St Ives, a picturesque coastal town in Cornwall, is a haven for foodies and beach lovers alike. With its stunning beaches, artistic vibe, and rich history, it’s no wonder that visitors flock to this charming destination. However, with so many amazing eateries to choose from, deciding where to eat in St Ives can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the town’s culinary scene and discover the best places to indulge in delicious food and drink.
Get ultimate traveler plannerOverview of St Ives’ Culinary Scene
St Ives is renowned for its fresh seafood, and you’ll find an array of restaurants serving up mouth-watering dishes featuring the daily catch. From traditional Cornish pasties and cream teas to modern British cuisine and international flavors, the town’s eateries cater to all tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a quick bite on-the-go, St Ives has something for everyone.
What to Expect from This Guide
In the following sections, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through St Ives, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and pubs that are not to be missed. From seafood specialists and gourmet eateries to hidden gems and local favorites, we’ll cover it all. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the best places to eat in St Ives.
Where to Eat in St Ives: A Foodie’s Guide
St Ives, a picturesque coastal town in Cornwall, is a haven for foodies. With its rich seafood heritage, stunning coastal views, and artistic vibe, St Ives offers a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Cornish pasties to fresh seafood, and from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, St Ives has it all. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey to explore the best places to eat in St Ives.
Seafood Heaven
St Ives is renowned for its seafood, and you’ll find an array of restaurants serving the freshest catch of the day. Here are some top recommendations:
- The Seafood Restaurant: Located on the harbour, this restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring locally sourced seafood. Try their signature dish, the Seafood Platter, which includes lobster, crab, and scallops.
- The Fisherman’s Arms: This 16th-century pub serves traditional seafood dishes, including fish and chips, seafood pie, and grilled fish of the day.
- The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant: With stunning views of the harbour, this restaurant offers a range of seafood options, including oysters, mussels, and lobster.
Traditional Cornish Cuisine
Cornwall is famous for its traditional pasties, cream teas, and other local delicacies. Here are some top spots to try: (See Also: Where To Eat In Casco Viejo)
- The Cornish Pasty Shop: This family-run bakery has been serving traditional Cornish pasties for over 20 years. Try their classic beef and potato or chicken and mushroom pasty.
- The Tea Room: This quaint tea room serves a range of traditional Cornish cream teas, including scones, jam, and clotted cream.
- The Old Custom House: This historic building now houses a restaurant serving traditional Cornish dishes, including Cornish Yarg cheese and ale pie.
Casual Eats
St Ives has plenty of casual eateries perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Here are some top picks:
- The Porthmeor Beach Cafe: Located on the beach, this cafe serves a range of breakfast, lunch, and snack options, including sandwiches, salads, and cakes.
- The Harbour Cafe: This bustling cafe is a great spot for a coffee and pastry or a light meal, with stunning views of the harbour.
- The St Ives Bakery: This family-run bakery offers a range of freshly baked bread, pastries, and sandwiches, perfect for a picnic or takeaway.
Fine Dining
For a special occasion or a romantic evening, St Ives has several fine dining options:
- The Gannet Inn: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a range of innovative, locally sourced dishes in a stylish setting.
- The Black Swan: This 16th-century inn has a restaurant serving modern British cuisine, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- The Porthminster Beach Restaurant: With stunning views of the beach, this restaurant serves a range of modern British dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
Foodie Spots
St Ives has several foodie spots worth exploring:
- The St Ives Farmers’ Market: Every Thursday, the town hosts a bustling farmers’ market, selling local produce, artisan bread, and cheeses.
- The St Ives Food and Drink Festival: Held annually in September, this festival celebrates the town’s culinary heritage, with food stalls, cookery demonstrations, and live music.
- The Cornish Deli: This specialist deli sells a range of local produce, including cheeses, meats, and preserves, perfect for a picnic or souvenir.
Special Dietary Requirements
St Ives has plenty of options for those with special dietary requirements:
- The Vegetarian Cafe: This cafe serves a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
- The Gluten-Free Bakery: This bakery offers a range of gluten-free bread, cakes, and pastries, perfect for those with gluten intolerance.
- The St Ives Health Food Store: This health food store sells a range of organic and natural products, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Recap and Summary
In conclusion, St Ives is a foodie’s paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Cornish cuisine to fresh seafood, and from casual eats to fine dining, St Ives has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening, a family meal, or a quick snack, St Ives has it all. So, come and indulge in the culinary delights of this beautiful coastal town!
Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
---|---|---|
The Seafood Restaurant | Seafood | £20-£40 |
The Fisherman’s Arms | Traditional Cornish | £15-£30 |
The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant | Seafood | £25-£45 |
The Cornish Pasty Shop | Traditional Cornish | £5-£10 |
The Tea Room | Traditional Cornish | £10-£20 |
The Old Custom House | Traditional Cornish | £20-£35 |
The Porthmeor Beach Cafe | Casual Eats | £5-£15 |
The Harbour Cafe | Casual Eats | £5-£15 |
The St Ives Bakery | Casual Eats | £5-£10 |
The Gannet Inn | Fine Dining | £40-£60 |
The Black Swan | Fine Dining | £30-£50 |
The Porthminster Beach Restaurant | Fine Dining | £30-£50 |
This table provides a summary of some of the top restaurants in St Ives, including their cuisine, price range, and a brief description. (See Also: Where To Eat In Silom Bangkok)
Final Thoughts
St Ives is a culinary gem, offering a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for traditional Cornish cuisine, fresh seafood, or fine dining, St Ives has something for everyone. So, come and indulge in the culinary delights of this beautiful coastal town!
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your culinary adventure in St Ives. Bon appetit!
Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in St Ives
What type of cuisine can I expect to find in St Ives?
St Ives is renowned for its fresh seafood, and you’ll find a variety of restaurants serving up delicious fish dishes. You’ll also discover a range of eateries offering traditional Cornish cuisine, as well as international flavors like Italian, Indian, and Mexican. Additionally, there are plenty of cafes serving tasty pasties, cream teas, and other local specialties.
Are there any restaurants in St Ives with a sea view?
Yes, many restaurants in St Ives offer stunning sea views. Some popular options include The Seafood Restaurant, The Fisherman’s Arms, and The Mermaid Inn. These eateries provide the perfect setting to enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking views of St Ives Bay. Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a table with a view.
Can I find budget-friendly dining options in St Ives?
Absolutely! While St Ives has its fair share of upscale restaurants, you can also find plenty of affordable options to suit all budgets. Look for cafes, pubs, and bistros that offer reasonably priced meals, or try some of the town’s excellent fish and chip shops. You might also consider visiting during happy hour or taking advantage of early bird specials to save money. (See Also: Where To Eat In Terrigal)
Do St Ives restaurants cater to dietary restrictions and preferences?
Yes, many restaurants in St Ives are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. You’ll find eateries that offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, as well as those that can cater to specific allergies. It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the restaurant’s website to confirm their options and make any necessary arrangements.
Can I book a table at a popular St Ives restaurant in advance?
It’s highly recommended to book a table in advance, especially during peak season (June to September). Many popular restaurants in St Ives fill up quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on your top choice. You can usually book online or by phone, and some restaurants may offer online booking systems or apps to make it even easier.