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The Michelin brand is most famous for its annual guide, which lists the best restaurants in different cities.
It has been publishing this guide since the 1900s, and restaurants around the world are continuously striving to earn Michelin Star. This is because a Michelin Star restaurant enjoys more prestige and is more likely to enjoy a larger number of customers to experience the best cuisine and exceptional service.
And Cornwall, already well-known for its Cornish delicacies and scenic beaches, is home to several restaurants with Michelin Star. If you’re planning a trip to this picturesque British county, checking out these restaurants can make your experience even more enjoyable.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide listing some renowned restaurants that deliver the best dining experience in the area. So, make sure to read until the end!
Best Michelin Star And Fine Dining Restaurants In Cornwall
1. Outlaw’s New Road, Port Isaac
For those unaware, Outlaw’s New Road was started by Nathan Outlaw, a protege of the famous chef Rick Stein. Located in Port Isaac and providing a breathtaking view of the Cornish ocean, this restaurant specialises in seafood with a focus on shellfish and fresh fish. The fish are sourced from the village, so you can expect the freshest and most delicious seafood in the area.
One of the reasons why Outlaw’s New Road is among the best Michelin Star restaurants is its emphasis on sustainability. All ingredients used in the dishes are sourced sustainably, so the environmental impact is minimal. And many of the dishes here are completely original, so you won’t find them elsewhere.
The seafood tasting menu offers a variety of fresh fish-based dishes to choose from, which often include unique ingredients. For instance, visitors can order cuttlefish and salt cod or a combination of red pepper and red wine with the catch of the day.
And all these dishes can be enjoyed while taking in the view over the Camel estuary. The service at this restaurant is impeccable as well, so make sure you pay a visit to enjoy delicious food.
2. The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow
The Seafood Restaurant was started in 1975 by Rick Stein and his wife, and since then, it has been delivering the most outstanding dining experience. Located in Padstow opposite the water, the restaurant specialises in unique shellfish and lobster dishes. But you can even enjoy dishes that are native to other regions, like Mexico, Spain, and India.
Some of the specialities that are worth trying out include shellfish in mild chilli sauce and olive oil and John Dory with wild garlic and asparagus in a shellfish reduction. There is also Singapore crab, which can be enjoyed with the most delicious wines. The large bar makes for a perfect spot for an informal dining experience, with its imitation lighthouse serving as the main attraction.
3. Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac
Another seafood restaurant from Nathan Outlaw, Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, is situated near the harbour in Port Isaac. Set within a 15th-century cottage, this is among those Michelin Star restaurants that offer scenic views along with the most delicious seafood. The tasting menu at this restaurant changes every day and depends upon the available ingredients.
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen is another restaurant that specialises in sustainability, and the ingredients come in every day from local boats. The view over the bay is also breathtaking, so you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes while taking in the beautiful vista.
4. Appleton’s Bar And Restaurant, Fowey
This restaurant was started by Andy Appleton, the former head chef of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, and has managed to establish itself as one of the leading restaurants in Cornwall. What sets it apart from other Michelin-starred restaurants is that it specialises in dishes that utilise seasonal ingredients.
Besides the most famous Cornish dishes, this restaurant is an excellent spot where you can find Italian dishes. Some dishes worth trying out include ‘Nduja stuffed olives and squid ink linguine with Cornish crab. The restaurant is divided into two levels, and there is a fantastic selection of beers and artisanal wines to try out.
5. Paul Ainsworth At No. 6, Padstow
Another Michelin-recommended restaurant is Paul Ainsworth at No. 6, which is located at Padstow inside a Georgian townhouse and is a must-visit destination. It has an à la carte menu full of treats and surprises and is known for its superb customer service. You can even see chefs working in the kitchen while waiting for your meal.
Among the dishes worth checking out, A Fairground Tale is the most popular. It is a dessert course where each is served on a miniature carousel. And if you want to try out drinks, there is an amazing cocktail bar. The Padstow Townhouse is also located nearby, so those planning to spend a night at Padstow won’t have trouble finding a place after supper.
6. The Scarlet Hotel, Mawgan Porth
Want to taste some of the finest European cuisines? Well, The Scarlet Hotel is your destination for lip-smacking European dishes. Besides, it has a terrace that provides an amazing view of the ocean. Or you can look out over the bay through large glass windows when dining inside while munching on dishes like glazed beef with seasonal vegetables and horseradish mash.
Other popular dishes include twice-baked souffle, and salt cod brandade, aside from a variety of seafood dishes. And since the Mawgan Porth beach is located nearby, you can enjoy stunning views across the ocean while dining, which adds to a pleasant dining experience.
7. The Sardine Factory, Looe
Situated across the Looe harbour, the Sardine Factory is the ideal spot if you’re looking for the freshest seafood options in Cornwall. This restaurant is set within a restored warehouse close to the marketplace and sources fresh fish brought in from local day boats. You can reach this restaurant by foot ferry while checking out the ice cream parlours and fudge shops located close by.
Some of the best dishes available at The Sardine Factory include crab linguine, fish and chips, smoked haddock scotch eggs, and Fowey mussels. All these dishes are cooked in a simple manner, bringing out the flavour of each ingredient that will leave your tastebuds asking for more.
8. Ugly Butterfly, Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay is known for offering spectacular coastline views, and the Ugly Butterfly is one of the best restaurants in Cornwall to enjoy the beauty of the place. Specialising in modern British seafood, this restaurant is the place to visit if you want to try something new. Dishes like ‘All About The Cornish Crab’, which is prepared using the Newlyn crab, are a favourite among locals.
There is a seven-course tasting menu, and each course is accompanied by some of the finest wines available in the region. The bar also follows a sustainable model, and the various bar snacks are prepared using offcuts and trims from the restaurant.
9. Coombeshead Farm, Lewannick
Coombeshead Farm is not just a restaurant but a bakery, farm, and guesthouse combined. Spread across 66 acres in the countryside, this is a barn conversion where owners grow and rear ingredients used in its dishes.
As for the dishes, its midweek menu is casual, featuring a single dish meant to be shared, which may include glazed ham, stuffed pie, or a confit duck. Then there are seasonal dishes, such as home-baked sourdough and Mangalitsa pork, which can be enjoyed with coffee, preserves, or cakes.
10. Rick Stein’s Cafe, Padstow
With an informal and friendly atmosphere and a mouth-watering selection of international dishes, Rick Stein’s Cafe in Padstow is one of the renowned Michelin Star restaurants in Cornwall. If you want to experience dishes for which Rick Stein is famous, take a look at the all-day menus. Despite offering international dishes, all ingredients are sourced locally, and dishes are prepared expertly.
If you’re visiting with children, make sure to check out the special children’s menu, and the restaurant even offers bedrooms for overnight stays. Another thing that makes this restaurant worth recommending is its price– everything is reasonably priced. So, you can enjoy good food, scenic views, and comfortable accommodation without breaking the bank.
11. New Yard Restaurant, Helston
This list of the best Michelin Star restaurants in Cornwall would not be complete without mentioning the New Yard Restaurant located in Helston. Being one of the most innovative restaurants in the area, it has been awarded a Green Michelin Star for sustainable gastronomy. The menu changes each night based on the freshest ingredients available and is prepared to provide an informal yet luxurious dining experience.
Some of the dishes worth checking out include roasted meat, which is sourced ethically, desserts with Cornish sea buckthorn, aged beef, and lobster. Ingredients are sourced from what is available in the walled garden of the restaurant or sourced from local suppliers. And the unique aspect is that the tasting menu is served by the chefs themselves and varies with seasons.
12. Kota, Porthleven
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Cornwall, Kota in Porthleven might be the perfect destination to visit. It is run by chef Jude Kereama, who is half Chinese-Malay and half Maori. This means that the dishes are heavily influenced by these cultures and are prepared using ingredients that are often foraged locally.
Meals can be enjoyed within the 300-year-old building, which is located on the harbour close to the fishing village. You can select dishes with an Asian twist from the modern menu, and some popular options include Atlantic shellfish with dashi broth and Cornish venison with shimeji mushrooms. For those planning to spend a night at Porthleven, let us tell you that the restaurant offers excellent accommodation.
13. The Square At Porthleven, Porthleven
The Square At Porthleven, a restaurant located close to the Porthleven harbour, provides an excellent view of boats entering and leaving the port. Whether you want to sample the famous Cornish cakes while sipping warm coffee or try out a full-course meal, this place offers a selection of delicious offerings.
What’s more, the ingredients used for dishes are sourced locally, and this bistro also has a separate menu for children. And the best part is that The Square owns an ice cream parlour and a deli, both of which are situated right next to it. Therefore, you can check them out after dining at the restaurant.
14. The Dining Room, Rock
A family-run restaurant located in Rock, The Dining Room is quite popular among locals and visitors, and with good reason. The food is excellent, the wine selection is superb, and the customer service is exceptional. Local ingredients are used for cooking dishes, and each ingredient is sourced sustainably, including meat and fish.
The choice of dishes depends on the seasons, and the local village of Rock provides a nice spot if you want to stretch your legs or explore. Unlike many other Michelin-recommended restaurants, The Dining Room has an informal and casual atmosphere, which adds to its overall appeal and makes it a better choice for many.
15. St. Enodoc Hotel Restaurant, Rock
Yet another impressive restaurant situated in Rock, St. Enodoc Hotel offers a modern take on the traditional seaside inn. The restaurant is located near some of the best beaches in Cornwall, including Polzeath, Daymer Bay, and Rock Beach. It also overlooks the Camel Estuary and is a great place to enjoy fantastic food.
Speaking of the food, some options worth checking out here include lobster and fish landed in Padstow, tempura Porthilly oysters, and even venison during winters. There is a nine-course tasting menu, which includes some of the best dishes in the county. And this restaurant is dog and child friendly, which makes it an ideal pick for the entire family.
16. The Rocket Store, Boscastle
When visiting Cornwall, make sure to check out The Rocket Store in Boscastle, a restaurant and seafood bar located near the harbour. It is situated inside a 19C store, which was once used to store the rocket-firing equipment of the coast guard. Specialising in fresh seafood prepared with exceptional skill, this restaurant sources fish using its own boat and meat from its own farm.
It has a traditional blackboard menu, and dishes depend on the freshest produce. You can try curried monkfish and seaweed butter, butterflied mackerel, or hand-dived scallops, which are some of the most popular dishes. And the ingredients are often provided by the father of the owner, who is the local harbourmaster.
17. The Mariners, Rock
Run by Paul and Emma Ainsworth, The Mariners pub and restaurant in Rock is famous for its superb food, unmatched service, and picturesque views. It also has some of the most delicious bar snacks in the area, including signature dishes like The Dogs Pollock, buttermilk fried chicken, and baby squid.
According to the Michelin Guide, this is a must-visit spot for seafood lovers, but you can also find other options, like burgers and pies. The drinks selection is equally impressive, as are the views over the Camel Estuary, which can be enjoyed from the terrace.
18. Prawn On The Lawn, Padstow
Established in 2013, Prawn On The Lawn is run by Rick and Katie Toogood and earns a high spot among seafood restaurants in the entire restaurant industry of Cornwall. Originally, it sourced its fish from Cornwall and Devon, but now it gets it from Padstow. This has widened the menu, and you can enjoy both local fish-based dishes and those with international influences.
Some options worth checking include lobster or crab, whole fish, Thai basil or Szechuan pepper, and ‘Nduja. Prawn On The Lawn has one of the largest wine selections in the area and includes wines not only from Cornwall but even from Australia. Manzanilla, a popular drink available here, is prepared near the Andalusian coast that is best enjoyed with prawns.
19. Driftwood Restaurant, Portscatho
Situated within the famous Driftwood Hotel, this is one of the best Cornwall restaurants that offer exceptional food and the most breathtaking scenery. The restaurant provides a great view of the hotel grounds that stretch down to the private beach, where visitors can take a dip in the water.
It is a great place if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, and it has an excellent selection of west-country meats and the freshest seafood. The drinks selection is also very impressive, and visitors can even enjoy afternoon tea, which is one of the specialties.
What’s more, you can get a picnic hamper from the restaurant if you plan to spend the entire day at the beach.
Final Words
The dining experience is among the most important factors that people consider when planning a trip. And when you’re visiting Cornwall, a place famous for fresh local seafood from talented chefs, deciding which restaurants to visit can be a bit tricky.
Hopefully, with the help of this guide, you will now be able to decide which places are worth visiting. Just keep in mind that reservations should be made well in advance, as all of these spots witness a lot of visitors.
And timely bookings and reservations can ensure the best dining experience!
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