Stein's Fish and Chips Dine-in or Takeaway: A mixed fry of expectations

Tucked along South Quay in Padstow, Stein’s Fish and Chips is a go-to spot for many visitors keen to sample seafood with a celebrity touch. On a recent visit after a long day exploring the Cornish coast, we dropped by for an early dinner, remembering a previous visit that offered a solid meal at an affordable price.

The space was clean, service friendly, and despite it being close to closing time (6:30pm), the restaurant was busy. The space is divided into two, on one end is the takeaway with its separate entrance, and on the other, the dine-in area with various seating types like high chairs and tables overlooking the harbour or takeaway section (image below) and long benches and tables in the centre.

Chippy Tea – Fish and Chips

Arriving around 5:00pm on a weekday, we were in time for their winter special—Chippy Tea—a smaller portion of fish and chips served with a pot of tea. While the chips were generously portioned and nicely crisp, the fish was notably small—the smallest we’d seen on a fish and chip plate. It seemed more like a taster from their ‘Catch and Compare’ or Family platter than a standalone dish. The presentation was simple but appealing: fish and chips on a stainless steel oval plate with a wedge of lemon, sprig of parsley, and our cup of tea. There were no sides included like mushy peas or tartare sauce, so we requested ketchup and mayo instead.

The Good

We have to praise the freshness of the fish and the crispy batter. The fish is well-cooked with flaky texture. The tartare sauce is often mentioned as a standout, rich and perfectly balanced. However, we did not have a chance to taste this with our meal as it did not come with and we forgot to ask for some.

The restaurant is also widely appreciated for offering gluten-free options, with staff that are knowledgeable and attentive to dietary needs. The setting itself is clean and stylish, and the service—at least in the restaurant—is generally described as friendly and efficient. Our fish and chips is delicious albeit in small portions.

The Not-So-Good

The pricing is a sticking point for many. With fish and chips costing nearly twenty pounds depending on options and extras like mushy peas or tartare sauce adding a few pounds more, many diners feel it’s steep for what’s served. The Winter Menu offer – The Chippy Tea while cheaper at around twelve pounds is not exactly screaming value as the fish is really small.

Portion sizes, particularly for fish, have been repeatedly noted as underwhelming. While we did not experience this, others have mentioned inconsistencies with the chips—sometimes bland, dry or stale, suggesting that quality control can be hit or miss. Some found the fish oily, the batter too thick or soggy, and the experience not quite living up to the brand’s promise.

In takeaway orders, service delays and portion disappointment have left some visitors feeling let down. Several reviews also mention accessibility issues with seating, slow service in the restaurant, and food arriving lukewarm. For those ordering specials or children’s portions, the value for money wasn’t always convincing.

What to Expect

Stein’s Fish and Chips is undoubtedly a popular eatery with a strong brand presence, but one that sometimes struggles to match the expectations that come with its name. While there are highlights—crisp batter, excellent tartare, friendly service—the experience can vary widely. Some diners leave full and happy, praising the flavour and care. Others feel the pricing leans too heavily on Rick Stein’s reputation.

Our advice? If you’re after the true Stein’s experience, skip the specials and go for the full-priced mains. Expect to pay a bit more, but know you’re dining in a clean, well-managed restaurant with thoughtful service and consistently good fish—when it’s fresh. For gluten-free diners, it’s a welcome find, and for many tourists, a box to tick when visiting Padstow. But manage your expectations: this isn’t your nostalgic local chippy—it’s Padstow’s polished version, and while sometimes brilliant, it doesn’t always deliver a catch of the day.