and seasoned with a wonderful sauce. The cheeseburger with fries was presented a little unusually and was particularly spicy because the fries were drowned in hot red sauce. Overall, still a nice stay.

Fantastic service, Outstanding staff,, utterly amazing food, mermaid Alley is simply brilliant place to eat and drink,,,

Food was amazing, cocktails were amazing, staff were very attentive! Would recommend and go again. Thanks 😊

Takeaway box was delicious and great value for money, also had some side with it. Will definitely be in again

Spur of the minute as we walked by - the menu looked lovely, plenty of veggie options and they had room. We weren’t disappointed- the food was delicious, really interesting dishes, well cooked and so tasty. Service was quick and friendly. Definitely recommended and we will be back. Thank you!

Really nice food even better cocktails 🍸 highly recommend

Omg amazing, lovely place, the food and hospitality was great, but we already knew as it’s our second visit and it didn’t disappoint. We will make it a regular feature when we visit Cornwall again. Best place in Penzance by far, Mauritian cuisines were delicious

Just had the £5 takeaway box it was delicious.

Very lovely place food is banging . Quick service to

Food is lush, prices are incredible affordable..

DJ was definitely on my Spotify playlist! 🥳

What a lovely evening! Date night with the wife and tried this place for 1st time and it won't be last! Food and service was top notch! Thank you very much for a lovely evening!

Absolutely amazing food, very welcoming team and lovely environment! Called in on the off chance they could fit us in, and they luckily could. Witnessed exceptional service while there, to ourselves and others. The food was incredible - best meal I have had for some time! Book ahead if you can, as we were lucky to get in!

Lively atmosphere, lovely staff, generous portions of delicious food. The kind of place I would want to go to on a daily basis. Just awesome. Had a fantabulous time ,thanks team xxxx

What a find! We’re regular visitors to PZ for work and leisure but never made it here before now. This is straightforward home cooked soul food, served with passion and a great vibe in a family business- we loved it! Nice wines and cocktails , great food and plenty of chat if you want it. We probably outstayed our welcome but ended up talking about music and travels etc and the time ran away but we felt as if if we’d made new friends……great value and firmly on our list when we’re next in PZ.

The food was OK, but the service was really lovely…

Wow! This little gem of a restaurant is a favourite of my sister and her husband. My first visit did not disappoint. The staff were so welcoming and friendly giving the restaurant a real homely feel. Indulged in a cocktail - oh my goodness - I guarantee you won’t find a better cocktail anywhere else - it was amazing!!!! The food was just superb and plenty of it! This is truly one of the best dining experiences I have been fortunate enough to partake in. This beautiful little restaurant has quickly become a firm favourite! Can’t wait to visit again!

Wonderful food, great atmosphere and really helpful staff. We hadn’t booked, and knowing it’s quite small we weren’t hopeful, but found us a table and had a really great meal.

Amazing Mauritian food, service was excellent and is the best place we have visited in Cornwall, will be coming again

Brilliant food, full of flavour and portion sizes very hearty. Staff are great and friendly. Restaurant is quite small with a very nice atmosphere.

Delicious food and very courteous staff I would recommend this lovely restaurant . I had Mama Mary’s biriyani and a homemade honeycomb cheesecake.

Great service but very average food.

I came here with my husband while visiting Cornwall. The food (I'm a celiac but they have plenty of gluten-free options) and the service were excellent. Would definitely recommend!

Great food, quickly served. Very attentive service. We had the ‘Alley’ curry and squid and chips. Both big portions and delicious.

My wife is very choosy and had spent ages on Trip Advisor doing due diligence to find a really great family run, family friendly restaurant and she came up with this place, Mermaid Alley. And oh my goodness we really hit the jackpot. It's a great little independent restaurant with a terrific, wide ranging menu to suit everyone, including fussy kids!! We highly recommend the Mauritian fish and chips. A great ambience, timely service and super friendly staff (especially Lennox) at a reasonable price. Genuinely don't go anywhere else. The next time we're in Penzance, we cannot wait to return.

The food was super tasty, especially the Thali! Staff was incredibly nice and welcoming. Fantastic cocktails. A really lovely place to go

This family run business is homely, welcoming and relaxed. They go all out to make you welcome and the food tastes like delish home cooked food with a twist! Defo recommend if you are looking for a nice meal in Penzance.

We had a meal here with the family last week, August 2023 and it was fantastic. Wonderful flavours and the staff couldn't be more helpful. Great cocktails too!

Food was nice but seating upstairs it gets too hot no air flow in the summer. Great staff but no atmosphere when we went

Five stars all round, nice staff, great original cocktails, delicious food at reasonable prices. Family run with relaxed atmosphere, it's a real treat.

Absolutely wonderful! The food is incredible, and the cocktails were nice and strong! Great value for money and such happy friendly service. Can’t wait to visit again!

Best food in penzance. 10/10 cuisine. Incredibly welcoming atmosphere. What more could you want?? Shout outs to my man Lenny P. Keep mixing them wicked drinks boi.

Hele goede sfeer. Hadden niet gereserveerd maar toch een plekje kunnen creëren met onze 3 kinderen. Ontvangst voelde gelijk goed. Personeel erg vriendelijk en heerlijk gegeten. Supersfeer. Kaart beperkt maar het was toch lastig kiezen vanwege de heerlijke gerechten en oke prijzen.

Always on the look out for local or regional restaurants, so we booked a Mauritian restaurant in Penzance. As you do. It was an inspired choice. Greeted like family, tthe food was both excellent but also had the feel of 'home cooking' - which, in this context, is no bad thing. Delightful meal, served with a smile. Loved the dhal, and the chicken cari. What a way to end the holiday - worth walking from St Ives for!

What a welcome. Such a lovely family, great, different food. Scallops in particular!

Delicious asian fusion meal, served by friendly helpful you staff. The meal was fresh and very tasty, and atmosphere cosy but comfortable. All at a reasonable price too.

We had a friendly welcome from the staff and the decor and atmosphere was nice. Best pf all was the delicious food, really different to the usual and excellent quality, freshly cooked. The mocktails were delicious too. Definitely would come again. Very reasonable prices as well

The food was just lovely. Different flavours. Some slightly spicy but huge variety. Plenty for vegan and gluten free folk but everyone seemed happy. Friendly staff who were running hard but found time to chat. And a nice age range among the customers. Be sure to book - they seemed to try hard to fit people in but were full. Thank you!!

YOU NEED TO GO HERE. A small & family owned hidden gem. 1) The best food. If you’ve tired of fish & chips or steak, & even if you haven’t & want an amazing culinary experience because they do serve fish & chips with a nice twist. The food is tasty & exotic - with a touch of Mauritius I believe - & you can taste the love & care they’ve put in it. They cater to both vegan, vegetarian & meat. 2) The most friendly staff. 3) And the ambiance is also so refreshing & cozy with lovely décor & artwork. 4) Their famous milkshakes & drinks? ABSOLUTELY NEXT LEVEL. You HAVE to try their shakes with roasted marshmallows… Best restaurant visit we’ve had in England. Can’t recommend this place enough. We hope to be back soon. Thanks to the MA Team! 🌟

We visited the Mermaid Alley cafe at lunchtime on a blustery June day. We have been before, in fact we make a point of visiting whenever we are in Cornwall. It is worth it! Today we both had the Mauritian fish and chips. Wow, just...

Staff were knowledgeable about the menu. Menu was different from the norm. Food was exciting and delicious. Very good value for money. Great atmosphere

What a beautiful experience- amazing Mauritian food cooked and served by a family with authentic Mauritian heritage. Flavour explosions in every dish and attentive enthusiastic service.

Really fresh tasty food, great flavour combinations, and three meals for £40 with drinks. The new chef that has taken over the kitchen can certainly cook! Fabulous!

Delicious food, amazing flavours. Lovely cocktail. Wonderful staff and service. One minor grip was the portion was a bit small. Would still choose this place again though.

I hosted my friends baby shower at Mermaid Alley and it was amazing! The food and drinks are so good I’d definitely like to go there again. Everyone was really happy with the food. It was a great space and just what I needed. The...

Went tonight for dinner with Mrs G Food was very nice, price reasonable and the service from very young staff was excellent. If you are in Penzance and want a nice evening out go to Mermaid Alley. We will definitely be going back again.

Well I have just had the best birthday lunch ever, was due to go to St Ives but the bus didn’t turn up, so decided to stay in my home town for my bday celebration. Everyone has raved about Mermaid Alley and now I know...

Very tasty food. Plentiful, colourful and lots of hints of spice, chilli and herbs. Lovely staff and a relaxing, friendly atmosphere.

Great food we had a love meal here and will definitely be coming back it was delicious, I highly recommend it

That was one happy choses i've done,i'm so tired about the "same things,same food,places and the marmeids make me dream.Awesome food,something different but absolutely amazing.The guy that help me chose was so lovely and kind,make everthing special,unique. Fresh,tasty..Highly recommended.

Excellent food amazing place with great staff highly recommend

We were do delighted by the wonderful food and people. We had lovely seafood, Mauritian style. So fresh and delicious. This is a quickly, little gem of a restaurant. The staff and owners are so proud of their cooking. Very friendly place. The team anaged...

OMG....the menu looked great but actually the food was awesome....amazing flavours, fantastic combinations, ample portions....just great meals all round....one of those occasions when everyone wanted to share every dish with everyone else. Perfect service....Good prices....all in all a restaurant worthy of putting PZ on the...

Wow wow wow, we have always loved this place and always gave it 5 stars..... So with a change of chef it surpassed our expectations food was out of this world. Beyond expectations truely the best food EVER. taste were out of this world, service...

Went with my son and was blown away with the food and service. Well recommended with some tasty dishes . Beautiful

My wife and I were blown away by the quality of the food and the really friendly service. The food was based on a Mauritius theme. We chose off the "specials board", and they were. And to add to that they do the most amazing cocktails. Thanks for a fab evening 😀 😊 😘 Martyn & Alie

My wife and I were blown away by the quality of the food and the really friendly service. The food was based on a Mauritius theme. We chose off the "specials board", and they were. And to add to that they do the most amazing...

Great customer service. Thats it. Food was bland, boring and dryyyy. Menu made everything sound wonderful yet when it came out it was immediately disappointing. Bland boiled rice. Chips clearly bought from the shop around the corner. Spicy ball things anything but. Needed sauce to...

Incredible family-run restaurant. Super cute decor but the things that really blew us away was 1. The personable, joyful service with top food recommendations. 2. The incredible food! So many great vegetarian and meat options.

We had a fabulous evening, amazing food with an excellent selection of vegan options and my partner described the upside down pineapple cake as quite possibly the nicest dessert she’d ever had. We’ll be back, thank you so much.

Absolutely delicious meal! Haven’t stop telling people since we’ve been! Highly recommend the Dhal, slaw and basically everything else on the menu! Beautiful vegan food, relaxed atmosphere and a wonderful friendly team! Highly recommend a visit! Run by a local family ❤️

Thank you so much for hosting our staff Christmas party. The food was fabulous. The cocktails were amazing. The service overall was brillant. We really appreciate all the effort you went to. We will be back !

Had a great meal. Fish perfectly cooked. Not too expensive. Staff were lovely and explained all parts of the menu. Will definitely book again and would recommend.

Incredibly good service- the young man was charismatic and helpful when asking for dish recommendations. The menu had quite a lot of choice considering each dish had been very well thought out- plus there was another full list of specials which all sounded amazing. The...

The best food! Something for everyone! All foodies catered for! What a talented kitchen and chefs. And the front of house are so delightful..... such a lucky find! Why didn't I know about it sooner! Thank you for such lovely food and service!

Absolutely nothing to fault. Lovely people, amazing food, great setting. This has to be one of the best places to eat in Penzance, we will return.

Love eating at this place. Lovly food. Great for a daytime catch-up with a cocktail. Friendly staff and a generally lovely little joint.