The Cottage Boutique team knows a thing or two about eating in St Ives with kids in the mix! The great news is there’s some brilliant options in and around the town which will help avoid the risk of tantrums (them) or the need for passive aggressive whispering (you).
During busy times it’s highly recommended to book ahead at restaurants in St Ives. So, it’s worth putting in some planning now to avoid traipsing around looking for a table with hungry little people in-tow! If you can’t make your reservation (it happens, we know) always remember to cancel so the restaurant can fill your spot – a quick courtesy call goes a long way.
So, have a read of this and get planning. From beachside terraces to country pubs, this guide to child-friendly places to eat will have you hungry for a visit to St Ives!
Can’t tear them away from the beach?
When the weather is great, naturally the kids won’t want to stray far from the beach. Luckily all the beaches in St Ives have good eating options to-hand, although you’ll need to book ahead during busy times.
Two of our favourite beach-side boltholes are Porthgwidden Beach Café and Porthmeor Beach Café. Porthgwidden is a sheltered cove and a real favourite with families. The white-washed café above the beach serves Mediterranean-inspired food, including pizza, with plenty of approachable child-friendly options.
Porthmeor, overlooking its namesake beach and across the road from Tate St Ives, has lovely booths looking out to sea. The tapas-style menu here is eclectic with plenty for grown-ups to get their teeth into, but adventurous kids will love creating their own feast too!
Want to get them hooked on seafood?
If your kids are happy to tuck into fresh Cornish seafood, make the most of it while in St Ives!
The Mermaid on Fish Street serves up platters of tasty fish and shellfish, simple and delicious Fish and Chips, plus meat and vegetarian options for those that don’t fancy it.
To give your little pescatarians a really special experience, head to Porthminster Beach Café. Asian and Mediterranean food influences proliferate here which adventurous eaters will love, but there are smaller, simpler dishes on the children’s menu too (the Salt & Pepper Squid is amazing!)
Teenagers in-charge?
Teenagers will be enamoured with the surroundings in trendy St Ives hangouts such as Beer and Bird, and The Firehouse. Both are great for larger groups, with family-sized booths or cosy corners, and menus designed to satisfy all appetites.
Beer and Bird specialises in fried chicken, generous burgers and ice cream shakes. Meanwhile at The Firehouse just across Fore Street, the menu is a little more eclectic with pizza, steaks and seafood all featuring, but still it’s a definite crowd-pleaser.
Fancy venturing further afield?
You won’t even need your own transport to head to one of our favourite out-of-town haunts, The Old Forge. It’s in Lelant and can be reached via a short, scenic train journey, making a visit a great way to see a little more of the coastline too. The Neapolitan kids pizzas are excellent, and you’ll also find popular pasta dishes on the Children’s Menu. Parents can build their own feast of inventive small plates, pizzas and salads, and there’s an excellent wine shop next door if you fancy grabbing a bottle for later.
If it’s Sunday Roast you’re after and you have a car at your disposal, we recommend the spectacular drive West from St Ives to The Gurnard’s Head. In the summer the garden is great for letting the kids run off some steam, while you sit back and enjoy an indulgent lunch at this quirky, food-led pub.
Is takeaway the answer?
We know from having small children ourselves that sometimes evening dining on holiday is just too much of a mission. If that’s the case, St Ives has several top-class takeaway options, especially when it comes to burgers.
Blas Burgers is a great option for really tasty burgers (kids meals available) made with locally sourced ingredients. Call ahead to place your order and arrange a collection. Meanwhile, Hub Box on the Harbourfront offers Click & Collect; the irresistible menu is packed with goodies including plenty of veggie and vegan options.
We hope that mouth-watering selection has inspired you ahead of your visit. If you haven’t booked your family accommodation in St Ives yet, check out our 60+ holiday properties in and around the town, many of which are perfect for food-loving families!
