Discover Padstow’s Top Seafood Spots: Unforgettable Local Dining Experiences
Padstow, a charming coastal town in Cornwall, is renowned for its exquisite seafood and vibrant dining scene. If you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to indulge in some of the best local cuisine, Padstow is a must-visit destination. Here, we delve into the top seafood spots that make Padstow a culinary gem.
The Seafood Restaurant by Rick Stein
At the heart of Padstow’s culinary landscape is Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant, The Seafood Restaurant. Established in 1975 by Rick and Jill Stein, this restaurant has been a cornerstone of British gastronomy for five decades. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, The Seafood Restaurant continues to impress with its innovative and traditional seafood dishes[1][2].
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Menu Highlights
The menu at The Seafood Restaurant is a testament to Rick Stein’s love for seafood and his global culinary influences. You can enjoy dishes such as Indonesian fish curry with green bean and coconut salad, vigorously spiced monkfish with roasted butternut squash and crispy chicken skin, and the classic Provençal-style fish soup with rouille and croûtons. The show-stopping lobster thermidor, served with skinny chips, is a must-try for any seafood aficionado[1].
Special Celebrations
To mark its 50th anniversary, The Seafood Restaurant is rolling back prices to 1975 for a limited time. This unique offer includes starters like melon for 30p and shellfish soup for 50p, and mains such as grilled lobster for £2.80 and seafood thermidor for £2.20. This is a rare opportunity to experience the restaurant’s classic dishes at historic prices[2].
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Dining Experience
The restaurant offers a bright, relaxing atmosphere with first-class service. The wine list, curated by Charlie Stein, features quality wines that complement the seafood perfectly. For a special treat, consider the Supper Club event, where each course is paired with a selected wine and includes complimentary Champagne and a special cocktail[5].
Paul Ainsworth at No.6
Another culinary gem in Padstow is Paul Ainsworth at No.6, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the town. Located in a white Georgian townhouse on Middle Street, this restaurant is a masterclass in using local produce to create exquisite dishes.
Local Flavors
The menu at No.6 is a celebration of Cornish ingredients. Start with an amuse bouche of deep-fried oyster from the nearby town of Rock, accompanied by sea smoked cod mayo and nori powder. The wild garlic and watercress soup, topped with crispy parsley and a dollop of sour cream, is a highlight of the meal. The service is sophisticated yet warm, and the kitchen is open, allowing diners to watch the chefs at work[4].
Value for Money
One of the standout features of No.6 is its excellent value lunch menu. For just £29, you can enjoy a three-course meal that introduces you to the chef’s cuisine without the hefty price tag of the dinner menu. This makes it an accessible option for those looking to experience fine dining without breaking the bank[4].
Prawn on the Lawn
For a more casual yet equally impressive seafood experience, Prawn on the Lawn is a must-visit. Originally from Islington, London, this restaurant moved to Padstow in 2015 and has since gained an excellent reputation for its sustainable and daily changing menu.
Sustainable Seafood
The menu at Prawn on the Lawn is designed to be as sustainable as possible, reflecting the owners’ passion for seafood. Dishes include seared tuna with soy, mirin, spring onion, and chilli, crab som tam Thai salad, and whole Padstow lobster with lime and coriander butter. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability makes it a great choice for those who care about the environment[4].
Tapas-Style Dining
The tapas-style fish dishes at Prawn on the Lawn offer a unique dining experience. With a focus on local ingredients and creative flavor combinations, this restaurant is perfect for those who enjoy trying a variety of dishes in a relaxed setting.
Stein’s Fish and Chips
No visit to Padstow would be complete without trying some of the best fish and chips in the country. Stein’s Fish and Chips, another of Rick Stein’s eateries, offers more than just the traditional chip shop fare.
Global Influences
The menu includes intriguing dishes such as Goan curry, fish tacos, Thai fish cakes, and salt and pepper prawns. You can enjoy these dishes either by taking them away or dining inside the restaurant. The quality of the ingredients and the creative twists on classic dishes make Stein’s Fish and Chips a standout in Padstow[4].
Mussel Box
Located in a unique glass pod-like structure on the quayside, Mussel Box offers a dining experience with a stunning view of Padstow Harbour. This restaurant, formerly known as The Basement, has been revamped and now serves a crowd-pleasing menu with local twists.
Local and Global Dishes
Start with mussels served in various sauces, such as saffron, fennel, and dill, or a chili option with tomatoes, red pepper, and smoky chipotle. For mains, consider the rich coconut fish curry from South India or the Thai braised pork cooked with lime leaf and coconut cream. The setting and the menu make Mussel Box an unforgettable dining spot[4].
A Comprehensive Guide to Padstow’s Seafood Restaurants
Here is a detailed comparison of the top seafood restaurants in Padstow to help you plan your visit:
| Restaurant | Key Dishes | Price Range | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Seafood Restaurant | Indonesian fish curry, lobster thermidor, Provençal-style fish soup | High | 50th anniversary rolled-back menu, Supper Club event, wine list curated by Charlie Stein |
| Paul Ainsworth at No.6 | Deep-fried oyster, wild garlic and watercress soup, Michelin-starred menu | High | Excellent value lunch menu, sophisticated service, open kitchen |
| Prawn on the Lawn | Seared tuna, crab som tam Thai salad, whole Padstow lobster | Medium-High | Sustainable menu, tapas-style dining, daily changing menu |
| Stein’s Fish and Chips | Goan curry, fish tacos, Thai fish cakes, salt and pepper prawns | Medium | Creative twists on classic fish and chips, quality ingredients |
| Mussel Box | Mussels in various sauces, coconut fish curry, Thai braised pork | Medium | Unique setting on the quayside, local and global dishes |
Practical Insights and Actionable Advice
Booking in Advance
Given the popularity of these restaurants, it is highly recommended to book your table well in advance. For special events like The Seafood Restaurant’s 50th anniversary celebrations, reservations may need to be made through specific links or ballots[2][5].
Exploring Local Produce
Padstow is known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients. When dining at any of these restaurants, be sure to ask about the daily specials and locally sourced produce to get the full flavor of Cornish cuisine.
Wine Pairings
The wine lists at these restaurants, particularly at The Seafood Restaurant and Paul Ainsworth at No.6, are carefully curated to complement the seafood dishes. Don’t hesitate to ask for wine pairing recommendations to enhance your dining experience.
Sustainable Dining
For those who care about sustainability, Prawn on the Lawn and other restaurants in Padstow offer menus that are designed to be as sustainable as possible. Supporting these restaurants not only provides a great dining experience but also contributes to environmentally friendly practices.
Quotes from the Chefs
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“We can’t wait to welcome you to this unique celebration of food, family, and our shared love of the sea.” – Rick Stein, on the 50th anniversary celebrations of The Seafood Restaurant[2].
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“When Cornwall is your larder, of course you’re going to make full use of it!” – Reflecting on the use of local produce at Paul Ainsworth at No.6[4].
Padstow, with its rich seafood heritage and vibrant dining scene, offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you are looking for traditional seafood dishes, innovative global flavors, or a unique dining setting, Padstow’s top seafood spots have something for everyone. From Rick Stein’s iconic Seafood Restaurant to Paul Ainsworth’s Michelin-starred No.6, and from the casual elegance of Prawn on the Lawn to the quirky charm of Mussel Box, each restaurant provides a distinct and memorable dining experience.
So, if you’re planning a visit to Padstow, make sure to include these seafood restaurants in your itinerary. With their commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, creative menus, and exceptional service, these restaurants will ensure that your dining experience in Padstow is nothing short of extraordinary.