Best 3 Michelin Star Restaurants in Cornwall

Cornwall is fast becoming the foodie's favourite holiday destination. Haute-gourmet holidaymakers flock here all year round to its multitude of seasonal organic farmer's markets and especially to its fine restaurants - several of which who have been awarded one or more of the highly coveted and elusive Michelin stars.

Restaurant staff can be seen queuing-up in the fish ports at the crack of dawn to barter over the freshest catch of the day and later at the boutique delis for the ultimate garnish and dressings. This exclusive collection of restaurants have at their disposal the country's best organic beef, Primrose herd pork, artisan cheeses, cured charcuterie, smoked pilchards and the finest and freshest seafood and shellfish – and they sure know what to do with it!

Each year they have to step-up to the next level of cuisine excellence to hold on to their Michelin stars, which they seem to be able to do year after year. They go to great lengths to infuse their dishes with unique magical ingredients from indigenous plants and flowers to fungi and fruits foraged daily from Cornwall’s cliff tops, forests and hedgerows.

OK, it’s time for us to spill the beans and name our top three Michelin Star restaurants in Cornwall; some located amongst beautiful harbours, beaches and cliff tops whilst others are hidden in unremarkable old pubs and seaside homes.

First on the list is Nathan Outlaw's Fish Kitchen

https://www.outlaws.co.uk/fishkitchen

Located in Port Isaac, this Michelin star restaurant inhabits an old fisherman’s cottage facing the beautiful old harbour and the decor is reminiscent of a sun-bleached fishing boat. Not a fancy affair, but chic, rustic and cool and in perfect keeping with Port Isaac's ancient sea faring culture. The vibe is so relaxed that you feel as if you could comfortably rock-up in your flip flops, trainers or hiking boots! Well, almost. The menu's theme also reflects Port Isaac's fishing heritage, offering the finest, yet sustainable seafood. It is sourced daily by local fishermen and to some extent; the catch of the day dictates what is on the menu that day. But Nathan’s approach to seafood cuisine is original and infused with an obvious passion for the ocean's riches.

The dishes should be treated like tapas so you should order a few, allowing you to sample more from the menu. The Fish Kitchen uses the best ingredients, and boy do they know what to do with them. Each dish is beautifully cooked and presented and the protagonist fish, mollusc or crustation is never over shadowed, just perfectly accompanied. If you're into oysters, start with the Porthilly variety as they are of the purest, most juicy available. Then try as many of the fish dishes as possible, all of which are exquisitely combined with just the right spices and vegetables to make your taste buds sing. There's the mullet, mushroom saffron combo, or the blend of brill, tarragon butter and cider onions (my favourite); then there’s the simple but incredible fish burger or you might like to try the seafood and bean stew. There aren't many deserts to choose from so you might like to try them all! A sublime experience of contrasting textures and flavours that were surely concocted in heaven.

Next on the list is Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 Padstow

This quaint yet stylish restaurant resides a few steps away from Padstow's Harbour in a refurbished cottage near celebrity chef Rick Stein's Fish Restaurant. Paul Ainsworth used to work for Rick Stein but is now considered his equal, and rightly so. His Padstow restaurant also feels informal for a Michelin star eatery but is really cosy and chic. Ainsworth's ethos of making food accessible to all is reflected in the staff's cheery mood, as well as the uncomplicated menu and affordable wine list. This is Cornish cuisine with a colourful European twist.

Everything is 100% home crafted and the ingredients are sourced locally and the result is exquisite. Soulful dishes that are beautifully presented without seeming over worked and quirky combinations that reveal his humour. For example, an old fashioned favourite like 'scotch eggs' is transformed into a gourmet version using quail and silky salmon. Without giving too much away, whatever you select you'll discover gentle and intense flavours and exciting textures that explode in your mouth with every mouthful. The deserts are the best I've had in years and can only be described as celestial.

Last but by no means least is Driftwood

https://www.driftwoodhotel.co.uk/our-restaurant

Located just outside Portscatho, is another fabulous Michelin hangout with a wonderful weathered, marine feel to it. The restaurant is surrounded by gardens, beaches and glorious views, whilst inside it is unpretentious but luxurious, like a New England weatherboard beach pad. The Master of the kitchen is Chris Eden, whose name rightly reflects the paradise that he has created. You can rest assured that Cornwall's local seafood and seasonal produce is never wasted on this maestro. His style of cuisine is refined, fresh and bursting with creative flavours. His fish and seafood dishes are unadulterated but totally seductive leaving your palate with that magical pure taste of sea. His meats are tender but intense, and yet light and totally moreish. The desserts are devilish and angelic all at once, especially the 'Thunder and Lightning' combo, which left my gourmet needs utterly satisfied.

So there you have it; 3 of the best Michelin star restaurants in Cornwall, certainly worth a visit when next you’re in town and well worth every penny. Why not go to town next time you visit one of these gastronomic palaces and stay in one of the luxury holiday homes in Cornwall advertised with us, you'll be glad you did!