Hello dear
Welcome To CJ's At The Sanctuary
At CJ's At The Sanctuary, located in the picturesque Budock Water, Falmouth, we invite diners to experience a unique blend of culinary excellence and warm hospitality. Set in a charming former church, the ambiance is both cozy and vibrant, making it a local favorite. Our menu celebrates seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, featuring standout dishes like succulent BBQ chicken breast and hearty Cornish belly of pork. Guests rave about our indulgent Sunday roasts, where perfectly cooked meats and generous Yorkshire puddings take center stage. With a commitment to dietary needs, our attentive staff ensures every meal is a delightful and inclusive experience.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Baked Cornish Camembert
Crab, Crayfish & Mussel Linguine
Baked Cornish Company Fillet
Spiced Cornish Lamb Burger
About
CJ's At The Sanctuary
Welcome to CJ's At The Sanctuary, a hidden culinary gem nestled in the scenic location of School Hill, Budock Water, Falmouth, UK. This delightful establishment is not just a restaurant; it’s a sanctuary for food lovers and a beloved spot in the local community. Boasting a unique charm, the building exudes character, having previously served as a church. With ample seating arrangements, the atmosphere buzzes with friendly chatter, making it an inviting place to enjoy a meal.
One of the standout features at CJ's is the menu, which is a tribute to the rich maritime bounty of Cornwall. The carefully curated selection of dishes showcases the fresh, local produce and seafood for which the region is renowned.
- To Start: Indulge in the Baked Cornish Camembert or the exquisite CJ's Crayfish Cocktail. For something truly special, the Baked Cornish Scallops at £13.50 and Steamed Westcountry Mussels for £17.50 promise a delightful beginning to your meal.
- From Our Harbours: The offerings from the sea are nothing short of spectacular, featuring dishes such as Fruits Of Cornwall for £37.00 and the delicate Baked Fillet of Hake for £16.00. For a seafood lover’s dream, the Crab, Crayfish & Mussel Linguine at £19.50 or the various Roast Lobster options will surely elevate your dining experience.
- Vegetarian Options: For those seeking plant-based indulgence, the Wild Mushroom & Truffle Linguine at £15.00 and the Sauteed Gnocchi at £14.00 are both vibrant and flavorful choices.
Customers rave about the experience, with praise for the attentive and knowledgeable staff. One reviewer, Paul Green, noted the restaurant's commitment to accommodating dietary restrictions, highlighting how the staff worked diligently to provide gluten-free options. His description of the Sunday roast—a hearty feast complete with crispy Yorkshire puddings, perfectly roasted meats, and seasonal vegetables—further cements CJ’s reputation as a place worth visiting.
Another patron, Stephen Knight, reiterated the impressive quality, often mentioning the hand-cut chips and succulent lobster, while others have praised the cozy atmosphere paired with exceptional service. Joe and Mat Stocks also echoed sentiments of generous portions and the fresh flavors that make their meals memorable. The homemade pavlova is a standout dessert that has left many in blissful satisfaction.
In summary, CJ's At The Sanctuary is not just about eating; it’s about experiencing the warmth of good food and hospitality. With a menu that marries local ingredients with exquisite preparation and a welcoming atmosphere, it beckons you to step in, stay awhile, and savor each moment. Whether you're a local or just visiting Falmouth, make sure to reserve a table—this sanctuary of flavors is a must-visit!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ A recommendation afforded to us as somewhere to be able to have gluten-free dining. We were not disappointed. Friendly, smiling staff, despite being short-staffed started our visit off wonderfully. The building itself has character, as I believe that it was previously a church, and is also spacious. Large tables for three people or more are available to sit at. The Sanctuary was buzzing with chitter-chatter, but not to the point of being loud. It seems to very popular amongst the local community, and it is definitely something that needs to be booked. As we knew what we wanted, we ordered the roast, only to provided with three options; small (one meat selection), medium (2 meats) and yes, you guessed it, large, which is 3 meats. It comes with a decent-sized Yorkshire pudding and roast spuds. The platter provided had a gravy boat, brimming with gravy made on site, roasted carrots, carrot/swede mixed mash, red cabbage, broccoli, parsnip & cauliflower cheese. And it was quite possibly the best roast dinner outside of the home environment that I've ever had. The staff knew more about dietary restrictions than at any other restaurant I've been to. They didn't just lump an allergen sheet our way, but went through what could and couldn't be done. The chef has a gluten free son, which meant every care had been taken to ensure that foods were made specifically like that. The only downside is a lack of available parking, but that isn't strictly the restaurants fault. Amazing value for money. We finished at around 14:45 and only at 08:30 the next morning am I getting hungry! Definitely give it a look! ”
“ Every once in a while you find a place where the food is faultless. Visited twice as it was amazing. Hand cut chips superb, lobster amazing. Hake delicious, chicken to die for. Cannot fault the food. This chef is amazing. It was a pleasure & dog friendly too. It’s quirky too so don’t be put off if you’re not into Star Wars ! ”
“ The Sunday roast at CJ’s at The Sanctuary in Falmouth is hands down the best I’ve had in a long time! The meat was perfectly cooked, the Yorkshire puddings were golden and crisp, and the gravy tied everything together beautifully. The portions were generous, and the selection of seasonal veg was spot on. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff made the experience even better. If you’re in Falmouth on a Sunday, you don’t want to miss this! Highly recommend! ”
“ We turned up as a group of 8 having not pre-booked. Honestly I thought we would be lucky to get in, but we had just missed the lunch rush I think! We had the most fantastic Sunday roast. Everything was hot and fresh. They veges had a nice crunch to them (not mushy!) and the meats were delicious. The portions were amazing. Overall, absolutely loved our meal there! Thanks very much! ”
“ We just had the most amazing food @ CJ’s the staff were polite and efficient, the chef came out to say hello which was a lovely touch. My taste buds were dancing . Scallops and mussels were cooked to perfection with lovely delicate taste. Roast Lobster for me and Lobster Thermidor for the hubby both cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour. Homemade pavlova for pudding.. I was so excited to eat I forgot to take a photo before I scoffed it Will definitely be visiting again! well worth the money and is was our anniversary so why. It push the boat out ”
“ A hidden gem. We've actually had several of the amazing takeaway roasts they offer but had never dined in previously. The food was incredible and every dish looked amazing and tasted even better. The head chef took great pride in what was brought to our table by the polite staff and we were so happy with every course. If you haven't been I can't recommend it enough. If you have been you'll know exactly what I mean. ”
“ A Memorable Experience at CJ Sanctuary – The Best in Cornwall In early August, my family and I had the absolute pleasure of dining at CJ Sanctuary, without a doubt the best restaurant in Cornwall. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable, and each dish that came to our table was exceptional. The seafood, in particular, was a standout – fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. The warm hospitality extended by the chef added an unexpected and delightful personal touch. Not only was he kind and attentive throughout our meal, but he also took the time to show us his impressive collection of vintage toys, a gesture that my children adored. As a memorable keepsake, he even gifted them a magical pen, a timeless classic from the 80s. Experiences like this are rare and remind us that true hospitality goes beyond just good food; it’s about genuine connections and passion. CJ Sanctuary embodies this spirit perfectly, creating not only delicious meals but unforgettable moments. We can’t wait to return! Matteo ”
“ I can't believe that I forgot to write an instant review! What a find! We can honestly say that this was the best food that we have eaten out before! We both had the leek and potato soup which was beautiful and then I had pork belly and my wife had seafood linguine. Each was the best that we've ever had. It was a little cold in the building but it was early Feb. Would definitely go again! ”