Rick Stein put Cornwall on the foodie map back in the seventies with The Seafood Restaurant. Since then, many other chefs have followed in his footsteps, drawn by the abundance of exceptional produce grown locally as well as the fresh fish and sublime shellfish caught on the county’s shores. So, whether you are off there on holiday or lucky enough to call it home, here’s where to make a booking:
3 Cornish Restaurants have One Michelin Star
Outlaw's New Road, Port Isaac
80 GBP • SeafoodFew chefs in the UK understand and execute seafood cookery as well as Rick Stein’s protégé, Nathan Outlaw, who made Cornwall his home back in the nineties. Outlaw's New Road offers stunning views and a set menu which focuses on fresh fish and shellfish landed at the nearby harbour. Classical dishes keep the focus on the main ingredient.
Outlaw's Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac
80 GBP • SeafoodNathan Outlaw opened the eponymous Fish Kitchen – an intimate, harbourside 15th century fisherman’s cottage with low ceilings and wonky walls – in 2015 and gained a Michelin Star the same year. The tasting menu changes daily depending on what produce is freshly available at market and what’s been brought in by the local day boats.
Paul Ainsworth at No.6, Padstow
85 - 95 GBP • Modern CuisineThe first restaurant in Paul’s growing empire, this delightful Georgian townhouse gained a Michelin Star in 2013 and has retained it ever since. The warm service team are a key part of its appeal and diners are also encouraged to visit the kitchen and chat to the chefs after their meal. Imaginative cooking sees classic flavour combinations given a modern twist.
4 restaurants in the county have a Bib Gourmand
Named after Bibendum – the Michelin Man – the Bib Gourmand award highlights restaurants offering good food at competitive prices.Sardine Factory, Looe
25 - 38 GBP • SeafoodSet on the first floor of a lovingly restored warehouse with views over the harbour to East Looe, this relaxed, friendly restaurant utilises the daily stocks offered at Looe Market, which sits right opposite the restaurant. The wide-ranging menu showcases fresh, local seafood, and dishes are simply and confidently cooked, letting the ingredients shine.
The Square at Porthleven, Porthleven
23 - 35 GBP • Modern CuisineWatch the boats come and go as you dine on the terrace of this harbourside bistro. From coffee and cake to sharing platters and modern, brasserie-style classics, their ethos is ‘local is best’, so expect top class Cornish produce sourced from a selection of local suppliers; there’s a children’s menu available – and they also own the deli and ice cream shop next door.
Kota, Porthleven
27 - 45 GBP • Asian InfluencesChef Jude is half Maori, half Chinese Malay, so the local – often foraged – produce on the modern menu often comes with an Asian twist at this welcoming restaurant, whose name means ‘shellfish’ in Maori. The 300-year-old building is right on the harbour front of this historic fishing village – and they also have bedrooms, so you can stay overnight.
Rick Stein's Café, Padstow (Reopening on 4th October 2021)
27 - 36 GBP • InternationalAn old favourite in the heart of the town, with warm, engaging staff and an informal, family-friendly vibe. All-day menus showcase international dishes for which Rick Stein is known; ingredients are locally sourced, and dishes are keenly priced, carefully cooked and full of flavour. Children have their own menu and bedrooms are available too.
2 restaurants earned a Michelin Green Star in 2021
The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2021 saw the introduction of the new Green Star distinction which highlights restaurants that are at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their sustainable practices. 23 restaurants won this new award in the whole of the UK and Ireland.Coombeshead Farm, Lewannick
70 GBP • Country cookingThis cosy, rustic barn conversion is set on a 66 acre working farm, where they grow and rear produce following regenerative agriculture methods. The hyper-seasonal surprise menus provide the ultimate field-to-fork experience, including home-bred Mangalitsa pork and home-baked sourdough. The atmosphere is laid-back; stay over in one of the farmhouse bedrooms.
New Yard, Trelowarren
48 - 50 GBP • Modern BritishThis unique restaurant is set in the rustic former stables of this historic estate, which has been owned by the same family for over 600 years. The modern set menu changes daily and showcases local produce, much of it grown using regenerative methods in the walled garden or foraged from the estate. They also rear their own chickens and pigs.
There are also 33 other Michelin recommended restaurants in Cornwall. Find them here.
See also: The Best Seafood Restaurants in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland and
Michelin Restaurants by the Sea in the UK & Ireland.
