It's a town known for its artistic connections, and of course as the South Western home of the Tate, but St Ives also has a thriving foodie scene. Here are our suggestions of where to go, what to eat and drink, and what to bring home with you.
Where to stay
Una St Ives
We holed up for two nights at Una St Ives which is just outside the town. This ultra-modern resort of luxury lodges would be a perfect place for larger groups to stay - our massive lodge had four double bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a huge through lounge and kitchen space and even a hot tub in the garden.
The living space at our Una St Ives lodge
Central to the resort is the building containing a coffee bar, restaurant and spa. So if you're too lazy to make your own flat whites in the morning you can grab one here after having done a few laps in the outdoor heated pool (there's a massive indoor one too). Having arrived in Cornwall the week after that last burst of summer sunshine we eyed up the sunloungers sadly, but then made up for it with time in the jacuzzi.
Una Kitchen is the resort's family and dog-friendly place to eat. There's a huge wood-fired pizza oven while seafood comes fresh from the longstanding St Ives fishmonger Matthew Stevens. Chef Glenn Gatland was previously at Hell Bay Hotel in the Isles of Scilly before here and his menu is Mediterranean-inspired using local produce.
A sparkling fresh dish of crispy squid with garlic butter at Una St Ives
Where to eat
Ugly Butterfly
Carbis Bay Estate, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives TR26 2NP
Adam Handling's restaurant at the Carbis Bay Hotel is one of the town's biggest and best-known restaurants. While visiting St Ives, we took it for a full Test Drive.
One Fish Street
1 Fish St, Saint Ives TR26 1LT
Obviously seafood's going to be a big thing in this part of the world and when you're on Fish Street too it feels like you should opt for the tasting menu here. But, the restaurant also switches up to a grill house for half the week so meat eaters don't lose out either.
The Fish Shed
Porthmeor Beach, Saint Ives TR26 1JZ
This seasonal beach shack is open for spring and summer overlooking Porthmeor beach. Expect to find the freshest of fish treated to a variety of world influences - so there might be a crab scotch egg with Singapore chilli crab sauce or Korean fried monkfish with gochugaru slaw.
Porthminster Beach Cafe
Porthminster Beach, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives TR26 2EB
One of the country's best known beach cafes, and deservedly so, this could have rested entirely on its amazing seafront location. But the menu is innovative, the fish sourced from local day boats and there's also a kitchen garden ensuring amazing fresh produce.
Where to drink
Little Palais
Old Custom House, The, Wharf Rd, Saint Ives TR26 1LF
Run by ex-Hawksmoor mixologist Richard Crossan and his partner Jess Sampson this is an utter gem of a cocktail bar, situated in the old customs house. If you find yourself in a window table, looking out over the sea as an ice-cold martini is being made for you, then you'll have done well. Bar snacks might be salami from local Westcombe Dairy and the brown bread ice cream is a must-have if it's on the menu.
St Eia
The Digey, Saint Ives TR26 1HR
We didn't get a chance to check out this wine bar due to its winter opening hours, but when you know that behind it is another Hawksmoor escapee, Mark Quick and his wife Eleanor Vening who was at Quo Vadis and Barrafina you should make an effort if it's open when you're down.
R Bar
Fore St, Saint Ives TR26 1HE
This rum shack is a super atmospheric spot for a cocktail. You'll find it behind the rum and crab shack on the seafront. There are more than 100 rums in the cellar, including their own versions like Stargazy Cosmic Caramel.
What to bring home
The Makers
1 Chapel St, Saint Ives TR26 2LR
If you're after some pasties for the train ride home then you can't do better than a trip to this independent bakery. Their sausage rolls are also amazing, as we can attest.
More about Una St Ives Resort
A self-catering stay at Una St Ives in a 2-bedroom lodge costs from £150 per night and from £200 per night in a new 2-bedroom villa (available from spring 2024). Prices are based on low season and include full leisure club access.
Where is it? Little Trevarrack, Laity Ln, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives TR26 3HW
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @una.stives
Hot Dinners stayed as guests of Una St Ives
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