Places to eat in Padstow

Coastal, Food and Drink

Posted by Courtney Kelly on 14th January 2025

Sunrise over the harbour water in the fishing town of Padstow.

“If you want to eat my fish, you have to come to Padstow. It's like the Med – people want local fish in a local restaurant. I think it tastes better in Cornwall.” – Rick Stein

We do too, Rick. That’s why we’ve put together this delectable list of restaurants, pubs and cafes in the fishing port of Padstow for you to peruse at your leisure. The town may be known as Padstein to some but trust us, there are plenty of worthy eateries to rival the famous chef’s establishments.  

Continue reading for a full-flavoured account of the best places to eat in Padstow or click the button below to search for a cosy coastal home-from-home. Properties with hot tubs, cottages with wood burners, and dog-friendly retreats are all on the menu.

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Restaurants in Padstow

In recent years, Padstow restaurants have become synonymous with Rick Stein and for good reason due to the quality of seafood his eateries offer. However, he doesn’t quite have the monopoly, with Paul Ainsworth making inroads, along with other places of note. Read on for more restaurants in Padstow…


A flatlay image of lobster thermidor on a white plate on a green, wooden table.

The Seafood Restaurant

Rick Stein’s flagship eatery, The Seafood Restaurant has been serving fresh fish since 1975 so they know a thing or two about the sea. Rick has long since left the confines of the commercial kitchen, but his capable team expertly recreates his timeless classics such as lobster thermidor, turbot hollandaise and Indonesian seafood curry.

The restaurant was awarded the AA Food Service Award in 2024 which reflects the high standards of hospitality and cuisine you’ll find if decide to visit this top eatery in Padstow.

Good to know:

  • Location: Riverside, Padstow PL28 8BY
  • Opening times: Sunday to Friday 12pm–3pm and 5.30pm–8.30pm, Saturday 12pm–2pm and 5.30pm–9pm
  • Dog friendly: Unfortunately, this Rick Stein establishment is not, but others are
  • What customers say: Fabulous food – every course was delicious. The service was excellent and I thought the whole experience was very good value for money – Ellie
  • Stay nearby: Harbour Watch | Sleeps 4

Two battered pieces of fish with lemon wedges and chunky chips. Parsley garnishes the dish and there is a beer and some cut lemons in the background.

Stein's Fish & Chips

If you’re looking for some Padstow fish and chips but still want to claim that you had a Rick-related experience, pull out a stool at Stein's Fish & Chips for a classy taste of the coast.

Order a classic battered cod or haddock or opt for some bream or lemon sole, all served with thick-cut chips that have never seen a freezer. Settle down at the traditional wooden tables and patiently wait as your ketchup creeps out of a glass bottle – fancy – or arrange a takeaway and stroll upon the shore.

Good to know:

  • Location: Unit 1 S Quay, Padstow PL28 8BL
  • Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 12pm–3.30pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm–6.30pm
  • Dog friendly: Unfortunately, this Rick Stein establishment is not, but others are
  • What customers say: Best ever fish and chips. Batter so crispy. Great service with a warm welcome. Definitely worth a visit – Steve
  • Stay nearby: 2 Pentyre House | Sleeps 2

The hands of a man and a woman clink glasses full of fruity cocktails. One drink is red and one is yellow.

Paul Ainsworth at No6

Located in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in the heart of the town, this acclaimed restaurant is run by another of Padstow’s famous ambassadors. Paul Ainsworth at No6 is a Michelin-star restaurant with a focus on using fresh Cornish produce to create modern British food worth shouting about.

Choose either the dining room with a view of the kitchen pass so you can watch the chefs work their magic, or the private dining area seating six guests. Why not make the night even more special with an aperitif or a digestive at CiCi’s Bar? Located above No6, this exclusive cocktail could be the icing on an already very special cake.

Good to know:

  • Location: 6 Middle St, Padstow PL28 8AP
  • Opening times: Thursday to Saturday 11.45am–2pm, Tuesday to Saturday 5pm–8.45pm
  • Dog friendly: Only registered assistance dogs
  • What customers say: Incredible culinary experience with top-class staff in a truly relaxed setting – Fergal
  • Stay nearby: Sandpiper | Sleeps 6

A single scallop in a shell, cooked with herbs, chilli and oil.

Prawn on the Lawn

Following on from the success of their London site, Prawn on the Lawn decided to take Padstow by storm. Not an easy feat considering the rival seafood company they’d be keeping, but a focus on known local suppliers and a small plate menu that can change by the hour meant that this little oasis continues to thrive.

Try Porthilly mussels and Padstow lobster, or perhaps taste the world with Sri Lankan black curry cod or Thai-marinated scallops. Whatever you choose, you and your tastebuds will soon find out why they have been featured in the Michelin Guide every year since they opened.

Good to know:

  • Location: 11 Duke St, Padstow PL28 8AB
  • Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 12pm–10pm
  • Dog friendly: Yes, but only two small dogs at any one time are permitted on the premises. Please book ahead
  • What customers say: The vibe, food, atmosphere and service were top-notch – Elizabeth
  • Stay nearby: Alexandra House | Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs

A mini-golf course near the sea, similar to what you might find at Greens of Padstow.

Greens of Padstow

Where else can you order breakfast, lunch or dinner, followed by a quick round of mini golf? Why, Greens of Padstow of course. Located at the north end of the town, overlooking the harbour and the Camel Estuary, Greens offers an interior as serene as the views from the tables. This is a tranquil restaurant where the classic flavours do most of the talking.

Service for breakfast and lunch is walk-in only but booking for evening meals is highly recommended. No booking is needed for the mini golf, however. Just turn up and play … maybe whoever loses can pay for dinner!

Good to know:

  • Location: North Quay, Padstow PL28 8AF
  • Opening times: Find Greens’ opening times here as they vary throughout the year
  • Dog friendly: Yes, on the outside terrace
  • What customers say: A very relaxed, dog-friendly place to eat. Fantastic views across the harbour and beyond. Excellent service and excellent food – Ken
  • Stay nearby: Upperdeck | Sleeps 2 + 1 dog

A pizza being put into a wood-fired oven using a pizza peel.

Embers Wood-Fired Pizza

Using only authentic Italian tomatoes for a fresh base and the best buffalo mozzarella on top, Embers sure does know its pizza. All pizzas are hand-rolled and wood-fired in the back to produce a wonderful soft crust – a true taste of Italy. There are plenty of other dishes too, if pizza is not your idea of heaven, including pasta, fajitas and burgers.

Finish off with some gelato or sorbet made fresh on-site by the Padstow Ice Cream Company. As you’re scooping the freshly made deliciousness to your lips, you can rest assured that Embers is a plastic-free establishment that works closely with Plastic Free Padstow. You won't find any single-use plastic here!

Good to know:

  • Location: 16 Market Place, Padstow PL28 8AL
  • Opening times: Daily from 5pm and also Saturday from 12pm
  • Dog friendly: Yes, but please check when booking
  • What customers say: Best pizza I've had, absolutely delicious, friendly staff and great service – Nick
  • Stay nearby: Captains Cottage | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

A colourful and delicious-looking afternoon tea with a cup of tea and two glasses of prosecco.

The Jetty Padstow

Padstow’s gastronomic legacy is widely celebrated. It has a reputation that is unlikely to be toppled any time soon. That’s because of places like The Jetty. Located within a hotel, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better perspective for fine dining … in a town renowned for both.

The views from the full-length, floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant are second to none, taking in the sweeping panorama of the estuary and harbour. The food’s not half bad either, with light lunches, afternoon teas or incredible-sounding evening dinners to choose from. The atmosphere is laid back, just ensure you don’t arrive in flip-flops, vests or ripped jeans.

Good to know:

  • Location: Harbour Hotel Padstow, Station Rd, Padstow PL28 8DB
  • Opening times: Daily 12pm–2pm and 5pm–8.30pm; afternoon tea daily 2pm–4pm
  • Dog friendly: Not in the restaurant but they are welcome in the Boat Room or on the terrace
  • What customers say: Gorgeous setting, very professional service and good food – Emma
  • Stay nearby: Joy House | Sleeps 6

Pubs in Padstow

Should you fancy a serving of pub-like charm, Padstow has plenty of options to satisfy you. But it’s not just standard pub grub on offer … this is Padstow after all.


A large plate of steak and ale pie, mashed potato and broccoli.

Harbour Inn

Staying by the water, Harbour Inn is a traditional, family-run, dog-friendly Cornish pub that’s open 7 days a week. Showcasing a range of local spirits and ales, as well as small-batch brews, you might take a little longer to order than you would in your local back home. That’s ok though, just take a seat, take your time and peruse the fine wine and cocktail menu too.

Similar care is taken with the food menu, with a daytime sandwich menu, options for children and then light bites and main meals on offer, including seafood linguine, steak and St Austell Ale pie, and traditional fish and chips. Stick around after your meal and enjoy the live music every Thursday and Friday night, and Sunday afternoon.

Good to know:

  • Location: Strand St, Padstow PL28 8BU
  • Opening times: Daily 11am–11pm
  • Dog friendly: Yes, absolutely
  • What customers say: Lovely pub. Staff were very friendly and accommodating and had a lovely chat. Great atmosphere. Good choice of beer and food was lovely – Tom
  • Stay nearby: Harbourside Cottage | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

A view across the harbour in Padstow. Just off centre to the right, you can see Shipwrights.

Shipwrights

Right on the quay and handily positioned next to a public car park, Shipwrights is a St Austell Brewery pub that originally served the fishermen coming into Padstow’s port. Today, it still serves busy tradespeople as well as the flurry of visitors the town enjoys.

As with any eatery in Padstow, there’s a focus on fresh, local produce here. Indulge in some divine seafood or tuck into wraps, salads, burgers and vegan options. Feeling full and don’t want to leave yet? Fear not, there’s plenty here to help you while away a few hours, including a pool table, regular quizzes, live music and live sports from TNT and Sky.

Good to know:

  • Location: 5 N Quay Parade, Padstow PL28 8AF
  • Opening times: For separate drink and food opening times, see here
  • Dog friendly: Yes, absolutely. You can even buy some Proper Dog, a dog-friendly beer
  • What customers say: Food was lovely, big portions. Staff are really friendly. Definitely recommend – Sarah
  • Stay nearby: Court House | Sleeps 10 + 2 dogs

A view of some boats on the water at Padstow. The left-most building is the Old Custom House.

Old Custom House

Fancy a St Austell Brewery pub crawl? Take a short walk around the harbour and find the Old Custom House waiting to welcome you as warmly as Shipwrights did. You’ll find a similar menu here, championing local ingredients cooked with flair. Choose from the full breakfast menu or a pub classic such as scampi or a fish finger sandwich.

Like its sister pub, the Old Custom House has live music, but just once a week. You can also watch live sports here via TNT.

Good to know:

  • Location: S Quay, Padstow PL28 8BL
  • Opening times: For separate drink and food opening times, see here
  • Dog friendly: Yes, in the bar. You can even buy some Proper Dog, a dog-friendly beer
  • What customers say: Great Padstow gastro pub. Great beer, friendly service and good food – John
  • Stay nearby: Baxters Cottage | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

An impressive roast with a huge piece of beef in an even bigger Yorkshire pudding. Potatoes and vegetables circle this centrepiece.

Golden Lion

Affectionately known as The Lion, this local is the oldest of the remaining pubs in Padstow. Dating back to the late 1700s, it’s housed in a Grade II-listed building and shows signs of its character and history throughout. An original parquet hardwood floor, low ceilings and wooden beams, repurposed from ship masts, showcase its antiquity.

Undoubtedly, the food offering has changed over the years and the owners now present a refined menu including interesting dishes like Korean wings or more traditional lunches such as a ploughman's. However, the showstopper has to be the Sunday roast. It’s certainly the best venue in Padstow for all the trimmings, perhaps even the country, seeing as the Lion’s roast has been mentioned in The Times newspaper twice!

Good to know:

  • Location: Golden Lion, 19 Lanadwell St, Padstow PL28 8AN
  • Opening times: Daily 11.30am–close (times may vary during low season)
  • Dog friendly: Yes, in the bar area and outside (not upstairs)
  • What customers say: Great pub, great atmosphere, food is fantastic and service is excellent. Portions are very generous so be careful – Bob
  • Stay nearby: Miss Mopsy's | Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs

Cafes in Padstow

If you’re all about staying home in the evening and getting snuggly or cooking up some Cornish food for yourself in your self-catering holiday cottage, perhaps a visit to a café during the day is more your vibe.


Uncooked king prawns on a chopping board with salt, whole peppercorns and half a lime to the side.

Rick Stein's Café

You didn’t think we were done with Rick Stein eateries, did you? This is Padstein we’re talking about here. Rick Stein's Café is a great option if you have children and dogs in tow, as it has a dedicated children’s menu (not something you always find in cafes) and it’s open until 7.30pm, allowing you to get the kids fed before heading home for your own dinner.

Expect the same level of service from the front-of-house staff and the same passion in the creation of your dishes as you’d find in Rick’s other eateries. There’s a nod to the Far East on the menu – Rick’s salt and pepper prawns have been ever present since he brought the recipe back from Hong Kong in the 1990s.

Good to know:

  • Location: 10 Middle St, Padstow PL28 8AP
  • Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am–7.30pm
  • Dog friendly: Yes, in the courtyard
  • What customers say: Really delicious food, well cooked and excellent service and all at a decent price – Simon
  • Stay nearby: Woodbine Cottage | Sleeps 4

Two women smiling and petting a happy dog in a cafe.

St Petroc's Bistro

Another Rick Stein classic, St Petroc's Bistro has been successfully serving the townspeople of Padstow for over 30 years. This dog-friendly café/restaurant is the perfect cosy spot to enjoy a sumptuous lunch of Cornish hake or a steak from the BBQ grill. Those daring enough could even opt for beef tartare as a starter.

The bistro has a private dining area seating up to 12 guests which looks over the rooftops and the streets below. Alternatively, if the Cornish weather favours you, why not step into the secret garden behind the restaurant and while away the afternoon? Just ensure to put a little time aside for pre- or post-dinner cocktails at Ruby Bar where the expert bartenders will whip you up something colourful.

Good to know:

  • Location: 4 New St, Padstow PL28 8EA
  • Opening times: Check here for 2025 opening times
  • Dog friendly: Yes, in the dog-friendly lounge
  • What customers say: Wonderful lunch, super-fresh seafood, great service and most importantly, lovely and relaxed – Chris
  • Stay nearby: 12 New Street | Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs

Sicilian-style arancini with mince beef inside. The balls are on a chopping board with oil, tomatoes and Parmesan in the background.

Caffè Rojano by Paul Ainsworth

We round off our list of places to eat in Padstow with another Paul Ainsworth entry. Caffè Rojano began in the 1970s when local businessman Stanley Rojano chose to share his hearty Italian and Spanish cooking with the town locals. Today, Paul Ainsworth’s team have taken up the mantle and now serves a selection of seasonal small plates, beautiful Napoletana-style pizzas and fresh pasta dishes.

The 18th-century building welcomes families and dogs (although four-legged friends cannot venture into the restaurant) and the full menu is served all through the day. If you don’t quite have the time to sit and eat, there is a selection of side dishes and pizzas available for takeaway.

Good to know:

  • Location: 9 Mill Square, Padstow PL28 8AE
  • Opening times: Daily 12pm–9.30pm
  • Dog friendly: Yes, in the Cube Conservatory
  • What customers say: In a town full of choice eateries, this doesn't disappoint. Good value for money; it must have taken ages to plate this. We will be back. Plus, they made our hounds very welcome – Richard
  • Stay nearby: Jwala, Church Street | Sleeps 6 + 1 dog

Map of places to eat in Padstow

Find all the restaurants, pubs and cafes included in this guide on this handy map below.

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Make a beeline for North Cornwall if you want to enjoy some of the best seafood the South West has to offer. Stay in one of our properties and you can treat yourself to a new restaurant or pub every day.

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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.