Tabb's Restaurant

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SquareMeal Review of Tabb's Restaurant

More than 10 years ago, Nigel Tabb bought up the old Royal Standard pub in Truro and transformed into an agreeably civilised neighbourhood restaurant – the kind of place where the pace in the smart lilac-hued dining room is unhurried and the classy cooking rarely fails to impress.

Nigel satisfies local appetites by putting the emphasis on fine local materials and raiding the Mediterranean for ideas. Glazed goats’ cheese arrives with beetroot stir-fry, pickled cucumber and horseradish dressing, while pot-roast belly pork with tomatoes, olives, red wine and chorizo gets an exotic kick from harissa couscous and chilli oil.

Desserts such as dark chocolate marquise with peanut-butter ice cream are equally appealing. At lunchtime you can plump for the conventional set menu or go down the global tapas route – think hake fricassee or tempura-style courgettes. Service is always “second to none”, confirms a regular.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
British
Ambience
Fine dining, Glamorous, Luxury, Quiet conversation, Romantic, Traditional
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch, Sunday roast
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

This unassuming restaurant on a street corner in Truro may not look up to much on the outside, but step through Tabb’s doors and you will find a modern fine-dining British restaurant which is serving much higher-quality food than its simple surroundings suggest.

Although Tabb’s has been in Truro for more than a decade, this is not actually the restaurant’s first iteration - it was previously found in the sleepy fishing village of Portreath. The dining room at the Truro site is an understated affair, featuring slate flooring and a lilac and cream colour scheme, complete with matching high back leather chairs. There are only a handful of tables in the space, for two or four guests and the restaurant offers lunch and dinner service, plus Tabb’s opens up for Sunday lunch twice a month.

The kitchen here is headed up by chef patron Nigel Tabb’s (hence the restaurant’s name), who honed his craft working in some of London’s busiest kitchens. He has now brought his years of experience back to Cornwall, overseeing a menu which makes the most of the region’s natural larder. The restaurant is also noteworthy for producing practically all of its menu on site, from the bread served at the beginning of your meal to the chocolates that accompany post-dinner cups of coffee.

The menu at Tabb’s changes with the seasons, but you can always expect to find uncomplicated, ingredient-led dishes at the helm. Take a main course of roasted duck breast with celeriac hash and grain mustard jus for example, or witness the indulgence of grilled fillet of hake with stir-fried cauliflower, mushroom cream and truffle oil. Puddings are just as tempting - think hot chocolate fondant with black treacle ice cream.

Tabb’s is not a cheap eat, but nor is it outrageously expensive, while the personable service makes this a feast that’s worth every penny.


FAQs

Does Tabb's Restaurant offer Sunday lunch?

Yes, Tabb's Restaurant serves Sunday lunch twice a month.

Helpful? 0

Does Tabb's restaurant take large groups?

Yes, Tabb's restaurant can accommodate groups of eight or more at lunchtime if pre-booked.

Helpful? 0

Is Tabb's restaurant child-friendly?

No, Tabb's restaurant is a fine-dining establishment and only welcomes adults.

Helpful? 0

Tabb's Restaurant is featured in

Location

85 Kenwyn Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3BZ

01872 262110 01872 262110

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue 12:00-14:00
Wed 12:00-14:00
Thu 12:00-14:00
Fri 12:00-14:00
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue 17:30-21:00
Wed 17:30-21:00
Thu 17:30-21:00
Fri 17:30-21:00
Sat 17:30-21:00
Sun Closed

Reviews

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5 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Brian T

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Nigel Tabb has been the top chef on the local restaurant scene for a couple decades. His standards never drop and his food bears all the hallmarks of his classical training. Dishes are well thought out and make maximum use of local Cornish produce. Seasonality is a key part of Nigel's approach and menus gently evolve through the year. The wine list is not the biggest but is well thought out with a good range of wines by the glass. 

Brian T

21 March 2018  
Decidely old school, this family run operation still cuts the mustard. Watch out for set menus to keep the cost under control.

Brian T

29 May 2017  
Nigel Tabb is an accomplished chef. He produces beautiful food with excellent flavour combinations in his somewhat out of the way establishment. The service is excellent. The wine list is really good for a relatively small restaurant and there is a good range of wines by the glass. The decor suits the building and makes for the intimate atmosphere that you want for a top dining experience. Overall it is excellent value.

Brian T

18 April 2013  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 5
Great lunch while planning dinner!
I just had lunch at Nigel Tabb's restaurant in Truro. I dropped in to plan a celebration dinner for my wife's birthday next week and ended up staying for lunch! After a cappuccino of mushroom soup with truffle oil accompanied by fresh homemade bread, I had the mussels in Thai broth followed by the slow cooked neck of lamb. It being lunchtime I had a local beer rather than choosing from the excellent wine list. The ingredients are all locally sourced and clearly of the highest quality as the flavours really shine through. I finished with a cup of coffee and a chat with Nigel about the menu for our celebration meal, which, I am sure, will be a meal to remember. Tabb's is the destination restaurant when visiting Truro!

Teresa S

13 February 2013  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
I visited Tabbs with two of my friends on 8th Feb. We had a wonderful meal of Wood Pidgeon,Pork, Goats Cheese and all cooked to the most delicious standards, the service is always second to none at Tabbs with attention paid to every detail in a relaxed friendly atmosphere, I can't wait till I visit again, thank you.
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01872 262110 01872 262110

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