Location: Helston
Top Restaurants in Helston
Top 10 restaurants in Helston, United Kingdom (UK)
Helston (Cornish: Hellys) is a town and civil parish in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is situated at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula approximately 12 miles (19 km) east of Penzance and 9 miles (14 km) south-west of Falmouth. Helston is the most southerly town on the island of Great Britain and is around 1.5 miles (2.4 km) farther south than Penzance. The population in 2011 was 11,700.
Things to do in Helston
1. Kota Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 626 reviews
Awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide 2013, Kota is also proud to be recognized by the Good Food Guide, Harden’s Restaurant Guide, the Trencherman’s Guide, Square Meal and the AA (with one Rosette). Kota is also part of Cornish Accredited Restaurants and has been praised many times in both local and national editorials, including The Times and The Telegraph. Kota was named in the Top 50 Summer Restaurants in Britain in August 09, and voted ‘The Big Eat’ in the top 10 pan-Asian eateries July 2008.)This publicity, together with word of mouth, attracts many locals, as well as foodies from Padstow, Bristol and London seeking a weekend of fun, fine dining and stunning coastal walks. And don’t miss out on a ‘Storm-watching’ break during those wild winter months (great B&B deals to be had!Chef/owner Jude Kereama is a New Zealander who has won awards for his restaurants in both London and Auckland before moving down to Cornwall.Kota specializes in organic fish and farm produce and has an exciting daily changing menu.Kota is Maori for shellfish (Jude is half Maori, quarter Chinese and quarter Malaysian) and the restaurant is renowned for its stunning seafood with Jude’s signature light Asian twist.Jude and his wife Jane, who started as a protégée of Antony Worrall Thompson 20 years ago, are passionate about wine as well as food and have created an enticing wine list of over 90 wines from all over the world. Even Decanter Magazine has praised it!There is a lovely bar area where guests can enjoy fine wine, cocktails, cold beer or a warming digestif.Don’t forget to book a room so you can truly relax!
Reviewed By DPJP - Plymouth, United Kingdom
We had booked at Kota on a cold Friday night in early December. It was busy - at least for west Cornwall, well out-of-season. The three-course, set meal at £25.00 was excellent in quality and value. The chowder starter and the hake main course with a curried sauce and accompaniments were particularly good. The young staff who greeted us and served us were friendly and engaging. They know about the food and they know how to deal with people and they helped to make it a very enjoyable evening. Kota is a great asset to Porthleven. We loved it.
2. The Greenhouse
Overall Ratings
5 based on 250 reviews
Modern Bistro run by 2 chefs, Leonie & Neil Woodward. Michelin guide since 2009. Cornwall finalist restaurant of the year 2016. Fresh fish, local rare breed meat, local vegetables make up the weekly menu. Some Sunday lunches.
Reviewed By Stealthmeister14 - Darlington, United Kingdom
We decided to try The Greenhouse after many years of driving past.
The restaurant itself is very unpretentious with an open kitchen which looks very clean which is always good to see.
The restaurant was practically full and the front of house was handled well by a super professional and friendly chap.
The Chef remained calm and un flappable the whole evening.
The food was in every way amazing and is by far the best meal we have eaten within a 100 mile radius and could hold its own with many high establishments much farther afield.
Should you be thinking of trying The Greenhouse don't hesitate. Book. The food is simply outstanding.
3. Polpeor Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By Margaret E
This little corner of Cornwall is delightful. A lovely place to stop have something to eat and drink and take in the wonderful view. I had a tea-cake which was a generous size and a lovely cup of tea.well worth a visit but not for the infirm.
4. The Ship Inn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 290 reviews
Reviewed By Mandie S - Andover, United Kingdom
I recently visited this restaurant with a party of 8 of us and we had a very good evening. The food was very good and the service was excellent. There were a couple of items missing from the wine list which was a shame for us and them as it would have added to the total bill but saying all that, the wine that was chosen was very good.
The standard of the food and presentation was very good, the cheese soufflé was excellent and delicious. I then followed the soufflé with the rump streak which was cooked perfectly to my order and melted in the mouth, then I topped it all with the blackcurrant ice cream, the whole meal was fantastic.
We sat in the main restaurant area and there was plenty of room, it was very busy so I would imagine you would have to book in advance. I couldn't tell much about the rest of the pub as I didn't move from our table.
The service was friendly and a good our main waitress was attentive and well informed about the dishes. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. For the standard of food it was good value for money.
5. SeaDrift Kitchen Cafe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 832 reviews
Located within the picturesque harbour of Porthleven, open from 10 am for Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Recently featured in 'The Times' for top places for Breakfast! Extensive Fish Board, locally sourced from the harbour, excellent Cornish meats selected by our butchers from The Lizard, wonderful vegetarian dishes and all produced in house by our fabulous chef, stunning selection of cakes & yummy things!
Reviewed By PuddingElephant - Cornwall
Another visit to this lovely little restaurant. This time for breakfast. The quality and the price of the breakfast choices is excellent. The staff are lovely and I can't recommend this place more highly than I do now. Don't forget to book in busy periods. Best place to eat in town!
6. Nauti But Ice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 577 reviews
Porthleven's favourite cafe, coffee shp and pizza restaurant. Nauti is open daily 9am to 5pm daily extending to 9pm in the school summer holidays. Go Nauti Pizza restaurant is open 12pm to 9pm Friday and Saturday's and daily in the school half term.
Reviewed By DAVE B - Hove, United Kingdom
Considering the weather was typically British early Spring fare, we thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Modern clean, friendly with good coffee and cakes for all in our group.
Even though there was a very strong winds combined with continuous rain we ‘sheltered’ here for an hour with a marvellous view of the harbour. With a log fire close by it was very cosy and the crashing waves getting bigger by the minute added to the whole experience.
7. Ship Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 715 reviews
Reviewed By GreyGrandad - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
A lovely pub by the harbour. Good Cornish beer and excellent food.
Gorgeous crab Sandwich. The pan-fried salmon was beautifully cooked, well-presented and the flavours were wonderful.
Lovely staff.
The place is small and cosy. You might be lucky to get a table.
Top marks !!!
8. Kota Kai
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 689 reviews
Kota Kai occupies the whole of the top floor of Celtic House and has unbeatable views across Porthleven harbour and beyond. Almost every table in the restaurant benefits from these views as the tables run alongside the many windows at the front of the building.The food is simpler than at Kota (our big sister restaurant), but all great quality using local ingredients and there is a fantastic variety of dishes including oysters, mussels, steak, burger and Asian dishes. We also have a selection of 'mini Kai', i.e. small plates such as salt & pepper squid, beef carpaccio, ham & cheese croquettes and mini fishcakes.
Reviewed By kate b - Eastbourne, United Kingdom
We went here for dinner last week, while spending a few days in Cornwall. First impressions were good, a buzzy atmosphere and friendly staff. However it then went a little downhill. We were in a sideroom, it was a busy night, which was really cold. So much so that most of us kept our coats on. They completely forgot my sons drink and the service was dreadfully slow.
On the upside, the food was generally good and, when we voiced concerns, the manager came to our table immediately. She just apologized and made a deduction from the bill. No excuses, no condecending attitude. I was seriously impressed by that and would visit again. We all have off days.
9. The Grove Bistro
Overall Ratings
5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By bmw14 - St Ives, United Kingdom
Our first time tonight to celebrate my husband's birthday. Absolutely blown away by the quality of food. We usually go to the Porthminster, St Ives for special occasions but never again. Much better menu/food/service and portion size was double that of Porthminster! Thank you so much! We will be back ! Please keep the chef happy!
10. The Square At Porthleven
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 858 reviews
Reviewed By chris h - Warwick, United Kingdom
Called in for lunch on a wet and windy day, the food was first class and service friendly and pleasant.
Fish was very fresh and cooked exactly as it should be. Tempura prawns with belly pork crispy strips and Salsa was excellent. Would not hesitate to return.
