While the lure of Cornwall being renowned for its stunning rugged coastline, quaint picturesque fishing villages, countless perfectly golden sandy beaches all akin to nostalgic summer holidays, there’s also been a foodie revolution to quietly shout about over the past few years which is ever changing and getting better year on year with fabulous Cornish produce & culture being showcased from not only top class restaurants, but cafes, pubs, restaurants, takeaways and even hidden huts and pop up eateries leading the charge in feeding the ever increasing population of both locals and travellers to the south west.
St Ives foodie culture is on the rise and this year welcomes a couple more places to choose from having only opened in the past few weeks and if you are prepared to travel ( we highly recommend you do) you will be greatly rewarded by what’s on offer this year in and around the surrounding area, a lets face it, no where is really more than an hour away from St Ives …give or take especially with the summer traffic!
St Ives

The Old St Ives Lifeboat Station has been meticulously and stylishly refurbished housing what is fast becoming one of St Ives’s best places to eat Pizza! And its already won an award of one of the best 50 best places to eat Pizza in the UK by The Times, not a bad accolade to start with! The innovative Neapolitan style restaurant is set over two floors on the harbour front has sensational harbour views with spectacular evening sunsets, so try and bag a table in the upstairs by the floor to ceiling windows which open to let the outside in! Pizzas are made in proper woodfired Pizza ovens for an authentic taste and the menu is refreshingly different to the bog standard pizzerias we often find ourselves in. A small selection of seafood too and veggie choices available. Great beers and cocktails and very family friendly too.
(Pet friendly only during the daytime service) www.onzopizza.co.uk

The Seafood Café on Fore street just behind the harbourfront has been transformed over the past year into a fabulous exciting cool and very chic new restaurant and ‘go to’ place to eat. Ardor’s unique concept to St Ives sees the old seafood restaurant transformed into a Spanish inspired ‘ Small plates restaurant’ led by Dorian Janmaat, influenced by the food cultures of the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean coast serving the freshest Cornish seafood and dry aged cuts, cooked simply over charcoal in the heart of St Ives. Very inventive but simple menu that can now be appreciated by all and perfect for friends and family.
(Not pet friendly) www.ardorstives.co.uk
ROMANOS, Carbis Bay

If St Ives is too busy or you just happen to live or be holidaying in Carbis Bay then why not check out this fabulous brand new very small, but cosy, and packed with character and charm, traditional Italian Trattoria café in Carbis Bay!
The lovely thing about Romanos is its deep-rooted tradition and often without printed menus you will want for nothing and experience literally what they offer and serve you from an every day changing menu of offerings that follow regional local produce and seasonal recipes. The last first time I visited we were welcomed with the cafés wonderful smell of freshly cooked pastries and excellent coffee for an early breakfast literally with the owner’s son serving us at the table, bringing us out two freshly baked trays of delicious pastries to choose from, a very nice touch. Charcutiere and cheeses are served along with delicious homemade pizzas and fresh pasta and sauces to die for all in an incredibly authentic way. Romanos is also a proper Italian deli with so much choice of produce to take away from proper pasta to fresh fruit and veg and tasty salamis hanging from the ceiling can be enjoyed too with wonderful homemade breads.
(Dog friendly) www.romanos-stives.co.uk
Barbican Bistro, Penzance

This small but very laid-back casual but cosy restaurant very hidden away, but most definitely worth seeking out for a real gourmet treat when you find it, a real surprise awaits! Your best bet is to park in the Wharf public carpark and walk over to The Dolphin Tavern public house and tucked up a very narrow side street behind the pub is a thick clad wooden door set among deep old granite walls…welcome to the Barbican Bistro ! It’s a bit easier to spot in the summer months as you will look up the alley and see a whole line of wooden benches set up for alfresco dining, blankets and all!
Having only just dined there last week with friends and it was a delight to meet one of the chef owners ( Two chef brothers) who happily chatted to us about their story in opening this wonderful hidden gem and explaining its transition as they look to expand into the neighbouring room just off the bar. Very lovely décor with granite walls and stone floors and lovely bench ‘ settle’ style seating makes for a lovely, relaxed vibe. They specialise in tapas style dishes with freshly caught fish from local suppliers even including the brother’s dad, who delivers fresh fish straight off the boat from Newlyn. The Barbican Bisto’s ethos is serving small plates with focus on fish and casual dining in an historic building next to the harbour. While the four of us probably thought we had over ordered from the simple but amazing short menu ( ensures freshness) every dish was soon demolished. From Crab loaded fries to Fresh Anchovies and delicious squid to perfectly cooked Mussels, every dish was a masterpiece, followed by a Lemon Posset to be remembered . We would recommend booking in advance.
(Pet friendly) www.barbicanbistro.com
Lovetts Wine Bar, Newlyn

A small but perfectly formed family run neighbourhood Wine bar and coffee shop in the heart of Newlyn where you can sit inside or out ( weather permitting) and watch the world go by! If you are out exploring the south coast Newlyn is quickly becoming a real foodie destination with a small selection of excellent independent restaurants, pub, cafes, coffee shops, greengrocers’, and a deli all within a stone’s throw of each other by the bridge where the small river runs out to sea. A very pretty seaside town destination just yards from the busy working fishing port. Pop in for a barista made coffee served in gorgeous earthenware style cups or enjoy a very nice breakfast of beautifully oven cooked eggs with melted cheese on or one of my favourites the Lovetts legendary ‘ Three cheese toasted sarnie’ oozing with delicious sticky gooey cheeses in toasted sourdough. As well as breakfast they serve lovely cold charcuterie and cheese dishes, in a typical Mediterranean style and cakes and light bites through till close and of an evening sit and relax and sample some of the very well stocked Wines on offer. Lovetts also hosts from time-to-time Cheese and wine tasting where you van prebuy tickets and gift vouchers too! Open Tuesday & Wednesday 8.20am – 3.30 pm and Thurs – Sat 8.30am to 9 pm.

(Pets welcome) www.lovetts-newlyn.co.uk
Dan-Dan the Lobster Man, Porthleven

Incredibly fresh and delicious seafood served with a view out to sea in Porthleven about a 30 mins drive from St Ives! A family and friends run take away/sit down seafood shack in the heart of the lovely old fishing port of Porthleven looking out to sea through the harbour walls, this fresh local seafood really is hard to beat and often caught and supplied and prepared by Dan himself. The small but incredibly well stocked and efficient dining shack is perfect for alfresco dining and will be bustling with hungry customers during the summer months where if you are lucky can even sample some smoky barbecued fish – from lobster tails in garlic and parsley butter to colourful Crab Tacos and fresh Mackerel baps, the grill seldom has a break during the summer. Grab a wooden bench, order your fish , and sit and relax with your favourite tipple and all is suddenly good in the culinary world of Dan- Dan the Lobster Man!

(Pet friendly), Follow on Facebook/Instagram
Next time you are down in St Ives enjoying a foodie tour of your own, why not stay in one of our lovely Cherished Cottages!
For more info follow the link or give our friendly team in the office a call on 01736-490640!
Author, Tim Petersen – July 2024