Best restaurants in north Cornwall
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from on the north coast of Cornwall and within Watergate Bay. Here is our selection of favourite restaurants, including some more unusual alfresco dining options.
1. Zacry’s
Location: Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Executive Chef: Neil Haydock
Named after the square, rocky outcrop at the south end of the beach comes Zacry’s. The style combines Cornish attitude with a classic brasserie, while the food draws on international influences, local inspiration and contemporary American cuisine.
2. Emily Scott Food
Location: Sea wall, Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Chef: Emily Scott
Emily’s passion for the connection between food, a sense of place and storytelling is infectious, intriguing and comforting all at the same time. On the table local meat, fish and seafood from Cornish waters. Inspired by nature and her love for bringing people around a table.
3. Paul Ainsworth and Number 6
Location: Padstow
Chef: Paul Ainsworth
If you want to experience Michelin starred cooking in Cornwall head to Number 6. The restaurant comprises a series of small rooms over two floors of a Georgian townhouse, creating an intimate and elegant setting
4. The Seafood Restaurant
Location: Padstow
Chef: Pete Murt
Having opened in 1975, The Seafood Restaurant is still the main hub of Rick and Jill Stein’s businesses in Padstow. Oysters, langoustines, mussels, turbot and sashimi are all on the menu, which is inspired by Rick’s travels.
5. The Beach Hut
Location: Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Well known as one of Cornwall’s best beach-side hangouts where you’ll find a classic dining menu including burgers, steaks and shellfish. Large windows open onto the deck overlooking Watergate Bay. Always bustling with activity The Beach Hut is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
6. Outlaw's Fish Kitchen
Location: Port Isaac, Cornwall
Chef: Nathan Outlaw and Chris Simpson
Opened by Nathan Outlaw in 2013, the 15th-century fisherman’s cottage turned restaurant overlooks the harbour in Port Isaac.
7. Rick Stein’s Cafe
Location: Padstow
Open daily serving breakfast, light lunches and relaxed dinners from daily changing menus. Simple seafood dishes and imaginative flavours rule here, with influences from Thailand, Morocco and the Med apparent. A great place for families.
8. The Living Space
Location: Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall
With the best view of Watergate Bay, The Living Space is an integral part of the Watergate Bay dining experience. Visit to eat, greet and take in the view. Serving platters, properly filling sandwiches and seasonal salads with Cornish and European flavours.
9.The Fish House
Location: Newquay, Cornwall
Chef: Paul Harwood
Seats: 24
Inspired by the sea, located right on Fistral beach, the small seafood restaurant uses local produce and has grown into a well established popular restaurant, booking is essential.
10. Prawn on the Lawn
Location: Padstow, Cornwall
Just outside Padstow, at Trerethern Farm an outdoor restaurant serving freshly caught fish depending on what has been caught that day.
11. Fox's Revenge
Award-winning pub and restaurant, Fox's Revenge is hidden away in the Cornish countryside. Locally sourced food and hand-selected wines, beer and real ale, a beautiful setting with plenty of outdoor festival-feel type seating.
12. Strong Adolfos
"Essentially we are a roadside cafe, but effectively we are much more." Strong Adolfos is open for breakfast and lunch, no bookings necessary. Located on the A39 on the way to Wadebridge, it's an ideal stop off on route to the Camel Trail or Padstow.
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