Wander down the cobbled streets of St Ives and you’ll soon realise this seaside town is about far more than sandy toes and seagulls eyeing up your pasty.
As the tide laps the harbour wall and the evening sun paints the sea in gold, the smell of sizzling spices and wood-fired pizza drifts through the air.
Here, tucked between art galleries and surf shops, you’ll find a pocket-sized passport to world cuisine. Thai curries shared by the sea, Mexican tacos bursting with colour, Italian pizzas fresh from the oven, and burgers so good they’ve earned legendary status.
In St Ives, every corner promises a new flavour, and every meal feels like a little adventure.
First Stop: Chilitos: Mexican Sunshine by the Sea
As you wander down towards the harbour, keep your eyes peeled for Chilitos, a burst of Mexican colour and energy right on the waterfront.
Inside, it’s all tacos, nachos and burritos. It's proper street-food style but with a Cornish view.
Grab a seat on the harbour and tuck into zesty fish tacos or loaded nachos while watching boats bob in the harbour.
It’s like a little fiesta by the sea, and you’ll find yourself lingering longer than planned.
- doesn't accept reservations - walk ins only
- dogs allowed
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LF
Click here to view Chilitos instagram page >>
🇹🇭 Next: Talay Thai Kitchen: Tapas with a Thai Twist
Look for The Lifeboat Inn pub in the harbour and you’ll spot Talay Thai Kitchen. It's perched with the kind of sea view you almost have to pinch yourself over.
The name Talay means “sea” or "seafood" in Thai, and they’ve made the most of being by the sea. It is beautiful inside with huge windows overlooking the harbour.
Inside, small plates arrive tapas-style: fragrant curries, spicy prawns, crisp spring rolls, all perfect for sharing as the sun dips into the bay.
Order a cocktail from the downstairs lounge and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked straight to Bangkok, with the bonus of Cornish waves at your feet.
- doesn't accept reservations - walk ins only
- no dogs
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LF
Click here to view the Talay Thai website >>
🇮🇹 A Slice of Italy: Peppers, ONZO & Host
No world tour is complete without pizza. Thankfully, St Ives doesn’t disappoint.
Peppers Pasta & Pizzeria
At Peppers Pasta & Pizzeria, tucked away on Fore Street, you’ll find hearty Italian comfort food. They serve stone-baked pizzas and bowls of steaming pasta that make you feel right at home.
LOCATION MAP: 22 Fore St, St Ives TR26 1AB
Click here to view the Peppers website >>
ONZO Pizzeria
For something a little trendier, the fairly new to town ONZO Pizzeria serves Neapolitan pies straight from a proper pizza oven, their puffy crusts and rich toppings drawing in hungry beachgoers. They are located right by the RNLI station on the harbour, in the Old Lifeboat Station.
LOCATION MAP: The Old Lifeboat Station, St Ives TR26 1LP
Click here to view the ONZO website >>
Host St Ives
And then there’s Host, a stylish spot where the wood-fired pizzas are just as good eaten in as they are taken away for a picnic on the sand.
Host is located on the corner of Tregenna Hill and Gabriel St, near the library. It is in a stunning building that used to be a bank.
LOCATION MAP: Tregenna Hill, St Ives TR26 1SE
Click here to view the Host website >>
A Taste of Greece: West Greek
Wander along Porthmeor Beach all the way to the end (Man's Head side) and you will find the amazing West Greek. It's a gorgeous spot that brings the sun-drenched flavours of the Mediterranean to St Ives.
They serve fresh grilled seafood, tender souvlaki, and creamy tzatziki paired with crisp, tangy salads, all served in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re sharing mezze plates with friends or enjoying a leisurely dinner while the evening light dances on the water, West Greek captures the essence of Greek dining: simple, vibrant, and utterly satisfying.
LOCATION MAP: Porthmeor Beach, St Ives TR26 1JZ
Click here to view the Host website >>
🍔 Burger Bliss: Hub St Ives & Blas Burger Works
As the evening rolls on, maybe you’re craving something casual and hearty.
The Hub
Stroll along the seafront and you’ll stumble across the Hub St Ives (also known as Hub Box). It's a lively spot serving stacked burgers, loaded fries and craft beers. Sit upstairs if you can; the harbour views are unbeatable.
- no reservations - walk ins only
- takeaways available
- dogs definitely allowed outside - not sure if inside or not (I will check!)
LOCATION MAP: 4 Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LF
Click here to view The Hub website >>
Blas Burger Works
But for burger purists, Blas Burger Works is the place to be. Tucked away at the start of The Warren, its cosy, communal tables and focus on local, ethical ingredients,
Blas has become something of a legend and it is certainly one of our favourites. Try one of their inventive specials and you’ll see why people rave about it long after the last bite.
- please contact them to book
- takeaways available
- no dogs
LOCATION MAP: The Warren, St Ives TR26 2EA
Click here to view Blas Burger Works website >>
Spice & Comfort: Rajpoot & Curry Garden
If your tastebuds are calling out for the warmth of spice, St Ives has you covered.
Rajpoot
Rajpoot, a long-standing favourite in town, serves up all the classics you’d expect. From creamy kormas to fiery vindaloos and tandoori dishes that arrive sizzling from the clay oven.
- please call to book a table, especially on weekend.
- takeaways available
- no dogs
LOCATION MAP: 6 Gabriel St, St Ives TR26 2LU
Click here to view the Rajpoot website >>
The Curry Garden
Just around the corner and up Tregenna Hill, Curry Garden brings a more modern touch, blending Indian and Bangladeshi flavours with a cosy, welcoming vibe. Their house specials and chef’s recommendations are always worth a try, and both restaurants promise the kind of comfort only a good curry can bring after a windswept day by the sea.
- please call to book a table, especially on weekends and in the Summer
- Curry Garden has a BYO policy bring your own alcoholic drink. Please do not bring any soft drinks.
- takeaways available
LOCATION MAP: 7 Tregenna Hill, St Ives TR26 1SF
Click here to view the Curry Garden website >>
A Spanish Detour: La Casita
Okay, this one’s a tiny cheat as you’ll need to hop over to nearby Carbis Bay. But it’s well worth the detour.
La Casita is a family-run Spanish restaurant serving up plates of tapas, sizzling paella, and chargrilled meats that transport you straight to the Med. Pair it with a glass of sangria and you’ll feel like you’ve slipped into holiday mode, even if you’re only a mile from home.
LOCATION MAP: Trencrom Ln, Carbis Bay, St Ives TR26 2TA
Click here to view La Casita website >>
So whether it’s the fiery kick of a curry, the zing of tacos by the harbour, or the comfort of a wood-fired pizza after a day on the sand, St Ives proves you don’t need to travel far to taste the world.
Each restaurant adds its own flavour to the town’s charm, turning a simple stroll through the cobbled streets into a culinary adventure. One thing’s for sure, come to St Ives hungry, because this little Cornish gem is ready to feed both your appetite and your foodie soul.
