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, specialising in the culinary traditions of the Iberian Peninsula. Rich, earthy tones and hand-painted Moroccan tiles in the decor hint at chef-patron Dorian Janmaat’s love of authentic Mediterranean cooking in the kitchen.

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

For the main course, monkfish and prawn skewer involves juicy, plump hunks of seafood elevated with piquant Canarian sauce. Heartier (and generous enough for two) options include dry-aged sirloin on the bone, cooked over charcoal and served with a rich garlic butter.

Desserts, such as caramelised sticky toffee pudding paired with clotted-cream ice cream, bring a Cornish twist to the experience.

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

Trencherman’s tip

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