When it comes to dining in St Ives, the food is only half the magic. The other half is the view.
Imagine tucking into fresh seafood, a gourmet burger, or a slice of Cornish cream cake while the waves lap against the shore and the sun sparkles across the Atlantic.
From cosy beachfront cafés to stylish harbour-side restaurants, St Ives offers plenty of spots where you can savour delicious dishes while soaking up some of the most spectacular sea views in Cornwall.
Porthminster Beach Cafe
Perched on the golden sands of Porthminster Beach, Porthminster Beach Cafe offers a dining experience that combines stunning sea views with exceptional cuisine.
Housed in a charming 1930s beach house, the cafe boasts uninterrupted vistas of St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse, providing one of the UK's most picturesque seaside settings..
The menu at Porthminster Beach Cafe is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Seafood takes center stage, with dishes like Cornish moules marinière, grilled Cornish lobster, and a mild Indonesian monkfish curry. Vegetarian and vegan options are thoughtfully crafted, incorporating produce from the cafe's adjacent garden and foraged coastal ingredients .
Open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner, the cafe provides a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for any occasion.
Whether you're enjoying a leisurely brunch or a romantic dinner, Porthminster Beach Cafe offers an unforgettable dining experience with a view .
LOCATION MAP: Porthminster Beach, St Ives TR26 2EB
Click here to view the Porthminster Beach Cafe website >>
Pedn Olva Hotel
Perched on granite rocks above the glistening waters of St Ives Bay, Pedn Olva offers a truly breathtaking setting.
It has recently undergone a major refurbishment - so I will update you when I know more about it - we are going to pay it a visit next week!
LOCATION MAP: West Porthminster Beach, 27 The Warren, St Ives TR26 2EA
Click here to view the Pedn Olva Hotel website >>
Onzo Pizzeria
Sitting in the historic Old Lifeboat House on St Ives' bustling harbourfront, Onzo Pizzeria offers an authentic taste of Naples with a side of stunning sea views.
Since opening in April 2024, they've been delighting locals and visitors alike with freshly handmade pizzas crafted from scratch and cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven visible from their open-plan kitchen.
Their menu features a variety of Italian dishes, including delectable starters like zucchini fries and king prawns, alongside a selection of carefully curated drinks.
Whether you're enjoying a meal in their stylish interior or taking in the sights from their window-side seating, Onzo provides a memorable dining experience in one of Cornwall's most picturesque settings.
LOCATION MAP: The Old Lifeboat Station, St Ives TR26 1LP
Click here to view the Onzo Pizzeria website >>
Located on The Wharf, Hub Box St Ives (locally known just as The Hub) offers a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of the harbour.
This vibrant spot serves a variety of delicious burgers, including options like the "Fakin Bacon" black bean and squash patty, complemented by a selection of craft beers and cocktails.
The venue is dog-friendly, welcoming all members of the family to enjoy this lovely eatery.
Whether you're enjoying a hearty meal or sipping on a refreshing drink, The Hub provides a perfect setting to watch the world go by.
LOCATION MAP: 4 Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LF
Click here to view The Hub website >>
Talay Thai Kitchen
Sitting above St Ives’ harbourfront, Talay Thai Kitchen delivers authentic Thai cuisine paired with one of the prettiest views in Cornwall.
Talay means both “sea” and “seafood” in Thai, which is an apt name for this stylish spot. It offers a modern twist on Thai staples like prawn toast, sticky pork meatballs, massaman curry, and seafood jungle curry, all served tapas-style or as mains.
Inside there is sleek wood paneling, muted tones, and large windows. Perfect for sipping a Bangkok mojito or Mekhong iced tea while watching harbour life unfold below.
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LF
Click here to view the Talay Thai Kitchen website >>
Tretho Lounge
Just across from Harbour Beach on Wharf Road, Tretho Lounge is as St Ives as it gets. It has seashell-studded walls, exposed whitewashed boards, and giant bifold windows that frame the best of the harbour views.
Open from breakfast right through to late evening, this laid-back cafe bar dishes up all-day eats, including everything from hearty brunches to tapas, along with gluten-free, vegan, and kids’ menus.
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LF
Click here to view the Tretho Lounge website >>
Balcony Bar & Kitchen
Perched above The Wharf, Balcony Bar & Kitchen is a brilliant place for breakfast, burgers, tacos, or cocktails. With the best seat in the house overlooking the ever-changing St Ives Bay and distant Gwithian dunes.
Open from 9 am for all-day dining, this laid-back spot is proud of its local beers, craft cocktails, and roasted coffee.
With no reservations needed, live music and sports screenings, plus a dog-friendly policy (as long as furry pals are calm), it's a breezy, welcoming venue that’s as much about the view as what’s on your plate.
LOCATION MAP: The Wharf, St Ives TR26 1LP
Click here to view the Balcony Bar and Kitchen website >>
Chilito
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LF
Rum & Crab Shack
Perched right on Wharf Road's edge, The Rum & Crab Shack is a lively seafood shack-meets-quirky bar that’s as much about its vibrant atmosphere as its dishes.
Established by four friends in 2012, the menu is a playful celebration of crab, such as crab tacos, crab-loaded fries, crab cakes, gumbo, jambalaya, alongside more land-leaning options like ribs and jerk chicken. There are also vegetarian and vegan dishes for good measure.
What truly sets it apart? A rum collection of over 100 bottles (including the famous house rums Dead Man’s Fingers and Stargazy), endless cocktails, and cosy, boat-style interiors with porthole views that at high tide make you feel as though you're floating on the harbour.
Bonus? It’s dog-friendly, informal, and open daily from noon till midnight, making it a perfect spot to unwind with ocean views and a generous dose of Cornish charm.
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LG
Click here to view the Rum & Crab Shack website >>
Porthminster Kitchen
Perched above St Ives harbour, Porthminster Kitchen delivers a breezy, modern take on Cornish cuisine.
They serve small plates packed with global flair, fresh local seafood, and creative twists like tandoori monkfish or vegetable curries, all served in a sleek space with rustic-wood floors and artwork by Anthony Frost.
Whether you're nestled inside the cosy dining room, or enjoying a spot on the sun-drenched terrace, you’ll enjoy striking 180° views of the harbour and the ever-changing palette of St Ives light. Simply gorgous!
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LG
Click here to view the Porthminster Kitchen website >>
Beach Restaurant
Perched on the first floor of a waterside building known as The Beach House in St Ives, The Beach Restaurant blends elevated harbour views with warm, family-run hospitality that’s been going strong since 1957.
They serve classic British seafood dishes such as like the “new-school” fish & chips, creamy chowder with smoked haddock and mussels, or a crisp seabass. There are vegetarian and children’s options available too.
Inside, large windows bathe the minimalist, stylish interior in light, making it the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or even bringing along your four-legged friend, since it’s dog-friendly too!
LOCATION MAP: Beach House, Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LG
Click here to view the Beach Restaurant website >>
Cintra Seafood Bar
Sitting right on the Wharf in St Ives, Cintra Seafood Bar pairs creative small seafood plates with truly unbeatable views across the harbour.
From pan-fried scallops and mussels to crab crostini and hake, the tapas-style menu is rich and flavourful.
It is “a must-visit” for seafood fans who want to pair a cocktail with sunset vibes over the St Ives harbour.
LOCATION MAP: The Wharf, St Ives TR26 1PG
Click here to view the Cintra Seafood Bar website >>
Silco
Perched right on the harbourfront in the heart of St Ives, Silco Bar & Kitchen is a relaxed yet stylish spot where everything feels handcrafted.
There are dishes made from scratch using local, ethically sourced ingredients like fresh-caught fish from the sea just outside. They offer globally inspired small plates such as tamarind fish curry, Sri Lankan lentil fritters, Singapore crab fries, and Katsu chicken.
All served with a side of those sweeping Cornwall sea views and sunset-worthy vibes. Add in creative cocktails and locally made plant-based liqueurs.
Walk-ins are always welcome, and there is dog-friendly seating too.
It’s the sort of place that feels casually brilliant and really special, just like a perfect Cornish evening.
LOCATION MAP: Seagull House, The Wharf, St Ives TR26 1PU
Click here to view the Silco website >>
Porthgwidden Beach Cafe
Tucked beneath the grassy slopes of St Ives’s “Island,” Porthgwidden Beach Cafe is a hidden gem that elevates seaside dining to sheer delight. With sweeping, uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay, to Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance, this laid-back cafe serves serves globally inspired seafood dishes in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Inside, the simple decor of wooden floors, white walls, and large windows, frames the view beautifully, while a heated glass terrace ensures you stay warm, even when the Cornish winds pick up!
LOCATION MAP: Porthgwidden Beach, St Ives TR26 1PL
Click here to view the Porthgwidden Beach Cafe website >>
Porthmeor Beach Cafe
Sitting below the Tate on Porthmeor Beach, Porthmeor Beach Cafe is a hotspot where creative cuisine meets coastal beauty.
From build-your-own breakfasts and playful seafood tapas to imaginative cocktails, it’s the perfect all-day hangout.
Thanks to comfy heated pods, terraces with blankets, and indoor tables, you can soak up the best sunset in the west, while spotting surfers, sea spray, and even the occasional dolphin.
Open daily from early morning to late evening, it’s a must-book, or swing by early or late in the season and hope for a sunny walk-in.
LOCATION MAP: Porthmeor Beach, St Ives TR26 1JZ
Click here to view the Porthmeor Beach Cafe website >>
West Greek
West Greek brings authentic Greek street food such as gyros, souvlaki platters, vegetarian and vegan options, plus traditional cakes and Greek wines, straight to Cornwall’s coast.
With no booking needed, you can stroll in anytime between 9 am and sunset through to September.
The best part? You’re practically sitting in the sand, with a souvlaki in one hand, a cold beer in the other, and maybe the best view in Cornwall, if not the country right in front of you!
LOCATION MAP: Porthmeor Beach, St Ives TR26 1JZ
Click here to view the West Greek website >>
The Fish Shed
Tucked away at the western tip of Porthmeor Beach (known as West Beach), The Fish Shed is where fresh, locally sourced seafood meets laid-back beach vibes and ocean panoramas.
Known for its inventive small plates such as Korean fried monkfish, smoked mackerel scotch eggs, crab-topped fries, and miso-glazed potatoes, it’s a creative seafood haven with serious flavour
Pair your meal with a crafted cocktail or wine from their boutique list and you’ve got the perfect sunset spot, especially if you snag a seat on the terrace overlooking surfers and surf-sprayed waves
Open from April for the 2025 season, it’s also ideal for private gatherings and special events
Whether you’re finishing a sandy beach stroll or just chasing spectacular views with your supper, The Fish Shed brings both flavour and scene in equal measure.
LOCATION MAP: Porthmeor Beach, St Ives TR26 1JZ
Click here to view the Fish Shed website >>
