The Fal Oyster Under Sail and Oar
Every October, Falmouth marks the start of the oyster dredging season, a centuries-old tradition that continues to shape the town’s maritime identity. From October to March, the waters of the Carrick Roads come alive with the quiet rhythm of sails and oars as local oystermen harvest the native Fal oyster, a delicacy prized for its distinctive flavour and deep connection to Cornwall’s coast.
The Carrick Roads is one of the only oyster fisheries in the world where dredging is still carried out under sail and oar. Working aboard traditional wooden sailing boats known as Falmouth Working Boats, generations of fishermen have passed down the skills and respect for the sea that define this unique way of life. Without engines, the fishery preserves both the tranquillity of the estuary and the delicate ecosystems beneath its surface, a sustainable balance between heritage and environment that endures to this day. 
Now firmly established as one of Cornwall’s most popular food festivals, the Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates this remarkable heritage with four days of flavour and festivity. The event showcases not only the renowned Fal oyster, but the full variety of Cornish seafood, brought together in a dynamic programme of cookery demonstrations, live music and artisan markets.
Guests can look forward to cookery demonstrations led by some of Cornwall’s finest chefs and culinary experts, discover locally produced food and drink whilst soaking up the lively atmosphere.
The festival is hosted across two central locations, The Princess Pavilion and Events Square, with a combination of ticketed events and free activities to enjoy. Whether you are passionate about seafood, keen to discover Cornish culture, or simply seeking a memorable autumn experience, the Falmouth Oyster Festival offers a warm welcome to all.
Beyond the celebrations, however, Falmouth’s dedicated seafood restaurants continue to showcase freshly prepared, high-quality dishes throughout the year, demonstrating the town’s well-earned reputation as a leading destination for lovers of the ocean’s finest flavours.
Located on Discovery Quay, Pysk is a seafood deli and fishmonger that celebrates the very best of Cornwall’s coastal waters. From Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 3pm, guests can savour an in-house menu that evolves with the seasons, highlighting the freshest catches of the day. From native oysters and succulent crab to pollock and other locally landed fish, there’s always something new and enticing to discover.
At the counter, a curated selection of premium fish is available to take home, alongside ready-to-cook dishes that bring the flavours of the sea straight to your kitchen. Whether dining in or preparing a meal at home, Pysk offers an authentic taste of Cornwall, where freshness, sustainability, and expertly sourced seafood from the local coastline come together in every dish.
Serving a constantly evolving selection of daily specials alongside a mouthwatering menu of freshly caught fish and shellfish sourced from local Cornish fishermen, An Dowr on Quay Street offers an intimate and memorable seafood dining experience. Each dish is crafted to showcase the distinctive flavours of the Cornish coast and the very best of the season’s catch, making every meal a celebration of the sea.
The restaurant exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a cosy interior that reflects true Cornish character and coastal charm. Whether enjoying a relaxed meal with friends or a more elaborate seafood feast, diners are treated to a taste of Cornwall’s maritime heritage, where the rhythms of the tides and the freshness of the waters are reflected in every plate.
Open from Tuesday to Saturday for walk-ins only, The Seafood Bar on Quay Street is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed meal without the need for a reservation. The menu features small plates crafted from the freshest local seafood, with offerings that are continually changing to reflect what is in season. While some favourite dishes remain, the menu is frequently updated to highlight the very best ingredients available, and there is always a daily special to try.
With its warm, informal atmosphere and dedication to quality and seasonal freshness, The Seafood Bar is a place to linger. Whether catching up with friends over a leisurely lunch or indulging in a tasting journey through the flavours of the sea, guests are treated to a celebration of Cornwall’s maritime bounty, where every dish tells the story of the coast and its rich, vibrant waters.
Nestled along Falmouth’s historic High Street, Hevva! is the town’s newest seafood treasure, offering a warm and welcoming space that celebrates the delectable 
treasures of the sea. Its menu is shaped by the tides, with freshly landed local fish and shellfish always taking pride of place. Diners can expect a mix of much-loved classics and creative seasonal dishes, each crafted with care to let the ingredients shine.
With its inviting interior and laid-back charm, Hevva! captures the essence of coastal dining, making it an unmissable stop for anyone who values the freshness and rich flavours of seafood at its finest.
Whether anticipating the return of Falmouth’s beloved Oyster Festival from 9th to 12th October 2025 or simply seeking to savour freshly caught seafood from one of the town’s charming independent restaurants, Falmouth’s stunning coastal setting provides the perfect backdrop for a true taste of Cornwall. With the tides bringing in the freshest fish and shellfish, every meal becomes a celebration of the sea, making Falmouth a destination where seafood lovers can savour the flavours, soak up the atmosphere, and experience Cornwall’s rich maritime heritage throughout the year.
