Culture Restaurant

“An absolute must visit in Falmouth! Cannot recommend this restaurant enough. The food was amazing, probably the best me and partner ever had. The service was amazing. All the food on the menu is being sourced locally which was a big pleasant surprise to us, with menu constantly changing depending on what’s available this week/month. Highly recommend the wine pairing as well! A big thank you to the chef and the owner of the place! It’s very rare to see people who are so passionate about what they do.”

“A personalised service describing where the local ingredients came from. The wine pairing choices were magnificent and I would not have made the same pairing. A great experience of fine dining in a warm inviting atmosphere. Worth a visit for a delightful experience. The chef and server were good to talk to and they are passionate about what they deliver.”

“My brother and I have just returned to London after a week long holiday starting in north Devon, following the coast along Cornwall and finishing in south Devon. We ate at six restaurants for our evening meals, three of which are in the Michelin guide (one of which is Culture) and two of which have Michelin stars. Culture has a Michelin green star. Our plan was to try and experience the best available food, with a particular emphasis on seafood and local produce. The restaurant is in a quite unassuming location - it is down an alleyway leading to the harbour and there are a couple of industrial bins opposite the entrance. It is very much a “hidden gem” - when we mentioned it to an antiques dealer up the road who had been in the area for a good while she said she hadn’t heard of it. Once inside, the ambience is refined, relaxed and intimate. The chef, Hylton Espey, is stationed at an open kitchen in the middle of the restaurant. There is only one evening sitting - at 7pm. My brother and I were one of only three parties - the other two being couples. I was surprised that there were so few people in the restaurant, albeit it was a Thursday. The meal consists of seven courses (although the first course consisted of three separate dishes), plus an optional cheese course for a supplemental charge. Each course is brought to you by either Hylton or the Maître d’ (who is exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable). They explain the provenance of each dish. Some of the ingredients are sourced from Hylton’s garden. The food was genuinely mind-blowing. My favourite dish was the brill. Each component (the fish, the crackling made from the skin of the brill and the sauce) was absolutely phenomenal and created a perfect symphony of flavour. I cannot think of a better individual dish I’ve ever tasted. The aerated potato dish and the beef dish were also exceptional (as to the latter, my brother said it was probably the best thing he’s ever eaten), but none of the other dishes were anything short of excellent. It was truly a 10/10 experience and my brother and I agreed that it was undoubtedly the best meal of all of the restaurants we went to during our holiday. In terms of technical ability, pairing flavours perfectly and sourcing the best available produce, I challenge anyone to find anyone better than Hylton. What’s more, he is passionate, friendly and approachable, without a hint of arrogance. After the meal, when the other diners had left, Hylton was keen to show us the meat aging fridge and the wine cellar and he chatted with us generally for a good while. It was clear that he was not simply “going through the motions” and trying to get rid of us. It was a genuine privilege to have dined in Culture. If it wasn’t a five hour trip to get there I would be there every week. Hylton deserves all the plaudits that will surely come his way. I can think of nobody that deserves a Michelin star more than him. In terms of being a master of his field, it is no exaggeration to say that he is in the same territory as Einstein, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Michelangelo. P.S. - I told Hylton that we would be going to a Michelin star restaurant in Devon the following day and he recommended the cheese course there - he had been there earlier in the week. I preferred the Culture cheese course - especially the Kern, which I’ve not experienced before and was possibly the best cheese I’ve ever tasted. We weren’t even charged for the cheese course on the basis that one of the cheeses was unavailable and the substitute cheese was similar to another of the cheeses. I thought each cheese was absolutely fantastic, though, and that each one was sufficiently different. What an experience. Thank you, Hylton.”

“My partner and I had an absolutely delicious lunch to celebrate Valentine’s Day. A wonderfully relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the delicious food accompanied by the special selection of wines. Staff are all very attentive and it was fascinating to learn something about where the ingredients had come from. I thoroughly recommend it.”

“Tucked away in the heart of Falmouth, Culture is a true culinary gem. This Michelin-starred restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s an immersive experience that celebrates Cornwall’s land, sea, and people with precision, care, and soul. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed not just with warm service, but with a palpable sense of pride in place and produce. The open kitchen adds to the intimacy—you see the passion and focus in every plate crafted. Each dish was paired with thoughtful wine selections from around the world. What struck me most wasn’t just the quality of the food, but the ethos behind it. Every ingredient has a story. Every course has a purpose. And every bite reflects deep respect for nature and sustainability. £85 for the tasting menu (plus optional £60 wine flight) feels like incredible value for what you get. Yes, it’s fine dining but it’s grounded, warm, and personal. Michelin-starred, and rightfully so⭐”