When you visit a town like Padstow, you can’t ignore its history and how it came to be such a popular destination. Padstow is an old fishing village and many of the places you can now visit were originally created during the maritime heyday in this stunning Cornish town.
Now though, Padstow is a really big pull for tourists and those looking to stay away on the coast and get in some much-needed R&R! Padstow, with its shops, crafts, eateries, pubs, and walks is still very much about the fish.
We’re big fish lovers here at Padstow Breaks and when we go out to eat it’s often to a fish restaurant. Well – we ARE spoilt for choice! We wanted to share some of our favourite restaurants so that if you’re staying in Padstow you can dine out in style and sample some of the best fish in town.
This is just based on our opinion from several decades of eating! Take a look.
Prawn on the Lawn
Born in trendy Islington in London, Prawn on the Lawn won many hearts and accolades before the couple who created it decided to move to where seafood restaurants were really making a name for themselves.
In 2015 Katie and Rick (owners of POTL) moved here to set up their second restaurant, Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow.
Named as one of the Times Top 100 restaurants in the UK, and also featured in the Michelin Guide, you can’t go wrong with dinner here.
Find out more HERE.
Number 6
Winner of a Michelin Star in 2013, Number 6 also has four AA rosettes. If you’re a foodie then you’ll love this little gem in Padstow. They have a great selection of wines chosen by sommelier Sarah Clements and this restaurant has the most incredible setting, too.
Paul Ainsworth is no stranger to Padstow with other restaurants here also being big favourites of ours. This is bucket list stuff. Honestly.
The Seafood Restaurant
If you go to Padstow and you don’t go to a Rick Stein restaurant… did you even go? Rick Stein has made Padstow and the Cornish coast his home and kitchen since 1975 and his reputation rarely fails in any of his establishments down here.
With a seafood bar right in the middle of the restaurant where you can enjoy the atmosphere of this very special restaurant, you can choose from set menus and catches of the day at the aptly named Seafood Restaurant. It does what it says on the tin, but beautifully!
Barnaby’s
Barnaby’s is owned and run by the same couple as Like Prawn on the Lawn but has a different feel. Barnaby’s (named after Rick’s Grandfather – how lovely is that?) is a cosy, relaxed restaurant placed right in the centre of Padstow in a former Victorian tearoom.
Fish really is the order of the day here - although they do have pork, lamb, and some vegan options too. This is a small and very perfectly formed fish restaurant and booking is very much encouraged so you get a plaice - sorry we mean place - especially for parties over six people.
Rick Stein’s Cafe
It’s not all stars, rosettes, and fine dining down here. Rick Stein also has the brilliant and imaginatively named Rick Stein’s Café in Middle Street. They offer cappuccino and cake, light bites, and of course a lunch and evening menu full of fresh fish caught right here on the Cornish coast.
These are fresh dishes designed and cooked to be light and healthy and dinner is à la carte. Rick really does get it so right and this little café is well worth some of your time.
Looking to stay somewhere in Padstow?
We have some great places to stay in Padstow. At Padstow Breaks our gorgeous holiday apartments and cottages are ready and waiting for you and act as the perfect, relaxing base for your time down here.
We’d love to help you relax, wine, and dine on the Cornish coast.
Contact us now or take a look for yourself at our Padstow Breaks here.
