Hello dear
Welcome to Ugly Butterfly Restaurant and Bar Cornwall
Ugly Butterfly Restaurant and Bar Cornwall, located in the stunning Carbis Bay Estate, offers an unparalleled dining experience characterized by its commitment to innovative cuisine and sustainability. The menu features exquisite dishes like the Short Rib Reuben and Duck, Sausage, Celeriac, highlighting local ingredients with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the meticulous attention to detail, from the thoughtfully curated flavors to the spectacular atmosphere overlooking the beach. Whether indulging in an elevated afternoon tea or savoring the Chef's Menu delights, guests often leave with cherished memories, as evidenced by enthusiastic reviews praising the exceptional service and memorable culinary adventures.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Cheese Doughnuts
French Bloom, Non-Alcoholic, Champa
Hog's Pudding Sausage Roll
Battenberg
About
Ugly Butterfly Restaurant and Bar Cornwall
Welcome to the Ugly Butterfly Restaurant and Bar Cornwall, a hidden gem nestled within the stunning Carbis Bay Estate in Saint Ives. This unique dining destination is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that artfully combines local ingredients with culinary innovation. With a commitment to sustainability, the restaurant focuses on minimizing food waste while creating unforgettable dishes that boldly celebrate the rich flavors of Cornwall.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere and a team dedicated to providing impeccable service. The Ugly Butterfly's menu is curated with care, featuring dishes such as the Hog's Pudding Scotch Egg and Black Garlic Black Pudding Sausage Roll, which are bound to excite your taste buds. Seafood lovers will relish the Fish Schnitzel, paired with capers and creamy mash, while the Venison Burger offers a hearty option that stands out with its perfectly cooked patty and crispy chips.
For those seeking a lighter bite, the Mussels cooked in Polgoon Cider with sourdough are a must-try that showcases the coastal bounty. Paired with artisan wines and handcrafted cocktails, each meal becomes a journey through local flavors that embody the essence of Cornwall.
The brilliance of Ugly Butterfly lies not just in its food but in the meticulous attention to detail that is evident throughout the dining experience. As noted by guests like Michaela Keep and James Hayward, whether you're celebrating an engagement or a special birthday, the team goes above and beyond to create memorable experiences. The delicate balance of elevated yet familiar flavors creates a sense of comfort amidst an elegant setting.
Many diners have raved about the unique Chef's Menu, which includes standout items like Scallop with Pumpkin and XO, and Cornish Lemon with White Chocolate. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to surprise and delight, leaving patrons in awe of the culinary artistry on display. This is fine dining that doesn’t just fill your stomach but also warms your heart.
Additionally, the breathtaking views of the beach paired with the innovative culinary approach make Ugly Butterfly an ideal choice for any occasion. Guests like Lydia Williams and Maz “Suue” B have praised the afternoon tea service, describing it as an extraordinary adventure with numerous thoughtful touches and an explosion of flavors.
At the Ugly Butterfly Restaurant and Bar Cornwall, every visit transforms dining into an occasion to cherish. It’s a place where fine dining meets local tradition and sustainable practices. If you’re looking for a spot that champions culinary creativity with a view that leaves you breathless, look no further than this remarkable eatery. Book your table today!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Wow, what an amazing experience. If you’re thinking about going, go! We came here for our engagement and it was perfect. The team made us feel so special and the food exceeded our expectations, it was elevated but familiar and I can thank the team enough! ”
“ This was by far one of the best culinary experiences we had during our roadtrip across Cornwall. The venue, the staff, the food... everything is meticulously taken care of. They even prepared a birthday card signed by them all!! An absolutely wonderful experience. ”
“ Absolutely sensational! Hands down the best afternoon tea (& resturant) experience I have ever had. We were celebrating our engagement and everyone was so happy for us and went above and beyond. Every member of staff made it so special for us, we will truly never forget it. The food was delicious, thoughtful & such an adventure. So many amazing little touches. Not just your average afternoon tea! All staff were so friendly (in particular our waitress Tilly) & the resturant and views are out of this world. Cannot wait to return (and maybe next time do the taster menu). Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience. ”
“ Took my wife for Afternoon Tea at The Ugly Butterfly on her Birthday, Valentines Day 2025. Atmosphere, service and food were excellent. Tables nicely spaced apart. Unhurried vibe. Innovation with flavours in both food and drinks was evident and staff did a great job of explaining their approach. This was a fine dining experience for sure. Well done team and thanks for looking after us! See you again soon. ”
“ I was absolutely blown away by the atmosphere,service and food. Steph and her team explained all the different ingredients and how they are big on minimal food waste. We were treated with respect and kindness. The afternoon tea is something everyone should experience at this restaurant. I also love the minimal waste cooking. We had the beautiful sunny beach as our view while we enjoyed our tea. The front of were an explosion of flavours too. Thank you for a wonderful experience for my son and I. ”
“ 3 of us came for an afternoon tea midweek. Had an amazing table. The weather was beautiful. Staff were so nice and friendly, made to feel very welcome. Food, OMG was delicious. Every mouthful was just so tasty, presented so pretty. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will be back for another meal soon as live within 20 miles of Carbis Bay. ”
“ The Ugly Butterfly was simply the most amazing dining experience. Adam and his team have really blown things away here, actually lost for words with the level of culinary delights. Wow!!!! The staff were the most amazing, friendly and ever professional in their service. We had the tasting menu experience over 2 hours and each amazing dish as it’s brought out is explained to you in detail. Combine this with the stunning Carbis Bay location and you are in for the most wonderful dining experience. Thank you guys we will most certainly return. ”
“ I took my fiance to the Ugly Butterfly as a treat while away for a few days. We had the Chef's Menu which consists of 7 courses, I believe... I lost count. As we arrived a little early we had drinks in the bar lounge area before the meal. There is a wide range of wines, cocktails, champagnes, etc. I had an Old Fashioned before the mean, and the sommelier chose a lovely white wine to go well with the food, which was appreciated. Every mouthful was packed full of flavour, using almost exclusively local produce is something not many restaurants of this calibre can boast about. The presentation was outstanding and very photogenic. The dining area has huge glass windows which look out over the bay. I would strongly recommend giving The Ugly Butterfly a visit if you're in the area and fancy a special treat. I can't fault the staff, food, location... Just a wonderful evening! ”