The Seafood Restaurant

Finding good seafood restaurants beside the harbours of Cornish towns is easier than it was a couple of decades ago, and Rick Stein can take some of the credit for that. His Seafood Restaurant is now the stuff of legend and is deservedly popular all year round. The faintly designer edge of the conservatory entrance gives a clue to the contemporary interior, which belies the simple rusticity of the quayside setting. The room is a large and open space with bright canvases of modern art adding splashes of colour. The tables are smartly laid with linen cloths, but the menu at the flagship of the group (also in the town are the Stein-owned bistro, fish and chip restaurant, deli, pâtisserie, gift shop and cookery school) remains unselfconsciously straightforward with the emphasis firmly placed on the superb quality of the local seafood. That is not to say it is boring: starters such as four large scallops served in the shell with coriander and hazelnuts, or nigiri sushi of salmon, tuna and sea bass might make choosing difficult. Main-course monkfish comes wrapped in Parma ham with sauerkraut, or as a vindaloo with pilau rice and naan bread, and the skill in the making of chocolate fondant shows the kitchen is strong all round. Service is by a smartly turned out and well-drilled team.

Follow signs for town centre. Restaurant on riverside
Nearest station: Bodmin Parkway

Find your way with AA atlases, books and maps
Plan a route to this location »  The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow