Cornwall is an ultimate destination for foodies, with its incredible local larder of produce from land and sea. There’s an abundance of high-profile chefs scattered across Cornwall from star studded Michelin restaurants to exceptional fine dining and outstanding quirky eateries.
Cornwall has built an enviable reputation for its organic meat, artisan cheeses, fish, seafood, charcuterie and wine. There is a wealth of ingredients: foraged plants and berries, samphire, wild garlic and edible flowers as well as wine, gins and beer. The county boasts a strong conservation and organic ethos, put this together with inventive and creative chefs to create dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and deliver a foodie experience you won’t forget.
Discover Cornwall’s amazing culinary delights
Why is Cornwall a star-studded foodie destination? Firstly, its home to some of the best chefs in the country such as Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw, Paul Ainsworth, Andy Appleton and Jude Kereama. Secondly, with so much amazing locally grown meat and produce, plus locally caught fish and seafood on the doorstep, chefs are embracing ‘sea to plate’ and ‘field to fork’. This means there’s a profusion of delicious and inventive dining experiences, from Michelin stars to intimate eateries and hidden gems.
As you’d expect seafood is high on the menu: hake, cod, Sole, Turbot, Bass, Mackerel Monkfish, crab, lobster, prawns and oysters are just a selection of local delicacies. This means Cornwall is one of the best places in the UK to eat freshly caught seafood ( Cornwall Seafood Guide ).
Here is a selection of some to the great foodie experiences to try in Cornwall.
Michelin Stars
Paul Ainsworth at No 6 – Padstow
Located in a delightful Georgian townhouse, on Middle Street in the centre of Padstow’s old town. No 6 is a must with its intimate and friendly atmosphere, with tables in all the small rooms. Paul’s creative cooking and fun deserts such as his Fairground and Carousel make this a memorable experience. No 6 holds a One Michelin Star and Four AA Rosettes
Restaurant Nathan Outlaw – Port Issac
Perched on the cliff-top above the idyllic Port Isaac harbour town is Nathan Outlaw’s Two Star Michelin Restaurant. The modern restaurant has floor to ceiling window for a spectacular view. Renowned for his eight-course seafood tasting menu, Nathan is passionate about highlighting the best of Cornish produce.
https://nathan-outlaw.com/restaurants/restaurant-nathan-outlaw/
Outlaws Fish Kitchen
Located in a quaint, characterful whitewashed 15th century fisherman’s cottage, with wonky walls on the quayside in the centre of Port Isaac. A very relaxed and friendly experience with small plates ideal for sharing. Sustainability and quality are watchwords here, so the menu is dictated by the seasons and the weather. Outlaws Fish Kitchen holds a one Michelin star. Great for lunch, but its tiny, so you need to book.
https://nathan-outlaw.com/restaurants/outlaws-fish-kitchen/
Gastronomic Fine Dining
The Seafood Restaurant – Rick Stein – Padstow
Sitting on the harbour front in the centre of Padstow is Rick Steins internationally acclaimed Seafood Restaurant. The menu reflects locally caught fish and produce plus flavours from Rick’s travels. An informal, and friendly airy restaurant with central bar is a must for fish foodies.
https://www.rickstein.com/eat-with-us/the-seafood-restaurant/
Trevibban Mill Vineyard – Near Padstow
Trevibban Mill is a working vineyard and the restaurant is located in a beautiful contemporary building with views across the vineyards. Championing vegetable-led cooking, whilst supporting Cornish fishmongers and pasture rearing farms local to the vineyard, you’ll enjoy enticing daytime menus and refined evening tasting menus.
Appleton’s Restaurant and Bar – Fowey
Chef-owner Andy Appleton was head chef at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall for 9 years. Located in the centre of Fowey on the waterfront, Appleton’s is a fabulous fusion of rustic Italian dishes, with a contemporary twist, combined with the best of Cornish produce.
https://appletonsrestaurant.com/
St Petroc Bistro – Padstow
This is Rick Stein’s Bistro, full of charm, character and low beams, in the centre of Padstow. Serving classic bistro faire, with both fish and grill choices; check out the Chateaubriand . Fixed price lunch menu is great value.
https://www.rickstein.com/eat-with-us/st-petrocs-bistro/
The Scarlet Restaurant – Mawgan Porth
Located at The Scarlet Hotel, set into the cliffs overlooking the beautify sandy cove of Mawgan Porth. Sustainability and local produce are part of their ethos. Stunning views from the restaurant that serves seasonal menus with a fabulous selection for all: meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan.
https://www.scarlethotel.co.uk/scarlet-restaurant/
Mahe´ Chefs Table – Padstow
Next door to Paul Ainsworth at No 6 is Mahe, the development kitchen for the Paul Ainsworth restaurants. A truly immersive and exclusive opportunity to experience and taste new dishes. Sitting centimetres away from the kitchen, you can enjoy an eight-course menu.
https://www.paul-ainsworth.co.uk/mahe/chefs-table/
The Dining Room – Rock
An intimate restaurant in the beautiful village of Rock; a short water-bus ride from Padstow. The menu changes on a daily basis and is focussed on the exceptional ingredients available locally. You’ll be sure of a warm welcome from the husband and wife team.
https://www.thediningroomrock.co.uk/
Kota – Porthleven
Head Chef Jude Kereama was chosen to represent the South West on the Great British Menu. With an amazing harbour view Kota offers a delightful fusion of Asian and Cornish produce. The menu changes frequently.
Enodoc Hotel Restaurant – Rock
Overlooking the Camel estuary on the outskirts of Rock, Enodoc uses locally sourced produce to create modern European dishes. Experience the four, six or nine course tasting menus, celebrating the best Cornwall has to offer.
https://enodoc-hotel.co.uk/fine-dining/
Foodie Gems
Prawn on the Lawn – Padstow
Located in the heart of the Old Town in Padstow, this delightfully intimate restaurant is both a fishmonger and fully licensed restaurant. The creative menu changes every day and aims to be as sustainable as possible, working with local suppliers in Padstow.
Craftworks pop-up – Padstow
Open Air Dining with a view of the rolling countryside and the Camel Estuary. Located just on the outskirts of Padstow, this popular pop-up has plenty of inside and outside seating. A fun, street-food vibe, definitely worth a visit.
https://www.craftworkskitchen.com/padstow-1
The Hidden Hut – Porthcurnick Beach
Tucked away along the coastal path near Portscatho on Porthcurnick Beach. Serving a great selection of dishes using local and seasonal ingredients. You can’t book for lunch, but look out for their special feast evenings and remember to bring your own alcohol. Closed during the winter.
Caffé Rojano – Padstow
Mediterranean food with a bit of a twist from Paul Ainsworth. Serving generous portions, Rojano’s is friendly and welcoming. Located in the centre of Padstow.
https://www.paul-ainsworth.co.uk/cafferojano/about/
St Kew Inn
A beautiful 15th century Inn, that retains many original features for an intimate and friendly atmosphere in any one of their dining areas or gardens. The menu is creative and imaginatively presented, using all locally sourced where possible.
Fitzroy – Fowey
Situated in a beautiful building on the water’s edge, you’ll get a very personalised experience. The tapas style menu is great for sharing. Sourcing local produce and wine wherever possible.
St Tudy
This delightful pub is near Rock and Port Isaac and worth checking out. Owner chef is Emily Scott who made her TV debut on the Great British Menu. Modern flavours with a British and Italian influence.
The Mariners – Rock
Across the estuary from Padstow, The Mariners is a great setting overlooking the water for all day foodie delights, from brunch to afternoon tea, family feasts, light bites, Sunday roasts and smaller dishes to share with friends. A fabulous place to spend a sunny afternoon enjoying the view.
