Eating & Drinking in Padstow
Restaurants in Padstow
Image courtesy of Rick Stein’s Café
The Seafood Restaurant
Stein’s flagship Seafood Restaurant launched Padstow into the foodie spotlight way back in 1975 – when fish was expected to come deep fried and wrapped in newspaper. Despite stiff competition in recent years, this is still one of Padstow’s headliners, where you can tuck into out-of-this-world seafood that’s plucked straight of the sea.
Paul Ainsworth At No.6
Is Paul Ainsworth at No.6 the hottest address in Padstow for gastronomes? Cornish flavours conjured into modern British cuisine will have you salivating over every mouthful, and every meal is pure showmanship. With a private space for dinner parties, and an elegant dining room with a view to the chefs making their magic, it’s worth donning your glad-rags for. If you haven’t booked months in advance, check for mid-week lunch cancellations a couple of days before your visit.
Greens of Padstow
With its panoramic views of the estuary, Greens delivers from first light to last orders. Fuel up for coast path days with French toasted loaded with local bacon, linger over crab-loaded fries at lunch, or settle in for just-caught fish and Cornish-reared meats as the sun goes down. What’s more, there’s a mini golf course to keep kids entertained – leaving you free to soak up the estuary views in peace.
Rick Stein’s Café
Family-friendly, easy-going and bang in the middle of town, Rick Stein’s Café is one of our favourite spots for local seafood, Asian-inspired dining and fine wines. On a sunny day you can bring the dog and bask in the courtyard, but whatever the weather make sure you try Stein’s signature salt and pepper prawns.
Caffè Rojano
Tuck into a devilish combo of Italian and Cornish cuisine at Ainsworth’s vibrant Italian caffè that serves up Napoletana-style pizzas, fresh pasta and seasonal small plates. Book a table in the 18th century building where local craftsmen once made boots for Padstow’s fishermen, or take seat in the glass atrium, and enjoy this family-friendly eatery footsteps from the harbour.
Prawn on the Lawn
Fancy finger-licking shellfish, seafood and sharing plates? What started out as a little seafood bar in Padstow has made a very big name for itself. Take a seat in the original restaurant on Duke Street, pile into the cosy seafood bar, or savour coast and countryside views from its outpost at Barnaby’s restaurant on the nearby Trevibban Mill vineyard. Either way, plates are packed with local flavours and fruits de mer delivered daily – if not hourly – by Cornwall’s fishermen.
Burgers and Fish
Get your chops around gourmet burgers and fish dishes cooked over charcoal, in a fun and upbeat setting beside Padstow harbour. Kids’ eyes will bulge at the burger selection, while grown-ups can indulge in the likes of grilled octopus or local mussels cooked in cider.
PL28 Café, Padstow
Padstow’s most talked-about opening of 2026 is PL28 Café on the Drang. Chef Thomas Hine is returning to his hometown to helm this harbourside café by day, transforming into an intimate chef’s table supper club by night. With genuine Cornish heart, Hine is joined by his cousin Will Derry front of house and his brother Fred in the kitchen. Book early.
Restaurants Near Padstow
Image courtesy of The Pig Restaurant
Prawn on the Lawn at Barnaby’s, Trevibban Mill
Tucked down a Cornish lane at Trevibban Mill Vineyard, this Michelin Guide-recommended spot from Prawn on the Lawn team is worth every twist and turn. Settle in for seasonal small plates built around the best Cornwall can land, grow and rear — crab and lobster straight off Johnny Murt’s day boat, oysters from the beds you can see across the Camel estuary, veg from a kitchen garden less than a mile away.
The Pig, Harlyn
Passionate about local produce? How about piggies reared in the grounds, veggies grown in the kitchen garden, and the seafood snagged by fishermen toiling in the Atlantic. Arrive early for a tipple in the map room of this Jacobean manor, the make your way through delightful dishes of unfussy British cuisine, from a menu curated according to the seasons. If the Cornish weather is playing ball, ditch the dining room for the more casual under-canvas Lobster Shed where wood-fired seafood comes with Camel Valley Brut.
Mariners, Rock
Hop aboard the Black Tor ferry from Padstow and cross the Camel Estuary to this gastro-meets-local pub, helmed by Ainsworth. Before you take a seat overlooking the water, stretch your legs with a stroll to the white-sands of Daymer Bay and scale the peak of Brea Hill for sweeping views. By the time you’re back at The Mariners, you’ll have earned a Sharp’s beer (brewed just up the hill), and worked up an appetite for Michelin-quality pub food with a Cornish soul.
St Enodoc Hotel, Rock
The latest venue in the Ainsworth stable – we’re expecting great things on the table at this hotel brasserie overlooking the Camel Estuary. Opening in summer 2o26, we can’t wait to experience the brand new bar and grill with rooftop terraces, landscaped gardens and banqueting spaces. The food’s bound to be some of Cornwall’s best – and by the looks of it the venue is set to match it.
The Cornish Arms
When you’ve had your fill of sea and sand on the Seven Bays, head inland to St Merryn for a pint and Cornish pub grub in Rick Stein’s revamped village inn. It’s all low-key vibes, a giant beer garden, St Austell Brewery ales, and classic dishes done really well. Dogs are welcome, as are muddy boots and sandy feet, and the beer tastes even better when you’ve earned it on the coast.
Raffertys Café and Winebar, St Merryn
For great food, great wine and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere, made a beeline for Rafferty’s in St Merryn. We can recommend the surf and turf from a crowd-pleasing menu packed with locally-ingredients.
Reggie’s, St Merryn
Reggie’s brings a completely different flavour to Padstow’s dining scene, serving authentic family recipes from Mumbai, cooked with local Cornish ingredients. It’s an intimate and sociable setting that feels like a dinner party, and fills up fast – so book ahead.
Cafés and Takeaways in Padstow
Image courtesy of Craftworks
Rick Stein’s Fish & Chips
The scent drifting from this quayside fish and chip shop makes it hard to resist. Local cod, haddock and hake share the menu with scampi, tiger prawns and battered oysters, while the fish chilli burger and grilled mackerel keep things interesting. Wash it all down with a Chalky’s Bite – eat in or out on the harbour wall with the best view in town. Go early — the queue forms fast and for good reason.
Craftworks Secret Garden
Festival vibes, pine trees and tacos? Hidden away in an orchard just outside town, this seasonal pop-up is all about laid-back street food served from shipping containers. Grab a tipi seat, sip a beer, and tuck into towering burgers, burritos, or fresh bowls and salads under sun or stars.
Trevisker’s Kitchen, nr Padstow
Just outside town, this garden-centre-turned-local-secret is a hit with hungry families and locals. Chef Henk champions Cornwall’s finest produce – from seafood and locally-reared meats, to dairy and veg sourced from farms in view. Whether you fancy piles of warm pancakes served with fresh Cornish coffee, or an afternoon roast with live music in the garden, it’s well worth venturing beyond the bustle of town for food this good – and prices that go easier on the wallet.
Embers Woodfired Pizza
Pizza. Pasta. Ice cream. What’s not to love? This family-friendly eatery serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas with a Cornish twist – think local ham, West Country cheeses and seafood toppings. If you fancy something other than pizza, there’s fajitas, ribs, chicken wings and king prawns, as well as salads with just-picked Padstow leaves. Save room for sorbets and gelato from the Padstow Ice Cream Co.
Cherry Trees
Whether you’re back from a boat trip or moseying around the harbour, follow the sweet scent of baking to Cherry Trees – our favourite coffee house just footsteps from Harbour Holidays HQ. Brunch runs until 4pm, there’s a dreamy selection of cakes, and the Cornish cream teas are top-notch. If there are no tables or you’ve got a dog in tow, pop around the corner to its sister café, Cherry Blossom.
Ben’s Crib Box Café, Padstow
A local favourite perched on the quayside, Ben’s Crib Box is a go-to for tasty, great-value food on the fly. From hearty breakfasts and burritos, to toasties and hot chocolates with all the trimmings, everything’s served from a colourful shack with a side of friendly banter and estuary views. The ‘Meaty B’ burrito is legendary – perfect fuel before or after hitting the coast path to Stepper Point.
Rest A While Tea Garden, Hawker’s Cove
Tiny, rustic, and utterly charming, this outdoor-only tea garden serves just-out-of-the-oven scones with jaw-dropping sea views. Perfect for a pit stop if you’re walking the coast path to Stepper Point. There’s even vegan and savoury cream tea options. All very idyllic – except on rainy days, as opening hours are weather dependent.
Bars in Padstow
Image courtesy of Padstow Tasting Room
Padstow Tasting Room
Step into the Old Post Office on Duke Street and sample Padstow Brewing Company’s food and drink in a contemporary setting in the heart of town. There are 10 of the micro-brewery’s craft beers on tap, from First Class (with a nod to the venue) to the Pocket Rocket, as well as their own gin, cocktails and wine. Order a platter of crab or Cornish cheeses and kickback with an aperitif and nibbles in good company.
More info
Ruby’s Bar
Hideaway and sip boutique spirits just a few minutes’ from the harbour, making your way through the cocktail list that’s tailored around Rick Stein’s worldwide travels. How about a Gin Highball – made with Tarquin’s Rick Stein Gin, fennel, pineapple and bitter lemon?
Ci Ci’s Bar
Book a slot at Ci Ci’s cocktail bar for an exclusive treat. Located upstairs at Paul Ainsworth’s No.6 restaurant, the plush bar has a dedicated sommelier on hand to serve up classic cocktails with a local twist.
17 Duke Street, Padstow
Looking for a tipple with a local twist? Padstow Gin is distilled using barley from Tregirls Farm, which is grown in the fields beside the Camel Estuary and infused with the tastes of the ocean. Weaving the flavours of juniper, citrus, bay and locally-foraged stems of Alexander, this dry and smooth gin was awarded a silver medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition in 2021. But it’s still best enjoyed in the Duke Street Bar, close to its roots in the heart of Padstow.
BinTwo
This specialist wine shop tucked away in The Drang is a great spot to people watch with a vintage selected from is shelves. Get advice on the best tipples from the friendly staff and tuck into a selection of lobster rolls, charcuterie and cheese boards. Whether you’re spruced up for dinner or fresh off the beach, this is a wonderful corner to take time out on the terrace just a pebble’s throw from the harbour.
Pubs in Padstow
The London Inn, Padstow
Shipwrights
A favourite for families and sunny afternoons, this historic harbourside pub is the perfect place to grab a seat outside, watch the boats drift in, gulls wheel overhead, and the harbour buzz around you. Or head inside to soak up the maritime charm when the weather shifts. Once a go-to for port workers and fishermen, these days it’s all about local beers, classic pub fare, and the hum of holiday chatter.
The Harbour Inn
No bookings, no fuss – just hearty pub grub beside the harbour. Sandwiches under a tenner, scampi and chips for £15.50, and a kids’ menu to keep everyone happy. Add live music and local ales, and you’ve got a no-nonsense meal out that’s much cheaper than most of the sit-down options in Padstow.
The Old Custom House
If your idea of a holiday pint includes a side of people-watching, The Old Custom House hits the spot. Right on the quayside, it’s the perfect pitstop – whether you’ve been mooching through town, are on your way back from the beach, or have just stepped off the coastal path. Grab a Doom Bar (brewed just across the estuary), find a spot by the window or outside, and take in the views. Hungry? Refuel with classic Cornish pub grub, and you’ll be ready for the next round of coastal adventures.
The London Inn
Tucked in the backstreets of Padstow, this low-ceilinged little pub is where the locals hangout. Duck inside for excellent cask ales, a chinwag, a mean Sunday roast, and live music sessions. Packed with charm, it’s a real escape from the hustle and bustle of the harbour in summer, with a secret roof terrace where you can rise above it all and bask in the sunshine – or even under the stars.
The Golden Lion, Padstow
After a coastal stomp up or a trundle along the Camel Trail, step into the comforting glow of Padstow’s oldest pub. The Golden Lion has been warming bellies and cheering souls for over 400 years – and you can feel the history in every timber beam and stone wall. A roaring fire, hearty Cornish fare, ship masts in the rafters, and cask ales on tap – this is a pub with stories, soul and proper old-school charm.
Delivery to your Accommodation
Lobster Box Cornwall
Skip the cooking and have a chef-prepared feast delivered direct to your holiday cottage. Whole lobsters, small plates and barbecue boxes can be delivered to your accommodation on a Friday or Monday.
Fee’s
From Cornish fish pie to barbecue-ready local meats and seafood, Fee’s delivers home-cooked ready meals so can tuck into the best of Cornwall from the comfort of your Padstow holiday cottage.
