Hotel restaurants don’t have the best reputation, but we are happy to report that Driftwood Restaurant bucks the trend. It is part of the boutique hotel of the same name, which wows with its stunning oceanside location and private beach.
The calming beachy vibes carry through into Driftwood’s dining room, which features large windows looking out across the sea and a coastal colour palette of soft blues and crisp whites. On warmer evenings, you can even head outside for pre- or post-prandial drinks on the decked terrace, which overlooks the crystal blue waters of Gerrans Bay.
The menus at Driftwood evolve with the seasons, but the food here is underpinned by a steadfast commitment to locally sourced, best in class produce. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, as well as afternoon tea and Sunday lunch, while those looking to really make the most of the experience can opt for the seven-course tasting menu. From the a la carte, you can begin with roast mallard with crushed turnip, pumpkin, clementine and pickled ginger, before moving on to the likes of plaice accompanied by mussels, hand rolled farfalle, leeks, cauliflower and chanterelles. There is a dedicated vegetarian offering too - think grilled leek with salt baked celeriac, hazelnut pesto and roasted ceps.
If you are visiting Driftwood with your family, the little ones can dine from a dedicated kid’s menu which is more sophisticated than most children’s offerings around; let them tuck into the likes of baby fish cakes or a ham and cheese omelette, both of which are served alongside Cornish mid potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
To finish up, there are tempting dessert options such as chocolate and hazelnut brownie with vanilla ice cream, as well as a selection of liquid afters in the form of Driftwood’s list of classics cocktails, including Espresso Martinis and Negronis.