There’s a lot to fall in love with in St Ives – golden beaches, cobbled streets, and that unmistakable Cornish charm. But if you ask me, the food scene is one of the town’s best-kept secrets. From fresh-off-the-boat seafood to cosy spots serving up proper comfort food, St Ives is packed with places that make eating out feel like a real treat.
Even better? These picks are all family-friendly, dog-friendly, and come with seriously epic views – so no one gets left behind. The vibe in each one is relaxed, warm and welcoming, making them perfect for everything from lazy lunches to sunset dinners.
Looking for delicious food, great views and unforgettable vibes – here are four restaurants we tried, and loved that you won’t want to miss.
4 Must-Try Restaurants in St Ives
1. Porthmeor Beach Cafe – located on Porthmeor beach. My personal favourite and the first one I rebooked for our trip this year. I would recommend booking a pod for sunset, you won’t regret it — the best spot to spend your first night. The tapas and evening menu are good, really good. Unexpectedly George enjoyed the children’s menu which wasn’t online. Dog-friendly in parts and great for children as you are above the beach.
2. Hub St Ives – located on the Harbour with incredible vistas. You’ll find a laid-back meal with American-inspired burgers, dirty fries, chicken and classic cocktails. Hub promised not to disappoint and was a huge favourite with the boys. A dog-friendly spot with superb staff, harbourside views and a terrace. I highly recommend it. Grab a spot on the terrace if you can!
3. Talay Thai Kitchen – located in a central point on the harbour, elevated above the street, Talay is a must-visit. You can’t book so be prepared to wait or call in and request a table with a return time. In 2024 they added a cocktail lounge for you to enjoy whilst waiting for your table, the drinks were some of the best we had all holiday. We voted this our family favourite of the holiday! The range of food is incredible, we opted for a blend of tapas and street food.
4. West – located on the West Beach of Porthmeor, just around from the café. The awesome Greek bar opened in 2024, an addition to the already successful West which hosts a successful pizza bar and café serving awesome breakfasts and sweet treats. This was a vibe like no other, situated on the beach, great beer and wine and dog-friendly with some good music too. We cannot wait to return.
4 Must-Try Restaurants in St Ives
St Ives might be small, but its food scene is full of big flavours, friendly faces, and views that’ll have you reaching for your camera before your fork. Whether you’re visiting with kids, dogs, or just your appetite, these restaurants offer the kind of laid-back, delicious dining that makes a holiday extra memorable.
If you’ve got a favourite spot in St Ives, I’d love to hear about it – drop it in the comments or send me a message. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, I share reels and photos from our previous visits over on Instagram @TheKAEdit – come say hi!
I’m Kerri-Ann or KA as my friends call me, always found with a cup of coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. I have a huge passion for photography, fitness, fashion and family travel. I started this blog in 2014. It began as my creative outlet after becoming a mummy to our little boy George Archie. I started out blogging about parenting and over the years it has evolved into a blog that covers lifestyle, fashion, family and travel. Today TheKAEdit is ultimately a life and style blog. Thank you for reading x x
