Temple

With its olive-green walls, geometric tiles, curated wine bottles and huge windows flooding the dining room with coastal light, Temple has mastered the art of casual cool. Yet there’s more to this small Bude restaurant than its considered interiors.

Under owners Kerri Barrett and Sarah Miller, Temple combines the easy familiarity of a neighbourhood cafe with the ambition of an ingredient-led restaurant. Chef Kyan Hooper’s short, seasonal menus take their cue from Cornwall‘s farmers, growers and fishermen, with an à la carte selection of snacks, small plates and larger dishes designed to be enjoyed however diners please.

The cooking is thoughtful without being fussy. Smoked hummus comes drizzled with herb oil and accompanied by homemade pickles, while warm Coombeshead sourdough is paired with whipped herb butter. Mora Farm beetroot with goat’s curd, walnuts and squash celebrates seasonal, earthy flavours, while sea bass with smoked mushrooms, charred leeks and salsa verde balances sweetness, smoke and freshness. Elsewhere, dishes might include kimchi granita oysters, ray wing or fragrant tandoori monkfish.

Don’t overlook dessert: dark chocolate crémeux with crème fraîche and a scattering of sourdough crumb is a particularly satisfying finale.

Natural wines, interesting spirits and excellent speciality coffee complete the picture, while manager Holly Bloomfield and her team keep the atmosphere warm and unhurried. Drop in for coffee after a beach walk or linger over several courses and a carafe of wine.