Marios Lodge

It may look like a small terraced house from the outside, but this relaxed and popular part of the Rick Stein stable is a surprisingly spacious, nautically themed bistro with bright Cornish artwork on the walls and a compact enclosed terrace to the rear. The concise menu is largely inspired by Rick's travels around various parts of Asia combined with, of course, Cornish seafood. So you can expect the likes of Thai fishcakes, grilled miso salmon and Pondicherry cod curry. The service is cheery, while simply furnished yet comfortable bedrooms are available.

A few miles inland from Padstow and its older sibling Prawn on the Lawn, this lively pop-up-turned-permanent sits within a working vineyard and orchard. Start your visit on the charming terrace with a glass of their own wine or cider, accompanied by oysters either deep-fried or raw. A fixed menu of small plates is joined by larger daily specials from the blackboard, with quality local produce given a kick by hints of Middle Eastern or North African spicing – such as crab toast with muhammara or beetroot with whipped feta and chermoula.

Over 50 years since it opened, this stylish, laid-back local institution, dominated by its large pewter-topped bar, is still the place to come for a fresh taste of the sea. Prime fish and shellfish are showcased in their simple glory in pared-back dishes such as market fish of the day or a fruits de mer platter, while others are inspired by Rick Stein's travels around the world, such as Indonesian seafood curry or Singapore chilli crab. New England-style bedrooms boast quality furnishing and some have terraces or balconies with estuary views.

If you like seafood then you’ll love this cosy little seafood bar, where tasty, tapas-style small plates are the order of the day. It may be compact but the charming team make it great fun and create a laid-back vibe. Choose from the range of fresh, tasty, well-prepared dishes chalked on the blackboards; they even offer whole fish sharing plates, but be aware this can push the bill up.

Along with Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth has come to define the Padstow food scene. This is his take on a lively Italian brasserie, where you'll find a good buzz from the contented holidaymakers. Well-executed pizzas and pastas form the core of the menu, but you'll also find Mediterranean-inspired fare such as Cornish cod with a pancetta and chorizo Tuscan bean stew. For dessert, opt for the intriguingly named signature 'Whoopsy Splunker'. The glass-enclosed terrace is a great spot on a sunny summer's day.

Chinese

Bakery