A staycation in Cornwall can seem like a less expensive way to have a beach holiday, but when you’re travelling in a group or as a family, meal times can quickly become a costly process. Not to mention that any time spent in a restaurant is time spent away from the sand.
So I’ve put together a list of some of the tastiest cheap eats in St Ives, as devoured by me during our time there. These places are perfect for a quick snack, small meal or just a cheap and delicious alternative to a full sit-down meal.
Harbour Fish and Chips
This place is located at the very end of Wharf Road, down where most of the boat trips set off from. The fish and chips are reasonably priced for a good-sized portion and best of all, you can get a takeaway and eat them overlooking the harbour. Just watch out for the hungry seagulls.
Moomaid of Zennor
This small ice cream parlour is an institution in St Ives (and you can’t visit the seaside without eating ice cream, am I right?) The ice cream is locally-made in nearby Zennor and you can either order individual scoops by the cup or cone, or opt for a drool-worthy sundae concoction. Be sure to try the “Shipwreck” flavour (clotted cream ice cream with salted caramel and honeycomb); you won’t regret it.
Scoff Troff Cafe
Scoff Troff is a cute, quirky café who serve breakfast/sandwiches/salads throughout the day and then turn into an ‘Italian’ restaurant at night. They have their own wood-fired stove, so the pizzas are cooked to perfection and are big enough to share, making them a great budget dinner for two.
Porthgwidden Beach Café
For a light bite eaten overlooking the beach, look no further than the café bar on Porthgwidden Beach. The crowds are much less overwhelming here than at the neighbouring beach Porthmeor, meaning you can usually always find a spot in the café to admire the view. We enjoyed coffee and a hearty breakfast on the terrace, but the restaurant serves food (mainly fish-based) until evening.
St Ives Bakery
Unfortunately St Ives isn’t as well-served for tasty homemade pasties as some other towns in Cornwall, but you can’t go far wrong with the selection at the St Ives Bakery. You can choose from a selection of meat or vegetarian, all warmed for you in the oven before sale. Coming in at under £3 pound each, they make for a filling budget lunch enjoyed down by the harbour or back on the beach.
Leave a Reply