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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$8.00 – $33.00
CUISINES
Seafood, British, Healthy
Special Diets
Gluten free options
meals, features
Details
About
A small seafood bar serving seafood tasting plates in the fishing village of Newlyn. No bookings. Winter closure 15 Dec-14 Feb
PRICE RANGE
$8.00 – $33.00
CUISINES
Seafood, British, Healthy
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
5.0
1,692 reviews
Excellent
1,456
Very good
171
Average
42
Poor
12
Terrible
11
Louise F
6 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
We have been visiting Penzance for a number of years and typically come twice a year, since opening in Newlyn we have always visited and every time the food and service has been exceptional. We’ve been on consecutive nights this occasion and are so pleased it’s still amazing. The fish is so fresh, the way it’s cooked is superb and the service like the food is quick. Staff are spot on and this place has the perfect recipe in many ways. You can pay so much more for seafood in the area and it wouldn’t be half as good. Highly recommended
Written 5 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lordofthepieslondon
London422 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
The fact that we went there three times in four days says it all and queued for half an hour the third time. I cannot resist their shell-on prawns with homemade aioli and the crispy sole with katsu curry sauce is delicious, though every dish is prepared and served with care and love, and the portions are extremely generous considering what they charge. They thoroughly deserve their obvious success, and I am looking forward to returning as soon as possible.
Written 29 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James M
A pleasure to see you Sir, glad you enjoyed yourself.
Kindest regards,
James.
Written 30 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
donutlollierose
Reading37 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
Yummy lunch with a couple of G&Ts and beers. The hake special was delish and so fresh. Very much over ordered, the 2 tapas plus a side each was way too much plus bread. Would recommend one tapas dish and a side would be enough then there might have been room for pud and coffee!
Great location and very personable service.
Heads up you may need to wait for a table but our waiter served us drinks on the bridge whilst we soaked up the sun.
Written 24 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve H
Birmingham59 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
Visited on a Thursday lunchtime and although busy we only waited 20 minutes in the queue. Well worth the wait.
All meals "small plates" so we shared three between the two of us.
Food excellent, very reasonably priced with very attentive staff, would recommend this small seafood bar to all.
Written 20 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona E
Chichester4 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
We had heard of this place and so were keen to visit and sample some of the fantastically inspired fish tapas. We queued to get in for about 20 minutes by the outside dining area but this only added to our expectation as we watched the delicious looking dishes heading off to their tables and their delighted recipients. Once seated the brilliant staff served us so well, with time to chat and answer any questions we had even though the restaurant was at full capacity. Each dish we had was perfectly cooked and presented and very reasonably priced. Don't miss out on the puddings too as they are also delicious. Many thanks as this is one of the best restaurants we have been to EVER!
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Troy B
Salisbury29 contributions
Mar 2020 • couples
Only a small place but excellent food and a very relaxed ambience.
Staff friendly and the tapas style food bar really reminded me of being in Seville with a relaxed but food focused atmosphere.
Seafood dominated menu with tapas style selection of plates available. Recommend the sole with katsu sauce but all of our dishes were tasty and well prepared.
Good size portions and good value for money.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lib
32 contributions
Apr 2021 • family
We sat outside next to the stream which was a lovely setting. The staff were lovely and the ordering method was interesting. The sea food tasting dishes were lovely but more of a snack than a meal and each dish was around £9 and we had one each to share but were not completely full afterwards and so £27 was quite expensive for a posh snack. Saying that, the fish was delicious and fresh and we actually watched their fish being delivered. I also had a hot chocolate which was really nice. We had two glasses of wine which, in my opinion, were totally overpriced at £6 a glass. Overall, tasty and fresh seafood, in a lovely setting with friendly staff but more of a snack than a substantial meal and quite a pricey snack.
Written 24 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James M
Dear Libbynal13,
Thanks for your review... really glad you enjoyed yourself here at Mackerel Sky. We aim to offer contemporary British food sourced from the world famous Newlyn habour 200 meters away. I wouldn’t describe £6 for a large glass of New Zealand Sauvignon as being ‘totally overpriced’ when you consider the substantial overheads associated with running a business. We recommend 2 dishes per person and a side to share to make up a meal, the idea is that you get the opportunity to try a few different dishes and experience the best of British seafood has to offer. The average spend per head in our restaurant is £20 ... I think compared to similar restaurants this represents fantastic value. Indeed if you are budget conscious you can always stretch a meal out with some good value sides such as locally made Turkish Bread of local new potatoes at £3.50 a pop.....
Kind regards,
James MacLean
Written 25 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barry
North Petherton20 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
We came here on our way home from Mousehole and happily were first in the queue at 12 for lunch. That’s how popular this place is - to the annoyance of at least one lady who announced she was “a local” and that the line outside was dangerous. What can I say? Wonderful food, super friendly and efficient staff and hot dishes that come out when they are ready hot and hot! They were as busy as hell but still came around to ask how the meal was. We only had time for four dishes: a simply cooked but delicious piece of white fish with capers, a mackerel on horseradish that was freshness personified, some scallops fried with red peppers and a generous dish of plump, sweet mussels cooked in cider. Every last drop of liquor was spooned up. This is proper cooking. Looking around the fried goujons looked crisp and golden, the half lobster (specials board £20) was something I envied and even the kid eating new potatoes behind me made me jealous.
It’s interesting to see that, at time of writing, there are over a 1000 reviews all but a handful good or excellent and ALL of the few averages date back to 2019. They are clearly at their peak just now.
Also it’s worth noting that this part of Newlyn is really on the up with stalwarts like Aunt May’s, the various brilliant wet fish shops associated with the fishing fleet and market, and Lewis’s fish n chips now joined by a good cafe-bar on the corner of the hill, a superb deli and an Italian restaurant with attached greengrocer’s opposite. The baker (“oldest pasty maker in Cornwall) and butcher remain open towards the harbour and are said to be very good by the deli lady. Better than Penzance. As a Philistine I wish the art gallery wasn’t contemporary art but you cannot have everything.
Written 3 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah A
Newlyn8 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We went to Mackerel Sky Seafood on the 7th March Saturday and we were so impressed by everyone who worked there how friendly, upbeat they were! Emily was very bubbly too and very keen to please! What can I say about the Food!! It’s better then any food in London or around the UK we have experienced. It’s on top of my list! I want to come back every day but will try to come back weekly if I can. Lucky I live in Newlyn too!
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick D
Leeds80 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
You may have to wait a little while outside to get a seat but JUST WAIT IT IS WORTH IT.
the menu is short with a daily special and is all fish and sea food so no point going if you don't like fish or if you are a vegetarian .
after waiting about 20 minutes outside we were shown our table. you choose what you want from by marking on the plastic coated menus. the dishes are generous tapas sized portions so 2 is fine for a meal and three if you're really hungry.
service is brisk and the food comes out as it is ready and is just fantastic. fresh juicy crispy zingy succulent fish and dressed perfectly with garnish and sauces.
we went twice as we just felt we wouldn't get a better meal anywhere else.
particular favourites the scallops with chorizo. exploding with sweet juicy scallopy perfection.
mackerel with gherkins and horseradish... classic and ultra tasty.
white fish of the day with salsa Verde.. melting fish madness with a dill and parsley salsa that was cooked to the second perfectly.
4 plates of fish that you will never find better cooked anywhere else, 1 salad brilliant chips and great bread for mopping the plates plus an ale and a white wine... £55. total value for money.
perfection. cannot recommend highly enough!
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
james_1392
Maidstone15 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
We heard so much about this place and were looking forward to visiting. We turned up early as we were told to expect a queue, the staff were really friendly and explained how things worked - we ordered a variety of dishes and all I can say was wow! The crab nachos were out of this world and that’s a compliment coming from someone who doesn’t eat seafood regularly! Ever dish was fresh and although simple the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves. When the bill came out we couldn’t believe how cheap it was - would happily pay much more and other local restaurants could learn a lot from these guys!
Written 7 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisLPA
South Brent12 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
Top quality ingredients well prepared in interesting ways and served up by enthusiastic and competent persons who want to see you happy and a great but laid back unpretentious atmosphere.
Reminiscent for me of a Spanish gastronomic approach of offering lots of medium sized dishes priced accordingly, which encourage you to try a wide range of dishes and share with other members of your party and conducive to generally having a good time.
Mackerel Sky in Newlyn is less than 5 mins walk from the quays of the biggest fishing port by landings in the west country if not the whole of the UK. To suit pretty much all pockets. Lobster if you wish. Potatoes, boiled new £3.50 with butter.
As I was driving I didn't check the wine list but partner was happy. I'd have liked to see vinho Verde, Ribeiro, albariño, maybe a white Bordeaux and a red Alentejo and some other favourites offered which they may well do but I was too busy ordering off the menu and never checked.
If you are a wine buff you could always try taking your own bottles and let them charge you for opening and serving which is usually a fairly nominal charge referred to as corkage. They don't take bookings as they're probably full anyway. Eating there was a blast!
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • couples
This was the food highlight of our holiday in Cornwall. The service was exceptional and all the tasters plates we had were stunning from the crab nachos,scallops with red peppers and chorizo, salt and pepper squid to melt in your mouth grilled mackeral. I am most definetly a savoury gal but I adored the lemon posset dessert to finish. I can't wait to travel the 350 miles to sample more next year 😁
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick
15 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Greeted by the friendliest, warmest and bubbliest character who couldn't have made us feel more welcome and relaxed. We had the most incredible sharing plates including: prawns; grilled hake; mackerel and of course, the show-stopping crab nachos. All of the ingredients were fresh and each element cooked perfectly. This is without doubt, the finest seafood we've eaten, in Cornwall or anywhere!
We loved the confidence in only offering two (superb) desserts. The lemon posset was zingy, fresh and beautifully presented. The coffee and wine didn't disappoint either. The kitchen staff didn't mind me chatting with them in their open kitchen and we couldn't fault the service from start to finish.
Would thoroughly recommend this stunning and perfectly situated little restaurant. We cannot wait to return. THANK YOU!
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula
6 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
This little bistro style seafood restaurant was a wonderful find, we ordered many dishes and none disappointed, the staff were all very pleasant and were managing the social distancing and extra hygiene measures required at this time brilliantly. Though no booking is possible any wait is managed politely & efficiently with drinks offered. We would certainly visit again were we in Cornwall longer & would fully recommend it!
Written 6 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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