Nestled away in St Ives' historic fishing quarter, The Mermaid is a popular seafood restaurant serving food throughout the week. One of the oldest family-run restaurants in the Cornish coastal town, it's situated moments away from the harbour and prides itself on serving only the finest, locally caught seafood. The Mermaid welcomes guests of all ages, meaning that it's a great option for family meals out, while its cosy interiors also make it a perfect spot for romantic dinners. Having earnt itself a reputation over the years for its high-quality cooking, it's recommended that you should reserve a table in advance to make sure that you don't miss out.
The restaurant is situated on a charming, cobbled street and is bursting with character from the off. The weathered, stone exterior shows The Mermaid's age and instantly gives off a welcoming vibe. Inside things have been kept incredibly cosy with the dim lighting adding to the romantic nature of the restaurant. The walls are incredibly busy with photos of the town, while bottles and fairy lights hang from the ceiling. There's a mixture of booths and separate tables at The Mermaid, all of which are topped with gingham table cloths for an ultra-traditional feel.
When it comes to the food menu, while the focus is very much on fresh seafood, there are also a few meat dishes to keep the carnivores happy. Starters on offer range from local mussels steamed in white wine, onions and garlic to a duo of oriental duck, and you can expect main courses such as a fish platter served with fries, and fillet steak with a potato rosti. If you still have room, tempting desserts at The Mermaid include chocolate mousse and creme brulée.
A short but carefully thought-out wine list accompanies the food menu and the bar also serves a variety of beers, spirits, soft drinks and more.