Carbis Bay Restaurant Guide

“Constantly a No.1 choice in St Ives” for its many fans even after three decades – Aussie chef Mick Smith’s whitewashed café on the beach has an undeniably “lovely setting, especially if sunny and not pelting with rain”, and “spectacular” views across to Godrevy Lighthouse across the bay. While not the culinary beacon it once was in this neck of the woods, it achieves very consistently supportive ratings: fish is the main event on the now slightly “limited” menu, which combines Asian and Mediterranean influences.

“Great fresh fish, good wine list and friendly service – all with a view of St Ives harbour”: this sibling to the Porthminster Café from Aussie-born chef Mick Smith is one of the better venues in a town “stuffed with restaurants, most of them not worth the bother – this one is, with modern British fare that’s both consistent and good”.

A “great view of the beach” (particularly from the deck) and across the bay to Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance has long been the major draw to this seaside café; while the food isn’t quite what it once was (breakfast is take-away only these days), it does its job, with dishes like crab linguine and fish ‘n’ chips playing up the local catch. PS – if you’re making a day of it, they also rent out 36 brightly coloured beachside ‘pods’ or shacks, allowing you to store your beach kit and refuel at this restaurant without the hassle of carting your valuables with you.

This “lovely café” with “a view you won’t forget” is an “amazing spot for coffee, cakes and lunch” through the day, but “at its best on a sunny evening when the tide is out and the surfers are at play”. The food (from a menu whose inspiration flits from Cornwall to Spain, Mexico, the Middle East, Thailand and Japan) is “much better than at other over-hyped St Ives haunts”.

2024 Review: Set within a “beautiful sculpture park” outside Penzance hosting works by art-world stars James Turrell and Richard Long amongst others, this pleasant eight-year-old restaurant offers an “excellent selection of vegetarian dishes” (but not just) and classic cream teas. Stop in for the “lovely brunch and then walk it off” in the grounds – or else grab a takeaway from their hut, and picnic on the hill with views of St Michael’s Mount.

2022 Review: Ben Prior relocated to St Ives after 10 years in Marazion at the highly rated Ben’s Cornish Kitchen (RIP), and in May 2021 he helped re-open the dining room at this small hotel overlooking Porthminster Beach (at whose cafe he’s now head chef) having installed Grant Nethercote as head chef. Reports please!

2024 Review: “A real find” – this “outstanding small eats” spot has an open kitchen which sources its fish, seafood, beef, charcuterie, salad leaves, potatoes, pinot noir, rosé, beer, cider, gin, vodka, rum, soft drinks and more from Cornwall – “keep up the good work”, say fans, who apparently include Rick Stein!