Porthminster Beach Cafe Reviews Summary

Service

Pros:

• "Staff couldn't have been lovelier."
• "Staff are incredibly friendly and despite already being quite busy we’re very efficient."
• "The staff are friendly and professional - easily the best service we’ve experienced around St Ives."
• "Service was warm and attentive."
• "All the servers were friendly, and there was a really nice ambience in the restaurant."
• "The service was amazing from the moment we arrived, to the personal service we received from Scarlett and team throughout the meal."
• "Staff are very friendly & accommodating."

Cons:

• "However, the attitude and service from the host was beyond undesirable."
• "Unfortunately the service was very very poor and will not return again in the future!"
• "The place has a bit of an attitude that you are lucky to be there."
• "Pre-arrival service was disappointing, however."
• "When asked to use the loos we were directed to the public toilets after spending money on overly priced drinks."
• "Was really looking forward to our visit here but the service left us very disappointed. Table booked for 8.30pm and we waited till 10.10pm for our main course."
• "We were horrified when the waitress then returned to our table asking for the remaining £5:60 tip!!"

Food Quality

Pros:

• "The wagyu beef was sublime, the seafood fresh and great."
• "Mostly Mediterranean/British/Asian food, their Monkfish Curry is excellent."
• "Superb meal!!! Crab risotto, seafood linguine & pina colada desert (roasted pineapple, rum cake, coconut ice cream) were all delicious!"
• "Food hit every taste bud perfectly."
• "The food was excellent, tasty local produce and well presented."
• "Food really tasty."
• "The food quality was so good."

Cons:

• "I was very disappointed in my lunch which was the crab mac and cheese with a starter of sardine fritters."
• "Unfortunately, the food was just... fine and completely lacked excitement/seasoning."
• "The fish-curry was utterly disappointing (wet & mushy rice, tasteless sea-food)."
• "For main course the grilled cod and the linguine both seemed a little under-seasoned for our tastes and not particularly impressive given the prices."
• "A couple of drinks being knocked off didn’t outweigh the poor food."
• "The food was such a let down."
• "Food was Mixed, some cold when served, others had taste issues."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Prices are higher than many places around St Ives but it’s definitely worth the extra in my opinion."
• "Good quality food, superbly cooked and well presented in a beautiful restaurant is never going to be inexpensive."
• "Quite pricey however worth the money."
• "Cocktails... had a good selection of at reasonable prices."
• "Incredibly reasonably priced, couldn't have asked for a better lunch right on the beach!"
• "The food was beautifully presented, delicious and excellent value."
• "It wasn't expensive, especially compared to other local places which were priced similarly but weren't nearly as good."

Cons:

• "The prices were high but we knew we were expecting a high standard of quality."
• "Could be beautiful if some effort was put into the inside. Lacks the experience of being in a nice restaurant environment but you're paying for it when you get the bill!"
• "The food is quite expensive for what it is, the sandwich was £17-£20 and it wasn’t a massive thing on steak either."
• "When asked to use the loos we were directed to the public toilets after spending money on overly priced drinks."
• "I know everything has got more expensive but £25+ for a cauliflower main, same for a swede main (yes, the cheapest most basic ingredient in Cornwall!) and £35 for a monkfish curry."
• "At £26 for fish and chips is just a rip off."
• "Ended up spending £11.00 for a cup of tea!"

Ambience and Location

Pros:

• "A gem in St Ives. The food and service is beautiful and if the weather is good the balcony is a beautiful place to have lunch/dinner."
• "I love this place. We live away for the summer months but come back every winter and I really look forward to our visits-especially for our wedding anniversary."
• "Delicious breakfast and great service with a stunning view."
• "We had an amazing breakfast in the sun here."
• "Great view of the bay on the first floor."
• "Amazing location - views to die for."
• "The restaurant is located right next to the beach with beautiful views of the sea."

Cons:

• "Only let down is that the chairs aren’t very comfortable and the toilets could do with an upgrade."
• "The restaurant was cold... the draft was so bad we had to move away from the windows and put our coats on."
• "Facilities left a lot to be desired and need improvement."
• "No parking at the cafe so do your research before going by car."
• "Unfortunately the miserable service is too unfriendly and lowers the experience."
• "Very limited menu, the prices are what I would expect at a Michelin star restaurant but it would seem that you are not in that league."
• "Ladies toilet floors were wet and the soap was very basic."