North Cornwall and Devon are peppered with excellent places to eat, from good pub grub to trendy bistros. But where do you go if you really want to celebrate something special? We’ve collected our favourite fine dining options within reach of North Cornwall. Most are a bit of a drive away and of course none of these come cheap, but these restaurants feature as some of the very best in the South-West. They are roughly in order of our preference, but that’s just splitting hairs – you are guaranteed an incredible meal at any of these fine establishments! If we have missed yours, leave it in the comments below.
Rick’s Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Padstow, PL28 8BY
Despite his fame, Rick Stein has succeeded in created a relatively laid-back restaurant in the heart of Padstow, with stylish and contemporary dishes. The county’s most famous celebrity chef draws on his travel experiences to create some interesting international dishes with great local ingredients.
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Lewtrenchard Manor, Lewdown, EX20 4PN
This restaurant is set within a breathtaking Jacobean manor house near to Launceston, and qualifies as the most remarkable building on this list. If you can afford it, you will find modern but unpretentious fine dining, fresh garden produce and award winning chefs. A wonderful dining experience.
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The Horn of Plenty, Gulworthy, near Tavistock, PL19 8JD
With panoramic views of the verdant Tamar Valley, this homely country house offers excellent modern fine dining and friendly service. Focusing on local produce, their game dishes are particularly good. Try and secure a window seat for sunset to make it an even more special occasion, or opt for their taster menu for a culinary delight!
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Paul Ainsworth at No. 6, Padstow, PL28 8AP
Based in a Georgian townhouse, this restaurant is fast growing its reputation as being one of the best eateries in the South West. Technical flair, originality, and the freshest ingredients (fish caught the same day) should please even the most critical diner.
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Nathan Outlaw’s, Port Isaac, PL29 3SB
An exceptional seafood restaurant in Port Isaac, run by Rick Stein’s most prestigious protégé, Nathan Outlaw. The only eatery in Cornwall to hold two Michelin stars, this has to feature in our favourites and is simply one of the best restaurants we have ever eaten in. It’s worth noting that Nathan Outlaw also has an informal Fish Kitchen bistro in Port Isaac. Both are worth a look, but his main restaurant claims the title. In fact, it was named as the best restaurant in the UK by the 2018 Michelin Guide. Can’t say better than that!
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Near misses:
Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, Watergate Bay, Newquay, TR8 4AA
Jamie Oliver’s enterprise is a buzzing and trendy restaurant in a stunning beachfront location, but being in Newquay makes it a bit far for most people in the North Cornwall area. The menu can be a little unremarkable based as it is on Italian favourites, but the standard is always excellent. It’s also worth remembering that all the chefs were disaffected adults trained up by Jamie, and that all profits go back into the charity. Fine dining with a conscience!
01841 532700
Gidleigh Park, Gidleigh, Chagford, TQ13 8HH
This huge Edwardian manor on the edge of Dartmoor has been awarded 2 Michelin stars, signifying world-class fine dining, though as above its distance means it is a bit of a stretch for most locals. Sublime French-inspired food, produce from their own garden, and Michael Caine’s signature dishes, make for a memorable experience.
Percy’s Restaurant, Beaworthy, (near Launceston) EX21 5EA
The food is ambitious and generally of a very high standard, and while the building is unremarkable the estate and surrounding woodlands are beautiful. We’ve had a few mixed reports about the service here, which is why it doesn’t quite make it into our favourites, but it is still a great place to eat for those not wanting too far to drive.
