09 February 2026
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In the decades since Rick Stein put Cornwall on the foodie map back in the 1970s with The Seafood Restaurant, many other chefs have followed in his footsteps. Thanks to the abundance of exceptional produce grown locally, as well as the fresh fish and sublime shellfish caught on the county’s shores, Cornwall makes an ideal home for a chef – especially if they’re partial to some beach-bound fun on their day off. So, whether you’re off there on holiday or lucky enough to call it home, here are the best restaurants in Cornwall.
Outlaw's Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac
Nathan Outlaw opened the eponymous Fish Kitchen – an intimate, 15th-century harbourside fisherman’s cottage with low ceilings and wonky walls – in 2015 and gained a MICHELIN Star the same year. A protégé of Rick Stein’s, he has become a master of seafood cookery over the years. This, the simpler of his two operations in the fishing village of Port Isaac, is informed by the day’s catch and some of the dishes are designed for sharing. A lack of unnecessary adornment allows the superb fish and shellfish to really seize the spotlight.
Paul Aisworth at No.6, Padstow
Located in the popular holiday destination of Padstow, this flagship of the Paul Ainsworth empire – which also includes Italian Caffè Rojano around the corner – is housed in a delightful Georgian townhouse and has held its Star since 2013. These days, Paul and the team are offering a real experience to their guests, with an added dose of theatricality to the dishes and a menu that arrives literally with your name on it. There is a warmth to the intimate surroundings, while the restaurant’s perennial popularity ensures a good buzz to the atmosphere.
Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling, Newquay
Splitting his time between London and the coast, Cornwall has become a home away from home for Scottish chef Adam Handling. Along with his Tartan Fox pub in Summercourt, he runs this brilliantly located restaurant overlooking Fistral Beach. The cooking showcases Handling’s skill via distinct, satisfying flavours extracted from excellent ingredients from the southwest. The à la carte refreshingly offers a four-course option that lets you try more of Handling’s delectable dishes, while starting off with the bread and his signature chicken skin butter is a must.Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Cornwall
The Cornwall dining scene is not just about its four MICHELIN-Starred establishments. The county is home to a wealth of other fabulous restaurants, including two holding a Bib Gourmand – our award for high-quality cooking that doesn't break the bank.
The Bib Gourmand restaurants in Cornwall are:
argoe, Newlyn
Counter Culture, Newquay
North Street Kitchen, Fowey
Rick Stein’s Café, Padstow
Sardine Factory, Looe
For recommendations of what to do and where to stay during your trip, check out our guide to Cornwall for a family holiday.
Hero Image: Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling, one the MICHELIN-Star restaurants in Cornwall. © Justin De Souza/Ugly Butterfly
