The UK’s leading independent restaurant guide - SquareMeal - has announced the 100 best restaurants that the UK has to offer, with six in Cornwall.

At number 12 is Paul Ainsworth at No. 6, Padstow; number 41 is Outlaw's New Road, Port Isaac; 48 is Crocadon, St Mellion, Saltash; at 62 is Coombeshead Farm, Lewannick; number 81 is Argoe Newlyn on The Strand, Newlyn and finally at 83 is The Mariners Public House, Slipway, Rock.

SquareMeal says the UK Top 100 is the only list of its kind to exclude London’s restaurants - allowing the wider UK’s dining scene to truly shine.

“Using a combination of thousands of reader votes and SquareMeal’s own expert critics, the UK Top 100 Restaurants list is a true reflection of Britain’s beautifully varied dining scene - featuring everything from fine dining experiences through to farm-to-table restaurants and gastropubs,” it says.

“SquareMeal’s list of the top restaurants in the UK forms the backbone of what we represent as a brand. It’s a chance for us to shout about the best-of-the-best in both emerging and established culinary roles and allows us to celebrate the incredible chefs and hospitality teams out there going above and beyond to give their diners top-class experiences.”

What did Squaremeal.co.uk say about the Cornwall eating establishments?

Paul Ainsworth at No. 6, 6 Middle Street, Padstow.

Paul Ainsworth operates a number of restaurants in Cornwall, but this Michelin-starred spot has got to be the jewel in his crown, where it serves an exciting, story-led menu that champions locally sourced Cornish produce.

Falmouth Packet: Paul Ainsworth at No 6Paul Ainsworth at No 6 (Image: SquareMeal.co.uk)

Outlaw's New Road, 6 New Road, Port Isaac.

Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin-starred seafood restaurant has been a veritable success since its recent rebrand. Making use of Cornwall’s bounty, he’s serving elevated seafood with ever changing menus to reflect the freshest seasonal produce.

Falmouth Packet: Baked bass, Asparagus and Hollandaise Sauce at OutlawsBaked bass, Asparagus and Hollandaise Sauce at Outlaws (Image: SquareMeal)

 

Crocadon, St Mellion, Saltash.

Following his departure from L’Enclume, chef Dan Cox brings his vast experience to the south west with this soil-centric farm restaurant. The very definition of farm-to-table cooking, he’s created a ‘Taste of the Farm’ menu bursting with freshly grown and reared produce.

Falmouth Packet: Crocadon, CornwallCrocadon, Cornwall (Image: SquareMeal)

Coombeshead Farm, Lewannick.

Everything you eat at Coombeshead is grown and produced on the 66-acre farm, from fruit and veg to bread, meat and more. Exceptional produce is really allowed to sing by Tom Adams and team, and you can stay overnight in this countryside hideaway too.

Falmouth Packet: Coombeshead Farm, LewannickCoombeshead Farm, Lewannick (Image: SquareMeal)

Argoe Newlyn, The Strand, Newlyn.

Argoe is a tribute to Newlyn’s incredible fishing heritage and produce, where sharing plates with a focus on Cornish fish and seafood are served alongside low-intervention wines on tap. Proof that beauty lies in simplicity.

Falmouth Packet: Argoe, NewlynArgoe, Newlyn (Image: SquareMeal)

The Mariners Public House, Slipway, Rock.

Relaunched by Paul and Emma Ainsworth in 2019, The Mariners is a must visit for those in the area. Boasting idyllic views, expect elegantly plated dishes that expertly find the balance between a traditional pub and quality fine dining.

Falmouth Packet: The Mariners Public House, Slipway, RockThe Mariners Public House, Slipway, Rock (Image: SquareMeal)