Cornwall’s best celebrity chef-named restaurants

Famous fish suppers and Michelin-starred tasting menus

Attracting famous chefs from far and wide, Cornwall provides wonderful opportunities to sample some of the finest menus with outstanding wine flights and sea views to match. From Rick Stein’s seafood empire in Padstow to Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin-starred menus in Port Isaac, here are the best celebrity chef-named restaurants in Cornwall…

The Seafood Restaurant, Rick Stein

© Sam Harris and James Ram

Location: Padstow 
Style of food: Shellfish and seafood
Awards: Three AA Rosettes
Website: rickstein.com

Opened in the 1970s, The Seafood Restaurant is where Rick Stein began his career as a restaurateur and established his reputation for excellent fish dishes and “fresh, simple cooking”. It has sustained its notoriety over the years having been featured in many Trencherman's, Food and Travel Awards and currently holds three AA Rosettes. 

The restaurant itself sits mere moments from the harbour and the upstairs terrace enjoys sparkling estuarine views. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, you can watch as the fishermen bring in the daily trawl which influences the menu. You can expect plenty of local lobster, oysters and crab with the hot shellfish platter amongst the most popular dishes. We recommend booking a table in the conservatory for oyster and champagne lunches or taking to the top floor terrace for lobster thermidor and crisp white wine spritzers.

It’s not just The Seafood Restaurant where you can sample Rick Stein’s culinary expertise, St Petroc’s Bistro, Stein’s Café and The Cornish Arms are also close by. 

Nearby properties: Harbour Walk (five-minute walk away), Kilden Mor (nine-minute walk away) and The Baobab (six-minute drive away).
 

Outlaw’s New Road, Nathan Outlaw

© Outlaw's New Road via Instagram

Location: Port Isaac
Style of food: Shellfish and seafood
Awards: One Michelin Star and Four AA Rosettes 
Website: outlaws.co.uk

Known as Cornwall’s "famous fish chef", Nathan Outlaw worked alongside Rick Stein in his early career before opening up his first restaurants in 2006. Not long after, he competed in the Great British Menu and received a Michelin star for his Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac. Following suit, Outlaw’s New Road opened in 2020 and has since been awarded another Michelin star for its fine dining menu and esteemed wine list. 

Also in Port Isaac, Outlaw’s New Road enjoys beautiful sea views from its elevated position above Port Gaverne, so it's no wonder it also places a great emphasis on seafood and shellfish. The menu is divided into two, so you can opt for the seafood tasting menu which features 12 courses, all caught and foraged locally. Alternatively, the À La Carte menu is a touch more laid back but still features plenty of seasonal fish dishes and tempting desserts.  

Filled to the brim with foodie recommendations, take a look at our guide to dining in Port Isaac ahead of a trip to the harbourside village. 

Nearby properties: Gwel Arvor (three-minute walk away).
 

No.6, Paul Ainsworth

© Lateef Photography and We The Food Snobs

Location: Padstow
Style of food: Modern British 
Awards: One Michelin Star and Four AA Rosettes 
Website: paul-ainsworth.co.uk

Another of Padstow’s famous chefs, Paul Ainsworth trained underneath Gordon Ramsey, Gary Rhodes and Marcus Wareing before opening his flagship restaurant, No.6 in Padstow. Known for his impeccable flavour combinations, each of Paul Ainsworth’s restaurants offer something different but No.6 is where he’s secured his coveted Michelin star and four AA Rosettes.

While Stein’s takes the reigns with seafood menus in Padstow, it's all about seasonal produce, regional game and hand-dived shellfish at No.6. The tasting menu changes regularly taking its influence from the seasons with dishes served in a ‘simple, modern style.’ Expect plates like mussel broth, anchovy toast, celeriac remoulade and beef fillet on the menu. Meanwhile, the desserts are where Paul Ainsworth really comes into his own, with takes on British classics like apple pie, lemon tart and brown butter ice cream receiving exceptional reviews. 

Paul Ainsworth also owns Caffé Rojano and The Mariners which are also well worth a visit while in the area. 

Nearby properties: Harbour Walk (two-minute walk away), Kilden Mor (10-minute walk away) and The Baobab (10-minute drive away).
 

Kota, Jude Kearama 

© Kota via Instagram

Location: Porthleven
Style of food: Seafood, vegetarian and vegan
Awards: Three AA Rosettes and Michelin Bib Gourmand
Website: kotarestaurant.co.uk/

Tucked away in the fishing village of Porthleven, Kota stands as a testament to the culinary fusion crafted by head chef Jude Kereama. With a menu that seamlessly blends Asian influences with the finest Cornish produce, Kota has earned recognition for its innovative dishes with three AA Rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand award to its name. 

Not only was Jude recognised as "Chef of the Year" in the 2019 Trencherman’s Guide, but he also competed in the Great British Menu Kitchen four times. Drawing influence from his Maori, Chinese and Malaysian heritage, he’s curated a truly unique menu. From delicate sushi rolls and smoked mackerel doughnuts to mussel escabeche and kombu-cured weaver fish, each dish showcases undeniable creativity and skill. Whether dining al fresco on the terrace overlooking the harbour or enjoying an intimate dinner in the cosy candlelit dining room, a visit to Kota is worth adding to your staycation itinerary. 

Nearby properties: The Old School House (eight-minute walk away), Salt Spray (12-minute walk away) and Seathrift (14-minute walk away).

The Sardine Factory, Benjamin Palmer 

© The Sardine Factory via Instagram

Location: Looe
Style of food: Seafood and Modern British 
Awards: Michelin Bib Gourmand 
Website: thesardinefactorylooe.com/

Under the helm of Chef Benjamin Palmer, The Sardine Factory is one of the south coast’s most treasured restaurants. Having represented the South West in the most recent series of the Great British Menu, Benjamin Palmer is known for his seafood-centric cuisine and passion for locally sourced ingredients. It’s also Head Chef Charlie Walters who you may recognise from 2023’s MasterChef, who brings his culinary expertise to the Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded kitchen.

Situated against the backdrop of Looe’s picturesque harbour, Benjamin Palmer celebrates Cornwall’s coastal bounty with a menu dedicated to the seas. Using the freshest of day fish hauled just opposite the restaurant, each dish is expertly prepared and presented. Whether it's succulent scallops or melt-in-your-mouth monkfish, it's easy to understand why The Sardine Factory has consistently captivated diners and been considered as one of Cornwall’s best seafood restaurants. Not only that, but in the winter their Sunday lunches see the restaurant fully book weeks in advance.

Nearby properties: Sea Edge (16-minute drive away) and Eden (18-minute drive away).

Harbour House, Andrew Tuck 

© Harbour House via Instagram

Location: Flushing
Style of food: Seafood, Modern British and Vegetarian 
Website: harbourhouseflushing.co.uk

Also known for his stint on the Great British Menu, Andrew Tuck heads up Harbour House in Flushing. With rumours of a Michelin star on its way, Harbour House has earned accolades during its first year of business including winning Gold in the Cornwall Tourism Awards in 2023. Aptly named, the reimagined pub sits mere moments from the water’s edge and offers an elevated dining experience within its charming, centuries-old walls.  

With a commitment to showcasing the best of Cornwall’s seasonal ingredients, Andrew’s menu reflects a modern interpretation of British cuisine thanks to his innovative twists and bold flavour combinations. Cooked over a charcoal ember, expect plenty of smoked meats, roasted scallops and charred veggie dishes. Alongside this, they also serve a bar menu for those stopping by for a light lunch or early evening tapas. Tuck into mini Cornish pasties, River Fal oysters and sardines escabeche, while indulgent desserts like the sticky toffee pudding promise a sweet finale to the culinary journey. 

Nearby properties: Cornerways (45-minute drive away via St Mawes ferry) and Seaglass House (45-minute drive away via St Mawes ferry).
 

Staying with us soon? Our Concierge Team are on hand to take care of table reservations and taxi bookings. Contact us on 01208 895 570 or info@perfectstays.co.uk to begin planning your foodie staycation.  

Image credits: Sam Harris (main image) | The Seafood Restaurant via Sam Harris and James Ram | Paul Ainsworth at No.6 via Lateef Photography and We The Food Snobs | Outlaw's New Road, Kota, The Sardine Factory and Harbour House via Instagram.