The story
In the heart of Padstow, Rick Stein’s Café offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where the menu draws on global influences—especially the Far East. This informal spot, part of the Stein family of restaurants, serves lunch and dinner with a focus on fresh, simple ingredients and locally sourced seafood.
The cooking here is driven by Rick Stein’s travels and passion for straightforward, flavourful food. One of the enduring highlights is the salt and pepper prawns, a recipe brought back from Hong Kong in the 1990s that remains a mainstay on the menu. The café’s commitment to quality and value has earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a recognition that speaks to the consistently good, accessible cooking on offer.
The space is welcoming for all ages. A dedicated children’s menu is available, and complimentary hummus with crudités is brought to the table to keep younger diners content while they wait. There’s also a "fisherman explorer" booklet that encourages children to try new seafood species.
When the weather allows, the shaded courtyard is a pleasant spot to dine, and dogs are welcome there too. Whether you’re stopping in after a morning by the harbour or settling in for a cosy evening meal, the café is designed to be a place to pause and unwind.
The menu changes seasonally, but the approach remains consistent: simple dishes from around the world, made with the freshest fish and local produce. The café also hosts occasional supper club evenings, such as the "Long Weekends Supper Club," where Head Chef Aarran presents a five-course set menu inspired by coastal escapes, with each course accompanied by stories and insights.
Recognition
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Details
History
good quality, good value cooking
If you’re looking for a casual, cut-price take on the 'Padstein' experience, this all-purpose eatery in the frenetic hinterland of downtown Padstow should fit the bill. Drop by for breakfast or a cup of coffee, feed the kids at lunchtime or book in for a ‘very enjoyable evening’ against a backdrop of bright colours, white walls and light-wood furniture – there are even three bedrooms upstairs if you fancy staying over. As you might expect, the kitchen majors in seafood from the Padstow boats, so dip into an assortment of Rick Stein’s greatest hits at user-friendly prices. Briny freshness and globetrotting flavours collide in classics such as Thai fishcakes, mussels with black beans, garlic and ginger or grilled hake with spring onion mash and soy butter. The kitchen is also happy to go off-piste, offering chargrilled rump steak with peppery rocket, thin-cut chips and béarnaise sauce, as well as a veggie stew of tomatoes, aubergines and tamarind – plus sourdough for dunking. For afters, sticky toffee pud with clotted cream is the go-to option. A cluster of fish-friendly wines (from £23) provide suitable refreshment.
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