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.

Summer in Zacry's with views over the sea

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.

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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.

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Emily Scott Food - restaurant - Interior

Paul Ainsworth Best Restaurants North Cornwall

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

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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.

The Seafood Restaurant

In the Beach Hut restaurant, a wedge of lemon is squeezed over a plate of freshly cooked fillet of fish with brown shrimps scattered on top

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.

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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.

Outlaw's Fish Kitchen

Nathan Oulaw Best Restaurants North Cornwall

Rick Stein Best Restaurants North Cornwall

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.

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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.

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The Living Space restaurant with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic sea

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.

The Fish House

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.

Prawn on the Lawn

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.

Fox's Revenge

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.

Strong Adolfos