Restaurant | Padstow | Cornwall | The Basement | Cafe | Breakfast

We are now CLOSED for the winter months. We re-open on the 11 Febuary 2012. All enquiries should be made via email. Table reservations can still be made though this site.

The Basement formall known as 'The Basement Cafe' is set in a small shopping area called ‘The Drang’ just off the quay in Padstow and boasts stunning views across the quay from its outside, covered and heated alfresco area. Inside has very comfortable, cosy seating designed with a subtle nautical theme. The Basement is widely regarded as having the best coffee in Padstow and with our rigorous training for our baristas its no wonder why. The food is aimed at rosette level with local produce at its heart. We believe there is nothing better than sampling some of a regions best seasonal produce in a relaxed informal way. The service is friendly, welcoming, unobtrusive, yet efficient. We like you to sit, relax and enjoy what the Westcountry has to offer on the plate and feel at home with our ever pleasing staff and relaxing surroundings.

The Basement is the perfect place to eat, drink, socialize and people watch at all hours of the day weather it be for breakfast, lunch, dinner, a social coffee/cream tea or just a quick beer.

PLEASE NOTE - We are a relaxed dining establishment which prides itself on having friendly staff who we encourage to portray their own personalities in their duties. We beleive this allows our customers to relax that little bit more!

Our latest feedback from TripAdvisor

"Have eaten at the Basement quite a few times and every time the food has been outstanding and the service has been great. Excellent atmosphere and good value for money, and initiative menus both for a quick lunch and a special dinner. Would highly recommend to anyone who is visiting Padstow! "
BCreak (Portsmouth)

"We had a fantastic meal at The Basement. Service was attentive and friendly, food was delicious and at a £16 for a 3 course meal it was fantastic value."
MsThomas (London)
"First visit to this restaurant after Steins St Petrocs and No6 - this was the tastiest of all and unpretentious and great value for money. Staff were friendly and relaxed.Small and not so atmospheric but the food was excellant. good wine list.Returned next morning for full english breakfast, highly recommended."
Holidaymaker Bermuda

"on our little food tour of padstow we came across The Basement in the Drang, from what we have been told it used to be a little cafe but now serves food in the evening. with wonderful outside terrace and stunning views we had to try it out (although i might point out we didn't sit outside) at £18 for a 3 course meal we were very impressed indeed. we both started with pork wrapped in parma ham, followed by a very inspired Mr Stein Monk fish curry which i must say i enjoyed immensely. all that followed by apple and raspberry crumble DELICIOUS! excellent attentiveness from the front of house too. WELL DONE"
NotherenBeauty (Leeds)
"My partner and I visited the Basement when we arrived to stay in Padstow for a few days at the end of Feburary. We booked a table in advance and the staff couldn't have been more helpful. They arranged for us to have our lunch outside (yes in Febuaray!) under the heaters and covered by plastic taupalin but so we had a view of the harbour which was wonderful. They do a 1, 2 or 3 course option for Sunday Lunch. We just went for 1 course as we were eating out again in the evening. I had the Chicken and my partner had the they Beef. It was incredible! The meat was perfectly cooked, delicious roast potatoes, a lovely selection of fresh veg and devine gravy oh and massive yorkshires! It was just delicious, so tasty and steaming hot and just really well cooked. It really is the best roast dinner we've had in a restuarant/pub. The lager (i think they said from Barcelona) is also very very nice! It turned into a special occasion as my partner proposed that afternoon! We went back to visit Dave and team for a glass of Presseco! The service, food and view was faultless. I would highly recommend to anyone eating out in Padstow. Thanks again to Dave and the Team!."

Anna and Carl X
"We had great value kids meals, and 2 courses for Adults. The steak was lovely, but was a bit tough in the middle - the waitress looked after our issue very well. Good food, good customer service. After having been to several places to eat in the town, this had the best service / quality / price balance. Pescadou not as good as last year, Ricks Cafe compartively over rated. ."

David J D
"We sat in the outdoor heated area of the restaurant on a warm August evening. The food was delicious and the service great. Delicious fresh fish and seafood and tasty sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream.."

Ticklings
"We were delighted when, having walked in off the street, the helpful waiter said he could squeeze us in if we could wait for half an hour. And the wait was worth it. The food was individual, beautifully and thoughtfully cooked and served with great charm by a waitress who understood just how to engage with the differing needs of her customers. It should not be compared to The Seafood Restaurant as both restaurants stand up on their own merits and are completely different, but this is definitely one to visit - not only for the succulent scallops and well cooked fish, but for the fact that it is too good value to miss!."

Nomadchef
"We picked this restaurant from the trip adviser listings for Padstow prior to going. We didn't fancy the menu at No 6 and there were a few dishes on the menu a the basement here that sounded right up our street. We were informed when I made the booking that we would have to have an outside seat as inside was booked until late. Turns out the outside seating area are the best tables anyway. Great position heated, covered and well laid out. I had Scallops for starter and they were perfectly cooked and seasoned, well presented and delicious. The service was attentive but not overly fussy, in fact an almost perfect balance. For my main course I had the curry dish which was flavour full and delicious. We have eaten at some of the best London spots and this is the best seafood we have ever had. The only thing that didn't quite measure up to expectations was the bill, which was about 20% less than I ws expecting to pay ! Overall a great visit and a well justified top rating. If visiting Padstow, this really is your best choice. Visited July 2011 ."

beakeypower
"What a wonderful restaurant The Basement is. Totally understated and non pretentious and it lets the food do the talking. I had the largest, most delicious scallops and chorizo to start followed by the crayfish and turbot risotto which was divine. The desserts were equally delicious! The service we received was superb. Friendly and nothing too much trouble. It is a shame we only booked to eat there one night during our week long stay in Padstow. When the bill came we could not believe it. It was half the price of the Mr Stein's down the road and possibly one of the best value meals we have ever had given the standard of the food! I cannot recommend this lovely little restaurant enough and if there is one place in Padstow you must visit, it is this place.."

Lady Culpus