Nathan Outlaw's two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Port Isaac is a pilgrimage for seafood lovers. The tasting menu is entirely based around Cornish fish and shellfish, served in their finest possible form. The views over the Atlantic from the dining room are spectacular.
Nathan Outlaw's two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Port Isaac, Cornwall is one of the finest seafood restaurants in the United Kingdom. The tiny fishing village on the north Cornish coast provides the perfect context for a menu that is entirely dedicated to the fish and shellfish caught from the surrounding Atlantic waters. Outlaw works with local day-boat fishermen and the menu is determined entirely by what the sea provides on any given day: Cornish crab, turbot, John Dory, bass, and lobster appear in preparations of extraordinary precision. The tasting menu format — typically six to eight courses — allows each fish to be presented in a form that brings out its finest qualities: sometimes simply grilled, sometimes in more complex preparations involving Cornish dairy, foraged coastal herbs, or fermented accompaniments. The dining room is small, quiet, and focused, with windows looking over the village and the Atlantic beyond. The wine programme is serious and the sommelier team's enthusiasm for pairing with fish is evident in every recommendation. Port Isaac itself is a picture-postcard Cornish fishing village; staying locally and combining the restaurant with a day on the coastal path creates an outstanding coastal experience.
Location
50.5926, -4.8303 View on map
Highlights
- Two Michelin stars for entirely Cornish seafood tasting menu in a fishing village setting
- Menu determined daily by what local day-boat fishermen land from the Atlantic
- Extraordinary precision in handling Cornish crab, turbot, bass, John Dory, and lobster
- Small, intimate dining room with Atlantic and village views in Port Isaac
- One of Britain's definitive seafood restaurants — a genuine food pilgrimage destination
Tips for visiting
- Book as far ahead as possible — this is one of the hardest reservations in the south-west of England.
- Stay in Port Isaac or nearby Rock to fully appreciate the village before and after dinner.
- The tasting menu is the only format; dietary requirements must be communicated at booking.
- The coastal path walk to Tintagel or Polzeath is a beautiful pre-dinner activity.
- Port Isaac is also the filming location for the television series Doc Martin, for interested visitors.
Accessibility
Port Isaac village has steep and narrow lanes that are challenging for wheelchair users. The restaurant itself has limited accessibility given the constraints of a historic village building. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the restaurant directly before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nathan Outlaw's restaurant serve only seafood?
The restaurant is entirely dedicated to Cornish seafood and does not serve meat. Every course on the tasting menu features fish or shellfish from local day-boat fishermen. This is a deliberate and complete commitment to the sea rather than a limitation.
How do visitors get to Port Isaac?
Port Isaac is on the north Cornwall coast, approximately 12 miles from Wadebridge. There is no rail connection; a taxi from Bodmin Parkway station takes around 35-40 minutes. Driving is the most practical approach for most visitors.
How far in advance should visitors book?
Advance booking of two to four months is recommended for dinner sittings, particularly in summer. The restaurant has very limited covers and is fully booked on most evenings throughout the season.