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Buller Quay Fish Market

4.6
·237 reviews·, United Kingdom

A small, intimate market restaurant in Looe serving some of the best seafood and steak you'll ever taste, with an open kitchen.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Cozy atmosphere, open kitchen

CrowdMedium
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Buller Quay & Fish Market - Image 1

Buller Quay Fish Market

Best Time

Evenings

Cozy atmosphere, open kitchen

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A small, intimate market restaurant in Looe serving some of the best seafood and steak you'll ever taste, with an open kitchen.

4.6
(237 reviews)

"This is hands down the best food I’ve ever had in Looe and possibly the best seafood I’ve had in my life."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Your Table!

This place is tiny and incredibly popular. Reservations are a must to avoid disappointment!

🐟 Seafood is King

While they have other options, the seafood is what truly shines here. Dive in!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seafood & Fish Stew

Seafood & Fish Stew

Dining Room

One of the best meals ever, packed with fresh, succulent seafood. A must-try for any visitor.

Ribeye Steak

Ribeye Steak

Dining Room

Surprisingly, the steak is also a standout, praised as one of the best ever served. A delicious option for non-seafood lovers.

Burrata and Peach Salad

Burrata and Peach Salad

Dining Room

A refreshing and flavorful starter that's not to be missed, offering a delightful contrast to richer dishes.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for This Gem

Buller Quay Fish Market is a small, popular spot with limited tables. Booking is essential, especially during peak times, to avoid disappointment. Many reviewers rave about the experience, so secure your spot early to savor their incredible seafood.

Seafood Lover's Paradise

As the name suggests, this market is all about fresh, high-quality seafood. While there are meat and vegetarian options, the star of the show is undoubtedly the fish. Prepare for an exceptional culinary journey if you're a fan of the ocean's bounty.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Cozy atmosphere, open kitchen
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively vibe, popular spot
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Cornwall! Tips?

🎯 Book Your Table!

This place is tiny and incredibly popular. Reservations are a must to avoid disappointment! Reddit

🐟 Seafood is King

While they have other options, the seafood is what truly shines here. Dive in! Reddit

reddit.com

Still active fishing villages

reddit.com

The quaint little fishing village of Polperro at night…

💰 Pricey but Worth It

Expect to pay a premium, but reviewers agree the quality justifies the cost. Reddit

🍳 Open Kitchen Experience

Watch the chefs work their magic – it's part of the unique dining experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Off to Cornwall next week - any recommendations of places to visit?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Your Table!

This place is tiny and incredibly popular. Reservations are a must to avoid disappointment! Reddit

🐟 Seafood is King

While they have other options, the seafood is what truly shines here. Dive in! Reddit

💰 Pricey but Worth It

Expect to pay a premium, but reviewers agree the quality justifies the cost. Reddit

🍳 Open Kitchen Experience

Watch the chefs work their magic – it's part of the unique dining experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(237 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Buller Quay Fish Market is a highly acclaimed dining spot in Looe, celebrated for its exceptional seafood and surprisingly excellent steak. Diners rave about the quality, freshness, and culinary skill on display, often calling it one of the best meals they've ever had. The intimate atmosphere and open kitchen add to its charm, though it's a small venue that requires advance booking and can be pricey.

"Came to The Fish Market on the last night of a week's stay in Looe, and ... wow ... saved the best for last. Lovely little place, limited tables and a dining room with open kitchen cooking a small menu of amazing food. The seafood and fish stew I had was one of the best meals I've ever had. My friend had the steak and said its the best steak hes ever been served. Oh and special mention to the bread and olives as an appetizer. I can't fault any of the experience. You'll need to book as it's very popular and a small dining room, but you get a great service and can watch your meal being cooked by the amazing chefs. Thoroughly recommended. Visit!"

Si Bate

"Great service with really friendly staff, we were really looking forward to eating here but if absolutely honest we were a little disappointed, two of us opted for dressed lobster and ended up feeling a little unwell, the lobster was precooked and vacuum packed (boil in the bag) and then warmed up but unfortunately it wasn’t ever so hot which is a cardinal sin so we left most of it. The potatoes were amazing and some of the dishes were fab but the wine was hugely overpriced and overall not what we expected."

Kirk Tree

"We ordered multiple dishes off the menu and every item was 11/10. The atmosphere was good and thriving and the views are amazing.
I have been coming to Looe annually for holidays for many years and this is hands down the best food I’ve ever had in Looe and possibly the best seafood I’ve had in my life.
I also like the personal touch of the chef bringing your meal out to you."

Lacey Price

What People Like

Exceptional seafood quality
Outstanding steak
Cozy atmosphere

What People Dislike

Pre-cooked lobster
Overpriced wine

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Buller Quay Fish Market is located in Looe, Cornwall. If you're arriving by car, there are several car parks in Looe. From the car parks, it's a short walk to the quay. Public transport options include local bus services that stop in Looe, and the Looe train station is also within walking distance. Reddit

Yes, there are car parks in Looe, but they can get busy, especially during peak season. It's advisable to arrive early or consider public transport if possible. Reddit

Absolutely! Looe is a charming town, and walking to the fish market from most areas is a pleasant experience, allowing you to soak in the coastal atmosphere. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You don't need to book 'tickets' in the traditional sense, but reservations for a table are highly recommended due to the limited seating. It's a very popular spot! Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check their official channels or call ahead. They are typically open for evening dining. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee to enter the market area itself. You only pay for the food and drinks you order. Reddit

While walk-ins might be possible if there's a cancellation, it's not recommended. Booking in advance is the surest way to guarantee a table. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The menu is heavily focused on fresh, high-quality seafood, including fish stews, John Dory, monkfish, and langoustines. They also offer excellent steak and vegetarian options. Reddit

Yes, while seafood is the specialty, they do offer delicious meat and vegetarian dishes, such as burrata salad, ensuring options for everyone. Reddit

The market prides itself on fresh, locally sourced seafood. Many reviewers highlight the exceptional quality and taste of their dishes. Reddit

It's considered an expensive dining experience, but reviewers consistently state that the quality of the food justifies the price. Reddit

Yes, the dining room features an open kitchen, allowing you to watch the chefs prepare your meals, adding to the dining experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the open kitchen, the beautifully plated dishes, and the picturesque views of Buller Quay. The lively dining room also makes for great shots. Reddit

Generally, yes, but be mindful of other diners and the staff. Focus on your food and the ambiance rather than intrusive shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Buller Quay Fish Market can be a great experience for families, especially if your children are adventurous eaters who enjoy seafood. The open kitchen is often a hit with kids, providing visual entertainment. However, due to its small size and popularity, booking well in advance is crucial, especially if you need a table that can accommodate children. Reddit

While the menu is seafood-heavy, there are meat and vegetarian options available, so picky eaters might find something they like. The quality of the food is exceptional, making it a worthwhile splurge for a family meal. Consider visiting during earlier evening hours to potentially avoid the busiest times and ensure a more relaxed experience for younger diners.

💰 Budget Travelers

Buller Quay Fish Market is not typically considered a budget-friendly option. Reviewers consistently mention that it is expensive, though they often qualify this by saying the quality of the food justifies the cost. Reddit

If you're on a tight budget, you might consider it for a special treat rather than a regular meal. Alternatively, you could explore other, more casual dining options in Looe, or perhaps enjoy some of the fresh produce from the market stalls if available, though the sit-down restaurant experience is where the high praise lies.

💑 Couples

This is an ideal spot for a romantic dinner. The intimate setting, combined with the delicious food and the engaging open kitchen, creates a memorable and special atmosphere for couples. Booking ahead is essential to secure a table for a romantic evening. Reddit

Sharing a variety of dishes, from the exquisite seafood to the highly-rated steak and salads, can be a wonderful way to experience the menu together. The picturesque quay views add to the romantic ambiance, making it a perfect choice for a date night or a special occasion.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Culinary Experience

Buller Quay Fish Market is renowned for its exceptional seafood. Reviewers consistently praise dishes like the seafood and fish stew, John Dory in curry butter, and succulent langoustines. The quality of the ingredients is paramount, with many calling it the best seafood they've ever had. The open kitchen adds a unique element, allowing diners to witness the culinary artistry firsthand. The personal touch of chefs bringing meals out further enhances the dining experience. Reddit

Beyond seafood, the market also excels in other areas. The ribeye steak has been lauded as one of the best ever served, and the burrata and peach salad is a refreshing starter that complements the richer dishes perfectly. Even the bread and olives served as appetizers receive high marks. While the menu is heavily fish-focused, there are delicious meat and vegetarian options available for those who prefer them. Reddit

Despite the rave reviews for the food, some diners have noted that certain dishes, like the dressed lobster, were pre-cooked and not served hot enough, leading to disappointment. The wine selection has also been mentioned as being overpriced by some. However, the overwhelming sentiment is that for the quality of the food, the prices are fair, making it a highly recommended dining destination for food enthusiasts. Reddit

Atmosphere and Ambiance

The atmosphere at Buller Quay Fish Market is described as good and thriving, creating a lively yet intimate dining experience. Its small size and limited tables contribute to a cozy feel, making it a sought-after spot. The open kitchen is a central feature, providing entertainment and a sense of connection to the chefs and the preparation of your meal. Reddit

The views from the dining room are also a significant draw, offering picturesque scenes of Buller Quay. This scenic backdrop enhances the overall dining experience, making it more than just a meal but a memorable occasion. The combination of delicious food, engaging kitchen activity, and beautiful surroundings creates a unique and enjoyable ambiance that many visitors cherish. Reddit

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