Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen concept, Fifteen Cornwall was founded to excite young people in Cornwall about food and to give unemployed locals a chance to learn a practical trade under experienced chefs.
I recently enjoyed the Wild Cornwall menu at Fifteen Cornwall, and the experience quickly became one of my standout foodie memories of 2015. The restaurant sits dramatically on the cliffs at Watergate Bay, with large windows that frame uninterrupted ocean views. It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque setting for a meal in Cornwall.
The warm smile above belongs to head chef Andy Appleton, whom I first met a few years ago at a local food festival where he prepared a memorable Cornish fish stew with crab and nduja toast. That dish was remarkable, and meeting him again raised my expectations for the Wild Cornwall menu—expectations that were happily exceeded. I had informed the kitchen in advance that I was dairy-free, and they adapted my meal thoughtfully.
My starter was extraordinary: Salami Toscana with char-grilled squash and crispy sage leaves. Each bite was a perfect balance of salty salami, sweet charred squash and the vivid, crunchy sage that brought the dish to life. It was such a delightful combination that I could happily eat it often without tiring of the flavours.
My lunch companion chose the Burrata with char-grilled pear and toasted almonds. The presentation was elegant and the flavours matched the look—creamy, nutty and gently sweet, a pleasing contrast to the more robust starter on my plate.
For the main course I had the most tender pheasant breast, served on a bed of lentils with chestnut and kale. The dish showcased earthy, autumnal flavours that were well seasoned and thoughtfully composed. The texture of the meat and the nutty lentils worked exceptionally well together.
My friend enjoyed the Risotto of Gorgonzola, Treviso and walnuts—a rich, creamy risotto lifted by the sharpness of Gorgonzola and the bitter, leafy Treviso, with walnuts adding crunch and warmth. It looked and tasted indulgent in the best way.
To finish, my dessert was a roast plum sorbet served with fresh fruit. It was light, refreshing and the perfect palate-cleansing end to a satisfying meal. My companion had the Honey & Thyme Panna Cotta with apples and pine nuts, a gentle and fragrant finale that complemented the meal beautifully.
The combination of excellent food, attentive service and that incredible coastal view made it easy to linger over the afternoon. The Wild Cornwall set menu offered three courses for £21 during the promotion period, making it great value for the quality and setting. If you can, book in advance—seating with a view fills up quickly.
There are often seasonal menu changes at Fifteen Cornwall, and I’ve heard hints of an early spring menu called Sicilian Season. If you’re interested in updates or special menus, sign up for the restaurant’s newsletter or check their announcements when planning a visit.
Many thanks to Fifteen Cornwall for a generous lunch and a memorable experience. As always, these are my honest impressions.