Paul Ainsworth at Number 6

 The real King of Cornwall

Beetroot, truffle and potato

Besides Rick Stein, it is fair to say Paul Ainsworth is the second most famous chef in Cornwall, with a mini restaurant empire spreading across Cornwall. Paul's flagship no 6 is one of the only 3 restaurants that hold a Michelin star in Cornwall and the only one in Padstow, serving fine dining food using the finest British ingredients, with a strong French influence. No 6 serves a small 4-course ALC menu, with only 3 choices per course, and the standout dish without a doubt is the ' A fairground tale', a trio of desserts that Paul served in the BBC show Great British Menu and won. I was lucky enough to visit in a big group so with some food sharing, I was able to sample more or less every dish on the menu.

Scallop and pea

Foie, carrot, smoked eel

Red onion fondant, salt baked celeriac

Cod, seaweed, wine veloute

Pigeon, leg, liver and breast

I enjoyed everything I have tasted, the stand-out dish for me is a piece of foie that served with smoked eel. The smokiness and saltiness of the eel acted as a wonderful seasoning for the buttery foie, it was rich but not heavy with just a soft hint of heartiness. This foie dish rivals any other foie dish I have encountered anywhere else in the UK. The Cornish turbot is another truly outstanding dish, the fish was cooked to the perfect temperature with a silky smooth texture, it was served with a sweet onion gravy which worked in harmony with the freshness of the turbot. Each main course also came with a 'scone' side dish which was a lovely surprise, the mock chocolate scone was especially fun as it was a mushroom paste instead of chocolate which was perfect to clean up all the sauce from the pigeon main.

Tomato, artichoke, truffle

Beef fillet, mushroom, bordelaise

Turbot, potato, onion

Toffee apple and honey pokey

Muscovado doughnut

My lunch visit at No6 was better than I expected and totally worth the Michelin star status. The cooking was refined with a lovely wow factor with many dishes, and ultimately it delivered exceptional flavours. getting the best out of the amazing local Cornish ingredients. I would rate No6 as the best restaurant out of all the Cornish restaurants I have ever visited, given the quality and the price tag, it is actually pretty value for money. The service was also outstanding, I would love to return in the future should I ever revisit Cornwall again.

Food 4.5/5


Average cost without drinks and services:
£105

6 Middle St, Padstow PL28 8AP

https://www.paul-ainsworth.co.uk/number6/about/