The Cornish Barista - Penrose

Penrose water gardens, Shortlanesend, Truro TR4 9ES, United Kingdom
+44 1872 672679
$$$ Cafe
(32 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Welcome to The Cornish Barista, a hidden gem nestled within the beautiful Penrose Water Gardens in Shortlanesend, Truro. This delightful café is more than just a stop for your morning coffee; it's a heartfelt destination where quality food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere combine to create an unforgettable dining experience.

As you step into this charming café, you are greeted by the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed coffee, inviting you to relax and savor the moment. The menu at The Cornish Barista is a delightful blend of breakfast favorites and light lunch options, ensuring there is something to satisfy every palate. Start your day with their delectable breakfasts like the mega breakfast or the enticing vegan breakfast, which features robust flavors that'll leave you craving for more. For those with a sweet tooth, the Pancakes and Biscoff blondie are simply unmissable treats, according to guests who can't stop raving about them.

Customers like Scott Palmer praise the café for its “bleddy ansum” food, while ensuring a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. The café has won the hearts of many, including Mary Richards, who states that it’s “a fantastic café in a beautiful location” with a well-curated menu that offers something new and delightful on every visit. You’ll be sure to leave with your taste buds tingling and your heart full.

For lunch, explore their light yet satisfying mains such as the tantalizing Burger or the crisp Goats Cheese Salad, perfect for a sunny afternoon in the garden. Be sure to wash it down with one of their expertly crafted drinks—a Latte or Chai Latte can turn any day into a delightful experience.

The café is not just about food, but also hinges on creating a warm, laid-back vibe where you can unwind with family and friends. The consideration given to diners—and even kids!—is heartwarming; many parents have noted how accommodating the staff are when it comes to special requests. As guest Sean McKnight notes, the team is not only attentive but genuinely invested in making each visit enjoyable. Your little ones can enjoy a cozy corner filled with toys and books, making it an ideal stop for families.

The Cornish Barista distinguishes itself with its commitment to quality and community spirit. Each visit is matched with a personal touch, as many regulars find that staff members know their favorite orders by heart. As Tee DoubleU shares, the excellent service and quality offerings keep him coming back for more—often right when they open!

If you haven’t visited yet, or if you find yourself in Truro, make sure to stop by The Cornish Barista. Whether you’re in for a hearty breakfast, a tasty lunch, or simply a well-crafted coffee, you'll feel the genuine passion behind every plate and cup. Make it your go-to location; you’ll thank yourself later!

Service options
Kerbside pickup
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fireplace
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

32 Reviews
Scott Palmer

22 Sep 2025

Our favourite spot for breakfast, coffee and cake. Not all at once…. I promise. The location is perfect, the staff are always very friendly but most importantly the food is bleddy ansum! Oh and the coffee hits the spot every time. Thank you, keep up the good work and see you again soon! Ps. The Biscoff blondie

Mary Richards

05 Sep 2025

A fantastic cafe in a beautiful location. The menu has a good variety of dishes to choose. We went three times during our stay in Cornwall and tried something different each time. We were never disappointed. Would definitely visit again.

Tee DoubleU

26 Aug 2025

Shamefully the staff know my order without my having to ask as I go so often but there’s a reason for that! Food is always cooked perfectly and the service is top draw. It’s laid back but attentive. Whilst you can get a cheaper breakfast you won’t get the quality you get here. Sorry for always turning up as soon as you open in the morning

Sharon Hamilton

28 Jun 2025

I just wanted to thank everyone at The Cornish Barista for a fabulous evening on Friday at Penrose. I was lucky enough to win their Facebook competition to enjoy a table for two at their 'A Taste of Italy'. Food was phenomenal. Staff were both fantastic and attentive. Susie and Ashley are hands-on and so lovely and welcoming. Highly recommend Cornish Barista. Have enjoyed visiting both their venues many many times and have never been disappointed.

Sean McKnight

26 Jun 2025

Took my partner and two children here for brunch last Sunday. Three of us ordered the all-day breakfast, and my 3yo girl—who’s a fussy eater and wouldn't have eaten off the menu —had her packed lunch. We checked with the staff beforehand, and they were more than happy for her to do so, which we really appreciated. She did have a juice, and a cake. The breakfasts were superb. Everything was hot, well-cooked, and full of flavour. The sausages were delicious, the bacon was thick without being fatty, and the mushrooms, tomatoes, and hash browns were all spot on. I had a coffee with breakfast and grabbed another to take away while we walked around the water gardens (which are beautiful, by the way). The Cornish Barista coffee has a great reputation locally, and once again it didn’t disappoint—smooth, tasty, and perfectly balanced. We also took away two slices of caramel shortbread, and they were some of the best I’ve ever had—massive portions and absolutely delicious. I’d thoroughly recommend The Cornish Barista and will definitely be back.

Maddie Julian

18 Jun 2025

Thoroughly enjoy coming to visit you guys every time I come home from Uni become a real habit. Breakfasts have always been lovely and super coffee too in a lovely environment at Penrose.

Natasha Mossayebi

13 Jun 2025

Had the most delicious brekky with my family on Saturday morning. As you can see from the photo (my 5 year old’s face says it all ) she was over the moon with her hot chocolate and supersize marshmallow my vegan breakfast was incredible - the best veggie sausages I’ve ever had - they actually had big chunks of vegetables in so I felt like I was basically eating one of my five a day amazing cake selection and great kids pancakes. Can’t wait to come back, thanks guys, lovely as always

Hannah Hall

09 Jun 2025

Love coming to Penrose for a breakfast. The corner for children with toys and books is such a lovely edition and something I haven’t found anywhere else. Lots of close parking which is always a bonus. I also appreciate places that put their beans in a bowl, no-one wants a soggy hash brown. See you soon!

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