Amid a spectrum of tourist traps and busy fishing hubs, Porthleven remains an unspoilt, working harbour that attracts visitors who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Many of those who make it to this secluded fishing village are here to visit Kota - the oustanding restaurant owned and run by Jude Kereama since 2006.
As soon as you step through the doors of Kota, you're welcomed into a rustic but inviting dining room. The restaurant occupies an old converted mill and sits right on the harbour front, offering stunning views out to sea.
Chef/owner Jude Kereama hails from New Zealand, and won awards for his restaurants in both London and Auckland before moving down to Cornwall. Being part Maori, part Chinese and part Malaysian, it's no surprise that he offers a unique perspective on food and his dishes combine with outstanding Cornish produce to produce real fireworks. On the starters are dishes like pigeon breast, parsnips, fig hoisin, puffed wild rice, brussel leaves and bacon, and you'll find more intrigue further along the menu with dishes like John Dory with saffron, shellfish, squid, samphire and shellfish mayonaise, and a port and red wine poached pear with digestive biscuit, Colston Basset blue cheese ice cream and candied walnuts. No wonder that Kota has held three AA rosettes since 2018 (though a seemingly deserved Michelin star remains elusive).
If you wanted to indulge over dinner and avoid the late trip home, Kota also has a handful of beautifully furnished rooms available.