We visited for lunch on a November weekday. Positive: food was good and keenly priced. Menu was a mix of classics with more interesting dishes. Mainly fish, with just a couple of veggie options. Our meal for 2 - two courses each and drinks came to £52, which we thought was good value. The disappointing aspect of our meal was the atmosphere. We were given a table right next to the lavatories. Unfortunately there was a persistent lavatory smell that lingered throughout our meal, which for obvious reasons was extremely off-putting. Without being too indelicate, we could also hear the activity happening within the lavatories. If the pub had have been at capacity, we would have understood being seated at this table - we would have put it down to luck of the draw. However, there were plenty of other much nicer tables available throughout the time we were there. I had also booked our table c. 2 months in advance having read the glowing reviews on the Michelin website and Estrella Damm list. Perhaps the staff are unaware of the lavatory issue - there seem to be some sensible solutions such as installing a larger stud wall or using different cleaning products with a gentler fragrance. Unfortunately, it really did spoil our experience and for that reason I would not recommend the Tolcarne.
waysid
We walked in from the wet November night to a friendly welcome, and the warmth of the woodburning stove. The food was wonderful, the mixture of cavolo nero, Jerusalem artichoke and tomato under the delicious hunk of Hake I had for my main course would have been good enough to eat on its own.
Mr_M_TW
We went on a Saturday evening with friends and first impressions weren't great. The dining room was cold, and there were few other diners. We ordered starters, which were ok (trout, sardines and mackerel) but not especially memorable. Of the main courses, only the Turbot (at £40) was good, but the Gurnards and other dish were served luke warm and were tastless. Even the fries were very disappointing and cold. The waitron we had was attentive but it really didn't feel like the kitchen was trying very hard. As we were celebrating a birthday, we didn't want to spoil the evening further by making a fuss, but we left feeling we wouldn't every return. Such a shame as many reviews were so positive and expectations had been high.
Simon Milner
Excellent fish dishes with ingenious and delicious accompaniments. A couple of interesting vegetarian options. Friendly, knowledgeable and efficient service. Short wine list with good range. A treat all round.Vegetarian options: One vegetarian option per course on the night we were there. But let's face it, fish is the main purpose and attraction here.
Samantha Yerou
We had a wonderful meal here this week. Food was delicious - service friendly and they also made my 3 dogs feel welcome And gave us a table with plenty of space for them. Would definitely return the next time we are in Cornwall. Thoroughly recommend.
Getaway62979588569
Fresh, delicious and wonderfully surprising this place has it all. The menu had some really interesting options and the vegetarian options were stunning. The chef had managed to turn seemingly simple ingredients into dishes that were truly spectacular.
Stephen O
We came across this Pub by accident and spontaneously decided to have lunch as their menu had some interesting seafood options. Well, we were blown away by what we were presented with. Having eaten in many venues around the country and having also owned and run a Pub in Sussex, my experience is not limited and we could not fault the Tolcarne Inn in any respect. The staff including Luca, were very helpful and professional, the beer was excellent and the Monkfish, Scallop and Cod dishes were superb. Yes we had three main courses between us ! We’d recommend the Tolcarne Inn any day of the week.
spazpants
Just amazing food . Perfection nothing else to add! Service was very good . Dogs welcomed but personally as a dog owner glad I didn’t bring as I could really enjoy the experience. A casual place so no need to dress up. The only criticism I’m going to make is change the carpet in the Ladies it lets you down .
Nick Hatcher
We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit here.The fish pieces, and new potatoes were absolutely superb.Also, the soft bread and salted butter for starter was ?The staff were very friendly, and accommodating with our baby.
johnbJ3499ZZ
Excellent freshly prepared, well presented, seafood dishes. Great service and very good value. Informal and comfortable ambience.
Again another fabulous evening meal at The Tolcarne Inn. The food is fresh and cooked superbly by Ben Tuncliffe & his team. Fresh oysters and Turbot were delicious. The restaurant never fails to deliver top class cuisine. We have been coming her for over 17yrs and it never disappoints us. Big Thankyou to all staff.
Alan T
Upfront, my culinary knowledge and experience is excellent. I have worked in the hospitality industry for over forty years. If this is Michelin standard then something is wrong. Food service was poor. Service staff could not and did not pour water or wine. They did not engage with us in any way. Not even the stock standard hospitality phrases. They only asked if our meal was ok at the end, no communication through the meal. If they poured the wine it would be a good opportunity to check in with the customer on their dining experience. The food was very disappointing and priced way above its worth. Of the four meals ordered the Turbot was very poor. Served with beans and hollandaise sauce. I have seen apprentice chefs cook better meals. We all said the fish was not as fresh as it should be. The cod dish was a mix of ingredients that did not really compliment each other, possibly a good sauce to bring together. Yes that is the point, a great sauce brings a fish dish to light. To end this review I would say profit over good hospitality standards is the main focus in this restaurant.
janemakoff
Very disappointed with our dinner after reading so many good reviews. Menu very limited with what seemed to us odd flavour combinations. Meal was very mediocre, and extremely expensive compared to other restaurant. Staff were pleasant and we had a nice bottle of wine, which was the only enjoyable part of the evening.
HUIQI ZHOU
It is my first time trying monkfish that brings a fresh taste. The sauce flavor is weird and delicious.
Matt Reid
A Food oriented pub, a reasonable drinks selection, with friendly service, and an attractive from room.
We visited for lunch on a November weekday. Positive: food was good and keenly priced. Menu was a mix of classics with more interesting dishes. Mainly fish, with just a couple of veggie options. Our meal for 2 - two courses each and drinks came to £52, which we thought was good value. The disappointing aspect of our meal was the atmosphere. We were given a table right next to the lavatories. Unfortunately there was a persistent lavatory smell that lingered throughout our meal, which for obvious reasons was extremely off-putting. Without being too indelicate, we could also hear the activity happening within the lavatories. If the pub had have been at capacity, we would have understood being seated at this table - we would have put it down to luck of the draw. However, there were plenty of other much nicer tables available throughout the time we were there. I had also booked our table c. 2 months in advance having read the glowing reviews on the Michelin website and Estrella Damm list. Perhaps the staff are unaware of the lavatory issue - there seem to be some sensible solutions such as installing a larger stud wall or using different cleaning products with a gentler fragrance. Unfortunately, it really did spoil our experience and for that reason I would not recommend the Tolcarne.
We walked in from the wet November night to a friendly welcome, and the warmth of the woodburning stove. The food was wonderful, the mixture of cavolo nero, Jerusalem artichoke and tomato under the delicious hunk of Hake I had for my main course would have been good enough to eat on its own.
We went on a Saturday evening with friends and first impressions weren't great. The dining room was cold, and there were few other diners. We ordered starters, which were ok (trout, sardines and mackerel) but not especially memorable. Of the main courses, only the Turbot (at £40) was good, but the Gurnards and other dish were served luke warm and were tastless. Even the fries were very disappointing and cold. The waitron we had was attentive but it really didn't feel like the kitchen was trying very hard. As we were celebrating a birthday, we didn't want to spoil the evening further by making a fuss, but we left feeling we wouldn't every return. Such a shame as many reviews were so positive and expectations had been high.
Excellent fish dishes with ingenious and delicious accompaniments. A couple of interesting vegetarian options. Friendly, knowledgeable and efficient service. Short wine list with good range. A treat all round.Vegetarian options: One vegetarian option per course on the night we were there. But let's face it, fish is the main purpose and attraction here.
We had a wonderful meal here this week. Food was delicious - service friendly and they also made my 3 dogs feel welcome And gave us a table with plenty of space for them. Would definitely return the next time we are in Cornwall. Thoroughly recommend.
Fresh, delicious and wonderfully surprising this place has it all. The menu had some really interesting options and the vegetarian options were stunning. The chef had managed to turn seemingly simple ingredients into dishes that were truly spectacular.
We came across this Pub by accident and spontaneously decided to have lunch as their menu had some interesting seafood options. Well, we were blown away by what we were presented with. Having eaten in many venues around the country and having also owned and run a Pub in Sussex, my experience is not limited and we could not fault the Tolcarne Inn in any respect. The staff including Luca, were very helpful and professional, the beer was excellent and the Monkfish, Scallop and Cod dishes were superb. Yes we had three main courses between us ! We’d recommend the Tolcarne Inn any day of the week.
Just amazing food . Perfection nothing else to add! Service was very good . Dogs welcomed but personally as a dog owner glad I didn’t bring as I could really enjoy the experience. A casual place so no need to dress up. The only criticism I’m going to make is change the carpet in the Ladies it lets you down .
We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit here.The fish pieces, and new potatoes were absolutely superb.Also, the soft bread and salted butter for starter was ?The staff were very friendly, and accommodating with our baby.
Excellent freshly prepared, well presented, seafood dishes. Great service and very good value. Informal and comfortable ambience.
Restaurantji Recommends
Again another fabulous evening meal at The Tolcarne Inn. The food is fresh and cooked superbly by Ben Tuncliffe & his team. Fresh oysters and Turbot were delicious. The restaurant never fails to deliver top class cuisine. We have been coming her for over 17yrs and it never disappoints us. Big Thankyou to all staff.
Upfront, my culinary knowledge and experience is excellent. I have worked in the hospitality industry for over forty years. If this is Michelin standard then something is wrong. Food service was poor. Service staff could not and did not pour water or wine. They did not engage with us in any way. Not even the stock standard hospitality phrases. They only asked if our meal was ok at the end, no communication through the meal. If they poured the wine it would be a good opportunity to check in with the customer on their dining experience. The food was very disappointing and priced way above its worth. Of the four meals ordered the Turbot was very poor. Served with beans and hollandaise sauce. I have seen apprentice chefs cook better meals. We all said the fish was not as fresh as it should be. The cod dish was a mix of ingredients that did not really compliment each other, possibly a good sauce to bring together. Yes that is the point, a great sauce brings a fish dish to light. To end this review I would say profit over good hospitality standards is the main focus in this restaurant.
Very disappointed with our dinner after reading so many good reviews. Menu very limited with what seemed to us odd flavour combinations. Meal was very mediocre, and extremely expensive compared to other restaurant. Staff were pleasant and we had a nice bottle of wine, which was the only enjoyable part of the evening.
It is my first time trying monkfish that brings a fresh taste. The sauce flavor is weird and delicious.
A Food oriented pub, a reasonable drinks selection, with friendly service, and an attractive from room.