Eight seafood restaurants not to miss while in Cornwall

If you’re heading down to Cornwall to catch the first summer rays of the year, it would be criminal not to check out the vast array of incredible restaurants on offer. The county has a disproportionate amount of Michelin recognition, perhaps because some of the nation’s top chefs have realised that great food is even better in stunning surroundings. Here are five of our favourite restaurants that you won’t want to miss.

Kota, Porthleven

If you’re looking for seafood that stands out, it’s worth taking a trip down to the historic harbour of Porthleven. Kota, which means shellfish in Maori, is the brainchild of renowned half-Maori, half-Chinese Malay chef Jude Kareama, who this year reached the finals of the Great British Menu. The restaurant boasts three AA rosettes and Michelin Bib Gourmand, so be prepared for exquisite local produce served up with an exciting Asian twist. Book a table here.

Dinings SW3 Cornwall summer residency: Idle Rocks, St Mawes (7^th July) and Tavola, Truro (9^th-10^th July)

Masaki Sugisaki and the team at Dinings SW3 are coming to Cornwall this July for a two-part residency at the Idle Rocks and Tavola (sister to Hidden Hut) respectively. Cornwall is a constant source of inspiration for the chef so the trip will pay homage to his affinity with the fishermen, people and place. Sugisaki  will cook at The Idle Rocks restaurant in St Mawes on 7^th July alongside chef Dorian Janmaat (book a table via the Idle Rocks website) and will take over Tavola (sister operation to The Hidden Hut) for an informal Japanese feast on 9^th-10^th July (book a table via the Hidden Hut website from 1^st July).

Outlaw’s New Road, Port Isaac

After closing his flagship two-Michelin-star restaurant at the onset of the pandemic, acclaimed seafood chef Nathan Outlaw has moved in a new direction, opening up a more accessible, casual (yet still one-starred) venture under the name Outlaw’s New Road. The venue is still situated in the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac, but in place of delicate tasting menus, it offers three delicious courses for £80. Outlaw is still just as committed to supporting local fisherman through exquisite plates. Book a table here. 

Ugly Butterfly, St Ives

Most Londoners have been hearing the name Adam Handling for a while now (and with good reason) but the exciting news is that the chef has now relocated his Ugly Butterfly restaurant to Cornwall, so his delicious, pioneering plates can be enjoyed by those living in the sunny South, or equally those on a break from the capital. This venture is named after the chef’s objective: to prove that food waste can be beautiful, creating exquisite plates with zero waste. Book a table here. 

The Sardine Factory, Looe

The Sardine Factory cooks up coastal cuisine with a simple yet innovative approach. This 60-cover restaurant is open all day, welcoming in locals and visitors alike for breakfast, lunch or dinner and catering to parties of all sizes. They source day boat fish from the market opposite, meaning everything is seasonal and sustainable. Their modern menu has earnt them a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Book a table here.

Taqueria by Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow

Fresh fish is great but it’s even better inside a taco. Taqueria by Prawn on the Lawn is inspired by the bustling street food of Mexico City and the chilled vibes of Holbox. The team visited Mexico in 2017 and were blown away by the culinary delights they found there. Much like the beloved Cornish pasty, the taco was a popular snack for 18^th century silver miners in Mexico. They loved this little bit of symmetry between the two far-flung lands. After establishing themselves in Islington, London, Prawn on the Lawn set up a second branch in Padstow in 2015. Taqueria pop-up is open since 1^st June, Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-5pm, walk-in only. Follow their Instagram @potltaqueria.

The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

Rick Stein is one of the nation’s most iconic masters of fish cookery, and his flagship 1975 venture, The Seafood Restaurant, is something of an iconic spot. The chef serves up everything from traditonal dishes such as mussels, smoked salmon and fish and chips to spicier plates inspired by his travels in Southeast Asia, including his famous Indonesian Fish Curry. This comfortable, Michelin-recognised restaurant is the ideal holiday treat. Book a table here.

The Shore, Penzance

If you’re keen to make the trip all the way to Land’s End, Shore is the perfect pitstop. Located in the most westerly major town in Cornwall, it’s a relaxed local gem that’s worth travelling for. Head chef Bruce Rennie crafts a modest menu using what’s available each day, so you can be sure to have nothing but the freshest ingredients. It’s only a small venue with a great reputation and a Michelin plate, so be sure to book a table here. 

The food desk