Eating out in St Ives
9th March 2023
St Ives has a fantastic reputation as a great place to eat out – and we’ll second that!
You can check out TripAdvisor or read the restaurant reviews; however, you can’t beat a personal recommendation from food-loving locals.
Here’s our guide to eating out in St Ives, 2023 style.
Food with a view
For incredible food in the most beautiful locations, try one of the trio of cafés run by the Porthminster Group. The Porthminster and Porthgwidden cafés are located on their eponymous beaches, while Porthminster Kitchen is on the seafront. Please keep an eye on their websites for opening hours and booking details.
There’s also the stunning Porthmeor Beach Café, which is just below Tate St Ives and a must for tapas. Book well in advance to try and secure one of their cosy heated outdoor booths. The café in the Tate itself also boasts incredible views.
Seafood in St Ives
For a special occasion, visit One Fish Street, which offers a single tasting menu. Their sustainably caught fresh fish is sourced from Wild Harbour, and is absolutely exquisite. There’s a booking form on their website. We also recommend newcomer Host, housed in an elegant former bank in the centre of town.
Looking for something a bit different? Try the Rum & Crab Shack on Wharf Road. There’s no need to book for this place, and it’s not just rum and crab either (although how can you resist?).
The Mermaid on Fish Street is one of the most popular and oldest seafood eateries in town. To book a table at this welcoming restaurant, please drop them an email. The Cellar Bistro on Fore Street has a varied menu including delicious local fish.
Chilled-out Food in St Ives
Head for The Hub on Wharf Road for laid-back, American-style dining. Family-friendly and much-loved by locals, it’s a popular place. They take online bookings now (back in the day, you often had to queue for a table, so this is a bit of a bonus…).
Blas Burgerworks in the Warren does the most amazing burgers, while Beer & Bird is the best place for fried chicken dishes. Bier Huis Grand Café on St Andrew’s Street has a brilliant Belgian-style menu with classics such as moules frites, waffles, and of course, a superb beer menu. Relax in comfort at Tretho Lounge, or try to get an outside table at The Sea Room overlooking Harbour Beach (this place is especially appealing for serving its very own St Ives Gin).
Out of town
Outside St Ives, try breakfast at Birdies Bistro or enjoy the Mediterranean vibe of the courtyard at The Old Forge (both Lelant). The Watermill and The Badger Inn (also both Lelant) offer traditional pub food, and both have outdoor spaces for laid-back summer evenings.
There are also a few great spots in Carbis Bay, including lively Italian La Casita and fab vegetarian and vegan restaurant, The Bean Inn. For hearty British dishes cooked to perfection, try The Gannet Inn. Down at the beach, there’s a choice of restaurants at The Carbis Bay Hotel.
Closer to home, The Halsetown Inn is our local village pub, and serves classic dishes made from local ingredients.
Let’s just stay local…
For those post-beach evenings, you can always simply unwind at Polmanter with a meal from our welcoming Stable Bar and Restaurant. A takeaway service is available if you fancy to tucking into home-made pizza from the comfort of your own pitch.
Take-aways
For takeaway by the sea, it wouldn’t be a trip to Cornwall without fish and chips. Head to the Balancing Eel near Harbour Beach – they’re the best in town! If you’re jumping in the car, Becks Fish and Chips in Carbis Bay is also a popular choice amongst locals and tourists, with both a restaurant and takeaway, as well as Sharky’s in Penbeagle. There’s also By The Sea, another excellent seafood option that has both takeaway and dining options.
Fancy something a bit different? You must try Talay Thai, an authentic Thai restaurant that also offers takeaway. For Indian, go for The Curry Garden or the Rajpoot (both in St Ives), and our local Chinese is Hong Kong Kitchen. We thoroughly recommend St Ives Pizza Company (in nearby Penbeagle, between St Ives and Polmanter).
If you want to stay on site, there are a number of local businesses that deliver to Polmanter – just ask us for the latest list.
Between us, the Polmanter team has an encyclopedic knowledge of local pubs, takeaways, restaurants and cafes. If you want any more recommendations, please just ask us.