Restaurants/Private Dining

There are loads of good restaurants in St Ives.  Here are a few of our favourites, but be warned they all get very busy so book ahead.

Central St Ives

All 4 beach cafes are excellent and all do great breakfasts and brunches and some dinner – café doesn’t really do them justice. 

This is literally on your doorstep! Just this end of Porthmeor Beach, it does take-away and eat in. It is the most casual of the cafes but does great pizza and breakfasts. It also has a fish bar but we have yet to try it. Closes October - April ish.

Gets gorgeous evening sun and does good tapas all day. Kids can play on the beach while you watch with a cheeky sundowner. Check winter opening times.

Has won loads of awards and is really proper good food and fab setting on beach. Pricey and not necessarily one for young children.

Good food and great for allowing the kids to go onto beach so you can watch them from above.

Our favourite fish and chips - on the harbour. If you decide to eat on the beach be very  careful of seagulls. They can be vicious! 

Tiny and very popular place and you can’t book unless more than 6 so be prepared to wait. Good burgers and vibrant atmosphere. Has won several  awards. Closes in winter.

Fun, buzzy place with a bar, but also great for families. They do delicious burgers and pork stacks!

This is a cool restarant/bar that does chicken and beer!  It’s got a great atmosphere, child- friendly and is handily positioned on Fore Street. 

This is on the harbour and fun place for going out with the children - one of the cheaper St Ives options. There is table football and always sports on the big screen. Great for watching a match in the evening too!

Lovely pizzas restaurant right on the harbour. Can order take away too. 

Large, chain restaurant on harbour. Does a good brunch and good for a bit of casual dining with great views.

This is a spin off from the famous Porthminster café and is run by their fab chef. Ask for an outside table as the views over the harbour are fab!

This is a favourite with locals. It’s not glam but it is full of taverna-like style and the food is great- delicious seafood! It’s popularity speaks for itself. It is always busy, even out of season, so booking is essential.  

Really cool place - fab pizzas and great for drinks and snacks. Good for Sunday lunch too. 

  • Queens Hotel – www.queenshotelstives.com

Cool place. Nice for a drink and do a good Sunday lunch.

This tiny little hidden café is fab for cream tea. It’s tucked behind the harbour on Island Square and worth looking for. Closes in Winter.

One of our favourites, this Thai Restaurant on the harbour is really delicious. Unfortunately you can’t book so can be tricky to get in. Go in early and get on the waiting list while you have a lovely walk round the harbour, or book a collection and have it at home.

Outside St Ives

5 minute drive out of St Ives or a nice walk- (albeit uphill!) Lovely gastro pub.

This is a nice pub in the small village of Zennor which has a big outside area.  It is perfect if you want a long walk along the coast path from the house. (About 3 hours). More about the location than the food though.

You would have passed it just as you turned off the A30 on the mini roundabout.  It’s a vintner and deli but does great meals aswell. Popular with locals. Maybe a good one to set you up on your way home!

  • Godrevy beach café. – www.godrevycafe.co.uk

15 min drive away near Hayle. This is a great place for brunch. There is a great beach or some lovely walks to the lighthouse or along the cliffs.

 A beautiful drive along the coast road and lovely walks around it. They do a great Sunday lunch, and particularly cosy in winter or horrid weather.

Private Catering

Zero Mile Kitchen - these guys bring Michelin-level food and service to the house. Transforms the house into a top restaurant. It is recently opened by our good friend Jamie Simpson and we have heard amazing things about it. www.zeromilekitchen.com

Chef Natasha does catering at the house and we have heard really good things. -www.chefnatasha.co.uk

Flavour and Wine has also got really good reviews. www.flavourandwine.com

Take away 

St Ives Pizza Company  deliver good pizzas, and alcohol and lots of other good stuff. www.stivespizza.com

There is a great pizza truck for take away on the West pier in the harbour. Usually open from 5 (weather dependant). www.stoned.org.uk

St Ives Bakery on Fore Street does amazing pasties, bread and cakes. Well worth a visit but get there early! - www.stivesbakery.co.uk

Bars

The Rum and Crab Shack on the harbour is quite cool and laid back, with sofas etc- no outside though. https://rumandcrabshack.com

The Sloop on the harbour is great for a proper pint and kids can play on the beach in front of you. https://www.sloop-inn.co.uk

Porthmeor beach  is probably our favourite though for an early evening aperatif - either in middle of beach or the west end by the house. https://porthmeor-beach.co.uk

Harbour hotel is nice for a drink. https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk

Further afield 

Rick Stein’s restaurant empire is about an hour away in Padstow. It’s a nice town to visit - www.rickstein.com