The best restaurants in Colan and Mawgan Cornwall, Isles of Scilly South West

Had a lovely mothers day roast in the garden. Hadn't booked was a last minute decision so was very happy to get a table. Roast was plentiful, meat delicious and everything perfectly cooked.

Had the breakfast wrap. Was spectacular, cooled well, really full of ingredients and would fully recommend. Delicious coffee and cakes as well!

We were recommended the cafe day by day by our relatives who were staying at the caravan park but the day we got there to finally have the recommended super breakfast-there was only the owner there closing it up for the season! He offered us bacon butties initially but when he found out we had been planning for days to come for the sooo highly recommended full English breakfast-he put all his tidying aside and cooked us the most amasing breakfast we've had for the entire stay in Newquay- and served it with a smile! It is so rare these days to see a business owner with such genuine warmth and willingness to help. Thank you Mark-we had a fanomenal breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed the morning-thank you your kindness. Much appreciated!

We stayed at The Scarlet Hotel for a 3-night babymoon—just me, my wife (heavily pregnant with twins), and our two small dogs. We booked a month in advance, hoping for something calm, luxurious, and memorable before everything changed. The total cost came in just under £2.5k, including the room, spa access, meals, and on-site extras. The location is stunning—easily one of the best spots in the south. The view from the hot tub at sunset is unforgettable, and sea views throughout the hotel are genuinely impressive. Our two-storey, dog-friendly room had a private garden and ocean view—on paper, it had real promise. The food was exceptional. Huge credit to the chefs and kitchen team. Every meal was top-tier—some of the best I’ve had anywhere. It’s something to be very proud of! Staff were polite, but it felt like everyone was new. There’s a barcode ordering system—great idea when it works—but it’s not thoughout the hotel. I had to chase down someone on more than one occasion, and it isn’t available by the hot tubs. We used the tubs twice, and weren’t checked on—despite staff showing the tub next to us to new guests. At this price point, the lack of service isn’t acceptable. Also, adding a 12% service fee to everything—we really shouldn't need to be chasing for service! To be clear, it’s not about the money. I’d have paid double for a truly special experience we’d remember before the twins arrived. But it didn’t feel special—we were left to figure things out ourselves. The room? Not great. The finish was poor—I’ve done better DIY. Rough paintwork, rushed fittings, and it felt unclean. The private garden was full of old discarded small bones—which our dogs loved, but we didn’t. Constantly stopping them from eating leftovers from previous guests is not only unpleasant—it’s dangerous. I’m all for reusing towels to be sustainable—but ask. Using the same two towels for four days with no offer of change didn’t sit right. Even if we’d said no, being asked shows care. One day, we asked for the room to be cleaned while we were out. On return, someone had clearly been in—but the bath hadn’t been wiped, my wife’s used contact lenses were still on the edge, my wine glass and empty bottle remained, and the bin hadn’t been emptied. That’s not attention to detail—it’s poor housekeeping by any standard. The restaurant? The setting didn’t match the standard of the meals. Light fittings, broken curtains, and lampshades had dust or cobwebs. That lack of care was visible throughout the hotel—corners cut, details missed. The spa? Underwhelming, with a tired, run-down feel. The lift didn’t inspire confidence either. I joked we’d get stuck and my wife would go into labour. It didn’t look or feel recently serviced, and I couldn’t find an inspection tag. Safety isn’t optional—it’s essential. One final point—there are a lot of steps and uneven paths throughout. These aren’t gentle slopes—they’re steep, awkward routes, especially down to the beach. One wrong move and it could end badly. I’m not blaming the geography—but this wasn’t made clear when making the phone booking. A simple heads-up would’ve helped. Final thoughts: I didn’t do enough research—and that’s on me. I assumed the higher price meant a better experience. It doesn’t. Looking closer, many glowing reviews seem like paid promotions or influencer freebies. If you're getting it for free, of course it seems acceptable. I didn’t realise it was a 4-star hotel until I saw the plaque at reception. It’s definitely not 5-star. Without the food and a few kind staff, I’d question whether it’s even a 4. Some may say I’m being picky. Maybe. But expectations are personal—and ours weren’t met. This isn’t about extravagance—it’s about basic care, cleanliness, and guests feeling like their time and money matter. Would I recommend it? Only if it’s heavily discounted. There is, however, real potential here—but right now, it’s not worth the money, and it doesn't meet expectations.

Very tasty food,great service. A quiet, pleasant place to eat and relax.

This pub is a must on your list On arrival the beer garden was beautifully decorated with flowers and lots of lovely features, there are bowls of water for your pets around the tables also. The pub itself is traditional old style maintained to a high quality. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. The food was delicious we had a starter of baked camembert cheese with warm bread this was amazing and serves 2 people. We had different mains one had roast dinner beautifully presented and tasted delicious. I had the red Thai satay curry and noodles and it was so tasty and nutty Portions are big. The atmosphere was relaxed calm and warm. Family friendly and dog friendly ❤️ highly recommended

We drove past so thought we'd stop in for lunch as it was around 2:00 and the sign out front read "Open 12 - Close" only to be told they were closed and opening at 4:00. Gave it 1 star as I don't actually know what it's like there.

Staff were really nice couldn't fault them really friendly, helpful and very pleasant. However meal was lacking the handcut rosemary chips were frenxh fries the slaw was missing replaced by a few lettuce leaves, red onions and balsamic vinegar the burger was nice but dry definitely homemade but dry, the fish was soggy. The soup was edible but lacked seasoning no knife supplied to spread the butter. Had to ask for condiments. The pudding was OK but when asked how our meal was no kind of compensation offered.

When walking in we-spoke to the only person available which was behind the bar. We said we would like a table for 2 . He said heres the menu go sit over there and pointed to a couple of empty tables . ( no polite banter) After about 10 minutes he came over and asked what we wanted to drink we asked for a specific wine he said haven't got that but i have (whatever) and said we could sample it came over and bashed the glass ion the table . We couldn't belief it (basil faulty out of faulty towers) we just said ok thats fine. He brought the wine over then asked for our order. Honestly the tapas was awful no taste and the tapas dishes were very small compared to normal tapas dishes. Not sure what happened that night but wouldn't recommend it the mermaid across the road does a much better meal 😞

Had the most amazing meal here!!! Service, food, views, atmosphere and cleanliness were outstanding. We live 200 miles away and will be back 💕

Lovely lunch, great location, beautiful hotel surroundings. The spa was being enjoy by couples while we were relaxing with a couple of drinks and lunch. We chatted so much that we ordered cream tea, however the scones were extremely overbaked and we sent them back, else it would have been a 5* review.

Lovely welcome from Rod and Jill. Delicious homemade biscuits in the room too! The breakfasts are excellent and the views of Mawgan Porth bay are stunning. Couldn't have asked for a more pleasant stay. Definitely recommend.

Amazing restaurant. We are tricky diners with one of us coeliac and the other dairy intolerant. They amend everything so we don’t miss out on the lovely tasting dishes. The employees are warm and friendly. Highly recommend.

An elderly lady was stranded after Ride Source left without her. Will and his son let her stay in the cafe long after closing while she waited to be picked up. They were very kind and considerate. It's good to know there are still good humans out there.

We called again and once more just loved the food we had.