St Ives might be known for its sandy beaches and pastel-coloured cottages, but it’s also something of a foodie’s paradise, especially if you’re into seafood. After all, you’re never more than a few steps from the harbour, where the day’s catch comes in fresh. Forget greasy paper-wrapped fish and chips for a minute (though, let’s be honest, there’s always a time for that). This is all about the posh, sit-down, candle-lit side of seafood dining in St Ives.
Porthminster Beach Cafe
Perched on the golden sands of Porthminster Beach, Porthminster Beach Cafe offers an unforgettable dining experience with panoramic views of St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse.
This award-winning restaurant is renowned for its fusion of Mediterranean and Asian influences, showcasing the freshest local seafood and seasonal produce.
Dishes like crab linguine, sticky pork belly, and crispy fried squid are crafted with precision and flair, reflecting the cafe's commitment to culinary excellence.
Whether you're enjoying a leisurely brunch, a relaxed lunch, or an elegant dinner, the cafe's stylish interiors and heated terrace provide a memorable setting year-round.
LOCATION MAP: Porthminster Beach, St Ives TR26 2EB
Click here to view the Porthminster Beach Cafe website >>
Porthminster Kitchen
This sleek sibling of the Porthminster Beach cafe sits perched above the harbour, offering 180° views through its expansive windows.
The decor is bright and modern, dotted with vibrant artwork by Anthony Frost.
Offering a modern twist on Cornish cuisine, the menu features a variety of dishes such as seafood linguine, roasted cod, and kimchi pancakes, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
It's the perfect place for a relaxed yet upscale lunch or dinner.
Dogs are welcome on the sunny balcony too.
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LG
Click here to view the Porthminster Kitchen website >>
Reef and Beef
Nestled in the heart of St Ives on Fore Street, Reef & Beef is a contemporary restaurant that elevates the classic surf and turf concept.
With a focus on locally sourced Cornish seafood and premium steaks, the menu offers dishes like baked smoked haddock mornay with homemade chunky chips and a vegan-friendly roasted root vegetable & butter bean cassoulet.
LOCATION MAP: 29-31 Fore St, St Ives TR26 1HE
Click here to view the Reef and Beef website >>
The Mermaid
The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant is a charming dining spot located in the picturesque coastal town of St Ives, Cornwall.
Situated in the heart of 'Down-a-Long', the old fishing quarter of St Ives, The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring fresh, locally caught seafood, including mussels, tiger prawns, and various fish options.
LOCATION MAP: 21 Fish St, St Ives TR26 1LT
Click here to view The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant website >>
Rum & Crab Shack
Overlooking the St Ives Harbour, The Rum & Crab Shack is a lively, laid-back spot where seafood and spirits take centre stage.
The menu features a variety of dishes, including crab linguine, jambalaya, and vegan options like tofu-based fish and chips.
The bar boasts an extensive rum selection, including house-made Dead Man’s Fingers, and offers a range of cocktails and craft beers.
With its rustic décor, sea views, and vibrant atmosphere, it's a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking a fun dining experience.
The Shack also hosts live music and DJs, adding to its lively ambiance.
LOCATION MAP: Wharf Rd, St Ives TR26 1LG
Click here to view The Rum & Crab Shack website >>
Ardor
Ardor is a stylish Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located on Fore Street in St Ives, Cornwall. Chef-owner Dorian Janmaat, who spent much of his childhood in Spain, brings the vibrant flavours of the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean coast to Cornwall.
The menu features a variety of dishes, including tapas, pintxos, and rotisserie meats, all cooked over a charcoal grill. Highlights include crispy croquetas topped with jamón, chargrilled octopus, and dry-aged cuts like ribeye steak and sirloin on the bone.
For seafood enthusiasts, the fish counter offers daily specials showcasing the freshest Cornish catch.
The restaurant also offers a Bottomless Brunch every Saturday, featuring three tapas dishes paired with unlimited drinks like sangria, Aperol spritz, or cava. With its relaxed yet refined atmosphere, Ardor provides a memorable dining experience in the heart of St Ives.
LOCATION MAP: 45 Fore St, St Ives TR26 1HE
Click here to view the Ardor website >>
Cintra Seafood Bar
Cintra Seafood Bar, located on The Wharf in St Ives, offers a delightful dining experience with its tapas-style small plates and stunning harbour views.
The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including pan-fried hake fillet, tempura monkfish, and Cornish crab, alongside sides like truffle and parmesan chips.
Guests can enjoy these delectable offerings in a relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for seafood enthusiasts seeking quality and ambiance.
LOCATION MAP: The Wharf, Saint Ives TR26 1PG
Click here to view the Cintra Seafood Bar website >>
The Fish Shed
The Fish Shed is a vibrant seafood restaurant hidden away at the West end of Porthmeor Beach in St Ives, Cornwall.
Known for its contemporary and inventive approach to seafood, the menu features dishes like Korean fried monkfish, prawn toast bao, and grilled lemon sole with brown shrimp and caper butter.
The restaurant offers a unique cocktail and wine list, complementing its bold flavors. With a relaxed, beachside atmosphere,
The Fish Shed is a perfect spot for enjoying fresh, local, sustainable seafood while taking in the stunning coastal views.
LOCATION MAP: Porthmeor Beach, St Ives TR26 1JZ
Click here to view The Fish Shed website >>
Final Fishy Thoughts
Whether you're after sweeping sea views, creative global plates, or just stellar seafood in a stylish setting, St Ives certainly delivers.
