The Old Lifeboat House

Went for my Birthday lunch while I was in Cornwall. Staff were super helpful and lovely. Told them it was my birthday and they brought a nice cake with lit candle and they sang which was very beautiful. They served nice ribs and chip, generous portions. Beautiful views

A newly opened cafe/restaurant since the old business sadly had to close at The Waterside Meadery. I used to always go there and have their ‘chicken in the rough’ so we went to the Old Lifeboat House to have this again. The service and food was good. Menu is reasonably priced. The atmosphere isn’t quite the same as the meadery but nothing would beat that! The Old Lifeboat House is a lovely, small cafe/restaurant and very popular. I hear their cakes are amazing too!

Came to Penzance for a night away and chose here to eat as it looked quirky and nice atmosphere. It did not disappoint. Highly recommended, food was amazing great value for money, service and staff were lovely and very welcoming. Location and atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for. Can't wait to come back soon. Thank you for an amazing evening.

Excellent place to visit at Penzance if someone fancies to have a real Cornwall experience for food and drinks. I enjoyed the food with my family and kids, the taste was admirable, food quality and especially quantity was more than enough. Staff were friendly and respectful throughout our stay and very helpful.

We went on june 25 2025 approx 12:30 We sat at one of the outside tables Very welcoming friendly staff Service was fast Food was great My wife had cornish cream tea I had medium portion of whitebait and chips (portion size is enormous!!) Fantastic visit Staff great Food great We will be back next week

A bit crammed with tables all over the place, not much room to manoeuvre if you have a pram or wheelchair. The menu options were quite limited. Coffee was good but if you're sitting inside, be prepared that ventilation is not very good and your clothes will smell of food by the time you finish your drink.

On a drizzly Monday (that persistent rain that soaks you right through), we took a little trip to Penzance. After a pretty damp wander around, it became clear that some lunchtime was definitely in order for the smallest member of our team. When we reached out to ask if dogs were welcome, you kindly said yes, without realizing the lively bunch that was about to arrive! Before we knew it, your wonderful staff had quickly moved furniture and made us feel right at home, stepping out of the rain. They took the time to chat with the kids and help us pick the perfect meals for everyone. The food was simply delicious, with generous portions that truly satisfied. We enjoyed some incredible fish and chips—The little one even loved it! The prawn cocktail was delightful, and the ploughman's was absolutely fantastic. Honestly, I wish I could give more than 5 stars! Your kindness and excellent service really made our day—and our holiday. Thanks a million to everyone there!

Atmosphere not 5 not the fault of the bistro - the wet weather was grey and wet. Staff were super helpful and welcoming of me and my dog. The food was very good -fresh whitebait - and very generous! Thank you for a warming experience on a rainy day!

A lovely restaurant ideally located near the harbour. The old lifeboat house is tastefully decorated in a maritime style and provides an attraction in its own right. The food is magnificent and can only be called top class. I have tried meat and fish dishes and both were equally superb. The service is attentive and genuinely friendly. This restaurant is spotless and I can warmly recommend it. I will be back soon.

Don't bother. Advertised open to 2.30, turned us away at 1.30 because they're closing!!!!!!!

Very nice. Went there as a group of 6 for a 50th birthday celebration. Nice greeting and attentive staff throughout the evening. Menu is not extensive but that is probably a good thing as what they do they seem to do well. We sampled a number of the offerings and things we had not chosen that went to surrounding tables looked great. Oh and this is a pretty small and intimate restaurant. Crab three ways very nice (they serve an onion / chili relish with the cheese board, you really need to ask for some of that with the crab cake)... all fish mains lovely,, great chips.. My brother and I would have preferred the option of peas (or mushy peas) with the beer battered fish but not a show stopper. Deserts were lovely (pecan pie and tarte au citron)... cheeseboard was enough for two although quite mild cheeses so if you like strong / mature stuff then maybe not for you. Overall a very nice dinner and attentive and friendly service with three courses and couple of bottles of wine (plus some extra glasses) for under £30. Most mains are £10 to £15 and the evening special beer battered fish (gurnard, it does vary) was £10 or £11. Would we go back? Yes absolutely! Oh space is VERY limited so make a reservation.