A top destination for foodies
Cornwall is a favourite destination for food lovers, with fresh seafood, traditional pubs, independent cafés, bakeries, delis, farm shops and restaurants shaped by the coast around them.
North Cornwall is especially well placed for a foodie break, with Rock, Polzeath, Port Isaac and Padstow all within easy reach. From long lunches by the estuary to seafood suppers, beachside cafés and Michelin-starred meals, this part of the country has plenty to plan a holiday around.
Our collection below has been selected with food-led stays in mind. Many of these self-catering holiday homes are close to Rock’s restaurants, the water taxi to Padstow, or have well-equipped kitchens and generous dining spaces for hosting your own coastal feast – think al fresco barbeques and local seafood to private chefs and slow evenings around the table.
FAQs
- Are there any farm-to-table experiences in Cornwall?Yes – and one of the best options for those staying in Polzeath, Daymer Bay, or Rock is Padstow Kitchen Garden. Run by Ross Geach, Rick Stein’s formed Head Chef, it offers farm‑to‑fork feast nights, hands‑on cooking workshops, and a genuine field‑to‑plate experience.
- What are the best seafood restaurants in North Cornwall?North Cornwall has plenty of excellent seafood restaurants, helped by fresh fish landed locally in places such as Padstow, Port Isaac and Newquay.
Nearby favourites include The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Prawn on the Lawn in Padstow, The Cracking Crab in Polzeath, Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac and The Fish House at Fistral. Closer to home, The Bear at The Point is a relaxed option for seafood specials, family dining and post-beach suppers. - How can we book a private chef for our holiday home?A private chef can be a lovely addition to your stay, especially for a celebration, birthday, anniversary or larger family gathering. Let us know what you have in mind and our team can put you in touch with trusted local contacts who may be able to help.
- Is it easy to get to Padstow for restaurants across the water?Yes. From Rock, you can take the water taxi to Padstow. It’s an easy way to enjoy restaurants such as The Seafood Restaurant, Prawn on the Lawn, Paul Ainsworth at No6 and Caffè Rojano without the need to drive.
- What local Cornish food should we try during our stay?For a first visit to Cornwall, we’d recommend trying a traditional Cornish pasty from a local bakery, a jam-first cream tea, and plenty of local seafood – whether that’s a crab sandwich, seared scallops, or dayboat fish and chips. Farm shops and delis are also a great way to stock up for picnics or meals at home. Make sure you try some locally made cheese, chutney, honey, bread, wine and beer – Fee’s, Rock Stores and Flo’s are some of the best in the area.
