If you’re visiting St Ives this year, you’ll be pleased to know that several alluring foodie hotspots have opened recently. From exciting new dining concepts from top chefs, to neighbourhood eateries and tiny delis to grab a quick bite, St Ives has just updated its credentials as one of the UK’s top food destinations.
Here’s our round-up of the restaurants, snack joints, beachside bars and more to make a beeline for on your next trip…
Ardor
Ardor is the word on everyone’s lips at the moment! This new ‘small plates’ restaurant takes over the beautiful building on Fore Street formerly occupied by The Seafood Café. It’s a fusion of tapas and mezze, Cornwall and the Med, and The Cottage Boutique team is very excited to try it this summer.
The kitchen is led by Dorian Janmaat (previously of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and The Idle Rocks) who will draw on his time living and cooking in both Spain and Cornwall. Expect the highest quality ingredients sourced locally and from the Iberian Peninsula – think Cornish seafood, Spanish cured meats, and some gorgeous looking cocktails to try too…
Gilbert’s
Across the bay in Hayle, Gilbert’s is the new incarnation of what was previously Lula’s – a beach bar right at the end of North Quay. This is a great spot, boasting crowd-pleasing food (pizza, tacos, burgers, loaded fries) and a family-friendly location where the kids can play in the sand while you wait for your food and drinks to arrive.
They also serve simple breakfasts if you fancy an early-morning stroll along the beach followed by a bite to eat.
Leel
Newly opened on Back Road East, this is an eclectic mix of local artisan makes (pressed seaweed artworks, handmade skincare products, ceramics and textiles) and some favourite local food products which make great gifts. Leel also serves amazing coffee and hot chocolates – their kids hot choccy looks like it would definitely get you in the good books!
We’ll also be popping in to try an ‘artisan slushie’ asap. There’s a huge array of flavours to try made using Mr Fitzpatrick’s Vintage Cordials and finished with edible flower petals.
Onzo
Meanwhile, in the corner of the harbourside once occupied by The Alba, is Onzo Pizzeria. You can’t go wrong here; everything is cooked from scratch using authentic ingredients, and from the open-plan dining area you might just spot your pizza heading towards the authentic oven. For every Margarita ordered, 50p goes towards the RNLI – the local station is right outside.
There’s a few small plates and pasta dishes too, but when in Rome…
Little Palais Provisions
The new Little Palais Provisions store on Barnoon Hill sells the finer things in life; natural wines, homemade bottled cocktails, craft beers and small batch ciders, as well as artisan ice cream.
A great place to refuel after a day exploring the town’s galleries and the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden, which is very close by.
Milieu Studios
This lovely light-filled gallery doubles up as an occasional pop-up restaurant; during summer 2024 ‘gallery suppers’ will be served on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Food is prepared by acclaimed chef Jeffrey Robinson, who will shortly be launching St Ives Cookery School.
It would be quite a treat to enjoy Jeffrey’s delicious food in these inspiring surroundings right on the harbourfront. Keep an eye on Milieu’s social media for details of the menu each week.
