12 Best Pubs in St Ives
Heading down to the bustling town of St Ives for your next staycation? If so, be sure to check...
Choose from 40 St Ives restaurants by clicking on the cuisine of your choice.
The big question when you get to this beautiful bayside town…where shall we eat?
If you want the full range and choice of St Ives restaurants then browse through our foody categories and find your ideal cuisine.
Read on to discover a thorough guide to places to eat in St Ives…
Breathtaking views and delicious food.
Known as Cornwall’s most popular harbour town, St Ives is famous for its beautiful sea views, beaches and restaurants.
We have picked the best restaurants in St Ives by the beach. Browse the variety of menus and book a table by the sea. Either on the harbour or the golden sand, there’s nothing like it.
Book a table by the sea and appreciate the view these beach restaurants have to offer; on the harbour or the golden sand.
Head to St Ives “Island” and eat beneath the grassy slopes on blue flag awarded Porthgwidden Beach and dine with unbeatable and uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse.
Go to porthgwiddencafe.co.uk
Call 01736 796791
Menu Examples
Crab and Mussel Linguine –basil, chilli, garlic, lemon, olive oil £28.95
Sirloin Steak –sauce entrecote, frites, green leaves £29.95
Porthgwidden Fish and Chips –peas, tartare sauce £17.95
Next door to Porthgwidden is its sandy partner Porthmeor Beach where the Café serves an imaginative menu and equally creative cocktail menu. Watch the surfers and spot some dolphins as you dine.
Go to porthmeor-beach.co.uk
Call 01736 793366
Menu Examples
Agedashi tofu –hot and sour broth, Asian greens £6.95
Grilled mackerel –beetroot puree, pickled cucumber, and fennel salad £10.25
Cornish mussels –white wine, garlic, cream, bread £15.50
With sweeping views across St Ives Bay all the way to Godrevy Lighthouse, this beach restaurant is a multi-award winning seafood restaurant. Located on one of the cleanest beaches in the south-west, Porthminster has prestigious blue flag status.
Go to porthmintercafe.co.uk
Call 01736 795352
Menu Examples
Pan Fried Cornish Hake – truffle gnocchi, mushroom fricassee, parsley and hazelnut
Cauliflower pakora – red lentil dahl, aubergine pickle, coriander chutney £21.50
Duck Breast – sausage roll, braised chicory, black garlic, and carrot puree £33.50
Another restaurant that boasts 180 panoramic views of St Ives sea. Enjoy smaller plates and lighter options on the harbour. Chefs cook with global flavours combined with fresh local ingredients right on the harbour.
Go to porthminster.kitchen
Call 01736 799874
Menu Examples
Crisp fried squid – Asian salad, citrus miso, lime £12.00
Whole Cornish Sole – Cornish mids, peas, capers, leek & mussel velouté £26.00
Korean Fried Cauliflower – wild black bean rice, pistachio, sesame dressing £20.00
Dine in contemporary architecture at the famous Tate (one of the best art galleries in St Ives!) with a European inspired menu that regularly changes with seasonal ingredients. From lunches to three-course dinners, the Tate will fulfil your appetite for both art and good food.
Go to tate.org.uk
Call 01736 791122
A harbour front cafe that has made a great name serving delicious Gluten Free (GF) options. Open seven days a week, Pels offer hearty homemade meals and a great takeaway choice.
Call 01736 795006
A family restaurant owned by the same local family since 1957. A restaurant serving first class Cornish caught fish, poultry, game and seafood. Right in the heart of St Ives, The Beach restaurant welcomes families and beachgoers.
Go to beachrestaurant.co.uk
Call 01736 798798
Menu Examples
Thai red sweet potato and chickpea curry – chimichurri flatbread and coriander rice £15.00
King prawn and chorizo tagliatelle – finished with a rich tomato sauce £15.00
12oz chargrilled ribeye – with choice of butter or sauce and 1 side £32.00
From delicious breakfasts to melt in your mouth Cornish cream teams. Sit outside with homemade cake or crab cakes and brave the seagulls to see the spectacular beach views.
Call 01736 794844
Award-winning tapas dishes served alongside St Ives Gin and imaginative cocktails in this beach restaurant in St Ives. Meters from the beach, this gastro bar is home to craft spirit company St Ives Liquor Co. and established in 2014.
Go to drinksilco.co.uk
Call 01736 798798
Menu Examples
Marinated halloumi – Ezme salad, courgette, pomegranate molasses, herbs £10.00
Tamarind and coconut fish curry – local fish, coriander & onion salad, lime pickle, jasmine rice £11.50
Katsu chicken – Panko Creedy Carver chicken, katsu sauce, peanut Asian salad £12.00
A beach bar with a difference, serving ‘smidgens’ of food alongside artisan beers, fantastic wines and fresh coffee. These wine connoisseurs, know that good wine is for sharing and that good food also compliments time with family and friends.
Go to beachcafe.bar
Call 01736 793737
The best vegan restaurants in St Ives revealed. With venues recommended by The Guardian and Channel 4, St Ives has definitely developed a soft spot for vegan food. And they do it well.
There is even a vegan Mexican restaurant. Browse the section below for all vegetarian and vegan places to eat in St Ives
Recommended by media such as The Guardian and Channel 4 and approved by the Vegetarian Society and part of the Food & Drink Guild. The atmosphere is chilled with candlelit, intimate dinners.
Go to thebeaninn.co.uk
Call 01736 791706
These other restaurants join the St Ives Vegan Friendly Club:
We might be biased but we believe St Ives showcases the best Mexican food in Cornwall.
From traditional Mexican dishes to simple favourites, browse the delicious menus and book your table.
A Mexican themed restaurant serving traditional food alongside simpler favourites. A very family friendly and laid back atmosphere makes it a great place to enjoy dinner.
Go to themex-stives.co.uk
Call 01736 797658
St Ives is renowned for its award-winning seafood restaurants.
We have listed the finest seafood places to eat featuring fresh Cornish seafood. Expect locally caught lobsters, sustainable local food sources paired with mesmerising views.
Browse the menus and book your table directly with the restaurants.
In the heart of ‘old St Ives’ artists quarter and boasting a restaurant and terrace, The Loft overlooks the bay to Godrevy Lighthouse. With a mouthwatering menu prepared using the freshest locally sourced seasonal fish, vegetables and meat.
Go to theloftrestaurantandterrace.co.uk
Call 01736 794204
With a well-earned reputation of one of the finest seafood restaurants in Cornwall, The Mermaid serves only the finest and freshest locally caught seafood. The carefully selected wine list completes the experience.
Go to mermaidstives.co.uk
Call 01736 796816
A unique dining experience where diners choose their own fish before eating. As well as this there is a range of shellfish, prime Cornish cuisine with local meats and free-range poultry available. Enjoy Lunch or dinner in a bright, modern room with stripped floors.
Go to stivesseafood.co.uk/the-seafood-cafe
With frequent live music, good rum and, of course, some amazing crab. This seafood restaurant in St Ives has a relaxed vibe and welcomes all rum and seafood lovers with a varied and expansive menu. It’s also featured on our list of family friendly restaurants in St Ives.
Go to rumandcrabshack.com
Call 01736 796353
A St Ives hidden gem, serving affordable, delicious food in a candlelit atmosphere. With tasty, hearty, classic dishes served with no fuss & no gimmicks Cellar Bistro is a great place to eat out.
Go to cellar-bistro.co.uk
Call 01736 791813
Who doesn’t like a burger? The bigger, the better, right?
The restaurants in St Ives serving fully loaded burgers are endless and you will be spoiled for choice. From beef burgers from local farms to chicken and pulled pork, choosing where to book will be a challenge in itself.
A quirky restaurant serving a perfect breakfast with the family through to that juicy burger and chilled beer after a long walk with the pooch. Inspired by cuisines all over the world, you will find more than burgers that take your fancy,
Go to scofftroff.co.uk
Call 01736 797341
Open all year round with views to watch the busy harbour go by, the atmosphere is chilled and there is plenty of seating. Child-friendly and a hot spot for football fans, there is regular music and televised sports events for your entertainment.
Go to balconybarstives.co.uk
Call 01736 798482
Recently refurbished with an eye-catching interior design, The Hub started it’s life specialising in the patty and arguably south-west’s finest burgers. They celebrate the rich source of local produce and are based on the popular St Ives harbourfront.
Go to hub-stives.co.uk
Call 01736 799099
With a menu inspired by the grill and a gin bar that serves mouthwatering cocktails, the Firehouse has a great selection of gourmet burgers alongside, fresh local fish, quality beef, chicken, pizzas and vegetarian options.
Go to firehousestives.co.uk
Call 01736 799664
If you are in need of a chicken burger then head to Beer & Bird. Serving succulent free-range fried chicken with over 100 craft beers and ciders. Proudly being Cornwall’s first gourmet fried chicken restaurant.
Go to beerandbird.com
Call 01736 793776
Featured and praised by The Independent to The Guardian, Blas Burgerworks are passionate about sustainability and reducing their impact on the environment. The Cornish meat is, naturally reared, free range and cooked on a chargrill.
Go to blasburgerworks.co.uk
Call 01736 793776
Find the ultimate Italian dining experience at these Italian restaurants in St Ives. From Al Fresco dining to authentic stone-baked pizzas and fresh pasta dishes, you will never be disappointed with St Ives’ Italian experience.
Most restaurants offer a delivery service, perfect if you do not want to leave the beach for lunch.
If you are looking for Italian inspired cuisine, take lunch, dinner or your morning coffee at Caffe Pasta. A dining experience right on the harbourside with wood tables, pizza, pasta and daily specials to suit everyone’s taste.
Go to caffepasta.co.uk
Call 01736 798899
From traditional Italian pasta dishes to fresh dough pizzas, steaks and poultry, Peppers welcomes children with a dedicated kids menu. Established in 1984, the decor takes you back to Italy.
Go to peppers-stives.co.uk
Call 01736 794014
A local favourite with hand made pizza made from their own hand-stretched dough. A pizza delivery in St Ives like no other that use fresh local ingredients to produce the finest artisan pizzas in town.
Go to stivespizza.com
Call 01736 794030
Browse our handpicked pubs in St Ives serving delicious food and choose your favourite. St Ives is renowned for gastro pubs with exquisite food menus.
From breakfast to traditional Sunday Roasts and dinner, you will be impressed with their charm and character.
If a classic, traditional, old pub is what you are looking for, then step into the Castle, which is praised for keeping to authentic pub roots. With a friendly landlord and a selection of both nationwide and local beers, you won’t be disappointed.
Go to the-castle-cornwall.co.uk
Call 01736 796833
From a delicious full English breakfast through to a romantic dinner or social gathering, the Lifeboat Inn is right on the waterfront where all you have to do is turn up, sit down and admire the view!
Booking advised in Summer months
Go to lifeboatinnstives.co.uk
Call 01736 794123
A local favourite and one of St Ives’ best pubs, The Sloop has three different dining areas! The pub itself, a more formal ‘Captains Tables’ and an outside upper decking called the ‘Upper Deck’. Enjoy food right on the harbour front.
Go to sloop-inn.co.uk
Call 01736 796584
Offering a traditional pub menu with all the expected pub favourites including a traditional Sunday roast and a daily specials board. A wide selection of favourite draft ales, lagers and ciders including Award Winning Cornish Doom Bar Bitter.
Call 01736 796000
This pub reflects the charm and character of its friendly and welcoming landlords, David and Jacky. A traditional, cosy pub with rustic wooden furniture and interesting memorabilia dotted around, a perfect stop to eat with friends and family.
Go to thecornisharmsstives.com
Call 01736 796112
The list for Indian restaurants in St Ives is short but authentic.
Choose from the two best Indian restaurants. From eat in to take away, both offer a vibrant cuisine with the freshest and authentic ingredients.
From genuine Indian food to popularised Asian cuisine, the Rajpoot pride themselves on home-style cooking with the freshest, most authentic ingredients. Locally famous for its BYOB policy (bring your own booze)
Book a reservation or private event
Go to rajpootstives.co.uk
Call 01736 795307
A recent restaurant serving vibrant and exciting Indian & Bangladeshi tastes in a modern atmosphere. The extensive menu includes everyone’s favourites and some adventurous choices. A pre-dinner drinks menu starts your evening off perfectly
Book a reservation or private event
Go to currygardenstives.co.uk
Call 01736 799003
Satisfy your cravings with authentic Chinese restaurants in St Ives. Available to eat in or takeaway, the restaurants offer quality Chinese cuisine with a vast menu.
The Honk Kong Kitchen is the oldest Chinese takeaway in St Ives and still the most popular. With an expansive menu and an easily navigated website, Hong Kong kitchen is the oldest Chinese Takeaway in St Ives.
Go to hongkongkitchen.co.uk
Call 01736 798257
A busy Chinese takeaway that satisfies your appetite. Known for their hearty portions, Yeungs has a vast menu for takeout.
Call 01736 799982
The classic Fish and Chips is in high demand in St Ives.
You can order a locally sourced, delicious catch of the day either grilled or battered. Expect the freshest ingredients, bursting with flavour.
Browse these Fish and Chips restaurants in St Ives and enjoy this local specialty.
Go to stivesseafood.co.uk/harbour-fish-chips
A true Cornish family run business, serving traditional fish and chips.
Go to becksfishandchips.org.uk
A traditional Cornish takeaway on the harbour, serving fish and chips and pizza.
Call 01736 794925
Go to sharkysstives.co.uk
Call 01736 791490
So there you have it! St Ives has an immense amount of places to eat and fabulous dishes to try. Check out our guide to St Ives for more holiday inspiration.
Visit this culinary treasure chest on Cornwall’s coast staying in a St Ives cottage or Carbis Bay cottage.
Last updated: February 2023
This post was developed from original content by Tony Townsend.
Hi, I’m Alice! Since joining the Sykes family in April 2018 my love for UK staycations has only increased. From the beautiful be...
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