Cornish Pasty Company: Elegant and delicious hot pockets

What’s a pasty? Glad you asked!

A Cornish pasty is basically an elegant hot pocket. It originated in Cornwall, England, where the miners would take this hand pie that was crimped on the edge with them into the mines. They would hold the crimped edge and eat the pie, then throw the crust into the mine for the ‘knockers’ or ghosts. 

Cornish Pasty Company is known for its hand-made pasties featuring a flaky pastry pocket filled with meat and vegetables. The eatery offers more than 40 kinds of pasties, including vegetarian and vegan options.

The owner, Dean Thomas, says the restaurant has the vibe of a traditional English pub with “dim lighting, wooden tables and wooden bar faces,” he explained. “I believe what makes the pasty a perfect meal is it’s substantial, warm and comforting even in the desert heat,” Thomas added.

The downtown Phoenix location features three floors, each with its own bar: the main floor where the kitchen is located, a basement bar and upstairs area with ample seating.

Allison Otu, former Executive Director of Marketing at Arizona PBS, recommends Cornish Pasty Company. Otu said it is such great comfort food. She orders the Greek pasty and sums it up in one word: “fantastic.”

Guest Tiffany Khan, Senior Director and Revenue Officer at Arizona PBS, recommends the Parliament wings, which she describes as “really tangy.” 

Additionally, guest Adrienne Fairwell, General Manager at Arizona PBS, raves about the chicken pot pie, calling it “delicious.” Fairwell adds, “The chicken was very, very tender and juicy.” 

To finish off the meal, and the reviews, Khan orders the apple caramel pasty.

“The apple is perfect,” Khan said. “It’s tender with the right amount of cinnamon, and then the caramel just oozes out. It is a thing of beauty.”

When asked about Cornish Pasty and its atmosphere, Fairwell explains it as “very laid back” and “casual. So if you are going for lunch, and you are not in a hurry, this is absolutely the place,” she adds.

Cornish Pasty Company is a modern twist on a classic concept in a unique and casual environment. At the downtown Phoenix location, you can even watch the pasty makers work from a window.