A foodie’s paradise!

If the fresh sea air isn’t enough to whet your appetite on holiday in St Ives, the local menus surely will.

Although Blue Horizon is equipped with everything you need to prepare just about any meal in style, one of the great advantages of self-catering accommodation for many people is the freedom to explore local eateries.

Let’s face it, how many of us go on holiday to cook three times a day? And half board in a hotel or bed and breakfast is simply too restricting for a lot of us.

Far better to indulge your taste buds at some of the many superb restaurants, cafes and pubs with which the town is blessed – including some of the best fish and seafood venues in Cornwall. And here are a few suggestions in no particular order.

1 Porthminster Café
OK, it’s not cheap. But it is special – and you’re on holiday, right? Striking art deco building, in a perfect location on the soft, white, sands of Porthminster Beach, looking out onto the ocean and across to St Ives harbour. The food (Mediterranean and Asian) is out of this world. Book early!

2 Alba
Modern British cuisine: local produce, line-caught fish, seasonal vegetables. Smart, informal dining on two floors, in the old lifeboat building. Good views, excellent wine list. Lunch and early evening specials are very good value.

3 Sloop Inn
14th Century characterful inn on the harbour front. Real ales and good pub grub – including lots of local fish. Tables outside with superb view across the harbour. Fab breakfasts, lunches and dinner.

4 Café Pasta
Much more than pizza and pasta (though these are very good): the fresh fish and seafood are excellent. Very relaxed, great for families and good value. Popular with locals.

5 Porthgwidden Beach Café
Superb views and good, simple food – less formal and more affordable than its sibling, the Porthminster Café.

6 Seafood Café
Good selection of fresh local fish and shellfish, Cornish meats and free range poultry; vegetarian options also available. Choose what you want from the chill cabinet and how you would like it cooked. Relaxed atmosphere.

7 Ocean Grill
Family-friendly, first floor restaurant overlooking harbour. Varied and interesting menu including lots of fresh fish.

8 Gurnard’s Head Hotel
Fine country dining pub on the wonderful coast road between St Ives and Land’s End. Imaginative food and excellent wine list.

We love all the above, and hope you do too.

Others we are looking forward to trying soon include: the Wave Restaurant (modern Mediterranean), Saltwater Café (classic dishes, local ingredients), Blas Burgerworks (gourmet beef, local/organic ingredients), Onshore (pasta, seafood, pizzas) and the Loft Restaurant and Terrace (fresh, seasonal produce).

Bon appétit!