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There is more than a slight association between St Ives and Bohemia, thanks mainly to artistic influences, and now it is extending its influence through the food chain. Chef Proprietor Robert Armstrong serves mainly local food with inspired twists and additions that really pull in the gourmets.

The surroundings are an eclectic mix of art nouveau meets gastro louche that clearly impresses the tourists and locals alike, and the menu takes much the same line. The menu is displayed on a vast blackboard in true bistro style, and mingles well with the candles and mismatched furniture.

Fillets of red mullet arrive in the company of crushed spuds and roast tomatoes with dragoncello sauce. Grilled Merguez sausage with lentils, roast pumpkin and harissa makes a welcome change from the sometimes slightly overworked sausages in onion gravy with mashed tatties.

There's a good range of vegetarian options, such as goat's cheese and piquillo pepper lasagne, and flat breads with dips. A small but well chosen wine list swings well with the food. Try and locate an upstairs table where the views are better and the atmosphere quieter.

In the heart of this fishing town renowned for its art and more latterly its restaurants, Alfresco Cafe Bar provides a perfect setting for lunch or dinner, and a spot of people watching too. Overlooking the harbour with an open-fronted continental-style restaurant, outdoor seats are obviously a big draw when its sunny, but even on a rain-soaked day, nothing can dim Alfresco's winning combination of views, vibe and carefully crafted food.

Local flavours shine through wonderfully presented dishes such as mussels steamed in Cornish stinger, coronation crab and lobster with pickled radish, mango puree and coriander oil, or the Alfresco starter plate to share. Mains include fillet of beef with asparagus, ceps and oxtail hash and a wild mushroom and pistachio wellington, not just for the vegetarians!  Finish off with a chocolate and peanut butter fondant.

There is a 2 course menu for £15.95 available for lunch and dinner, as well as lunchtime specials.  All food is locally sourced whenever possible.

Thoughts of blissful times in the Caribbean come flooding back as one contemplates the ocean from this dreamy location, which has been tastefully set up as a foodie destination.

Inspirational food from Australian chef Michael Smith comes to the guest, you may have seen him featured on Beach Cafe, Discovery Channel. In the summer evenings there could be a barbecue at one end of the beach serving simply grilled seafood and local produce.

Every evening though, the action moves from the open air into the dining room, where the chefs put on a show with the great quality local produce; there is also a supporting terrace for those who will not be dragged indoors at any price.

Starting with sun-dried tomatoes and chillies in a lime dressing, one could progress to Moroccan-style braised lamb shank on couscous, rounding off with Riesling-roasted peaches with cinnamon, star anise and mascarpone. The service is casual and friendly to suite the surroundings.

Serious ingredients and food with amazing views, all in all a wonderful place for uncomplicated and informal culinary enjoyment.

Located in a former butcher's shop, Gung Ho is the kind of place you immediately warm to, especially if you are a lover of interesting food and wine. The walls are a deep magenta pink with wood panelling and are decorated with artefacts and wall hangings from the Far East.

Offering an unusual mix, you can enjoy the sweet tastes of Indonesia or the fiery spices of Thailand with classics that include Thai green curry, babi ketjap and nasi goreng, whilst quenching your thirst with a glass or rose or a pint of beer. Good value for money for a truly authentic taste.

All-in-all, a most welcome addition to one of Cornwall's most charming tourist areas.

onshore, site of Cornwall's only wood-burning oven, and winner of the 'Best Pizza Restaurant in Britain 2002/2003' Award, looks out over the harbour at St Ives.

The thing about onshore is that it strives, and generally succeeds in being all things to all people. The menu is extensive, focusing on fish, unique pizzas and pasta dishes, although onshore also looks after it's meat lovers sourcing the best quality meat for dishes like corn-fed lemon & tarragon chicken or our local prime fillet steak.

In fact, where possible, all the produce is sourced locally and each dish is given love and attention from the Head Chef, John Duncan (formally Blue Fish, St Ives) to ensure the quality and a unique taste every time.

With the unique wood burning oven, the pizza chefs have no trouble delighting customers from a simple margherita or their unique oriental treat or something from the gourmet range such as the crayfish thermidor or shaved pepper steak, there is definitely something for everyone.

The wine list has moved with the times and now offers wines from all over the world giving customers a great choice.

Open every day from 9.30am you can go there for breakfast or a coffee, pop back for a spot of lunch and people watching on the veranda and then enjoy the lively atmosphere in the evening with a glass of bubbly and one of John's fish specials.