St Ives is rapidly transforming into one of Cambridgeshire’s most exciting foodie hubs. It feels like every time I walk through town there is a new independent spot or exciting new concept. Having spent the last 17 years writing about the Cambridgeshire food scene, I have watched this market town evolve from a rather ordinary destination for grub into a proper foodie hub.
Whether you are looking for fiery Korean fried chicken, slow-cooked Jamaican curry, or just the best fry-up in the county, here are my hand-picked, tried-and-tested recommendations for the best places to eat in St Ives.
If you see something I have missed then get in touch!
Kor.Deli
How many small market towns can boast their own Korean spot?
Kor.Deli may be a tiny and easy-to-miss spot, but it brings authentic Korean flavour right to the heart of St Ives. The star of the show is easily their Korean fried chicken which strikes that perfect balance between sweet and spice. It is a fantastic spot for lunch and the family who run it are absolutely lovely. Plus, if you fancy picking up a few items, there is a mini-shop inside stocked with everything from packet noodles to fresh kimchi.
Type: Korean
Make sure you try: The Korean Fried Chicken
The Welcome Chinese Restaurant
The Welcome is a real institution in St Ives and has been serving up Chinese food for twenty years. It is well known by locals for its traditional cuisine and atmospheric atmosphere, making for a reliable and satisfying option for a meal out. The beef in chilli oyster sauce was a standout winner during my visit but anything you order is generally excellent making it a sure thing when you cant make up your mind.
Type: Chinese
Make sure you try: Beef in chilli oyster sauce
The Taproom
Sitting near the riverfront on the historic Bridge Street, The Taproom offers an impressive food menu, including a breakfast I once called “the best in Cambridgeshire”. There is a huge focus on local sourcing with even their coffee coming from Ely based Brew Project. Pizzas are now served probably making them the best pizzas in St Ives now too! This is a great little spot for a quick and casual bite to eat.
Type: British/Continental/Pizza
Make sure you try: The best breakfast around!
Taj Street Kitchen
Brought to you by the team behind Cambridge’s legendary Taj Tandoori, this colourful spot brings Indian street food and Pan-Asian flavours to St Ives. In fact, I would go as far as to say that it is my favourite takeaway in Cambridgeshire because of its innovative experimentation. The lamb jalfrezi box features impossibly tender meat in a stunning spicy sauce, while their fusion smash burgers combine tandoori pulled chicken and smashed onion bhajis together to create an absolute banger of a burger. This is the place to go for serious foodies.
Type: Pan Asian/Indian takeaway
Make sure you try: The Lamb Jalfrezi & their pan-Asian smash burgers
Jerk Up @ The Ivy Leaf Club
Operating out of The Ivy Leaf Club, Jerk Up is serving proper, authentic Jamaican comfort food that really packs some flavour. Their goat curry is slow-cooked, rich, and deeply spiced with meat that falls clean off the bone. It is an unpretentious hidden gem serving up real Caribbean soul food at great value with massive portions.
Type: Jamaican
Make sure you try: Goat Curry
Zzohanna’s Indian Restaurant
Zzohanna’s is the place I always recommend to people looking for a good curry in St Ives because of its consistency and quality. This is why it sits proudly at number 1 spot on my Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant ranking. The kitchen offers everything from classic curry house favourites to beautifully executed regional dishes. This is the sort of reliable local restaurant where literally anything you order off the menu will hit the mark.
Type: Indian/Bangladeshi
Make sure you try: Everything here is well executed – you cannot go wrong!
Vadi Kitchen
Vadi Kitchen is widely considered one of the bet Turkish restaurants in the county, even giving some of the more established Cambridge ones a run for their money. It is spacious, reliable, and the meat is pure quality, making this a place I visit at least once a year.
Type: Turkish
Make sure you try: Lamb Beyti or the mixed platter
Tom’s Cakes
How many cafes have a love letter written for them?
Well known across Cambridgeshire for their sensational bakes in both St Ives and Ely, Tom’s Cakes is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. This is where I often take my family as I know it will be a slam dunk every time. Pair a massive slice of sponge with a great cup of coffee and you have got the ultimate afternoon pitstop.
Type: Bakery/Café
Make sure you try: Choux bun
Amore Italian Restaurant
Amore is a family-run independent restaurant that captures that genuine romantic Italian hospitality, all while overlooking the beautiful Great River Ouse and St Ives Bridge. The menu is small and streamlined making sure that everything they offer gets their undivided focus, with the Agnello al Forno (slow-cooked neck of lamb) being my personal recommendation.
Type: Independent Italian
Make sure you try: Agnello al Forno (slow-cooked neck of lamb fillet)
Whisky Café
Whisky Café brings a classy yet cosy vibe to the town with a menu full of bold, creative dishes. Their Jerk Brick Chicken comes with a impossibly crispy charcoal skin while still keeping the meat juicy and infused with a spicy habanero sauce. It is a fantastic up market venue that really offers something St Ives has needed for a while.
Type: Global
Make sure you try: Jerk Brick Chicken
Johnson’s of Old Hurst
Situated just outside St Ives on a working farm in the village of Old Hurst, Johnson’s offers a farm-to-table experience like no other. In fact, it is easily my favourite steak joint in Cambridgeshire. Their rump steak is sourced directly from their own butcher’s counter, offering unbelievable depth of flavour, tenderness, and unbeatable quality. Combined with their farm shop, woodland walks, and even their own zoo on site, it makes for a brilliant day out for food lovers and the family alike.
Type: Steakhouse and zoo
Make sure you try: The rump steak
Pike & Eel, Needingworth
Perched right by the marina in Needingworth, the Pike & Eel offers a stunning riverside pub setting with a menu that shifts alongside the seasons. Every time I visit there is something new and exciting happening on the menu with the cuisine ranging from traditional classics to dishes from all over the world.
Type: Pub, seasonal, changeable.
Make sure you try: Keeping up with their frequently changing seasonal menu
The Hartford Mill, Wyton
When you want a proper, no-nonsense Sunday carvery with all the trimmings without breaking the bank, The Hartford Mill in Wyton is the place to be. I recently had some family down from up north and even they gave it their own enthusiastic thumbs up. Their carvery lets you pile your plate high with slow-roasted meats, crispy roast potatoes, giant Yorkshire puddings, and lashings of rich gravy. This is proper, comforting British food done right.
Type: Carvery/Roast
Make sure you try: The Carvery
More coming soon…
Have I missed any? Get in touch here and let me know if there are any restaurants that deserve to be on the list.
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