We have either enjoyed these ourselves or had reports from other guests...
Fish and Chips
Both the Coddy Shack (on the road from Hessenford into Looe with plenty of parking) and Catch (in the centre of Looe) are great. We suggest if you are bringing it back go to the Coddy Shack, or go to Catch and eat it on the harbour or beach. Both get very busy between 6pm and 7.30pm in the holiday season, but they have efficient queuing systems.
For "eat in" fish and chips we really like the St John Inn, in the tiny village of St John, near Torpoint. They only do it on Friday's, but the portions are large and it is beautifully cooked. Google map link here.
Pasties
The best in Looe town are from Sarah's Pasty Shop in Buller Street. The queues can look long but they move quite quickly. Several national chains have moved in on the Cornish pasty - both Cornish Bakehouse and Cornish Bakery are in Looe - whilst they sell perfectly good pasties they are not based in the county - so it is nice to support a local Cornish firm if you can.
We also love the pasties from The Cornish Pod, near Millbrook - buy them from here and take them up to Rame Head where the car park has amazing views! Google maps link here.
Your local pub down in Hessenford. (25 mins walk). You can be sure of a warm welcome from Amanda and Shane, and the food is great. They often have live music as well.
The Old Sail Loft – Looe. Mostly seafood but other options as well (though only one veggie option on our visit). Excellent recent reports from guests - but books up in advance.
Heskyn Mill – on the A38 towards Plymouth (10 mins). If you haven’t had enough of dining amongst mill workings here is another one! Nicely cooked food and friendly staff.
Ocean and Earth Thai – Looe. Excellent Thai place in Looe with lots of veggie options. Believe them when they say that their medium dishes are the equivalent of most Thai restaurants’ hot dishes. Don't be put off - they will help you if you prefer milder spices.
The Devonport Inn, Kingsand - some of the nicest meals we have had locally. Definitely book well ahead though as it's very difficult to get a table in the summer.
The Canteen at Maker Heights - this is a quirky place in an old wartime nissen hut. But the food is lovely. Map link here.
Olive & Co at Siblyback Lake - great for breakfasts, lunches, teas, etc. Lots of veggie options. You can take a nice flat walk or cycle around the lake as well. Map link here.
The Orangery at Mount Edgecumbe. We had an excellent brunch here - lovely food and very good value with dishes around £6-£8. Plenty of veggie options. We were lucky and got a table without booking - but it does get busy. There are also lovely easy walks - see here.
Himalayan Spice – Indian restaurant and take-away in Liskeard. Doesn’t look much from the outside but it is excellent and has won several awards. Parking is a challenge – in the evening you can sometimes get in by the church, or park in the town car parks and walk back.
Chinese take-away
We like Hot Wok in Liskeard - 01579 349422. Menu has a retro feel - remember sweet and sour pork in the 70s with that fluorescent sauce?!