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Hours
Sun
8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Mon
8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Tue
8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Wed
8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Thu
8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fri
8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sat
8:00 am - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
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PRICE RANGE
$7.00 – $115.00
CUISINES
Seafood, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
About
Cornwall's North Coast Restaurant, at the Hidden Gem of Tolcarne Beach. Boutique Beach Bar & Grill Bountiful Breakfasts, Lazy Lunches, Cheeky Cocktails, Sunset Suppers Inside & Outdoor Seating.
PRICE RANGE
$7.00 – $115.00
CUISINES
Seafood, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
277 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
35
Average
21
Poor
19
Terrible
22
Jnb1516
Macclesfield27 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
Firstly, what a beautiful place we stumbled across! We were instantly impressed with the location and building decor...there’s a feeling of luxury about it.
The staff were friendly and welcoming to see us to an outdoor table for breakfast. It was really nice setting overlooking the beach!
However, after that point the service got incredibly slow. We waited a fairly long time for two coffees(albeit they were good coffees), waited a long time to place our food order and then we had finished our coffees by the time breakfast arrived. There just seemed to be a lack of concentration from staff... Maybe they were too busy serving inside? (But it wasn’t that busy or full with people) We weren’t even offered any sauces etc with our food and there wasn’t really anyone around to get their attention to ask. Even getting someone’s attention for the bill was difficult. I think we spent approx 90 minutes in there for breakfast, which is a long time.
When they brought the bill I was really disappointed to find out they had charged full price even though they were listed on the governments eat out to help out scheme. I think it’s rude to charge full price and hope the customer just pays it without knowing the discount available. This put us off-we were going to book to come back for an evening dinner because it looked such a beautiful place for an evening meal by the beach, but their dishonesty put me off.
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovetotravel13337
Leeds150 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We were so looking forward to eating at The Colonial after intentionally booking it on the last night of our 13 night tour of Cornwall as our special final night meal. This was further endorsed by our b&b owner as she loves in here so we had even higher expectations.
The restaurant itself is stunning both inside and out. You could honestly be in the Caribbean. We were attended to by a young chap who turned out to be our waiter for the evening. He was so attentive from start to finish and seemed genuinely interested on what we’d got up to that day, and that we were enjoying our food throughout.
We shared squid and mussels for starters. Mussels are always my favourite. I’ve had them at dozens, maybe even 100s of restaurants and these were honestly the best I’d ever had. They were amazing. The squid was excellent too.
We’d seen seafood linguine on many menus all holiday but I’d saved my fix for here and it was AMAZING. I just kept finding prawns and overall it was a really hearty portion and excellent value for money. I have been happy with seafood linguine dishes in restaurants half that size but it was so, so delicious that I finished the lot. My husband had serious food envy too but really enjoyed his fish dish (I did share a bit with him!).
We were far too full for dessert, but enjoyed a lovely coffee. The evening was so chilled out and unrushed. I would return here in a heartbeat, easily at the top of our holiday meals for food, service and ambience. Just lovely. ❤️
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve M
Newquay37 contributions
June 2021 • couples
We struggled over serval days to make a booking, which Colonial only accept by phone. But … the phone rang … and rang … and rang. We called the Tolcarne Beach reception and sent emails. Eventually we received a response and made our reservation. From then on this was a nice experience. After a plentiful starter of calamari and sweetcorn fritters, my wife had a delicious (reasonably priced) half lobster. I had equally good mussels. This is obviously a kitchen with an attentive chef. The waiting staff were simply delightful. When we were leaving we heard another couple talking to the lady at the front desk saying they “had been trying to phone for 3 days”. Like us they got no apology and a perfunctory “I don’t know why that should be the case”. This is a managment issue. For the sake of your good chef and lovely waiting staff, please fix the admin and teach your staff to be gracious with an apology when needed,
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha
1 contribution
July 2020 • couples
We are down in Cornwall for a little staycation and was highly recommend to visit the Colonial for a breakfast treat, so we booked and was looking forward to this experience.
We arrived not the warmest of greetings from the guy behind the bar and instructed to sit where we wish, all the spare tables had old/dirty cups on so we found our spot. It took over 10 minutes for our lattes to arrive and the table still had not been cleared from previous guests. We then sat waiting for someone to come take our order which we had approach a staff member to clear the table and clean it and to also take our order. Once the food arrived we were still waiting for our cutlery and condiments, then due to this first bite was cold.
Really disappointing service and experience and I’d certainly not rush back here, which is a shame as location and views are beautiful!
Written 31 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laurenstott
Wells6 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Went for a birthday lunch on a sunny day during the school holidays and it was emtpy... that was the first red flag.
Got seated right in the corner at a dirty, sticky table and no one else ate in the restaurant during our stay.
Drinks took almost twenty minutes to arrive and the mojito was so watery and bland; for the best part of a tenner per drink it was a real disappointment.
Ordered a few starters to share, although they were generous portions they were really flavourless and bland. Super greasy calamari and chicken skewers were just straight up burnt and tasted of nothing but charcoal.
Very disappointed as the place looks lovely and the staff were friendly, it was pretty expensive for Newquay but for a special occasion we thought it would be worth it; it wasn't.
Will not be returning or recommending.
Written 30 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CF
Stonehouse20 contributions
July 2021 • family
The restaurant is really quirky inside, the staff are wonderful. We were a group of 6 and had cocktails, nibbles, 3 bottles of wine, starters, mains, desserts and coffee which worked out at about 60 quid per person which is really reasonable. We were all mad for the aïoli, I loved my blackened lemon sole and they make a mean margarita!
Written 3 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MasonMaui
Pontypool662 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
This restaurant looks like it’s just been lifted from a beach in Hawaii. The Hawaiian look decor inside is stunning and a lot of attention has been paid to making it look authentic. The serving staff definitely seem to enjoy working in this restaurant and the food was excellent. I had the catch of the day which was a whole fish. The coconut creme brûlée was the perfect was to round off the meal. Great restaurant for couples or families and excellent value for money and I’ll definitely be returning one day.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie C
17 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
Me and my partner visited Newquay on a weekend away and done a lot of research prior to visiting. We decided to have dinner on our first night at the colonial for the beach views/outdoor setting, and the great food and cocktail menu. The food and drink were fantastic we were very happy with our meals and really enjoyed the evening. Our only disappointment was the lack of service we received once we had ordered. When our food arrived we ordered a bottle of wine but it didn’t arrive until our mains were finished. We were also never offered a desert menu nor did they clear our table, I think this is because they were catering more to the party of 6 next to us, but we were walked past on numerous occasions with finished plates and just not acknowledged.
Overall improvement needed with the service but couldn’t fault the food/drink.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katierob
28 contributions
Sept 2021 • family
We got put on a lovely table, lovely decor and view. Staff were very friendly and this couldn't be faulted at all.
I was very disappointed with the wait times for food, we arrived at 7 and there was an hour wait for each course. We took my 4 year old and by the time we left we were all exhausted, the table next to us had their eyes closed falling asleep. We didn't leave until half 10 which was ridiculous and I was hoping we could leave by 9. Before the desserts came we asked if we could leave them as we were sick of waiting but they assured us they would be with us soon, by this point we just wanted to go.
The food was average nothing special yet the prices were quite high, which we didn't mind for a special meal- but there wasn't anything special about it really, paid £200 for 3 people.
I did send an email to the restaurant the morning after and in detail explained all the problems but did not get an apology or response (3 weeks ago).
I would always let the restaurant rectify the issue before writing a review but as there was no communication back people should know that if the meal isn't great there's no after service either.
Written 9 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crofthg
Chester28 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
Lovely location, especially on a sunny day. The menu isn't extensive, but the quality was very good and some nice cocktails. Our only criticism was the delay - it took well over an hour from ordering for our food to arrive, and noone came to explain why or offer apologies. So we would recommend it, but not if in any kind of hurry!
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunshine021
Cannock203 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
We stayed in the rooms above which were outstanding however the restaurant didn’t live up. The menu was limited (as they all are at the moment due to covid ) but after looking at the menu we both wanted steak, we were told they wasn’t any. It would have been nice to know this when we got handed the menus? My partner doesn’t like fish so only had two options . He had a burger which was average at best . I had lobster which was nice . The staff are all lovely but without being horrible they are young and inexperienced . Lots of dirty plates left when eating breakfast etc just small changes could make it so much better. My breakfast came with white bread instead of brown the chap said before he put it down that the chef made a mistake and I would get brown on a plate , I had to ask about three times for my toast (I can’t eat white I wasn’t being fussy) . Again just a simple fix.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColonialBeachBear
Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay at the Tolcarne Village accommodation. Sorry to hear you were disappointed with our restaurant. As you've noted the menu has been limited due to the complications of Covid-19. While not excusing the plates left on tables, what we would like to point out is that our team have all been hired straight out of lock-down and into our peak season with the government scheme added on top of the complications of corona virus protocols, so it has been a testing time for all, especially those doing their best to learn on the job. We are pushing things forward and promise that we will continue to do our best and thrive forward, so please do come back and enjoy some more lobster with us, we will do better. That said, we're glad you experienced how lovely the team are. We sincerely look forward to hosting you again. All the best, The Team
Written 14 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laney0968
Farnborough13 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
So staying at Tolcarne beach, you get breakfast included which was very good indeed. A choice of full Cornish, Vegetarian Cornish or smaller options if you wanted. I am sure you could have basically asked for what you wanted and the chefs would have done this for you . We also booked dinner there for my birthday and we had a lovely table in the corner by the window. We plumped for cornish mussels as a main course with sour dough bread and have to say they were delicious. Desert was chocolate and raspberry tart for my husband the cheeseboard for me - delicious and plenty of it and a lovely coffee to round it off. Not the cheapest meal out but a lovely setting, delicious food and very friendly staff with a can-do attitude.
Written 26 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon U
Newquay17 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We hadn't booked and simply popped in for lunch. We were not sure what to expect as our previous experience had not been a good one. I have to say the staff far exceeded our expectations on this occasion. We were warmly greeted when we arrived and invited to sit where ever we would like. We ordered coffees from the counter and without prompting the counter staff offered to bring it over to us, which she did soon after we were seated. Once we were seated another member of staff brought a bottle of water to the table and asked if we would be eating today. He provided each of us with a menu and said he would come back to take our orders. The same staff member returned and took our order - two of which were as per menu and the two others were adjusted to our requirements, none of this was any bother. More water was brought to the table as requested. The meal was soon served and the staff checked to ensure everything was to our satisfaction, which it was. The staff returned to clear our table once we had finished eating and asked if we would like anything else, which we did not as the meal we had had was ample. We asked for the bill, which as brought to us promptly. The staff called goodbye as we left. So thank you to all the staff and yes we will return.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz W
Newquay4 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
We first ate out at the Colonial when it first opened and wasn't finished , there were no rooms upstairs at the time. We live in Newquay so decided to try it for our wedding anniversary. The food was expensive but amazing so we thought we'd return ,which we did last night for our 8th wedding anniversary. Service was good and the starter quite hot and fresh. My husband had fish for main and I had the veggie option , the jackfruit curry. It arrived in a small bowl , had a couple of pieces of jackfruit in it, the rest of the small portion was carrots ! There was no flatbread with it as stated on the menu, just the end of a French stick plonked on top ! Presentation was diabolical and the food quite tasteless. We won't be coming back for food , which is unfortunate, as a local I wont be recommending it to anyone either! If you're going to charge London prices, at least provide the quality , flavours, quantity and presentation good food deserves. Extremely disappointed.
Written 29 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte M
2 contributions
Sept 2020 • solo
Visited this restaurant as it was recommended by my airbnb host. This is my first solo trip so I am always slightly anxious to eat out alone, the staff couldn’t have been more attentive, friendly and warm from greeting and throughout. I had mussels to start and a chef special pasta with mushrooms for main- both beautiful. I was so full from the large starter portion of mussels and amazing fresh bread, I asked to take my main away- staff were more than happy to do this! The mussels were the best I’ve ever tased and I would urge anyone in and around Newquay to try this restaurant. The view is spectacular (I visited whilst dark, but imagine it’s even better in day/ lighter evenings). The decor was tasteful, everywhere was super clean, all staff wearing correct PPE but still managed to maintain great service with a smile. Would absolutely come here again!
Written 30 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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