As a longstanding place admired in the foodie world, Rick Stein’s famous Seafood Restaurant in Padstow makes the perfect treat for staycationers in the UK.
Verity Craig visits the admired seafood eatery
I’m an avid viewer of Rick Stein cooking away at his seafood delights on television, so I have longed to visit his highly acclaimed The Seafood Restaurant in Cornwall. This was going to be an exciting experience for me. On this occasion, I was visiting with my family for my birthday.
Upon our arrival at lunchtime, there was already a flurry of well-dressed people excitedly queueing to reach the reservation desk. Not a common sight for reservations in a high-end restaurant. But to be honest, it simply added to the excitement of entering, and the queue went swiftly.
Inside, the décor designed by Jill Stein, was light, airy and modern with the most interesting art adorning the walls (which looks as though you can also purchase it, just like the beautiful Jill Stein home range (created alongside her daughter-in-law Kate Stein) including their deliciously smelling candles, plush cushions or Rick’s cook books.)
Once settled at our table overlooking the bustling restaurant, the friendly waiting staff and sommelier explained the menus to us. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet it has that air of something special about it; a bit like it’s owner-chef!
Having opened in 1975 by Rick and his ex-wife Jill, what became their flagship restaurant, is famous for serving its exquisite classical English local seafood dishes. That’s not to say they have not moved the menu’s style of food on with the times; from the sashimi (of scallop, sea bass, tuna and loch Duart salmon) to the hot shellfish with parsley, chilli, garlic and lemon juice. The dishes are interesting but classical enough to be inviting for most seafood lovers.
Copyright David Griffen photography
What I also enjoyed about the atmosphere was that having a child with us (over three year olds are welcome), we were not made to feel out of place (albeit it was daytime.) There was a mixture of families, couples and groups.
My seven-year-old daughter is a big seafood fan…but also, the biggest Rick Stein fan. So, upon her disappointment of him not being there on the day, the waiter asked if she had a question about him. She promptly answered, “I have two if that’s ok….is he kind? And what is his favourite dish on the menu?” Fortunately, it was a ‘yes, very’ to the first question. And interestingly, according to his staff, Rick’s most favoured dish on his menu is the Lemon Sole Veronique!
Pictured above: Jack, Jill, Charlie, Rick and Ed SteinCopyright Rickstein.com
“With the successful duo’s three sons (pictured above with Jill and Rick) running all aspects of the group of restaurants, it really is a Stein family empire,”
We all enjoyed a mixture of Cornish dressed crab, deep fried prawns in coconut, to the lobster thermidor…meanwhile my youngest daughter ate from the fun children’s menu which included such delights as moules mariniere and fish and chips. But what stole the show was the jelly and ice cream; little fish shaped orange jellies!
Set on the north coast of Cornwall, many refer to the fishing town now as ‘Padstein,’ since Rick and Jill own 4 restaurants in the beautiful port, where we were informed by our waiter Mr Stein swims every morning; what a lovely life he must have in his adopted home of 40-plus years.
In summer months, be warned that the quaint fishing town does become busy with an influx of tourists. So it is advised to visit off-season to avoid the crowds and lack of parking (or park away and walk in to the town.)
So, if you fancy a trip to one of the most beautiful parts of England, do make sure you combine it with a visit to one of the most exquisite restaurants in England too and visit The Seafood Restaurant at Padstow.
The Seafood Restaurant, Riverside, Padstow, PL28 8BY.
For bookings, visit: rickstein.com