Porthleven's Harbour View Cafe in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

Staying on the Lizzard for New Year we visited this cafe twice in one week. A lovely warm welcome from the ladies running the cafe, friendly service and nice toasties. On New Year’s Day it was breakfasts only, so we had brunch. Great value and nicely cooked. Excellent as always when we visit

This place is a gem - always busy, and the staff are the best! We had another excellent lunch today (despite the bleak weather, it was warm and homely), can’t wait to come back again soon.

Porthleven has been home to celeb chefs and fancy restaurants. But I’d walk past all of them to come to this cafe. We visited twice on our recent off-season (early December) holiday. Both times, the cafe was really busy, presumably with locals. Always a good sign. On our first visit, we had a breakfast bun with the best mushrooms I think I’ve ever had. On our next trip, we had a toastie with a side of chips which were everything chips should be. And all that is before we even get to the cakes! On both trips, we took home a slice of a cherry Bakewell cake that, frankly, would be well worth a 300 mile drive back to Cornwall to get another slice. This place should be on everyone’s list of places to eat.

Distinctly mediocre coffee and a soggy chocolate croissant. Probably ok for a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea but not cheap.

Great view overlooking the harbour, very good bacon bap and happy staff. Thank you. Oh, great coffee too. We are here on a Monday and could park close but it is December

Lovely cafe to visit , staff were friendly and welcoming. Dog friendly. Nice menu . They had a special offer on coffee n cake £5.50 or coffee n mince pie £4.50 after 230 pm . Will return

Good coffee, however if I am ordering lemon cake it is because I like lemon. I didn't expect the taste lemon the be drowned out by a lake of raspberry coulis.

The most amazing cake fridge going, it would of been just rude not to try a slice. Great coffee too.

The cafe is situated on the far side of the harbour, close to the Ship Inn. The view from our window table was lovely. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. I had a slice of the lemon drizzle cake which delicious, and big! We will visit again for lunch when the reopen after some decoration. Check the internet for opening times.

Just eaten the vegan breakfast. It was superb. My husband had a full English and again superb. Beautifully cooked and nicely presented. Staff are very helpful and nothing is too much trouble. Will go back asap.

Had a lovely cottage pie here in August so today though I would try the lasagne. Really disappointed with it. Absolutely no taste to it covered in melted cheddar and with what tasted like powdered white sauce with no tomato base and not at all like I expected.

This really is a super Cafe! Great atmosphere, great tasty food and excellent staff/owners. We popped in here on a very wet miserable day and the place was heaving...a testament to how good it is that people faced the heavy rain. Farm fresh eggs bursting with colour and flavour. Thick, meaty sausages and the smoked salmon with scrambled eggs was just delicious. We had a black Americano each so strong excellent just what a coffee should be in a morning. Thank you for the excellent food and friendly chat!

Great cafe. Oh the cakes are brilliant and large portions

Another visit to Porthleven, and another early-morning hike along the cliff path (murky weather but still worth it). I dropped in to the cafe, having never been here before, but some locals had recommended it to me as it is under new management. It is splendid - friendly, efficient staff, amazing views over the harbour (the clue's in the name) and lovely, reasonably priced grub. Lots of veggie options - I had the full breakfast with very good quality coffee, and then decided to have a cheeky home-made cake (there are lots of cake options). Can't remember what it was called, but it was chocolatey and delicious. Recommended 10/10.

The café is under new ownership with the proprietors having been there for just six months. We were driven in by the wind and rain and had few expectations. The two ladies behind the counter were delightful, welcoming and friendly not only to us but to everyone who came in. They provided the warmth the weather outside couldn't! We had the fush chowder which was amazing and delicious being thick and creamy with a dash of cheese, it was super tasty and just the thing on a wild and windy day. We also took a naughty but nice bowl of thick cut chips. Wonderful comfort food with a view over the harbour which us always charming whatever the weather.

We have been in twice in the last week for a full English breakfast, whilst on holiday. It was superb. Perfectly cooked. The best I've had in Porthleven over the past 24 years of holidaying here. Staff were so friendly and welcoming, and although busy had time to chat.

We had a cream tea and it was to die for. The cakes also look divine. But what made it was the warmth of the staff, the service was welcoming and authentic. I wish all places could be so friendly! I am looking forward to a return visit next week. Also, excellent value for money.

First time here…….. had the Full English Breakfast Absolutely one of if not the best Full English Breakfast I have had. Everything was piping hot and cooked perfectly. Totally recommend this cafe. The staff are all friendly. The cakes looked amazingly but unfortunately not enough room in tummy to try so I’ll have to squeeze one in on my next Sunday morning walk to Porthleven

What a disappointment . Been here every year but this time a disaster. Popped in for a cream tea and coffee and cake . The cream tea the worst I have had in Cornwall , and the lemon meringue pie was the smallest portion I have ever seen !! for £4.80 a rip off . We don’t mind paying we are on holiday and whilst we understand prices if you do serve such small portions then reflect accordingly in the price charged . We did bring this to the management attention who then said that was how the suppliers pre cut it !! What a load of rubbish don’t blame suppliers I am not interested it is your business and needless to say due to your rudeness we will never be back . Other reviewers have made similar comments about prices, portions, and very poor customer service . Perhaps you should listen to your customers that keep your business going . I would not recommend this place to anyone .

I visited here this morning as I had heard how good the food and cakes are. I was not disappointed, really lovely staff who made us feel very welcome. Definitely be back!

Absolutely the best full English breakfast and magnificent homemade cakes! Owner and staff are exceptional; so kind and welcoming. Their business is a credit to this beautiful fishing town and nothing too much trouble. Well done guys!

As a busy locals cafe, highly recommend the food from breakfast to crab and lots more.

This cafe was recommended to us by staff at the Square restaurant in Porthleven, and we were not disappointed. Everyone who regularly reads my reviews will be familiar with the good, the bad and the ugly format. The structure allows for an honest and objective opinion and is often based on the views of other customers we met. So, what about the Harbour View? For me, there is no ugly, and the bad is minor, and that is more of a Porthleven thing that a cafe matter. Disabled parking and accessibility can be an issue. I only mention this to set expectations as this is a Cornish harbour town unspoilt by over commercialisation and accessibility is always going to be tricky. The food is exceptional, all home made and cooked to order. Portion control is hardly an issue with plates brimming with quality ingredients. The additional charge for ham on the ploughman’s was worth it, hand cut and 13mm thick of beautiful pink meat. The plate went down a treat on a sunny day overlooking a picture postcard harbour. The fry up and the porridge was exceptional with no skimping on ingredients which were top quality. But what made the cafe a delight was the people who were just thrilled to have us as customers. Enthusiastic, energetic and welcoming they all made our visit special. When you come on holiday to Cornwall it is the people who make the difference and this close knit team set the bar on hospitality. Dog friendly which was an absolute bonus and a must for us. Our cockapoo woofed a 5-star rating. Four stars from me is a high award putting the Harbour View up there with the best cafe’s in the U.K. we will be back. Thank you all.

came here with 2 of my friends on saturday the 31st the cleanliness was horrendous. the coffee was so watery and the cake was dry. service was slow. so sad because we came here last year and it was amazing. still a nice location

Have visited the Harbour View cafe in Porthlevan many times over the last few years. We’ve always enjoyed breakfasts and lunches there but this year (2024) what a difference… and not for the best . Firstly they can’t do a child’s portion of a cooked breakfast ??? Previous years a crab sandwich with salad fries and a glass of Prosecco was £15 …. This year £14 for a crab sandwich which was mostly mayonnaise, a paltry side salad that had seen better days and triangle type crisps . Couldn’t believe it when I saw a Cornish Cream Tea served to a customer with the jam and cream served up in the containers you get at McDonald’s to put your ketchup in . Surely cafes can do better than this … this is ripping people of and making a mockery of a quintessential Cornish Cream Tea . Definitely won’t be using this cafe again and neither will my family if this is the best you have to offer .

We always come here when in Porthleven what's not to like great location, great staff fantastic food, dog friendly and amazing value for money ....thanks again of course we will be back

Lunch was really good. Staff faultless and v helpful. Food great. Cakes are amazing. Top marks

Had an absolutely lush bacon and egg bap from here, the other breakfasts being served looked amazing and the cakes looked exceptional. Really friendly girls taking orders and the chef is excellent! Defo not one too miss, will be back again very soon!

I enjoyed my crab sandwich and my partner enjoyed his breakfast we definitely coming back next year for the Same . Great service and everything thank you xxxx

Nice crab sandwich but could do with a little more crab.

Really nice staff and the best selection of cakes! Coffee and breakfast was amazing too. Thanks guys

First visit now that the cafe has re-opened under new management and it was fantastic. Always been a great cafe, now it's even better. Excellent full breakfast, and an option to make it larger if you like! Great value at £10.50 for the standard breakfast, proper sausages, not the cheap ones, lovely hot plate so everything stayed warm. Decent slices of lovely, fresh bread. Longer hours too - I think 8am to 8pm, a great find for walkers & swimmers who are out early. My wife had the toasty - equally good and the sandwiches and cakes looked excellent too. Lovely decor, great harbour side views too.

Having spotted reviews before we headed straight to this cafe for lunch. I dont eat bread and they were happy to make me a simple crab salad with no fuss and paired with a chilled glass of prosseco. Hubby had ham egg and chips with a soft drink. We were sat outside and the sun shone and food and service was fantastic. So much so we visited the next day for coffee and prossecco ...

Okay coffee and cake in a lovely location. Best off sitting outside otherwise it's just another cafe

An excellent spot for lunch on the harbour side. Freshly cooked food at sensible prices. A good place for breakfast and lunch.

It was open! Decent grub. Great location. Nice staff. Sandwiches but more in offer too. 👍🤙👊

We love this little cafe, we come each year and love the fresh crab sandwiches served with crispy chunky chips. Cream teas are good with lovely warm home baked scones. Great kids menu with good child size portions at very reasonable prices.

The best fish finger sandwiches we've ever had! Free dog biscuits and a very friendly welcome!

We came here most mornings for brunch the food is exceptional and great value for money they cater well for gluten free and always somewhere to sit with the dogs highly recommend

Well worth a visit plus the town has a lot to offer for visitors, my grandson played in a local cup final for Cornwall youth football which was very enjoyable.

My wife and my grandson after watching a football match at porthleven athletic football club called in for lunch at this cafe. The food was great, reasonable price wise and served without delay.

A quiet Wednesday afternoon. The food was great and served quickly. Didn’t look huge but tasted great and filling. Didn’t need the extra pasty (but had it anyway).

We came for breakfast and were not disappointed! We were greeted with smiles which makes a nice change from where we are originally from! We really felt welcomed! The food was fresh & hot - definitely worth the wait! We will definitely be returning!

The crab sandwich was excellent. Dog friendly.

Very nice little place. Super views outside. competatively priced. Laid back. Informal. Good menu. Staff welcoming polite and friendly. No frills unpretentious. Family ran. All food cooked nicely. Children and dog friendly. Gets very busy breakfast and lunch times. There are steep steps into the cafe so not really suitable for disabled there is a hand rail. Some limited parking. The harbour views are lovely. One of our favourite haunts. We love it.

Great sandwiches (with chips and salad). Quality ingredients, good selection of fillings. The cake looked good too! Good value.

Back again for a wonderful big breakfast. Really tasty good quality ingredients. The vegetarians were happy too. Dog friendly too

Fantastic cafe in Porthleven. The staff are welcoming and friendly. The service is very quick and the quality of the cooked breakfast was great. Hot chocolate is amazing and even comes with a little bowl with more marshmallows and a few chocolates in. Thank you for a lovely breakfast and drink.

Cracking breakfast, friendly staff. Happy to have dogs in. Food looked great and tasted great. Good produce and cooked well. For what you get the prices are more than fair. So good I’m going back tomorrow!

We were at first reluctant as waterfront venues can often be a disappointment. Not so here. A simple and unpretentious café offering excellent crab sandwiches and soup, a bit different crab and tomato soup. Two further soups of the day. All home made. Doggy friendly or rather Battersea Dogs' Home.🇬🇧🇳🇿

Very friendly service and good value food. I had ham, eggs and chips and it was delicious. Also good views. Highly recommended

This humble little cafe is a great find. Friendly staff and incredibly good value quality food. As a resident of Cornwall it’s nice to find somewhere that offers such great value for money in a fabulous location.

Excellent location to enjoy breakfast, food was delicious and staff are welcoming and friendly.

We went here having read the reviews and glad we did. Was very busy on a cold and windy day which is a good sign. Excellent crab sandwiches, made without mayo on request, plus good bacon baps. Reasonable prices, good service and a wide menu. The plated breakfasts looked great too. Give it a try.

Away for a week staying in Porthleven and went to the cafe 3 times! I will say didn’t think it would be our normal place to eat but super views! Seating inside and out. Value for money. All day breakfast. (My husband was very happy with runny fried eggs! Wonderful bread for sandwiches and toasties. Tasty soup Hot coffee Good choice on menu! Friendly staff Quick service! Definitely a good all rounded place for good food. Must be so good as I ate quickly and just looked and didn’t take any pictures so a good sign!

Friendly little cafe in a beautiful spot. Simple menu: breakfasts, sandwiches and toasties etc. but well cooked and good quality ingredients. If you want a well priced, tasty bite to eat then this is a good choice.

As always a lovely warm welcome. I ordered the crab sandwiches with extra avocado and changed the chunky chips to sweet potato fries. You get a glass of lovely icy cold fizz with the special offer. Everything was absolutely delicious. The granary bread was so soft and tasty and the crab was plentiful and melt in the mouth. I also particularly loved the salad dressing. My husband had the afternoon tea and thoroughly enjoyed it too. We have never been disappointed with anything we've eaten here over the years and always look forward to revisiting. Thank you to everyone xx

Go here often. Clean, tidy and airy. Staff friendly and helpful and food is always prepared/cooked well.

Great vegetarian breakfast. Dog friendly. Good service. Would recommend a visit if staying in Porthleven.

A fantastic cafe offering a good range and service to match. Portion size is generous and the sandwiches are made with good quality fresh bread. There is a good gluten free choice . Offering one of the best cafe experiences in Cornwall. Well done team.

Popped in here today, it's always a really nice place....with traditional cafe vibes and great views over the harbour. I noticed the roast veg soup and opted for this, whilst our youngest had some very nice thick crispy chips. The soup was very tasty indeed and came with two chunks of delicious granary bloomer. Thanks as always a great place to eat with friendly, happy staff.

After a swim feeling hungry, ordered a Crab sandwich. it was costly, but very delicious, nice white bread and very tasty crab - loved it.

Lovely cafe with outdoor and indoor seating pretty decor too. Ordered coffees which were lovely and hot not luckwarm like some establishments. The bap was really lovely as was the carrot cake. The staff are friendly and efficient . We live fairly nearby so will enjoy more visits.

Delicious food and very quick service. Stopped off here for lunch and it was amazing. The staff were great too. Lovely views across the harbour.

This morning i went to check out the breakfast expperience at this place, but was left bitterfy disapoointed as how little you get for £8.20 I ordered the vegan breakfast but it was nothing short of a joke. I piece of thin toast cut into two seperate triangle slices. 1 tiny mushroom which was rubbish. Baked beans which cost nothing took up over half the plate. There were two tinty veggie seasuages worth no more than 40p together, 1 has brown, and that was it.... It was trully a joke of a experience Such a rip off... ***AVOID THIS PLACE***

I've visited this cafe four times in two trips to Porthleven, and I think it's amazing. The food has always been lovely, and the service was never slow even in peak season. The location and views from inside or sat outside are spectacular. It's now a must place for breakfast for my partner and I every time we visit. The prices are surprisingly reason considering its location and the cost of everything else.

Food average, had worse but had much better. The staff very unwelcoming, when I approached till to place my order 3 women behind till all on phones and one said “I can’t be arsed serving today, can you” ? Is this the way to treat customers? The plates was greasy as was cutlery, the table cloths were very sticky… I don’t understand why you’re using them? It made the place look tacky. Deco needs updating, looks very run down. When we left we were only customers in, walked around Portleven and every other restaurant was packed… I wonder why?!?!

Really friendly staff and food was brilliant. Great place to stop for some good value lunch. We were there with a 4 year old and he loved it.

Great cafe at sensible prices. Food was really nice. Service was great.. Would return.

Always a tasty, consistent, well priced breakfast in a great setting

The crab sandwiches here are delicious and it is our first stop every year when we arrive at Porthleven for our holiday to enjoy one at this lovely little spot on the harbour. I think the anticipation of sitting in the sunshine, sipping a bottle...

An absolute must visit when exploring the beautiful harbour. All day breakfast that caters for vegans and vegetarians. And a full plate of food. The staff are incredibly friendly and always smiling. The decor is bright and welcoming and the views are beautiful across the harbour. Pricing is very reasonable for the food quantity and quality.

The ideal place for a coffee. Breakfast or lunch serves the best crab sandwiches in the village. Ideally situated next to the harbour.

Excellent place very reasonably priced food

We had a cooked breakfast here today. We got there after 11am but, thankfully, they serve breakfast all day. Lovely quality (the sausages were great). Coffee good too. The staff were friendly and full of local knowledge. I'd go back

Amazing great staff had the big breakfast and the wife had tiger bap with prawns with salad and chunky chips both meals amazing and lovely coffee cheers all concerned and keep up the good work xxxxxx

It was raining when we arrived in Porthleven and on leaving the car park spotted the cafe across the harbour so we headed there immediately. The cafe is well presented and the staff friendly and welcoming. A quick look at the menu and as a...

Been in here a few times. Always good food and well priced for a 'popular tourist area' . Efficiently served by staff with a smile. Look forward to returning here whenever we come back to Porthleven. And even better for some - they were dog friendly in and out - so don't forget that extra sausage at breakfast time!

The only things that spoil this is the bloody gulls. Lovely day so we wanted to sit outside, but stressful watching for the bloody birds. Crab sandwich was A1 and people lovely.

A great little cafe, fully dog friendly. Food was good and service was friendly.

Lovely meal with unusual menu choices. Only one vegetarian option but one that was gorgeous. Best meal we had in Porthleven by far.

Great breakfast in a beautiful setting on the harbour.

Was just looking for a decent breakfast after a long journey and got a really good breakfast. Nothing fancy, just good portions and tasty too. Wouldn’t love to go in at a busy time as I reckon there’d be a lengthy, lengthy wait, but they do mention they cook to order on the menu. So not a quick bite, but a great one.

We always visit here when on holiday. Great food at a good price and friendly service.

Great place for a start the day brekkie, choice of small normal or mega, and all cooked to perfection.

Expensive but nice view and delicious food.

Lovely restaurant/cafe. Friendly staff. Fresh breakfast and sandwich. Everything I requested which slightly changed the menu was not a problem. My partner enjoyed hit All English Breakfast. Will definitely come again.

We visited on the 3rd and 4th June 2023 for breakfast. I had the bacon and egg tiger bap on the first visit and the sausage and egg tiger bap on the second visit. This was excellent. My wife who has coeliac disease had beans on gluten free toast with cheese and a giant mushroom which was lovely. There are good gluten free options. The service was excellent and the views are stunning.

Visit the cafe when we stay in porthleven. On the several occassions the we have had lunch cannot recommend enough. We have the fish finger sandwhich that also comes with chips and salad. We have eaten inside, outside and also takeaway. Friendly staff and we...

Lovely cream tea, with a lovely warm scone, lots of cream and jam and a very generous pot of tea for two.

We arrived early afternoon on a Wednesday and were immediately greeted by friendly staff. We sat inside at a table which had a lovely view overlooking the harbour. While inside we noticed the tables were nicely spread out, so we didn’t feel like a tin...

Great food, great staff. Great value. Nice view of the harbour. If you rat outside keep your eyes peeled for the seaguls.

Best breakfast in Porthleven and value for money.

Lovely bresky, great quick service!

I arrived it's a easy location staff and service is great. Food was delicious, smashing 10/10

We called in today for coffee and a toasted sandwich for lunch. My friend was going to have a portion of chips, but was told that the sandwich came with chips, so that was fine, I'd have the sandwich, she'd have the chips. I've never...

Family of five, 3 generations visited for lunch. Great menu to please everyone, and dogs are welcomed. Fantastic setting definitely worth a visit. Owner extremely kind and helpful and staff very attentive. Will definitely be returning thank you.

Lovely location. Crab sandwiches delicious and a very caring and helpful member of staff who looked after my 95 year old Aunt's every need 🥰

We sat outside service was excellent even though they were short of staff

Had a full English breakfast here. Very good. A nice clean little cafe, dogs lowed. Bonus