Surrounded by clear coastal waters and lush countryside, the chefs of St Ives’ restaurants have access to some of the finest, freshest produce around.
We seem to be spoilt for choice for places to eat in St Ives. Here are some of our favourites. We suggest you ring to book a table in the busier summer months, during school holidays and when other festivals are being run in the town.
Alba
Serving perfectly cooked fish and seafood, as well as meat and vegetarian dishes, in a modern European style, with a daily changing menu of seasonal and local produce. Alba has a fantastic location in The Old Lifeboat House with views over the harbour and St. Ives Bay. You will need to pre-book and try for a table at the window upstairs. 01736 797222.
Blas Burgerworks
Eco friendly, cozy restaurant serving excellent locally sourced organic burgers and other dishes. No reservations required but can be busy at peak times. Ideal for informal family dining. 01736 797272.
Cornish Deli
Morning coffee, brunch and lunch, afternoon tea and dinner from the Deli team lead by owner Mark. The best Cornish products, which you can also buy at the deli counter, make this a great café serving wonderful food. 01736 795100.
Digey Food Room
Another of our absolute favourites. Freshly prepared food from breakfast, throughout the day (but not open in the evening), with a great delicatessen too. The homemade soups with the organic bread are perfect. 01736 799600.
Firehouse Bar and Grill
Great grilled steak, chicken and fish, with a relaxed downstairs bar, and more formal dining room up-stairs. No need to eat if you just want a drink at the bar. 01736 799664.
Hobblers House
Specialising in freshly caught seafood from the bay, a relaxed and friendly restaurant run by Paul Hobbler and his wife. Great for steaks. Overlooks the harbour. Maybe closed in the winter months. 01736 796439.
Porthgwidden Café
Another of our favourites, just around the corner and popular with our guests too. A relaxed beachside cafe with an outside terrace and great views across the Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse. Specialises in Mediterranean and Asian seafood. Open daily from 9am for breakfast and the finest Lavazza ground coffee; and continuing for lunch and on into the evening for dinner. 01736 796791.
Porthminster Café
Right on the beach with unbeatable and uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse, this multi award winning restaurant is now open all year round for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Pre-booking for lunch and supper is essential all year round due to its popularity with locals and visitors alike. 01736 795352.
Porthmeor Beach Café Bar
A stone’s throw from The Sail Lofts, fully licensed, offering an imaginative menu of simple tapas to traditional and contemporary dishes. Open from breakfast, through mid morning and lunch, to late evening, with snacks and drinks also available to take away. Overlooks Porthmeor Beach, and wonderful for watching the sun set over Man’s Head. 01736 793366.
Saltwater Restaurant
Great little restaurant moments from The Sail Lofts run by wonderful head chef and owner Karen Cadoo. Freshest fish from Matthew Stevens, meat from R.J. Trevarthan, and vegetables and organic leaves from very close by. Kind of modern British, superbly cooked, seasonal dishes. Try the crab linguine, and Nanny’s Treacle Tart. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 6.30pm. 01736 794928.
Seafood Cafe
Choose from the chilled display a daily selection of fresh local fish, best Cornish meats and free range poultry. Then add your choice of sauce, potatoes, salad and vegetables. A popular restaurant with some of the freshest fish in St Ives. 01736 794004.
Seagrass Restaurant
Head chef Lee Groves (semi finalist of Masterchef The Professionals 2010) comes to this restaurant based on Fish Street. Open at 12pm for lunch and on into the evening. We’re looking forward to an ever-changing menu of local produce.
The Loft Restaurant and Terrace
Former Sail Lofts with a lovely terrace, situated in the heart of old St Ives’ artists’ quarter, overlooking St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse. Open for lunch and dinner with a great menu of meat, fish and seafood, and vegitarian dishes, all as locally sourced as possible, and freshly prepared. 01736 794204.
There are a number of great restaurants in Cornwall, this site will help you find them, wherever you plan to eat in the county.
