In the decades since Rick Stein put Cornwall on the foodie map back in the 1970s with The Seafood Restaurant, many other chefs have followed in his footsteps. Thanks to the abundance of exceptional produce grown locally, as well as the fresh fish and sublime shellfish caught on the county’s shores, Cornwall makes an ideal home for a chef – especially if they’re partial to some beach-bound fun on their day off. So, whether you’re off there on holiday or lucky enough to call it home, here are the best restaurants in Cornwall.
Crocadon, St Mellion
While most of Cornwall’s restaurants are fish-focused and located in pretty coastal towns, the team at Crocadon are doing things a little differently. According to Chef-Owner Dan Cox, this is a farm first and a restaurant second – which means that the vast majority of the produce on the menu is grown on site and is of the highest standards in both gastronomic and sustainability terms. It’s no surprise that the restaurant holds a Green Star alongside its One-Star accolade.
Read more about Crocadon’s remarkable journey from both the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors and Dan Cox himself.
Outlaw's Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac
Nathan Outlaw opened the eponymous Fish Kitchen – an intimate, 15th-century harbourside fisherman’s cottage with low ceilings and wonky walls – in 2015 and gained a MICHELIN Star the same year. A protégé of Rick Stein’s, he has become a master of seafood cookery over the years. This, the simpler of his two operations in the fishing village of Port Isaac, is informed by the day’s catch and some of the dishes are designed for sharing. A lack of unnecessary adornment allows the superb fish and shellfish to really seize the spotlight.
Outlaw's New Road, Port Isaac
Nathan Outlaw’s other Starred restaurant provides the ideal platform for him to show off his talents, in the form of an extensive tasting menu that finds room for a whole range of seafood. From the scallop to the sole, each course has its supplier listed next to it on the menu, showing how seriously Nathan takes his magnificent produce. An à la carte is available at lunchtime in addition to the tasting menu, and the whole experience is enhanced by the stunning views of Port Isaac Bay.
For more great views and delicious fish, check out our list of Cornwall’s Best Waterside Restaurants.
Paul Ainsworth at No.6, Padstow
Located in the popular holiday destination of Padstow, this flagship of the Paul Ainsworth empire – which also includes Italian Caffè Rojano around the corner – is housed in a delightful Georgian townhouse and has held its Star since 2013. These days, Paul and the team are offering a real experience to their guests, with an added dose of theatricality to the dishes and a menu that arrives literally with your name on it. There is a warmth to the intimate surroundings, while the restaurant’s perennial popularity ensures a good buzz to the atmosphere.
Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Cornwall
The Cornwall dining scene is not just about its four MICHELIN-Starred establishments. The county is home to a wealth of other fabulous restaurants, including two holding a Bib Gourmand – our award for high-quality cooking that doesn't break the bank.
The Bib Gourmand restaurants in Cornwall are:
argoe, Newlyn
North Street Kitchen, Fowey
Rick Stein’s Café, Padstow
Sardine Factory, Looe
For recommendations of what to do and where to stay during your trip, check out our guide to Cornwall for a family holiday.
Green Star Restaurants in Cornwall
You’ve already heard about the brilliant work being done at Crocadon Farm in St Mellion, but it’s not the only restaurant in Cornwall that’s pushing for a more sustainable gastronomic future. Coombeshead Farm in Lewannick and CULTURE in Falmouth have also been awarded a MICHELIN Green Star for their work towards making their cooking more eco-friendly.
Hero Image: © Outlaw's New Road/Kate Whitaker
