Best restaurants in Padstow

Rick Stein’s inaugural site is still stellar 40 years later, with the seafood bar offering the best seats in the house. Feast on Porthilly oysters and take advantage of the various ‘dine and stay’ packages.

Doing what it says on the tin, this casual spot serves fresh fish dishes alongside gourmet burgers, cooked on a charcoal grill and (naturally) served with fries. There are a few veggie/vegan alternatives too.

The most casual of the ‘Padstein’ empire is this stylish chippy which champions fish sourced from non-threatened stock. Seaside tradition dictates enjoying your supper as a takeaway, but there are tables inside for brisker nights.

Near Padstow is this traditional boozer taken over by Rick Stein, although thankfully spared the gastropub treatment. Pool, darts and a beer garden ensure this is a pub first, as does the resolutely traditional menu.

A more family-friendly (and cheaper) alternative to Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, this casual cafe with rooms serves an approachable all-day menu of fresh fish and seasonal fare, as well as a dedicated offering for little ones.

Traditional in look and feel, the Golden Lion places comfort at the heart of all it does, from the cosy atmosphere, to the tempting menu of pub classics including fish and chips with mushy peas.

Talented pair Joe Lippman and Jasmine Caldwell have made quite a stir in the south west with their bijou restaurant DuchyGrub, which serves the best sustainable local produce they can get their hands on across a compact menu. Dishes are classic with clever little twists, like the cracking beef tartare with guajillo chilli and egg yolk.

A short drive away in idyllic St Merryn, this cafe and wine bar is perfect for date night or catching up with friends. Explore the European-led selection of wines, while feasting on seafood sharing boards.

Mini-golf isn’t often accompanied by good food, but Greens bucks the trend with its menu of locally sourced fish and steaks. Panoramic vistas of the Camel Estuary are also a big part of the appeal.

Specialising in wood-fired pizzas (with pasta, light bites and coffee as worthy support acts), Embers offers both traditional and contemporary pizza toppings. It’s also great for those with food intolerances, offering vegan and gluten-free varieties.

This unpretentious cafe has made a name for itself thanks to a daily-changing selection of delectable homemade cakes. Afternoon tea is also wildly popular and the light lunch options aren’t to be sniffed at either.

The Shorecrest Restaurant serves seasonal produce in a light and airy space, while the outdoor bar is the place to be for sundowner cocktails. Top orders include the Moroccan spiced spatchcock chicken with fruity couscous.

Chef Paul Ainsworth challenges Rick Stein’s dominion over Padstow with this fine-dining haunt set inside a Georgian townhouse. Local produce abounds while wow-factor is provided via fun touches including dessert served atop a miniature carousel.

French dining achieved with Cornish produce is the mantra of this Rick Stein outpost, with a menu full of impressive bistro classics. Take advantage of the terrace on sunnier days, when dogs are welcome too.

Sister to the London original, Prawn on the Lawn combines a fishmongers and stylish seafood bar. Oysters and seafood platters are the main draw, but don’t forget to check out the daily-changing small plates either.

Go back to basics with this restaurant serving mussels any which way alongside small plates and a few heftier options. Mussels come from just a mile away, while all meat and veg is sourced locally.

Need a break from Padstow’s endless seafood options? Head to this Italian kitchen instead, where you will find the likes of fresh pasta and creamy mushrooms atop bruschetta, served with a side of sea views.

A sibling to No.6, Paul Ainsworth’s casual eatery Caffe Rojano serves food inspired by the Italian restaurants of New York and it is comfort food heaven - think fresh pasta, sourdough pizzas and stacked burgers.