The Bear

In a great location at the top end of the city, this characterful spot combines the relaxed vibe of a wine bar with the attractively priced cooking of a bistro. Tasty, carefully prepared small plates – such as succulent monkfish tail with leek mayo and umami-packed charcuterie jam – are served by a cheerful and helpful team. The wine list offers plenty of choice, but you can also choose a bottle from their shop next door and pay corkage to enjoy it while dining; French and Italian producers are particularly well represented.

Whether it's Orkney scallops or Wiltshire pheasant, there’s always an appealingly muscular quality to the cooking at this popular pub set in a smart residential street amid elegant Georgian terraces. You can choose between elaborate dishes with international flavours and touches of originality or those of a more traditional bent. Check out the blackboard specials, which could include prime rib to share, and don't miss the indulgent sticky toffee pudding if you get the chance.

This tiny, highly likeable restaurant has a relaxed, cheerful feel, which is a reflection of its easy-going Chef-Owner. The room is dominated by an open kitchen, where you can watch Gordon preparing creative, complex dishes. The daily changing surprise menu delivers punchy flavour combinations and several playful elements. He serves many of the dishes himself and chats with guests, adding to the feel that this is a very personal operation.

An eco-conscious ethos is the guiding light for this unpretentious bistro and its original vegetarian and vegan dishes. When dining in the front part of the restaurant, you'll find shelves adorned with ingredients from their allotment just outside the city – which provides around 40% of their produce. The well-priced small plates are designed for sharing, with the kitchen's knack for using complementary flavours and textures on show in the likes of Jerusalem artichoke with ajo blanco and apple & shallot vinaigrette. A five-course ‘feasting menu’ is available at dinner if you're feeling indecis

Situated inside the smartly refurbished Francis Hotel, this luxurious brasserie stylishly blends its elegant mouldings and traditional features with a modern open kitchen and counter seating. The kitchen proudly follows the seasons – look out for the catch of the day from St. Mawes market – and incorporates enticing Mediterranean touches. Dishes like red mullet with an intense yet fresh-tasting crab risotto showcase everything this kitchen is good at. For dessert, choose from the menu or go old school and pick whichever cake most entices you from the trolley.

This skilfully run Japanese restaurant takes its inspiration from 19C author Kanagaki Robun, who is credited with introducing barbecued food to Japan. The cooking reflects his influence, with dishes from the robata grill forming the central part of a menu that is distinguished by fresh produce and an authentic approach. Excellent sushi and a strikingly presented afternoon tea also stand out on the vast menu.

A former Georgian greenhouse has been transformed into this light, airy restaurant with whitewashed walls, a vaulted ceiling and a feature wall decorated with over 90 green plates. The concise all-day menu comprises a range of sharply executed dishes that showcase the kitchen’s ability to hold back and let their quality produce do the talking – such as the megrim sole with Café de Paris butter. Window counter seats are held back for walk-ins and it’s worth buying some wine from their sister operation, Beckford Bottle Shop, which you can enjoy with your meal for a generous corkage. Service is s