The Basement Cafe

I have been here many times over the years but since it has been the “mussel box” I fear it’s a bit hit and miss. The food is “good” and service “good” but it’s not much more than that. I’ve experienced that if you come at off peak times, as we have in October this time, the menu options are a bit lacklustre and the outside glass dining space was freezing. My partner had a whole hake which was very skinny, and hard to find much to actually eat on the plate. The starters however were gorgeous! I don’t doubt this place has good food and service, i just don’t think it’s one I will return to as there are definitely better option in Padstow .

This is a firm favourite for breakfast everytime we are in padstow. The food is delicious and the staff are super friendly and helpful. What makes it for us is the view you get of the harbour. We've always gone early and out of prime holiday season, bit we've found it a very relaxing spot. Only had breakfast but the evening menu looks good. We've got a food allergy in our group and they have always been very accommodating. Really knowledgeable about their menu and don't mind all the questions!

We ate here twice on our recent visit to Padstow. Dinner was lovely, although the mussels weren’t as great as I would expect given the name. The service was a bit slow and lacklustre at times. We then returned for breakfast on a wet morning and it was absolute carnage - it was clearly understaffed, which meant service was slow and coffees were rubbish. Our main issue however was that kids completely took over the place - they were stood on the furniture in their wet shoes, running up and down the narrow walkway and parents spread out their wet coats and belongings as though they own the place which made it very unpleasant for other diners - we finished our food and left asap. I understand the staff were young and may not have wanted to say anything to the other diners, but it was really unpleasant for everyone else and meant I wouldn’t go back there for fear of it happening again.