Lobster, laughter and line-caught

Freshly caught seafood served straight from the family fishing boat.

There’s no need for flourish when your offering speaks for itself. That’s the triumph of Dan Dan the Lobster Man, the open-air seafood shack founded by fisherman Dan and his daughter Jasmine on Porthleven’s harbourside. From the morning haul to the midday plate, Dan’s catch makes almost no detour, just a short lift from the boat.

The set-up is straightforward: a converted shipping container, a few benches and tables. Infact simplicity is a conscious choice here – a lobster tail, split and ready to consume, mackerel pâté made in-house or dressed crab with lemon. These are meals to be eaten with your hands, not due to a lack of cutlery, but because that’s the best way to do it.

The offering couldn’t get any fresher – “Had the best, most fresh crab sandwich ever with a fresh, tasty salad and a glass of prosecco!” and “We had the Jazzy Seafood platter. Absolutely delicious. Fresh shellfish, salad & anchovies!” are just some of the plaudits. 

As it’s staffed by family and friends the establishment exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with one reviewer commenting, “The service was great, laughing and joking, do not miss this place if you are in Porthleven.”

In the age of chain restaurants, this is the venue to head to if you want a genuine experience. You sense it in the welcome, in the pride taken with each plate, in the way staff chat with regulars and first-timers alike. It’s a family operation, and it shows in the consistency, generosity and flavour on offer.

And if you can’t make it to Porthleven then head to the Una St Ives Resort in Carbis Bay, where they’ve just set up a shack there.

DAN DAN THE LOBSTER MAN