St Merryn acts as the culinary hub for the surrounding beaches. It is less formal than Padstow but offers serious quality. Expect to find some of the best fish and chips in the county, hidden wine bars, and pubs that serve food all day to hungry surfers.
From Sunday roasts that locals swear by to intimate dinners in converted barns, here is our curated guide to eating out in St Merryn.
Our Top Picks
These three spots offer the best dining experiences right in the village.
1. The Cornish Arms (Best for a Classic Pub Meal)
Owned by Rick Stein, this is the village’s most famous landmark. It sits in the centre of St Merryn and is a proper country pub, rather than a seafood restaurant.
- The Vibe: Traditional and spacious. It has slate floors, roaring fires in winter, and a huge beer garden for the summer. It’s perfect for families and dogs.
- The Food: Classic British pub grub done to a high standard. Think steak and ale pies, scampi in the basket, and curries. In summer, they fire up the pizza oven in the garden.
- Good to Know: They don’t take bookings for outside tables, so turn up early on sunny days.
2. Rafferty’s (Best for Dinner)
Run by Ed Rafferty (who trained under Rick Stein), this cafe and wine bar brings a bit of city style to the village crossroads.
- The Vibe: Intimate, buzzing, and friendly. It serves as a cafe by day and a bustling bistro by night.
- The Food: The menu changes often but focuses on local meat and fish. Their steaks are excellent, and the small plates are perfect for sharing with a bottle of wine.
- Good to Know: It is small and very popular with locals, so booking is essential for dinner.
3. Salt & Samphire (Best for Brunch & Modern Dining)
A relatively new addition that has raised the bar in St Merryn. It offers a cool, modern dining space that feels more like a city loft than a village cafe.
- The Vibe: Stylish and relaxed. It’s the best place in the village for a “proper” coffee and a high-end brunch.
- The Food: The menu is creative and modern. From stacked brunch burgers to evening seafood dishes with a twist, the cooking here is ambitious and delicious.
Casual & Takeaway
- Fryer Tucks: This is legendary in the area. Many locals will tell you it serves better fish and chips than anywhere in Padstow. Be prepared to queue out of the door in August—it’s that good.
- The Farmers Arms: The “other” pub in the village. It is famous for its carvery (available on selected days) and its unpretentious, friendly atmosphere. It has a thatched roof and feels incredibly authentic.
Just Down the Road
- The Pig at Harlyn Bay: Just a 5-minute drive away (or a long walk), The Pig offers a “25-mile menu” in a stunning historic house. The “Lobster Shed” in the garden is great for alfresco seafood lunches.
- Duchy Grub: Located at Higher Harlyn Park, this spot serves incredible small plates and has gained a cult following for its food quality.
Parking for Foodies
- The Crossroads: St Merryn is essentially a crossroads. There is limited street parking, but The Cornish Arms has a huge car park (for customers).
- Village Car Park: There is a small community car park near the garage/shop if you are visiting Rafferty’s or Salt & Samphire.
Guides
The best places to park in St Merryn
The best things to do in St Merryn
The best places to stay in St Merryn
