Short answer: Stein's Fish & Chips on South Quay is the famous one: everything cooked to order, gluten-free batter available and fizz by the glass, but reviews are mixed on value (3.8 from almost 4,900 Google reviews). Chip Ahoy on Broad Street is the cheaper takeaway. For the best plate for your money, the Harbour Inn builds its menu around the day's catch.
Padstow is Cornwall's most famous food town, but the best fish and chips here isn't always the most famous. Here's the honest version.
South Quay, by the harbour. 3.8 from 4,868 Google reviews. Rick Stein's chippy, with a restaurant and takeaway. Everything is cooked to order and available battered (including gluten-free) or grilled, and you can have a glass of fizz with it. Reviewers praise the freshness and service; the common complaint is value, with around £20 for fish and chips and smaller fish than expected. Its website advertises winter specials, so it's one to rely on out of season. Dine-in meals include unlimited chips, and the sauces include tartare, aioli and a Goan curry sauce. Fish can be battered, grilled or gluten-free. Rick Stein's website lists the restaurant open 12pm to 7pm Tuesday to Saturday and 12pm to 3pm on Sunday and Monday, and the takeaway 12pm to 8pm Tuesday to Saturday and 12pm to 3pm on Sunday and Monday (checked 29 October 2026). You can pre-order the takeaway online and collect at a time that suits you; the restaurant is on 01841 532914.
8 Broad Street, town centre. 4.0 from 696 reviews. The town-centre takeaway, long a favourite for returning families, with helpful staff and small portions that suit children. Several recent reviews report a dip in quality, so it's a convenient choice rather than a destination. Google lists: 12pm–8pm Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday.
Builds its menu around the day's catch, with light batter, a dog menu and a log burner out of season.
Better known for Sunday roasts, but its fish and chips come with a harbour view. Lunchtime is calmer than weekend evenings.
A traditional pub with a separate restaurant area, loved for its fish pie as well.
Stein's offers gluten-free batter on everything, cooked to order. Ask about the fryer if you're coeliac.
Padstow's gulls are notorious. Eat inside, or take it to the benches along the Camel Trail away from the quay. If you are driving in, read Padstow parking on peak summer mornings or use the park and ride. Visiting out of season? What is open in Padstow in winter. For a sit-down meal instead, see the best pubs in Padstow, the best Sunday roast, or a Padstow pasty. Everything else is in the Padstow guide.
It's fresh and cooked to order with gluten-free batter, but reviewers often find it pricey for the portion. The harbour pubs can be better value.
Its website advertises winter specials and evening opening, so yes, though hours change by season.
Chip Ahoy on Broad Street is the main takeaway alternative to Stein's.
Yes. Rick Stein's website lets you pre-order the takeaway online and collect at a time that suits you.
Yes. Fish can be battered, grilled or gluten-free, and dine-in meals include unlimited chips.
Stein's opening hours, menu and booking details are from Rick Stein's website, checked 29 October 2026.
Ratings, review counts and opening hours are from Google listings checked on 19 October 2026; hours change with the seasons, so check before you go.
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