Best Restaurants with Sea Views in St Ives, Cornwall

Charlotte Ballam

Porthmeor, Porthminster and Porthgwidden

The popular kids - as well as having indoor seating all three of these beach cafes boast beautiful terraces from which to enjoy your unique suroundings.  Picture bright mornings with coffee served alfresco and balmy warm evenings with cold drinks and stunning sea views across golden sand. Although they may look similar at a glance, all three play to different strengths so be sure to check out each of them along with the menu, in order to decide which fits your occasion best. In our opinion Porthmeor is the only place to watch the sunset, whilst Porthminster is perfect for those very special treats and occasions. All three are in very easy walking distance of Sail Lofts five star accommodation. As an added bonus, all offer dog friendly terraces - perfect if you're staying in one of our luxury dog friendly apartments.

Talay Thai Kitchen

A new comer last summer. Talay Thai Kitchen is a welcome and refreshing addition to St Ives' already vibrant food scene and has quickly established itself as an all round favourite. Almost floor-to-ceiling windows make this the ultimate spot to indulge whilst looking out at the sparkling harbour and with everything from the usual suspects Pad Thai and curries, to scallops and Cornish fish, there's sure to be something for everyone. Try the tapas sized dishes and get that bit closer to ordering the whole menu! In the summer when bookings can be tricky, Talay's no reservation system is invaluable - simply turn up and if they can't seat you they'll give you a call when your table is ready. Talay Thai Kitchen is situated on The Wharf, about a 5/10 minute walk from Sail Lofts five star accommodation.

Porthminster Kitchen

Sister restaurant to Porthminster Cafe, Porthminster Kitchen is located on the Wharf with unbeatable panoramic vistas. Dining style is laid back - you wouldn't feel out of place walking in windswept off the beach, neither would you feel overdressed if out for a special occasion. Choose your seat in a beautifully light restaurant or on the sundrenched terrace and enjoy coffee and cake, light bites, lunches or a three course dinner. Breakfast is my favourite here and their toasted focaccia alone is quite an indulgence! Food is fresh and inspired and in their own words - "We have stripped out much of what is unnecessary; dairy and gluten take a backseat in favour of fresh and exciting textures and flavours", making this a real gem for those of us that sometimes struggle with dietry restrictions. Porthminster Kitchen is just a couple of minutes away from the Sail Lofts five star accommodation on foot.

The Rum & Crab Shack

Seafaring fare from round here and famous rums from over there

If you're in the market for something a little different, head on down to the Rum & Crab Shack for a menu bursting with burgers, steaks, seafood and sharing boards. Creole dirty rice with guacamole, artichoke-crab cakes with tartar sauce and vegan jambalaya offer a nice reprieve for vegetarians and vegans for whom restaurant menus sometimes lack in originality and of course - rum is rife. A large dining area with booths along with extra seating solely for drinks makes this a great venue for family meals and drinks alike. Windows are opened wide to dazzling views of the harbour that, we find, go very nicely with a cocktail or speciality rum. Look out for the Rum & Crab Shack painted onto the front of the building - about half way along the Wharf - you can't miss it.

If you're celebrating an occasion during your time in St Ives or even if you would just like some reccommendations, pop into the office in Studio 7 for a chat with us. If you haven't booked yet then why not take a look at our five star accommodation and start the count down to your Cornish summer holiday?