Harbourside, St Mawes, TR2 5AN
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Eating here on a summer’s evening is a real treat, given the setting” – a Relais & Châteaux hotel with a fantastic position including “fabulous views” over the sea. The menu can seem “a bit eclectic”, and even the odd fan feels the food sometimes “maybe doesn’t quite match the setting”. All of the good number of diners who report recommend it however, rate the cooking as either “very good” or “exceptional”, and say “if you don’t mind the prices, it’s very enjoyable”!.
Summary
“A new chef since our last visit but still excellent” – this Relais & Châteaux property is perched right over the sea and won nothing but praise in this year’s annual diners’ poll (as well as a hard-to-win three stars from the AA). In July 2023, Dorian Janmaat left as executive head chef, but we’ve maintained a rating for the time being.
Summary
“A really special place to eat in summer or winter with views out over the bustling harbour of St Mawes” – this 18-bedroom Relais & Châteaux hotel is perched near the sea, and its restaurant occupies a “light and attractive dining room” that’s warmly reviewed in all feedback. “A limited seasonal menu doesn’t detract: each course is beautifully presented by cheerful staff; and the fish is fresh and guaranteed to make you want to come back time and again”. If you want to push the boat out, there’s also a seven-course ‘signature’ option.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Idle Rocks?
Owner's description
Homely yet sophisticated, elegant yet immensely welcoming, the main mood is “home from home informality”.
Perched perfectly on the rocks, in the heart of St Mawes, the 18 bedroom Relais & Châteaux hotel is your home away from home. Each of our bedrooms are individually designed to reflect the ultimate beauty in waterside comfort & luxury.
With an award-winning restaurant, relaxing treatment room and unprecedented south-facing views across the water, the environment is relaxed and the hospitality is genuine and engaging.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner | £65.00 |  |
|
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £19.00 | £40.00 | £8.00 | £16.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £60.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £5.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
The chef
“My cuisine at The Idle Rocks reflects the hotel’s ethos of re-engaging with the simple pleasures in life. Fresh, local and seasonal Cornish produce is at the heart of my food philosophy with a focus on sustainability, promoting local suppliers and using only the finest ingredients. At all times, mentoring my team of chefs to constantly develop their skills and knowledge." - Dorian Janmaat, Executive Head Chef
Harbourside, St Mawes, TR2 5AN
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
