The Best Restaurant in The West Country, England

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The last several years have seen a food renaissance in England's West Country. In the top restaurants the accent is firmly on local and seasonal products. Seafood is the number one choice along the coasts, from Atlantic pollock to Helford River oysters, and it's available in places from haute restaurants to harborside fish shacks. Celebrity chefs have marked their pitch all over the region, including Michael Caines in Exeter and Dartmoor, the Tanner brothers in Plymouth, Rick Stein in Padstow and Falmouth, Mitch Tonks in Dartmouth, and Jamie Oliver in Newquay. Better-known establishments are often completely booked on Friday or Saturday, so reserve well in advance.

Blas Burgerworks

$$

This tiny backstreet joint with limited seating consistently draws enthusiastic crowds for its delicious burgers made of pure Cornish beef or vegan and vegetarian ingredients. The lightly toasted buns are baked with sesame seeds (there are gluten-free alternatives), toppings include field mushrooms and wilted spinach, and the skin-on fries are hand-cut. Wines, local beers and ciders, and soft drinks are also available, some of them organic. There's normally a line outside, and phoning or emailing ahead with your order is highly recommended, whether to eat in or carry out. One option is to enjoy takeout at nearby Porthminster Beach—watching out for the marauding gulls.

The Warren, St. Ives, TR26 2EA, England
01736-797272
Known For
  • Tasty burgers made of pure Cornish beef
  • Long lines (but you can call ahead with your order)
  • Takeout you can enjoy at a nearby beach
Restaurant Details
No lunch. Closed Nov.–Mar.

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