There’s always something magical about sipping a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the heart of St Ives. Whether exploring the cobbled streets or gazing upon the coastal line, this Cornish town is filled with beautiful gems of independent cafes. If you’re craving a strong brew, our guide looks into the best independent coffee shops in St Ives to help you discover cosy establishments and delicious coffee beans.
Every spot in St Ives tells a story, and this St Ives coffee guide will lead you to explore the best cafes with memorable experiences. So, grab your travel cup and get ready to discover the vibrant culture of independent coffee shops in St Ives.
Why Visit Independent Coffee Shops in St Ives?
St Ives has been known for its stunning beaches filled with a laid-back atmosphere surrounded by vibrant scenery. Beaches like Porthmeor, known for its surfing and stunning sunsets, or Porthminster, a family-friendly gem with calm waters and golden sands, provide the perfect backdrop for any visit. If you’re looking for something right in the heart of town, Harbour Beach offers picturesque views and a lively atmosphere, while Porthgwidden, a smaller and quieter spot, is great for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Just a short trip away, Carbis Bay Beach boasts turquoise waters and tranquil vibes.
But for our coffee lovers, St Ives offers something truly special, with a variety of independent coffee shops taking pride in their freshly brewed beverages. From quirky cafes to waterfront shops, St Ives offers the best cafes to suit everyone’s coffee tastes. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee with the backdrop of Cornwall’s stunning sea views, creating the perfect atmosphere whilst you sip on your hot drink.
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Top Independent Coffee Shops in St Ives
Yallah Coffee
Yallah Cafe is located along the St Ives harbour and is the perfect independent coffee shop in St Ives with a twist. This independent coffee roastery offers unique blends of fresh coffee with delicious flavours, giving your coffee a personalised taste. Each coffee cup is handcrafted, and the specialised baristas will cater to your favourite coffee blend desires. Indulge in the homemade pastries and cakes which are made fresh daily.
The Yallah Cafe interior offers a unique style with industrial and minimalistic features, allowing visitors to enjoy their meals while watching the world go by. The strong smells of coffee blended with different flavours fumigate the whole cafe and may persuade visitors to purchase the different coffee ranges on sale.
Address: Cafe Court Arcade, Yallah, Wharf Rd, Saint Ives TR26 1LF
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Porthmeor Cafe
Located on the beloved Porthmeor Beach, have a chance to see the vibrant views of Cornwall’s stunning golden sand with the turquoise shore! The Porthmeor Cafe is a magical place to dine, with the perfect window views of the seaside, alfresco dining and delicious hot drinks. Each cup of coffee is freshly brewed, and it is a chance for you to enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the stunning sea and soft sand. The locally sourced beans give each cup of coffee a rich and bold flavour that really does satisfy the tastebuds of every coffee lover!
Enjoy the smell of Cornwall’s Porthmeor beach with the outside terrace for fresh air whilst sipping your favourite drinks. Accompany your meal with the signature tapas of Grilled Halloumi, Crispy Squid or Pork Belly! With a wide range of food dishes from breakfast to lunch, you’ll enjoy the amazing views and food here!
Address: Porthmeor Beach, Saint Ives TR26 1JZ
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Cafe Art
Love handmade artwork and coffee combined? Cafe Art in Royal Square is the next best cafe in St Ives for you to visit! Once you enter the cafe, your eyes will be wowed by the vibrant artwork on the walls, mismatched furniture and electric vibe! With a variety of delicious coffee, cakes and sandwiches, you can truly sit back and indulge in your sweet treats!
Did you know all the artwork on display is crafted by local artists in St Ives? Visitors can see the majestic designs, bright colours and handmade pieces and even have a chance to buy a piece too! Whilst enjoying the views of each bright painting, indulge in the fresh coffees accompanied by a Falafel Wrap or a Cornish Ham and Mature Cheddar Toastie. So get ready to sit back and see the amazing artwork pieces with a hot cup of coffee in your hand.
Address: The Drill Hall, 4 Chapel St, Saint Ives TR26 2LR
Sea Of Coffee
Opened in March 2022 and located in the heart of St Ives, Sea of Coffee is known for its unique coffee blends and friendly atmosphere. Working with a range of local suppliers in Cornwall, this independent coffee shop in St Ives offers delicious coffee from Olfactory Roastery—a taste that is both unique and flavoursome.
Wanting to unwind with friends and enjoy a bite to eat? Sea of Coffee has it all! With a relaxing setting area, coffee lounge and the aroma of coffee blended with homemade cakes, this spot may become a regular visit. From gluten-free to vegan cakes, the staff here will ensure they cater to your needs and craft the perfect coffee to accompany your tasty treat. Why not take a bite of the freshly made Breakfast Wraps or Seasonal Soups available in-store.
Founder Frankie has a background in coffee shops, from Costa Drive-Thrus to working in restaurants; her passion behind the business is to ensure they contribute to the coffee culture in Cornwall by delivering high-quality coffee blends to cater to their customer’s caffeine needs with exceptional service from the baristas.
So get ready for a delicious coffee with great conversations here…
Address: 7 High St, Saint Ives TR26 1RR
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Scoff Troff Cafe
Graze, Slurp, Relax, the slogan of Scoff Troff Cafe and letting all their visitors do exactly that! Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere inside filled with the aromas of fresh coffee, pastries and Cornish cream tea.
With a longstanding tradition of exceptional coffee, each cup uses a unique blend of roasted beans provided by gourmet suppliers in the Midlands, which are then crafted by trained baristas. The show-stopper drink is the ‘Cold Drip Coffee’ discovered in the summer of 2017. The coffee beans are brewed for twenty-four hours and offer sweet, strong, and bitter tastes, which you won’t find in a normal coffee machine.
The founders, Andrew & Beverly, were inspired by the many cuisines from their travels around the world, from Vietnam and Thailand to Australia. The cafe offers inspiration from all these countries to develop the best sandwiches, steaks, breakfasts, and haddock dishes.
Address: 11 Market Pl, Saint Ives TR26 1RZ
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Porthminster Beach Cafe
Imagine enjoying a fresh cup of coffee with the beautiful views of Pothminster’s sandy beach and turquoise waves. The Porthminster Beach Cafe, known for its beachside restaurant, is filled with a chance to see the Cornish waves sway by from the glass windows and enjoy a hot cup of brewed coffee with the sun shining through. With over 33 years in the food industry, the amazing team create delicious Asian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and garden-grown produce.
Your terrace dining experience will consist of panoramic views of St Ives Bay, filled with award-winning dishes. Try the sustainably sourced fish dishes picked straight from the Conrish harbours or indulge in the American Style Pancakes with a hot brewed coffee to wash your meal down! The Porthminster Beach Cafe focuses largely on sustainability by recycling and following the sustainable fish policy in Cornwall, making it the perfect cafe to visit! This beach cafe in St Ives is also dog-friendly, so bring your furry canines here to enjoy the sun shining!
Address: Porthminster Beach, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives TR26 2EB
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A growing coffee scene in St Ives
The beautiful town of St Ives is a fast-growing environment and the perfect haven for coffee lovers thanks to the wide selection of independent cafes! These establishments offer more than just caffeine; they offer an authentic experience for locals and visitors to enjoy on their trip here. Each cafe brings its own charm and unique experience with a selection of delicious dishes crafted by locally sourced ingredients, making them a must-visit in any St Ives coffee guide.
The growing trend of independent coffee shops in St Ives offers not only freshly brewed coffee but also a chance to connect with communities and see the creative spirits of business owners who are working hard to allow their cafes to flourish! From the beautiful beachfront backdrops to the busy cobbled streets, St Ives town offers an exceptional coffee experience which is both memorable and personalised.
Share Your St Ives Coffee Experience
Now that you’ve discovered the best cafes from our St Ives coffee guide, we encourage our readers to take a trip and visit these amazing independent franchises for a chance to taste exceptional coffee with a personalised experience.
