Review: Dune at Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, Newquay

Nestled just off the iconic Fistral Beach, in Newquay, Dune Restaurant offers a dining experience that’s as much about the view as it is the food.

With sweeping vistas of Cornwall’s rugged Atlantic coastline and the rhythmic pulse of world-class surf outside, the setting alone is enough to make for a memorable experience.

But it’s the cuisine we’re most excited to sample and Dune’s menu is a celebration of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including fruit, seafood and vegetables. From gourmet burgers and

melt-in-the-mouth Fillet of Beef (with confit cherry tomatoes, mushroom rarebit, bèarnaise, hand cut chips) and Chicken Supreme (potato fondant, asparagus, gem and bacon fricassee, jus, crispy skin and lemon) to inventive vegetarian dishes like Moroccan Spiced Baked Aubergine (mint, almond & apricot cous cous, yoghurt, pomegranate and baba ganoush), the kitchen showcases both flair and finesse.

Starters such as Beef Carpaccio (parmesan, rocket, truffle and candied walnuts), 72-Hour Pork Belly (caramelised cauliflower purèe, fig, pear and pork jus) and Basil-Infused Isle of White Tomatoes (pine nut ice cream and tomato consumè), are beautifully presented and perfect for their seasoning and depth of flavour.

As you would expect, fish also features heavily on the menu, from Mussels to Roasted Monkfish and Market Fish and, as a starter, Cornish Mackerel or Fistral Gin-Cured Chalk Farm Trout.

My choice of Courgette & Spinach Custard Tart (mint, radish, broad beans and parmesan) was a deliciously light and tasty appetiser ahead of the hearty Lamb Rump (boulangère, broccoli, baba ganoush, lamb oats, jus) and palate-cleansing Clotted Peach Melba (with almond sable biscuit, peach bavarois and raspberry ripple ice cream.) Particularly enjoyed the crunchy texture of this dish - and hubby and son savoured their Iced Chocolate Parfait (with griottine cherries and pistachio ganache) and Clotted Cream Panna Cotta (with macerated strawberries, sable biscuit and strawberry sorbet.)

Despite being busy on the night, the vibe at Dune is relaxed and refined. The restaurant underwent a refurbishment in 2023 - with nods to the surfing theme in the décor - the same year it was awarded two AA Rosettes. Head Chef Pablo Borruto succeeds in serving up a seasonal menu to reflect its coastal inspiration and maintains a high standard without feeling pretentious.

Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and refreshingly unhurried, allowing guests to truly savour their experience.

Dune Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a sensory escape. With its ocean-inspired menu, attentive service and breathtaking views, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable meal in Newquay whether local o, like us, tourist. Indeed, it has a coastal charm that’s hard to resist.

Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is an adults-only coastal retreat set directly above Newquay’s iconic Fistral Beach. The contemporary hotel features 71 rooms—including sea-facing suites with private balconies and in-room hot tubs—designed for romantic escapes, relaxing getaways, and wild Cornish adventures. The serene spa offers a full suite of GAIA treatments, a vitality pool, steam room, sauna, and a tranquil relaxation lounge.

[Items in this article may have been gifted to Chatting Food. No financial payment has been made to feature in this article, and entries to the feature are made independently by members of the Editorial Team. This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a small commission for purchases] 

Amanda is a journalist of 30 years and now runs an award-winning PR agency based in Warwickshire. When she's not writing about her own clients she loves to help spotlight the great work of other pubs, restaurants and hotels around the country.

www.chalmersnewspr.co.uk