Ardor

In the heart of the popular seaside town of St Ives, with its mosaic of turquoise sea, cobbled streets and indie shops, is vibrant Ardor, which specialises in the culinary traditions of the Iberian Peninsula. Rich, earthy tones and hand-painted Moroccan tiles hint at chef-patron Dorian Janmaat’s love of authentic Mediterranean cooking.

The chef’s dedication to simplicity, flavour and fresh Cornish produce can be savoured in everything from Spanish-inspired pintxos and tapas to dry-aged cuts, rotisserie chicken and seafood dishes.

Start the Mediterranean odyssey with freshly shucked oysters followed by fried aubergine with honey and olive – the latter an artful balance of sweet, salty and umami flavours.

Mains include the likes of monkfish and prawn skewer – the juicy, plump hunks of seafood elevated by the addition of a piquant Canarian sauce. Heartier sharing options include dry-aged sirloin on the bone, cooked over charcoal and served with a rich garlic butter. Or, for a Med-inspired centrepiece, opt for the sharing paella of ultra-fresh fish and charred piparra peppers.

Desserts lean into Spanish tradition, with classics including gooey basque cheesecake and silky crema catalana with a caramelised top.

Ardor epitomises the essence of Mediterranean hospitality: a warm atmosphere, sharing dishes and a curated list of southern European wines and crafted cocktails.

Trencherman’s tip

Sit downstairs where an open kitchen and chefs’ counter offer front-row seats to the culinary action.