The Best Restaurants in St Ives for an Unforgettable Dining Experience

Lunch

The Hub, The Wharf

Everyone loves The Hub. It may now be a stalwart of the St Ives dining scene, but it remains as fresh and lively as ever. During the day, it’s the best place for a family (and dog)-friendly meal out, serving favourites such as burgers, hot dogs and nachos. Choose from booths and sea-view tables.

Harbour Fish and Chips,  The Wharf

For a real seaside holiday experience, it has to be fish and chips and this Wharf Road establishment never disappoints. Choose from a range of seafood dishes including the classic battered fish, served with their fabulous home-made chips, calamari and moules. Enjoy with something chilled from St Ives Brewery. 

Onzo Pizzeria, The Wharf

Staying on The Wharf, Onzo is a fabulous new pizzeria in the old lifeboat house (just across from the current RNLI station). They serve handmade Neapolitan pizzas plus a range of other authentic Italian dishes. It’s a lovely location in the heart of St Ives; however, if you need to grab a takeaway lunch, it’s easy to order online from Onzo.

St Ives Bakery, Fore Street

Speaking of takeaways, it wouldn’t be a holiday in St Ives without sampling Cornwall’s own street food. There are a lot of fabulous pasty shops in town, including St Ives Bakery on Fore Street. These busy bakers handmake a variety of pasties every day along with other tempting baked goods. Grab a traditional steak or a wholemeal veggie and find a comfy (gull-free) spot for lunch.

Dinner

Porthminster Cafe, Porthminster Beach

Set on the sands of Porthminster Beach and looking out to sea, there’s nowhere like this elegant yet informal restaurant. They’ve been serving Asian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes here for over thirty years – the seafood is amazing, but always leave room for dessert! Book well in advance for a window table, and enjoy the romantic evening walk home across the beach.

The Loft Restaurant and Sun Terrace, Norway Lane

This locals’ favourite is tucked away in the old Artists’ Quarter among the traditional fisher cottages and art studios. We especially love the terrace here, with its roofscape views and lovely light feel. The menu changes regularly, but you can be sure there’ll always be exquisitely cooked seasonal seafood here.

Cintra Seafood Bar, The Wharf

A chilled glass of white and a plate of local seafood, enjoyed with a view of the boats – holiday heaven. Cintra has a menu of delectable tapas-style dishes, along with some of the best cocktails in St Ives. It’s also one of our favourite stops for a sophisticated breakfast.The restaurant is named after the Cintra, a ship lost in a storm in 1893. You can see her anchor displayed on nearby Smeaton’s Pier.

Host St Ives, Tregenna Hill

Host St Ives is housed in a former bank, its traditional Victorian architecture complemented by a rich colour palette and opulent decor. Come here for their excellent wood-fired pizzas, made using traditional Italian ingredients and methods. They also offer a takeaway service, which is handy to know –  but that would mean you miss out on their friendly atmosphere and exceptional cocktails…

Cocktails

Talay Thai Kitchen & Cocktail Lounge, The Wharf

Lovely Talay Thai is one of the best restaurants and takeaways in St Ives; however, it’s also one of our favourite places to go for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. Enjoy a Fiery Longtail or Mekhong Iced Tea in their welcoming cocktail lounge. 

Seven Bar, The Wharf

Treat yourself to a classic cocktail or a glass of champagne in this new bar near the harbour, where the theme and signature cocktails are based on the old rhyme “As I was going to St Ives”. Relax in a sea-view seat, watching the world go by.