13 of the Best Places to Eat Out in Padstow

If you like good food then you can’t go wrong with Padstow. The de facto foodie capital of Cornwall this is very much where it all started. And whilst it is impossible to talk about eating out in Padstow without mentioning Rick Stein the restaurant scene has exploded since the original Seafood Restaurant.

On top of a number of Stein-owned eateries a host of other master chefs have made the harbour town home. Padstow can now boast an impressive array of boutique bistros, relaxed cafes and even one of Cornwall’s three Michelin-starred restaurants.

Padstow and its surrounding villages are also excellent for pubs. There's a great choice of traditional old inns around Padstow, and of course, you can always find pasties, chips and ice cream if you prefer to eat on the go.

  • No. 6 / Padstow

    Paul Ainsworth - No.6 - Padstow

    This elegant Michelin-star restaurant in Padstow is part of the Paul Ainsworth family of restaurants. If you're looking for a restaurant for a special occasion, No6 is the place to come.

    Chef Chris McClurg and his team have created a menu of modern British classics: think wild turbot, fillets of beef and pigeon. The food is locally sourced where possible, adding a coastal Cornish feel to the dishes.

    The main restaurant is an inviting space, housed in a Georgian townhouse in the...
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  • The Pig at Harlyn Bay

    The Pig at Harlyn is just ten minutes' drive (or taxi. Treat yourself - the wine list's worth it) from Padstow. The 15th-century house makes a perfect hotel and restaurant, and a lot of their food is grown on site.

    At The Pig, the kitchen and gardening team work together to create fresh and lively dishes. They also have their own forager, who finds the best ingredients from the natural larder. As for other producers, well, The Pig has a 25-mile rule: nothing must come from further...
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  • St Petrocs Bistro / Padstow

    St Petroc's Bistro - Padstow

    St Petroc's is another restaurant from Rick Stein's stables, and this one is an informal delight. It's set away from Padstow harbour, which gives it a more chilled-out feel.

    The relaxed bistro serves French-inspired dishes, made from fine Cornish produce - naturally, there's always a choice of freshly landed fish. There's a children's menu, and your dog is welcome to join you at St Pet's - well in the outdoors areas anyway.

    Start or end the evening with a cocktail at Ruby's Bar...
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  • Rick Stein Seafood Restaurant - Padstow

    This is the place where it all began… The Seafood Restaurant was launched in 1975, and its co-founder Rick Stein went on to become a household name, transform Padstow's foodie scene, and create an empire of eateries.

    The original Stein's is a restaurant of two halves: the family-friendly Seafood Restaurant,and the more grown-up Seafood Bar, where chefs prepare spectacular platters of exquisite fish and shellfish. Upstairs, the Terrace has lovely views of the Camel Estuary.

    The...
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  • Rick Stein's Cafe / Padstow

    Padstein

    The Rick Stein Cafe is located in what feels like the bright and airy cottage living room in the middle of Padstow - which is more or less what it is. As part of the Padstein empire you are certain to get quality, innovative food, but this has been combined with a casual dining experience and reasonable pricing.

    The cafe has earned itself a reputation as one of the best spots in Padstow to fill up on a top-notch breakfast before a day's exploring. Whilst the full English cooked...
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  • The Cornish Arms / Padstow

    The Cornish Arms - Rick Stein

    This traditional pub in nearby St Merryn brings together two giants of the Cornish hospitality world: St Austell Brewery and Rick Stein. It serves pub favourites - but with Mr Stein overseeing the menu, you can imagine the quality of the traditional fish & chips, burgers and curries.

    A top tip is to book in for a weekend breakfast. This is served between 8 and 9am  Saturdays and Sundays only. If you’re planning a day walking or on the water, come here...
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  • Stein's Fish and Chips - Padstow

    You're by the seaside: it has to be done! Rick Stein's Padstow chippie is as good as you'd expect, with a choice of locally caught fish served with proper chip-shop chips.

    Go for the take-away option, and enjoy a box of fish'n'chips perched on a bench by the harbour (watch out for gulls). Drench them with vinegar, and eat them with a wooden fork for a real nostalgia trip. Alternatively, find a table in the informal chippie restaurant (just remember that you can't book this).

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  • Caffè Rojano / Padstow

    Caffe Rojana Pizza Padstow

    Come to Padstow's popular Caffè Rojano for Italian and Spanish-inspired dishes, served in a lively atmosphere. Choose from pizzas, tapas-style small plates, and delicious takes on real favourites like slow-cooked beef ragu.

    Rojano is named after its original owner, local character Stan Rojano, who opened his restaurant here in 1974. It's now run by the Paul Ainsworth family; however, chef Sam Smith's Mediterranean menu pays homage to Stan's original family recipes.

    The building...
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  • The Old Custom House - Padstow

    This smart building stands on South Quay in Padstow. The food is mostly classic British, made from the best Cornish ingredients. The combination of good food and a standout location makes The Old Custom House a popular spot.

    It's also much-loved for its range of beers and wines, which includes some gorgeous choices from local vineyard, Camel Valley. The Old Custom House is also a top spot for a coffee, from 11 am onwards.

    If you're looking for a place to stay in the heart of...
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  • Prawn on the Lawn / Padstow

    Prawn on the Lawn seafood

    For delicious small plates of fabulous fish, visit Padstow's award-winning Prawn on the Lawn.The fish at POTL is so fresh, the team sometimes changes the menu several times a day!

    The restaurant also changes venues twice a year. In the summer, the operation decamps to nearby Trerethern Farm, becoming Prawn on the Farm until the autumn. This began out of necessity during the pandemic in 2020, but was such a success that the second venue stuck. Please be...
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  • The London Inn / Padstow

    The London Inn - Padstow

    Hungry? Thirsty? Head towards the harbour and tuck into proper pub grub at the London Inn. The hearty menu uses lots of great local produce (especially fish), and there’s a good choice of real ales in this welcoming pub.

    If you love a traditional inn (and who doesn’t?)The family-run London Inn is a good option. The building was originally three fisherman’s cottages, dating back to 1803. In true Cornish style, it’s named after a boat, not the English city.

    The pub also has four...
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  • Beautiful 17th Century Mill Location serving Traditional English & European, Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisine.  "The unique dining experience where the South-West meets the Far East"

    Listed in the Independent Newspapers top 50 places to eat curry in the UK.

  • The Dining Room restaurant (formally L'Estuaire) in Rock opened in July 2010 under the ownership of local couple Fred (chef) and Donna (front of house). The restaurant is quickly building a reputation among locals and visitors to the area for it's good food and friendly service. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on the sunny terrace or book for dinner for a memorable dining experience not to be missed.