Five Cornwall restaurants have been named in this year's TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. Balti Curries in Falmouth, Samphire Fowey in Fowey, Paul Ainsworth at No6 in Padstow, Ardor in St Ives and the Chapel Restaurant in Bodmin all made the cut in the 2026 Travellers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Restaurants.
Categories for this year's restaurant awards include Fine Dining, Casual, Date Night, Hidden Gems, and Vegan & Vegetarian, plus four new categories focused on food experiences. As travellers increasingly seek out immersive culinary experiences, this year's awards introduced Best of the Best Food Tours, Cooking Classes, Wine & Beer Tours, and a Viral Right Now category for current trending sensations.
Balti Curries ranked seventh in the casual dining UK category. Samphire Fowey, Paul Ainsworth at No6, Ardor and The Chapel Restaurant all ranked in the date night UK category, in eighth, 13th, 14th and 25th places respectively.
On its TripAdvisor page Balti Curries wrote: "Welcome to Fine Asian Dining, an exquisite Indian & Nepalese restaurant perfect for the whole family. We are proud about the fact we are the first Indian restaurant open in Cornwall, in 1970. And then in 1998, the current owner, Hem, introduced the first Nepalese cuisine in the South West."
On TripAdvisor Samphire Fowey is described as: "Samphire is a relaxed coastal restaurant on the waterfront in Fowey, serving seasonal Cornish ingredients with a modern, flavour-led approach. Inspired by its estuary location, the menu celebrates fresh seafood, local produce and laid-back dining with panoramic views of the water. Whether joining us for long lunches, slow evenings or drinks at the bar, Samphire offers an easygoing, warm atmosphere rooted in the spirit of the Cornish coast."
Michelin star restaurant Paul Ainsworth at N6 is described as: "Guests are put centre stage and are treated to a real experience at this restaurant set in a delightful Georgian townhouse. Paul Ainsworth has developed his own style over the years and the menus are a wonderful showcase for his considerable talents. The finest Cornish produce and well-honed classical techniques underpin the cooking, which is studded with playful creative touches – such as the brilliantly conceived "Yesterday's Scone" crossover course before dessert. Friendly, well-versed service helps to make your visit a memorable one."
On its TripAdvisor page Ardor, which is on the Michelin Guide, writes: "Named after a Latin word meaning ‘fire’ or ‘passion’, Ardor is a smart modern brasserie in the heart of St Ives. Cornish seafood plays a key role in the sharing-inclined menu, given a vibrant Mediterranean touch by the chefs, while some produce is cooked over the charcoal grill. The result is dishes like light, golden jamón croquetas with aioli or monkfish and prawn skewer with garlic yoghurt and harissa. Get a table on the lower floor to watch the kitchen in action and begin with a sherry tasting to enhance your Spanish experience."
Finally, the Chapel Restaurant, located within Bodmin Jail hotel, is described as: "Located in the jail’s Old Chapel, The Chapel combines gothic elegance with a unique sense of history to bring you an exquisite dining experience. Delve into our seasonal à la carte or table d’hôte menus that have been carefully curated by our talented Head Chef and inspired by local ingredients, fresh flavours and classical cuisine. We also serve a decadent Cornish breakfast menu in The Chapel Restaurant, offering a variety of options to set you up for a day of adventure, right from the hotel’s doorstep."
Nationally, 12 British restaurants and experiences have been named best in the world in this year's awards, with the Date Night category taking centre stage. Among Date Night diners, London Steakhouse Co. was named No. 4 in the world, followed by The Herd Steak Restaurant in Bath at No. 11. 1863 Restaurant in the Lake District comes in at No. 19.
Another winner with a romantic edge is the candlelit gothic landmark on the Royal Mile, The Witchery in Edinburgh, which has been named No. 4 in the World in the Fine Dining category. Elevating seasonal Scottish ingredients into a globally celebrated fine-dining experience, The Witchery is also No. 1 in Europe and the UK, following its debut last year.
In Casual Dining, Casa Brazilian Rodizio in York is No. 8 in the world, while holding onto the UK No. 1 spot for the second year running. Longtime Travellers' Choice favourite Makars Gourmet Mash Bar in Edinburgh is named No. 12 in the world for 2026.
Bonoo Indian Tapas in London is No. 13 on the world's Hidden Gems list, pairing vibrant, authentic Indian small plates with warm hospitality in a cozy Hampstead setting. Another favourite offering Indian Green
Five Cornwall Restaurants Make TripAdvisor Top List