The Idle Rocks

Built in 1913 on the site of St Mawes bakery, this aptly named hotel and restaurant is perched on the rocks overlooking the harbour – a “perfect setting” for a spot of relaxation and some “just incredible” food founded on Cornish ingredients (especially seafood from the local boats).

There are Porthilly oysters to nibble, ahead of eclectic ideas such as teriyaki mackerel with radish, avocado and cucumber or gilthead bream partnered by smoked aubergine, olive, basil and shellfish bisque. Landlubbers, meanwhile, might prefer pork belly with black garlic, parsley and anchovy followed by sirloin of lamb accompanied by white sprouting broccoli, red onion and broad beans.

For dessert, perhaps plump for baked Alaska with rhubarb, a Cornish ‘fairing’ biscuit and gin. There’s “real attention to detail and seasonality here”, notes one reader who also loves the dramatically refurbished and beautifully appointed dining room with its spacious outlook and big windows. “A truly special experience”, sums it up.

Home to a truly stunning dining room, Idle Rocks Restaurant (part of a hotel of the same name) is situated in St. Mawes, boasting a long and varied history, having first been built in 1913. The restaurant is hardly showing its age though - the dining room takes advantage of the coastal views with large floor to ceiling windows, while dark wood tables, vases full of fresh flowers and studded high back chairs upholstered in bold colours set a luxurious tone.

Idle Rocks Restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, while the kitchen here is overseen by executive head chef Dorian Janmaat, who aims for his menu to be a celebration of Cornwall, thanks to the regular use of fresh local produce and strong relationships with the area’s wealth of suppliers. During the spring and summer seasons, the restaurant’s outdoor terrace comes alive for alfresco lunches, when you might find the likes of wild garlic soup with pine nut crisps and parmesan emulsion, followed by hen’s egg and spinach ravioli, then rounded off with white chocolate cremeux, pear and apple sorbet for pudding.

Dinners meanwhile can be enjoyed inside the cosy dining room, with dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus available alongside the regular a la carte. Start with the likes of lightly cured sea bream with grapefruit and yuzu granite, before moving on to main courses such as Devonshire duck breast with plum ketchup or curried monkfish with coconut dahl and kaffir lime. To finish up, choose from Idle Rock’s tempting selection of puddings - think a slice of coconut cheesecake or a Cornish strawberry ice cream sandwich.

If you are looking to celebrate, you will find a list of Champagnes to choose from, while a selection of globally inspired wines is also available, one which champions small producers who use sustainable practises.