Eating out in St Ives
9th March 2022
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.
The restaurant scene has pretty much returned to normal this year, and it’s as brilliant as ever! Some eateries have chosen to keep their own precautions in place, so planning ahead would probably still be a good idea – especially if you have a favourite in mind.
Here’s our guide to eating out in St Ives, 2022 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 a heated outdoor booth. Their website clearly explains their booking and dining arrangements for the coming months.
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.
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 eatery 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 local fish. See their website for booking details
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…).
We’re delighted that Blas Burgerworks in the Warren has reopened (see their website for details). Beer & Bird is offering a walk-in only policy for diners – a good one to head for if you’ve not been able to book in time elsewhere. 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.
Let’s just stay local…
Out of town, try breakfast at Birdies Bistro or classic pub food at The Watermill (both Lelant).
Then of course, for those evenings after a busy day on the beach, you can always just unwind at Polmanter with a meal from our very own Stable Bar and Restaurant. A takeaway service is available too for those wanting to tuck into pizza from the comfort of your own pitch. Order at the bar or use ‘The Stable Bar at Polmanter’ app (available to download on iPhone and Android).
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.
Fancy something a bit different? You must try Talay Thai, an authentic thai restaurant, that also offers takeaway. Opt for tapas or mains portions, depending on your appetite.
If you are wanting to stay on site and interested in a more traditional takeaway, there are a number of businesses that will deliver.
For Indian, try The Curry Garden or the Rajpoot (both in St Ives). Our local Chinese would be Hong Kong Kitchen and for pizza we recommend St Ives Pizza Company in Penbeagle, between St Ives and Polmanter.
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.
