10 Best Restaurants in North Cornwall
30th September 2015
From casual wood-fired food hideaways to Michelin-starred seafood restaurants, Cornwall remains a county like no other for food lovers. So here’s our guide to the 10 best restaurants in North Cornwall, all within easy reach of our Beach Retreats properties.
Scott & Babs
Where? Mawgan Porth
Hidden away deep in Mawgan Porth’s Laherne valley is one of our favourite haunts. Situated on farm with a stream running through the site, you really do feel like you stumbled across something special. They’re rearing their own pigs, sheep, cows, ducks and chickens to cook a small menu that’s tasty, rustic and cooked on open fires, spit roasts and slow roasted smoker barrels. Guests can get cosy up in a converted stable with a roaring log fire!
Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen
Where? Port Isaac
The two-Michelin starred chef ‘s new Fish Kitchen brings the best of Cornish seafood to a more affordable level. The restaurant, which focuses on small seafood plates, now boasts a Michelin star in its own right. We fancy the cured Monkfish and crispy squid, with prices between £2-10 per dish.
Fish House Fistral
Where? Fistral Beach
Fish House Fistral is an award-winning seafood restaurant over looking the beach at Watergate Bay. Described by the owner and Head Chef as serving rustic seafood ‘with no one serving food like like this in Newquay’, the focus in on local produce at reasonable prices. Dishes include everything from lobster linguini and fish curry to ribeye steaks and burgers.
St Tudy Inn
Where? St Tudy, Nr Bodmin
After many years running the Harbour Restaurant in Port Isaac, award-winning chef Emily Scott opened up the St Tudy Inn in December 2014. The transformed the pub has a modern warm and cosy atmosphere. Enjoy a drink in the old bar, or relax in front of the open fire and enjoy simple, rustic cuisine.
Paul Ainsworth at Number 6
Where? Padstow
It’s not all about Rick Stein anymore in Padstow (although Rick’s restaurants are still very good). Paul Ainsworth has won a Michelin star for his restaurant, which sources seasonal ingredients and serves them in s simple modern style. Accessibility is key, so the atmosphere is relaxed, children are welcome, and hearty portions of unpretentious, uncomplicated food is bound to put a smile on your face.
Gilmore’s Golf
Where? Fistral, Newquay
What was once an average greasey-spoon café and golfcourse has been turned into a laid-back hangout with a fun miniature-golf course sitting alongside. Gilmore’s brings unfussy, freshly cooked, Mexican inspired food to Cornwall. Burritos, tacos and loaded chips and nachos are all on the menu, which is anything but your usual Old El Passo fayre. Our favourite is the fried fish taco, complete with homemade mini soft tacos – as they should be.
Visit their Facebook page.
Zacry’s
Where? Watergate Bay
Since it threw open its brasserie-style doors at Watergate Bay Hotel in March 2014, Zacry’s has drawn a crowd of passers-by and returning aficionados alike. The food looks to Cornwall for inspiration while drawing on international influences and executive chef Neil Haydock’s passion for contemporary American cuisine. Provenance is important in the seasonal two or three-course menu, showcasing both classic and contemporary dishes. Grilled meat and seafood all feature large.
Visit their website.
The Halsetown Inn
Where? Halsetown near St Ives
Possibly the best Sunday roast in Cornwall, but the Halsetown Inn’s daily menu is just as tasty – and all really good value. The medium sized menu covers a lot of ground, from classic burgers, Asian-inspired dishes, curries, lamb and seafood, in a rustic and homely atmosphere.
The Beach Hut
Where? Watergate Bay
One of Cornwall’s best beach-side hangouts, The Beach Hut welcomes surfers, families and even the dog. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, food is unfussy and tasty, the atmosphere laid-back, and all with a view of Watergate Bay’s two-mile stretch of beach out front. Perfect for sunset watching and sundowners.
Visit their website.
Strong Adolfos
Where? A39 just outside Wadebridge
What do you get if you cross a great coffee maker, a surf-board shaper and motorbike customiser? The proprietor of a sub-cultural café on Cornwall’s Atlantic Highway, of course. The interior is industrial but the food and drink is anything but. The kitchen serves freshly cooked breakfast and lunches with influence taken from around the globe. We spotted burgers, lentil dhal and tasty salads on the day that we visited with vegetarian, gluten-free and meat eaters all catered for across the menu.
Visit their website.
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