30 of the Best Places to Eat Out in St Ives

There is little doubt St Ives tops the list of Cornwall's favourite seaside towns. With its bustling harbour, picture-postcard streets and golden sand beaches, it's the perfect draw for a diverse range of visitors. 

But St Ives is a town with some serious foodie credentials too - the town boasts numerous eateries offering a wide range of delicious dishes. From traditional fish and chips to artisanal pizzas and seafood specialities, there's something to suit everyone's taste.

To fully embrace what St Ives has to offer why not try out one of the beachside restaurants that overlooking the Atlantic? With the sun setting over the horizon and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, what better atmosphere for a romantic dinner? There's also no shortage of al fresco cafes along the harbour front. Here you can enjoy a light lunch or a leisurely brunch and watch the world go by.

If you're looking for somewhere with a more relaxed vibe, then you'll find plenty of cosy pubs and bars, serving up a range of drinks and traditional pub grub. And, thanks to the town's vibrant art scene, there are plenty of unique restaurants offering up innovative menus inspired by the local area.

Pages

  • Porthminster Cafe / St Ives

    Walk along the sandy shore or boardwalk on Porthminster Beach, and you'll come to a gleaming white Art Deco building. This is the home of Porthminster Cafe, and some of the most coveted tables in town.

    Right on the beach, the cafe feels relaxed but its menu is always on point. It serves impeccable Asian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, served with some of the best sea views in Britain. 

    Like many...
    read more...

  • Harbour Hotel Restaurant - seaview

    The Harbour Hotel in St Ives has an enviable backdrop: beautiful Porthminster Beach. The views from the restaurant, bar and terrace are stunning, and the food's beautifully presented, too.

    The menu features fresh local seafood as well as delicious grilled dishes. Come here for a stylish take on the traditional Sunday roast, and the Harbour is also one of the best places around for a classy afternoon tea (...
    read more...

  • Blas Burgerworks / St Ives

    Blas Burgerworks burgers

    "Burgers for people who give a damn!" Blas Burgerworks has been famous for its succulent offerings for years. A victim of its own success, Blas' tiny restaurant was just too small for the hungry customers who flocked here for the flavoursome burgers. But problem solved: Blas now majors on takeaways.

    As well as the legendary beef, chicken and bean burgers, Blas offers rotisserie chicken, and a special rotisserie of the day (example: Trevaskis pork). With sides, nibbles and drinks to...
    read more...

  • Porthminster Kitchen - St Ives

    As far as locations go, Porthminster Kitchen really has blagged one of the best. It's not actually on Porthminster Beach (it's named after its big sis, Porthminster Cafe) but is upstairs in a Wharf Road building, overlooking St Ives harbour. It's worth a visit for the view alone.

    The food itself is lively and has a range of influences, from Asian to Mediterranean. Local fish features a lot on the menu - look out for their...
    read more...

  • Porthgwidden Cafe / St Ives

    Porthgwidden beach cafe

    Porthgwidden Beach is a sandy cove tucked beneath The Island in St Ives and lined with traditional beach huts. It's also home to the laid-back Porthgwidden, the place to come if you love your seafood to be served with a view.

    There's a modern indoor dining room and a dog-friendly terrace, all looking out over the Atlantic towards Godrevy. The menu has a Mediterranean feel, with seafood tapas and incredible pizzas. Sitting on the terrace eating padron peppers, this really doesn't feel...
    read more...

  • "The one with the booths?" Yes, that's the one! This lovely cafe right on Porthmeor Beach (the beach in front of the Tate) has a row of little three-walled pods, facing the sea and each with heater and lamp. You'll have to book well in advance, but it'll be worth the forward planning.

    Locals come here for the tapas, which as you'd expect, majors on seafood, but is also pretty good for veggies. It's also a...
    read more...

  • Rum & Crab Shack - St Ives

    That name… There's nowhere quite like the Rum & Crab Shack near the harbour in St Ives. It was established in 2012 by four friends who loved, naturally, drinking rum and eating crab; and 100 types of rum later, it's one of the town's best-loved venues.

    Yes, a love of cracking claws and drinking grog helps, but there's also a good choice of chicken, veggie and vegan dishes. Not a rum drinker? Check out the cocktail menu. However, visiting pirates should grab a tot of the house rums...
    read more...

  • Mermaid Seafood Restaurant - St Ives

    The Mermaid Restaurant is on Fish Street (where else?!) in the heart of St Ives' old Downalong quarter. This family-run restaurant has been a locals' favourite for years, thanks as much to its friendly atmosphere as its perfectly cooked fish.

    Go for comfort food like their pot of seafood, or try the monkfish cooked on skewers. There's always a fresh fish of the day on the menu, as well as meat-based and veggie options. During lockdown, The Mermaid's takeaway paella became a regular...
    read more...

  • Lifeboat Inn / St Ives

    Lifeboat Inn - St Ives

    In a great location near the (what else?) lifeboat station, this lively pub is an excellent place for an off-the-beach breakfast, lunch or dinner. It's a proper pub, so you can call in for a refreshing pint of St Austell brewery's finest.

    Its cool and dark interior is welcome on a hot day, while it transforms into one of the cosiest spots in town during the winter. Try and get a window seat for some of the best people watching in town.

    The menu is made up from classic pub...
    read more...

  • Beer & Bird / St Ives

    Beer and Bird - St Ives

    Fried chicken, chips and craft beer: perfection. Head to this laid-back, rustic restaurant above Fore Street for a meal that hits the spot every time. 

    We're not sure which came first (the chicken or the beer), but the B&B was established to bring together exciting artisan beers with home-style comfort food. The chicken is sourced locally and the beer from all over the world. Vegetarian? That's fine - the menu is wide-ranging.

    You can't book to eat at the Beer & Bird....
    read more...

  • Seafood Café / St Ives

    Seafood Cafe - St Ives

    This light and airy restaurant is in the centre of St Ives, on bustling Fore Street. As its name suggests, it's a great place to come if you fancy fresh fish or shellfish.

    The Seafood Cafe serves all sorts of classic dishes, from comforting fish pie to vast bowls of moules marinière. If you like your seafood simple, opt for a generous plate of fish and chips, made with a crispy beer batter and served with mushy peas.

    You could also go for their tapas-style small plates option,...
    read more...

  • The Mex / St Ives

    The Mex - St Ives

    The Mex is proof that small is mighty. This compact restaurant is a real St Ives favourite, loved for its Mexican-inspired menu and warm welcome.

    Look out for popular dishes like fajitas and burritos, with a good selection of starters, sauces and sides. Food tends to be served spicy rather than hot; however, if you want a bit more kick to your chilli, just let the team know, as the chef cooks everything to order. Finish off with a sticky pile of churros.

    For the full Mex...
    read more...

  • Pedn Olva Hotel / St Ives

    Pedn Olva restaurant view

    A drink on the roof terrace at the Pedn Olva is simply one of the best things to do while you're in St Ives. The views over the bay are astonishing, and the wine list (including Cornish Polgoon) is pretty fine, too…

    Back inside, you can dine in the contemporary-style restaurant. You're not missing out on the views, thanks to large windows and a balcony overlooking Porthminster Beach. The menu is modern and elegant, with some great local fish dishes.

    The service in this St...
    read more...

  • Moomaid Parlour / St Ives

    Moomaid Ice Cream - St Ives

    Moomaid's many fans were devastated when the much-loved harbourside parlour closed; however, happily, Moomaid St Ives has now relocated, to a larger site on the corner of St Andrew's Street and Street-an-Pol.

    The new parlour is comfortable and welcoming, serving Moomaid's local ice cream and sorbets as well as home-made cakes and excellent coffee. Find a cosy table, or take your cone onto the beach (watching out for gulls).

    Moomaid shares the shop with Zennor Wild, a florist...
    read more...

  • Source Kitchen / St Ives

    Source Kitchen - St Ives

    Come to this tiny cafe on The Digey in St Ives, to share delicious small plates and perhaps some Camel Valley fizz. You'll find Source Kitchen among St Ives' winding back lanes, between the harbour area and the Tate.

    There's been a deli on The Digey for years; however, Source Kitchen is a new venture, specialising in locally sourced produce. There's a balanced menu to suit omnivores and veggies, and of course, the fresh seafood is excellent.

    Choose from a table in the cosy, old...
    read more...

  • Scoff Troff Cafe / St Ives

    Scoff Troff Cafe

    If you want to start the day with a good breakfast, Scoff Troff is the place to come. There’s always a great buzz here in the mornings, as it’s a popular breakfast, brunch and coffee stop for both locals and visitors. 

    The owners have travelled widely, and even the breakfast menu reflects that, with Aussie toast, Turkish eggs and Belgian waffle stacks (and of course, a full English). Look out for local produce on the lunch menu, such as crab nachos or bangers and mash.

    Scoff...
    read more...

  • Cellar Bistro / St Ives

    Cellar Bistro - St Ives

    Come to this welcoming little bistro for hearty portions of home-cooked food. As the name suggests, it's a basement restaurant, so it's not the place to come if you want that famous St Ives view. But - if you like great food served by genuinely friendly people, this is an excellent choice.

    With dishes like Spanish vegetable stew, baked feta and calamari, there's more than a dash of the Med on the menu. The platters and breads are a lovely alternative to a main meal, and don't forget...
    read more...

  • The Bean Inn / St Ives

    In the heart of seafood country, veggie restaurants are a bit thin on the ground near St Ives. So, The Bean Inn in Carbis Bay is a real welcome sight. 

    Because the food is seasonal, the menu changes all the time. Look out for spicy Moroccan-inspired dishes, or comfort food involving fluffy mash and rich red wine gravy. All the food is either vegan or can be adapted to be vegan - just ask.

    To make sure your food is available and as fresh as can be, you need to pre-book your meal...
    read more...

  • Tate St Ives Cafe / St Ives

    Porthmeor Rooftops - St Ives

    It's all about the view on the top floor of the famous Tate St Ives, but it is also home to an excellent little cafe. After exploring the galleries, head upstairs to the Tate Cafe for a rejuvenating slice of cake and a cup of coffee.

    You don't actually need to visit the gallery to have lunch or a cuppa in the cafe. The ocean views from the cafe and its terrace are incredible at all times of year (although hang onto your sandwich if it's blowing a hooley and you're sitting outside…)....
    read more...

  • The Yellow Canary / St Ives

    The Yellow Canary cafe

    This neat little cafe has been feeding the folk of St Ives for fifty years. Located in bustling Fore Street, The Yellow Canary’s small but airy seating area provides a welcome haven from the busy town. Tables all full? Take your latte and pastry to a bench by the beach.

    The Yellow Canary serves sandwiches, pastries, cakes and of course, Cornish pasties. There are also gluten-free options. It’s a good choice if you like your coffee, and there’s a wide choice of other drinks.

    And...
    read more...

Pages