Top 5 Best Fish and Chips in Cornwall
A family holiday to North Cornwall would never be the same without sampling some of the best fish and...
by Jack Price / Food and Drink
The charming harbour town of Padstow has transformed into one of the UK’s most unexpected culinary capitals. This once sleepy fishing village is now a buzzing hotspot for food lovers, where salt-kissed sea air combines with the aromas of Michelin-starred masterpieces and freshly baked Cornish goodies.
In this guide, we will dive fork-first into the best restaurants, cafés and pubs in Padstow and give you our best options along Cornwall’s rugged north coast.
Read our guide to the best places to eat in Padstow…
First up on our list is of places to eat in Padstow is The Ivy House Restaurant; nestled slightly inland in the quaint village of St Merryn, but within 2 miles of Padstow, it’s definitely worth the visit!
Housed in a charming Cornish farmhouse, The Ivy House Restaurant offers a refreshing departure from the bustling harbourfront. This family-run gem combines rustic elegance with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.
From Salmon fishcakes to Fillet Steak, there is a range of fantastic cuisine options to choose from that will delight your senses.
Whether you’re seeking an escape from Padstow’s lively dining scene or just looking for top quality meals in a picturesque Cornish setting, The Ivy House Restaurant stands out as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts exploring Cornwall.
Information about The Ivy House Restaurant
Address: Treveglos Farm, St Merryn, Padstow, PL28 8NB
Contact: 01841 520623
Menu: Menu Board via TripAdvisor
Tucked away in the tranquil hamlet of Little Petherick, our next place to visit for a spot to eat when heading to Padstow is The Old Mill Bistro. Just a short drive from Padstow, The Old Mill Bistro offers a dining experience housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century corn mill, featuring original beams, an old water wheel and an outside space overlooking the creek.
The culinary offerings at The Old Mill Bistro consist of quality and locally sourced ingredients. Dishes like pan-fried fillet of Cornish hake paired with chorizo and mussels or grilled fillet sea bass with new potatoes and tomato, red onion and caper dressing are just a couple of regional delicacies waiting to be tucked into. I you can, why not top it all off with a warm sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and Cornish double cream?
The Old Mill Bistro stands out as a memorable Padstow dining experience.
Information about The Old Mill Bistro
Address: The Old Mill House Little Petherick, Little Petherick, Padstow, PL27 7QT
Contact: 01841 540388
Menu: Sample Menu
Third on your list of the best restaurants in Padstow is Paul Ainsworth at No.6. Awarded a Michelin star in 2013 and also boasting four AA Rosettes, this restaurant showcases Ainsworth’s commitment to celebrating Cornwall’s rich delicacies.
Tucked away on Padstow’s Middle Street, the dining experience at Paul Ainsworth at No.6 blends refined elegance with heartfelt hospitality. The menu itself highlights the region’s diverse produce, from dishes such as rib-eye steak to sweetbreads and mussel broth, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Paul Ainsworth at No.6 invites guests to indulge in a culinary journey that pays homage to both tradition and innovation. Presenting dishes in a simple, modern style, allowing the natural flavours to shine.
Paul Ainsworth at No.6 is a must-visit Padstow restaurant for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Cornwall’s culinary excellence.
Information about Paul Ainsworth at No. 6
Address: 6 Middle Street, Padstow, PL28 8AP
Contact: 01841 532093
Menu: Sample Menu
Our next restaurant to visit is tucked away on Padstow’s Duke Street: the seafood haven known as Prawn on the Lawn. Established in 2015 by Rick and Katie Toogood, this intimate eatery showcases the freshest local catches transformed into inventive small plates.
Guests can indulge in a variety of offerings, from chilled oysters and whole Padstow brown crab to larger sharing plates like monkfish with North African marinade. The restaurant’s dedication to local sourcing is evident, with seafood delivered straight from nearby fishermen and produce supplied by local farms.
Prawn on the Lawn offers a delightful journey through Cornwall’s coastal flavours, with its combination of fresh ingredients, inventive dishes, and warm hospitality. It is a must-visit restaurant in Padstow.
Information about Prawn on the Lawn
Address: 11 Duke Street Padstow Cornwall PL28 8AB
Contact: 07926128148
Menu: Sample Menu
Embers Wood Fired Pizza is situated in the very heart of the town and offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere for any pizza enthusiasts.
Embers Wood Fired Pizza is known for its hand-rolled Neapolitan-style pizzas and prides itself on using authentic Italian tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, ensuring each bite is rich in flavour. This has made it a favourite among locals and should definitely be on the list for any visitors looking for a great spot to eat in Padstow.
The menu caters to various dietary needs, offering gluten-free bases and vegan-friendly options as well. It also offers more than just pizza, with a range of burgers, creamy chicken pesto pasta, wood oven rack of ribs and much more. Embers also supports environmental initiatives by eliminating single-use plastics and participating in the Refill campaign, providing free water refills to customers, so not only are you getting a fantastic looking pizza but you are also helping towards a less plastic campaign.
Whether you’re dining in or opting for takeaway, Embers Wood Fired Pizza is a standout choice for anyone seeking a memorable meal in Padstow.
Information about Embers Wood Fired Pizza
Address: 16 Market Pl, Padstow PL28 8AL
Contact: 01841 533600
Menu: Sample Menu
Last but certainly not least of the best restaurants in Padstow is The Jetty. Sat within the Harbour Hotel Padstow, The Jetty offers a sophisticated dining experience with breathtaking views of the Camel Estuary.
Helmed by Chef Patron Alex Aitken, a seasoned chef with a Michelin-starred background, the restaurant showcases fresh, locally sourced seafood, with signature dishes such as plump fillet of cod topped with crab and herb crust, crushed peas and light butter sauce, and fillet of bass, saffron and mussel velouté, steamed mussels, braised borlotti beans and herbs.
The Jetty has a number of different areas to sit and enjoy a drink, from a nautically chic bar, a cosy area known as The Snug, and an outdoor terrace that welcomes dogs, allowing guests to dine while enjoying the vibrant harbour atmosphere.
With its combination of exceptional cuisine and stunning waterfront views, The Jetty stands out as a must-visit destination when searching for the best restaurants in Padstow!
Information about The Jetty Padstow
Address: Harbour Hotel Padstow, Station Rd, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8DB
Contact: 01841 532486
Menu: Sample Menu
Sitting within the heart of Padstow, The Golden Lion Hotel is a Grade II listed building dating back to at least 1783, making it Padstow’s oldest pub.
Over the centuries, the pub has evolved, with renovations uncovering original features like parquet hardwood floors and repurposed ship masts, and it now combines this historic charm with modern touches.
The pub offers a diverse menu that has garnered acclaim, including recognition in The Times for its exceptional Sunday roasts. With a selection of local beers, lagers and ciders, it caters to both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Cornish experience. The Golden Lion also plays a vital role in Padstow’s May Day celebrations, a tradition that highlights just how deep-rooted its connection to local customs is.
If you are looking for a fantastic Padstow pub for food that has charm and a sense of history, then you have to make a stop off at The Golden Lion Hotel.
Information about The Golden Lion Hotel
Address: 19 Lanadwell St, Padstow PL28 8AN
Contact: 01841 532797
Menu: Sample Menu
Ben’s Crib Box Café, perched close to the harbour’s edge, is the kind of spot you might stumble upon by chance. But once you do, it becomes a firm favourite and you will want to keep returning again and again.
This gem serves up delicious and satisfying food in what has become a favourite among locals, especially for its hearty breakfast rolls and range of lunchtime treats. From piping hot toasties to succulent burritos, there is so much on offer here, you will be spoilt for choice.
So, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before a coastal walk or you are just happy to sit yourself down and watch the town carry on around you, it’s the perfect café to experience Padstow’s culinary delights.
Information about Ben’s Crib Box Café
Address: South Quay, Padstow, PL28 8BL
Contact: 07851 604350
Menu: Menu Board via TripAdvisor
Just a short drive away from Padstow in the heart of St Merryn, is Rafferty’s Café & Wine Bar. Founded by Ed Rafferty, whose extensive experience includes tenures at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage, the establishment is built on the “Three Gs” philosophy of Great Food, Great Wine and Great Service.
The à la carte menu showcases seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with dishes such as Cornish lamb rump with roasted baby potatoes and Trerair Farm vegetables, or pan seared Cornish hake, which includes potatas aliñadas, along with red onion jam & Trerair Farm vegetables.
Beyond its exceptional cuisine, Rafferty’s offers an impressive wine selection, with each wine chosen to perfectly complement the menu, ensuring a harmonious dining experience.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Rafferty’s Café & Wine Bar promises a memorable experience that celebrates the best of Cornwall’s culinary scene.
Information about Rafferty’s Café & Wine Bar
Address: St Merryn, Padstow PL28 8NA
Contact: 01841 531112
Menu: Sample Menu
Sitting just above Padstow harbour, Greens of Padtsow offers fantastic food with stunning views out towards the Camel Estuary.
This licensed café and mini-golf garden provides seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a full Cornish breakfast in the morning, a classic fish and chips with Cornish cider batter and chunky chips for lunch, or to treat yourself to a roasted fillet of monkfish, with mushroom puree, pickled shimeji mushrooms, potato and herb gnocchi with a crispy bacon and salsa verde from the evening menu, Greens has it all. They also cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Greens features a unique 18-hole mini-golf course adorned with sculptures, making it a picturesque spot for families and friends to unwind. The café also offers an outdoor terrace, where dogs are invited to relax alongside their owners while taking in the stunning estuary views.
Greens of Padstow stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable dining experience in Padstow.
Information about Greens of Padstow
Address: North Quay, Padstow, PL28 8AF
Contact: 01841 532002
Menu: Sample Menus
Feeling inspired to check out some of the culinary delights Padstow and the surrounding area has to offer? Then take a look at the collection of Padstow holiday cottages and book your next break today! And why not check out other attractions and activities around Padstow and North Cornwall by checking out some of the best walks around Padstow, or see the 15 best things to do in Padstow?
Image Credit: Chris Fynes (Paul Ainsworth No.6) | Greens of Padstow | Prawn on the Lawn
by Jack Price / Food and Drink
I joined the Sykes team in November 2021, helping to produce content for existing and potential owners. I love a good film, tr...
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