A dining treat at Kota Porthleven

We had a delicious early evening meal at Kota in Porthleven during our Easter trip to Cornwall (well known to be one of my favourite places).  Over the past few years new restaurants have been springing up all over Cornwall that are well worth investigating.  I have a strong preference for supporting a small local business and this was another example of why that is such a good idea!  Having already visited a number of great places in other bits of Cornwall when a google search identified Kota I was thrilled to see it opened just in time for Easter and happily selected it rather than investigating the famous chef options. A perfect spot for anniversary supper!

From Gunwalloe looking along Loe Bar beach to Porthleven

Porthleven is a pretty fishing village and we arrived early to have a little mooch around – unfortunately we arrived just as the shops were shutting, but window-shopping research gives it the thumbs up anyway!  Nearby is Loe Bar, which is a stunning text book example of long-shore drift in action, as well as a great selection of coastal walks for example from Gunwalloe (above) to see a church on a beach and slightly further afield a great choice of routes on the Lizard .  We had a lovely day out in the area and Kota was perfectly located to finish the day and satisfy our hunger.

Homely surroundings (bar photo from Kota website, fizz – all mine)

Kota has been in existence for 6 years and there is also ‘Kota Kai‘ in the village which is slightly more relaxed and also open for lunches.  The website was an easy sell – plentiful sources of recognition from high places!  It is family owned and has the ‘rustic chic’ look and feel that is perfect for Cornwall.   The restaurant doors open at 6pm and we headed over earlier than our table booking as the evening was getting chilly (and the shops were shut).  By about 7pm the restaurant, which has about 15 tables was completely full and I suspect a second sitting of diners were expected too.  Great to see it thriving so early in the season.  The staff at Kota are really friendly and have something to say for themselves – I always like it when there is some banter and they can give menu pointers with experience.  The surroundings are really nice – it has the look of a former pub, but has been taken up market but retains the cosiness.  There are also some lovely art deco pieces that set everything off well!  Minor point – the bathrooms could do with a lick of pain, the rest of the venue has been done up incredibly smartly indeed which is why I noticed.

A tempting menu and amuse bouche to assuage any hunger from reading it!

The menu provided fantastic choice, even the vegetarian option was interesting and tempted us!  Having eaten at the Michelin starred Black Rat in Winchester recently it was of a similar vein – the old favourites but offered in an interesting and localised way, really making the most of local fare!  While we chose our meal I enjoyed a glass of fizz and Mr P a local ale – when in Cornwall…  It was difficult to choose as we both were torn between options, but eventually we managed!  After ordering, the amuse bouche quickly arrived – we enjoyed calamari and also a creamy foie gras on mini-brioche.  A great start indeed!  Thank goodness for lactase – this was a dairy meal I was eating!  This was shortly followed by some divine homemade garlic and rosemary bread that I must confess we went back for thirds on…. No desserts were needed by the Parkers (when will we learn?)!

Beautiful starters!

Our starters did of course impress!  Between us we shared (since choosing was so challenging) the scallops and a venison carpaccio. Fantastic tastes and served with delicate salads that were very well paired and beautiful to look at!

Foodie heaven indeed

Our main course (after we had topped up the bread levels…) was another triumph.  I had chosen the duck (three different types of duck presentation and texture) and Mr P opted for the steak.  Great portion sizes and fabulous tastes, there wasn’t much chatting or sharing of these dishes!  Very clever how they had both been put together and always another taste or texture to find – fine dining indeed.

We didn’t have space for dessert but I suspect we missed out looking at the plates around us.  Our meal was around £90 which I consider a great price for what we ate and drank and the quality of the catering and service.  The restaurant also offers a set menu which is slightly better value but with a reduced choice.

I would love to head back to Porthleven later in the year, perhaps to try the sister property Kota Kai.  Kota also has a few bed and breakfast rooms worth investigating – I can imagine the breakfast must be a feast!  Kota is in Porthleven, about 20 minutes drive from the main A30 road and 10 minutes from Helston. I would definitely recommend booking – it was packed at the start of the season, so it’s a popular spot!

Contact details – Harbour Head, Porthleven, Helston, TR13 9JA.  01326 562407.

Mining country – stunning!

Plenty more about Cornwall to come in the following few weeks – I flooded instagram with favourite pictures during our stay if you would like a taster!