Those who value fine dining, the latest culinary trends, and experimental flavours from all around the world are not spoilt for choice in Cornwall – but one place they should probably avoid is Reef & Beef St Ives. This is because the restaurant does not try to be something that it is not, instead appealing to those who value honest cooking, local produce, hearty portions, and a nod to the classics. For more on the experience that awaits diners at this local steakhouse, we spoke with its own Maria Efros.
A coastal steak-and-seafood restaurant in the heart of St Ives, Cornwall, Reef & Beef pairs premium cuts and daily seafood specials with curated wines and a warm, local service. Welcoming guests from solo foodies through to couples, families, friendship groups, and work teams, anyone who loves local produce and values the ultimate surf-and-turf experience is sure to this acclaimed restaurant, which draws on the abundance of fresh seafood and local produce in the region to offer excellent dishes made from home-grown ingredients.
Sourcing as much of its produce as possible from fishermen and farms nearby, Reef & Beef’s commitment to sustainability and the local community sees every bite reflect the essence of Cornwall, with these unique tastes showcasing the highlights of this region’s famous gastronomy, which is second only to London when it comes to the UK’s restaurant scene. With such a reputation to uphold, Reef & Beef offers a variety of menus, from an expansive dinner menu to seasonal offerings and even a traditional roast menu on a Sunday.
Focusing on the gold standard, its dinner menu, Reef & Beef covers everything any lover of seafood or steak could want across a choice selection of starters, mains, and sides. Some highlights include its mussels with white wine, double cream, and a dash of garlic butter; its fresh catch of the day, which id served with mash, broccoli, and a lobster bisque; and its 10oz rump and ribeye steaks, both of which come with a serving of Bovril butter alongside the traditional accompaniments of chips, rocket, tomatoes, and fried crispy onions.
Notably, all of the dry-aged meats served across these menus are stored in Reef & Beef’s state-of-the-art, dry-ageing meat fridge for a minimum of 28 days and a maximum of 45 days, ensuring optimal taste. This fridge has been specially designed for the controlled ageing of the prime cuts the restaurant uses, maintaining the necessary temperature, humidity, and air circulation to craft the perfect environment. It works simply by drawing the moisture out of the meat, enhancing the natural flavour and tenderising the cut in the process.
Visible to diners, our fridge is not only a culinary tool but also serves as a centrepiece of master craftsmanship, showcasing our dedication to the art of ageing meat with integrity and care.
This covers the ‘Beef’, but the ‘Reef’ is equally important for the restaurant, which reflects the diversity of the local oceans by serving only the finest fish across its dishes. From pan-fried scallops and king prawns to its squid ink linguine, the seafood served here is as fresh as it is truly mouthwatering. The aforementioned ‘catch of the day’ underpins this dedication to freshness, and with the experienced culinary team knowing how to get the best out of every locally-sourced ingredient, a culinary experience like no other awaits.
Rounding out Reef & Beef’s food offerings is a carefully curated dessert menu, which sees a small but tasty selection of puddings served – from crème brûlée and cheesecake to a range of ice creams (a Cornish speciality). Of course, all of this food needs something equally as delectable to wash it down, and this is where the restaurant’s drinks menu is the perfect accompaniment. From international wines to sparkling brut made just down the road, these drinks are the cherry on top of a spot cherished by locals and tourists alike.
The place where the ocean meets the grill, Reef & Beef St Ives’ focus on fresh, local produce over complex combinations and imported ingredients is something refreshing in a world of rising prices and shrinking portions, and whatever the reasons for visiting Cornwall’s leading surf and turf-style restaurant, patrons are sure to have a good time – with great company and even better food.
