Rick Steins

There's a take-away stand next door, but we decided to skip the seagull attack waiting outside, and ate in the bright and airy café. The place is located at the working harbor, adjacent to the National Lobster Hatchery and--authentically if not attractively--with a view of the car park rather than the bay.

Rick Stein is peculiarly ubiquitous in Padstow, with shops, restaurants and even accommodations. It's all very odd and almost Disney-ish, but we figured we should see what all the fuss is about.

Glad we did! The fish & chips are a distinct blast from the past, in a good way: the cod was a thick, clean white slab like I haven't seen since the 1970's and both fish and chips are cooked in flavorful beef tallow, as is traditional. While the fish is spectacular and unprecedented, the chips were undistinguished and disappointing, though apparently exactly what the world expects them to be these days...everywhere the same. I prefer the more traditional version found on the quaint pleasure boat harbor-front of the town just a hundred meters away.

More modern touches included a delightful spinach and watercress salad with an Asian dressing, and Rick Stein's gin and tonic, brewed up by local Tarquin's distillery using Stein's proprietary recipe that features the unusual flavors of anise and grapefruit peel.

Great place to visit if you are a fish 'n' chip conniseur! The battered fish and chips are cooked traditionally in beef dripping - yes an instant heart attack but has to be tried. The grilled fish is done in vegetable oil.
Well priced and service is good (as long as you don't try and get in the door early!) Menu is simple but effective - everything you could want!
Nice setting and free car park right outside.
Gift shop next door - but don't be fooled - Rick has some batter mix there for £3 - you think their must be some special ingredients in it - but alas, just flour and anticaking agents - come on Rick - bit of a joke, aye?

Wow! I was blown away by Rick Stein's fish and chips, seriously some of the best tasting fried fish that I have ever had. We were lucky to get in as we arrived just before 8 on a Saturday night and were the last people to get served. When we walked by at other times there was a massive queue.

All of the food is cooked in beef dripping, I had the cod and chips which came to around £10. The chips could have been better though. I washed with half a pint of Korev (Cornish lager), I wish I could have had more as it was some of the best beer I have tasted, but I was driving!

I concede that it is a little overpriced for fish and chips but it is definitely worth checking out if you visit Padstow.

This is the best chip shop I know.

On the up side the food is fab, super tasty and more adventurous than the average chippie.

On the down side the queues can be horrendous.

Overall, sitting on the harbour with a hot box of fish and chips that have been cooked to order in beef dripping, will leave you feeling warm on the inside and smiley faced, whatever the weather!

Don't fill up on Cornish pasties to make sure you have space for the goodies from this great little chippy!!

Delicious! Best fish and chips I've ever had!
Only complaint would be is that their vinegar is a bit weak. Being from Scotland I like to experience a bit of gut rot from proper strong vinegar!

The queues are always out the door but the fish is very tasty. Right on the harbour front, the fish is straight off the boats. Prices are very reasonable but parking is not that easy and finding somewhere to site and eat is a real challenge.
Watch out for the seagulls too!! They'll take the fish whole if they see the chance.

Great Fish and Chips but not worth the price. Over £50 for 6 of us !!!!


Service was efficient but queues are very long. Seemed like a production line rather than genuine home cooked fish and chips.


Car Park next door but little or no outside seating.

Fantastic fish and chips, need I say more. Well yes actually, this has to be the fish and chip shop to visit if you are in the area. Beef dripping is the key ingredient here for the battered fish, and it makes it taste brilliant. The variety of the fish available is second to none.
If you're planning a visit be sure to get your timing right, either early evening or late, as around 8pm in my experience the queues have to be seen to be believed, it can take up to an hour before you get your food!
Still, highly recommended! A must for any fish and chips fan!

Loved it everytime I have been. Always busy busy - but queues are quick moving.


Fresh fish and good chips!!

Ok, cheap it ain't. £8.70 for Hake and chips. Chips good but nothing special. Fish v nice, excellent thin crispy batter. Here's the thing; if you're in Padstein, you like fish and chips, then this is your Mecca. Go worship.