Top 6 Places to Eat in St Ives

Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price, Sandra Frank
25/08/2025
Explore the stunning aerial view of St Ives beach town in England, showcasing sandy shores and coastal architecture.
Lina Kivaka, Pexels

St Ives offers a vibrant and diverse dining scene, with a strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced seafood, alongside international flavours and comforting British classics, catering to a wide range of tastes from families to couples and food enthusiasts.

1. Porthmeor Beach Café

Cuisine: Modern European & Tapas (Seafood focus)

Situated directly on Porthmeor Beach, this lively café provides stunning views of the Atlantic. It's known for its imaginative tapas, fresh seafood, and signature 'build your own breakfast'. Dining in one of their heated outdoor booths, especially at sunset, is a unique experience. They cater well to families and are dog-friendly on the terrace.

Price: Starters/Tapas: £7-£15; Mains: £18-£35; Cocktails: £10-£14 (Estimated)

Getting There: Located on Porthmeor Beach, easily walkable from the town centre (5-10 minutes).

2. The Rum & Crab Shack

Cuisine: Seafood & American Deep South

Overlooking St Ives Harbour, this restaurant exudes a laid-back, rustic charm with a vibrant atmosphere, often featuring live music. It’s a great spot for those who enjoy fresh crab and lobster, along with a vast selection of rums and creative cocktails. Their lobster mac 'n' cheese is a standout.

Price: Mains: £15-£30; Cocktails: £9-£13 (Estimated)

Getting There: Located on Wharf Road, easily walkable from the main harbour area.

3. The Bean Inn

Cuisine: Vegetarian & Vegan (Globally Inspired)

A dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurant, The Bean Inn is a short distance from the bustling town centre, offering an intimate, candlelit dining experience. They focus on internationally inspired dishes using local ingredients, with many gluten-free options. Advance booking is essential due to limited capacity.

Price: Set Menu: £20 per adult for 2 courses (minimum spend)

Getting There: Located in Carbis Bay, approximately 1 mile from St Ives town centre. A short taxi ride (£5-£10 estimated) or a scenic 20-25 minute walk along the coastal path.

4. Hub St Ives

Cuisine: American Street Food (Burgers & Hot Dogs)

Positioned on the harbour front, Hub St Ives is a popular spot for casual dining with views across the water. They are known for their gourmet burgers, loaded fries, and a good selection of craft beers and cocktails. It's a lively, dog-friendly venue with a separate vegan menu available.

Price: Burgers/Mains: £12-£20; Sides: £4-£8 (Estimated)

Getting There: Located directly on St Ives Harbour, easily walkable from any central point.

5. Talay Thai Kitchen

Cuisine: Authentic Thai (Tapas & Street Food)

This elevated restaurant on the harbour offers authentic Thai flavours in a relaxed setting, with fantastic views of Porthminster Beach. Their menu features a variety of small tapas plates perfect for sharing, alongside traditional Thai street food dishes and creative cocktails. They do not take reservations but have a cocktail lounge for waiting.

Price: Tapas: £7-£14; Mains: £15-£25 (Estimated)

Getting There: Centrally located on the harbour front, walkable from most areas of St Ives.

6. Porthminster Beach Café

Cuisine: Seafood (Asian & Mediterranean Influence)

Nestled directly on the golden sands of Porthminster Beach, this award-winning restaurant offers a more refined dining experience with panoramic views of St Ives Bay. It specialises in fresh, local seafood prepared with Asian and Mediterranean influences, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion.

Price: Starters: £12-£20; Mains: £25-£45 (Estimated)

Getting There: Located on Porthminster Beach, a short 5-10 minute walk from the train station and town centre.

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