Breakfast: The top places to eat breakfast in St Ives, Cornwall
Wake up in picturesque Cornwall and treat yourself to an unforgettable St Ives breakfast. In this guide, you’ll discover the top-rated cafés, local favorites, and seaside gems - all loved by visitors on TripAdvisor. From cozy pastry spots to hearty full-English breakfasts, here’s exactly where to go.
Looking for a delightful St Ives breakfast in Cornwall? Whether you want ocean views, hearty dishes, vegan options, or quirky cafés - these ten local favourites have you covered. Each spot offers great food, local charm, and inviting atmospheres.
1. Scoff Troff Café
At Market Place, just off the harbour, Scoff Troff serves breakfast from around 8 AM in a relaxed warehouse‑style café. Expect hearty classics like full English, inventive baked eggs, and specialty drinks like Cold‑Drip coffee or “Cornish Mist.” They prioritise local suppliers, St Ewe’s eggs, Trewithen dairy, and bread baked nearby, all delivered with excellent, friendly service.
Address: Market Place, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1RZ
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 from ~1,110 reviews
2. The Pier Coffee Bar
Nestled at Quay Street by the start of Smeaton’s Pier, this cozy café serves top-tier coffee, sandwiches, and pastries with picturesque harbour views. Friendly and relaxed, it offers vegetarian and vegan options, like sweetcorn fritters, and provides the perfect calming spot to enjoy the morning breeze.
Address: Quay Street (on Smeaton’s Pier), St Ives, Cornwall
TripAdvisor Rating: High praise, typically ~4.9 (211 reviews)
3. Porthmeor Beach Café
Just below the Tate, this beachside café is famed for its “build-your-own breakfast,” fresh juices, seafood and vegetarian tapas, and imaginative cocktails. With heated pods, terrace seating (dog‑friendly), and gorgeous sea views, it’s a magical spot to enjoy breakfast.
Address: Porthmeor Beach, beneath Tate St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1JZ
TripAdvisor Rating: Around 4.5-4.6 from over 3,400 reviews
4. Porthminster Beach Café
Located directly on Porthminster Beach, this stylish venue offers elevated, beautifully plated breakfasts with a focus on fresh seafood and creative dishes—all paired with stunning ocean views.
Address: Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall
TripAdvisor Rating: Approximately 4.4 from ~3,800 reviews
5. The Hub
A local comfort‑food favourite in St Ives, The Hub serves generous fry‑ups in a laid‑back atmosphere. Frequently recommended for its hearty portions and friendly vibe—ideal for a filling, satisfying breakfast. A vibrant, harbour‑front burger bar serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, dinner, and late‑night drinks, open daily from breakfast at 9 am (or 8:30 am weekends).
Address: 4 Wharf Rd, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1LF
TripAdvisor Rating: Approximately 4.2 from 3,000+ reviews
6. Cornish Deli
A top‑rated deli café offering exceptional, well‑reviewed fare with lots of gluten‑free options. It’s consistently praised with high marks, shown by its 863 “Excellent” among 1,019 total ratings on TripAdvisor. You can expect fresh, inclusive offerings (gluten‑free definitely available), friendly service, and strong consistency in quality, “good food, good value” across numerous reviews. A reliable spot if you have dietary considerations or want consistently great deli fare.
Address: 3 Chapel Street, St Ives TR26 2LR England
TripAdvisor Rating: Approximately 4.8 from 1,000+ reviews
7. The Lifeboat Inn
A traditional, dog‑friendly harbour‑side pub with roaring log fire, outstanding sea views, and a menu filled with reimagined pub classics using local produce. One guest praises its ambiance and quality food: “Excellent ambiance, very good food, wonderful views over St. Ives harbour, friendly and informative staff”. If you're after a proper Cornish pub experience with scenery and warmth, this is your go‑to.
Address: Wharf Road, St Ives TR26 1LF England
TripAdvisor Rating: Approximately 4.3 from 2,000+ reviews
8. Beach Café Bar
The Beach Cafe Bar in St Ives, Cornwall, offers a relaxed, harbour-side setting with both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying sea views while you eat. Breakfast is a build-your-own affair, where you can choose toast or a bagel and load it with your preferred toppings, paired with barista-quality coffee. Reviews consistently praise the friendly, attentive staff and reliable food quality, making it a dependable choice for a casual, customizable breakfast in a scenic spot.
Address: The Wharf, St Ives, Cornwall
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 from ~396 reviews
9. Olives Café
Tucked in Island Square, this cosy café garners a 4.7 rating (768 reviews) and is TripAdvisor’s #3 café in St Ives. Known for exceptional vegan pasties, gluten‑free options, and indulgent cream teas - a favourite for sweet treats after a morning surf.
Address: Island Square, St Ives, Cornwall
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7 from 768 reviews; #3 Café in St Ives
10. Sea of Coffee
Expect a cosy, relaxed café with a warm welcome and top-notch coffee. Patrons frequently mention great atmosphere and friendly staff—one reviewer noted “a lovely early morning coffee and pastry… fabulous warm welcome, great coffee and lovely atmosphere”. Many enjoy the upstairs area, described as a quiet space to eat and unwind.
Address: Island Square, St Ives, Cornwall
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7 from 768 reviews; #3 Café in St Ives
11. The Balcony & Kitchen
Breakfast at Balcony Bar & Kitchen is all about starting your day with panoramic harbour views and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. The menu offers hearty classics like full English breakfasts alongside lighter choices such as avocado toast, pastries, and fresh fruit bowls, paired with quality coffee or fresh juices. Diners often praise the friendly, attentive service and the fact that you can linger over your meal while watching the harbour come to life in the morning light. With its combination of scenic location, generous portions, and freshly prepared dishes, it’s a great choice whether you want a leisurely brunch with friends or a quick but satisfying start before exploring St Ives.
Address: Wharf Road, St Ives TR26 1LF England
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.1 from230+ reviews
Conclusion
From ocean‑front elegance at Porthmeor and Porthminster to cosy cafés like Scoff Troff and The Commute, St Ives breakfasts cater to every taste. Whether you’re craving local produce, sea views, or a hearty fry‑up - each venue offers a distinctive start to your Cornish day.
FAQs
1. What are the best places for breakfast in St Ives?
St Ives is packed with options, from seafront favourites like Porthmeor Beach Café and Porthminster Beach Café to cosy hideaways like Scoff Troff Café and Olives Café. You can choose between panoramic ocean views, hearty Cornish fry-ups, or artisan coffee and pastries.
2. Where can I get a full English breakfast in St Ives?
If you’re after a classic fry-up, Scoff Troff Café, The Hub, and The Lifeboat Inn are known for generous plates made with local produce. They serve from around 8 am or 9 am, making them perfect for fuelling up before exploring.
3. Which St Ives breakfast spots have the best sea views?
For ocean-front dining, you can’t beat Porthmeor Beach Café, Porthminster Beach Café, or Balcony Bar & Kitchen. All three offer outdoor seating with stunning harbour or beach views to enjoy alongside your morning coffee.
4. Are there dog-friendly cafés for breakfast in St Ives?
Yes - Porthmeor Beach Café’s heated terrace pods and The Lifeboat Inn’s harbourside seating welcome dogs. These spots let you enjoy breakfast with both seaside scenery and your four-legged companion.
5. Where can I find vegan or vegetarian breakfast options in St Ives?
The Pier Coffee Bar serves vegan-friendly dishes like sweetcorn fritters, and Olives Café is praised for exceptional vegan pasties. Porthmeor Beach Café also offers build-your-own breakfasts with plenty of plant-based toppings.
6. Which places in St Ives serve breakfast early?
Scoff Troff Café opens from about 8 am, while many others like The Hub start at 9 am (8:30 am on weekends). Early risers can also find coffee and pastries at The Pier Coffee Bar by Smeaton’s Pier.
7. Are there gluten-free breakfast options in St Ives?
The Cornish Deli is a top choice for gluten-free dishes, with a menu that’s clearly marked and inclusive. Olives Café and several beach cafés also offer gluten-free bread and pastries.
8. Where can I enjoy a healthy breakfast in St Ives?
Balcony Bar & Kitchen serves lighter options like avocado toast, fresh fruit bowls, and smoothies. Porthmeor Beach Café offers fresh juices and creative vegetarian plates alongside more indulgent fare.
9. Can I get breakfast with a view of St Ives Harbour?
Yes - The Hub, Balcony Bar & Kitchen, The Lifeboat Inn, and Beach Café Bar all have prime harbourside locations. These venues combine hearty or customisable breakfasts with people-watching and harbour views.
10. What’s unique about breakfast in St Ives compared to other coastal towns?
Breakfast in St Ives blends local Cornish produce with spectacular coastal scenery, whether you’re eating on the sand or in a cosy back-street café. Many venues source ingredients from nearby farms and bakeries, making each plate a taste of Cornwall.
