Spinacio's,

Easter weekend the American Vegetarian and I drove down to St Ives in Cornwall, and had ourselves an amazing time. Cornwall is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. Not only is the scenery amazing, the food is too. From Cornish cheese yarg (cheese wrapped in stinging nettles) baguettes from the Cornish deli, to cream tea at Madelines' to a full on veggie feast at Spinacio's. The food was tasty and the options for vegetarians was varied, which always makes a lovely change.

One restaurant we went to twice was Spinacio's. A vegetarian restaurant on St Ives harbour. The restaurant is on the first floor of the Old Custom House, so if you're lucky enough to get a window seat, you can eat your meal overlooking the glorious views of St Ives harbour. Even if you're not sitting by the window, you will not be disappointed. The menu is well thought out, and offers a great variety that stays away from the usual cheese/mushroom affair. 

On our first night, for starters we had a beetroot and walnut pate served with home made cheese straws. This dish was just sublime. The cheese straws just crumbled away beautifully and the pate was very tasty. I've never eaten something like this and thought the pate was an original way to serve beetroot. I loved this dish. The second night we were there we opted for the sautéed asparagus served with bread. The asparagus was tender, delicious and I could have eaten it all night.

For mains on our first night we had bubble & squeak croquettes served with cauliflower and carrot and the American Vegetarian opted for toasted almond tomato and spinach curry with rice, puri and raita. Both dishes were great and very filling. The second night we both opted for Cannelloni Bean and mint patties served with carrot and lime purée, green veg and salad. Every dish we had tasted great. We treated ourselves to dessert on our last night and had old fashioned cheesecake with brambly apple compote. OMG! Seriously good cheesecake

The dishes were original and the options were very good. Their portions too are nice and generous, and on both occasions we left feeling extremely satisfied. We didn't come here twice because it was a vegetarian restaurant, but because the food was amazing, the service of the staff impeccable and friendly and the views of St Ives harbour priceless. I felt this restaurant was more about good food, then being vegetarian. The fact that it is vegetarian shows that there are many adventurous possibilities when it comes to vegetarian dining.  Non vegetarians would also feel very satisfied here as well. 

Every where we ate in St Ives, it seemed the food was locally sourced. This made a huge difference to the taste and quality of the food we experienced. St Ives is a magical place, and the food does it justice. As for Spinacio's well it is one of the best vegetarian restaurants I've been to..ever.

Spinacio's
Old Custom House, Wharf Road, St Ives, Info/booking: 01736 7988
info@spinacios.co.uk