Harbour Holidays

Top Ten Restaurants in Cornwall for Valentine’s Day

There’s nowhere more romantic than Cornwall to swoon with your lover for a Valentine’s break. Think hand-holding walks along beaches and cliff tops, followed by intimate dining on the ocean’s bounty in award-winning restaurants. Here are ten of our favourite venues to book a table for a memorable Valentine’s dinner in and around Padstow. 

[updated January 2023]

1. Caffé Rojano

Express your ‘amore’ for each other at Padstow’s finest Italian restaurant. Caffé Rojano, just off the harbour in Padstow, is a warm and welcoming place where romance is always in the air. This is a great place for couples to enjoy a Valentine’s Day meal with a choice of seasonal small plates, beautiful Napoletana-style pizzas and fresh pasta dishes.

Rojanos, Valentines dining, Padstow

Caffé Rojano, Padstow

2. Rick Stein’s Café

This intimate café is one of the more low-key and laid-back establishments in Rick Stein’s collection of restaurants. The celebrity chef has created a real gem in this Padstow restaurant, where chefs serve up some delicious meals crafted from fresh catch from local fishermen as well as organic meat from nearby farms. Rick Stein’s Café never fails to impress.

Rick Stein’s Café, Copyright James Ram

3. Paul Ainsworth at Number 6

For gastronomes with a penchant for romance, the Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 is hands-down the hottest address in town – so it’s worth booking ahead. Renowned chef Paul Ainsworth’s lets bold, seasonal flavours speak for themselves – such as Porthilly oysters from the Camel Estuary, monkfish fresh off the day boats and delectable deserts – in an innovative menu accompanied by a cracking wine list. 

Paul Ainsworth at Number 6

4. Prawn on the Lawn

Expect to snuggle up with other guests as well as your partner in this tiny padstow restaurant. The Prawn on the Lawn is a fish and seafood restaurant with only a handful of tables to serve guests the best of local fish and seafood. It’s a great place to sample oysters and clams, which are regarded as aphrodisiacs.

Prawn on the Lawn

5. The Mariner’s Rock

Gaze out to the oyster beds at the mouth of the Camel Estuary, while dining on the food of love plucked from the doorstep. It’s not just oysters and freshly landed seafood on the menu of this scenic gastropub nudging the water’s edge; from small plates to hearty Cornish classics, there’s plenty on the menu of this casual venue that extends Paul Ainsworth’s legacy across the estuary from Padstow to Rock. With stunning views and a roaring log fire, The Mariners is the perfect place to fuel up after a romantic coastal stroll to Daymer Bay.

The Mariners, @lateef.photography

6. Burgers and Fish

For something a little more informal, head to Burgers and Fish where lovers can share a meal of gourmet burgers or fresh fish meals cooked over an open charcoal grill. There’s always a fun atmosphere in this Padstow restaurant where the menu responds daily to availability of local fish and ingredients.

Burgers and Fish, Padstow

7. Cornish Arms

If you fancy pub meal for a Valentine’s Day meal, they don’t come more stylish and sensational than the Cornish Arms in St Merryn. The restaurant is located inside this traditional local pub where you can snuggle up for a fireside feast. Owned by Rick Stein, the restaurant combines pub menu staples with some of the chef’s famous recipes.

The Cornish Arms. Copyright James Ram

8. Lusty Glaze Restaurant

The name says it all. A restaurant where you can lovingly gaze at each other and at the view – it really is best visited for a romantic lunch in the daylight. Skip barefoot across this romantic Cornish cove, then relax over pizza and snacks at Lusty Glaze restaurant – considered to be one of Britain’s most romantic venues. 

Lusty Glaze Beach Restaurant.

9. Emily Scott, On the Sea Wall, Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay is another beach known for attracting lovestruck couples. Here you’ll find Emily Scott’s On The Sea Wall, a smart seaside restaurant with ‘no faffing, no fussing, just beautiful food’. Many people come here just for the fine views and atmosphere, and for Valentine’s you can expect the treat of an exquisite 6-course seafood menu. 

Emily Scott at Watergate Bay. Copyright Lewis Pinder.

10. Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen

Get cosy in a romantic 15th century fisherman’s cottage boasting a big foodie reputation. Celeb chef Nathan Outlaw serves up only the freshest fish landed by inshore day boats, from his famous Fish Kitchen in the heart of Port Isaac. Make sure you book ahead for a sustainable seafood tasting menu. 

Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen is in the picturesque Port Isaac.

Looking for Somewhere to Stay in Cornwall for Valentine’s Day?

If you’re visiting Cornwall for a romantic break and don’t yet have your accommodation, get in touch with us and we’ll advise on the best cottages and holiday homes for couples in the Padstow area. Or simply search for availability via our property page.

Need Help?
Call - 01841 533402