Kota Porthleven

Modern European·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Kota Porthleven

Silver Award

In a lovely spot right on the harbour front, Jude Kereama’s converted mill offers plenty of rustic, nautical character and an Asian-inspired menu that makes good use of local fish and organic farm produce. Being part Maori, part Chinese and part Malaysian, Jude’s culinary roots influence his daily menus: battered cod is given an exotic twist with tempura batter and wasabi tatare, while rib-eye steak is served with dauphnois, caramelised shallots & chimmichurri sauce. Those with more conservative tastes can tuck into creamy truffled celeriac soup with herb gnocchi and Parmesan crisps, hearty fish stew or lamb rump with roast butternut squash, caponata and garlic aioli. Leave room for an impressive pudding, perhaps lemon creme brulee with plum and star anise sorbet. Don’t miss Jude’s ‘wine tasting’ dinners.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
Modern European
Ambience
Cool, Cosy, Fine dining
Food Occasions
Dinner
Alfresco And Views
Great views
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Amid a spectrum of tourist traps and busy fishing hubs, Porthleven remains an unspoilt, working harbour that attracts visitors who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Many of those who make it to this secluded fishing village are here to visit Kota - the oustanding restaurant owned and run by Jude Kereama since 2006. 

As soon as you step through the doors of Kota, you're welcomed into a rustic but inviting dining room. The restaurant occupies an old converted mill and sits right on the harbour front, offering stunning views out to sea. 

Chef/owner Jude Kereama hails from New Zealand, and won awards for his restaurants in both London and Auckland before moving down to Cornwall. Being part Maori, part Chinese and part Malaysian, it's no surprise that he offers a unique perspective on food and his dishes combine with outstanding Cornish produce to produce real fireworks. On the starters are dishes like pigeon breast, parsnips, fig hoisin, puffed wild rice, brussel leaves and bacon, and you'll find more intrigue further along the menu with dishes like John Dory with saffron, shellfish, squid, samphire and shellfish mayonaise, and a port and red wine poached pear with digestive biscuit, Colston Basset blue cheese ice cream and candied walnuts. No wonder that Kota has held three AA rosettes since 2018 (though a seemingly deserved Michelin star remains elusive). 

If you wanted to indulge over dinner and avoid the late trip home, Kota also has a handful of beautifully furnished rooms available.


FAQs

Does Kota have a tasting menu?

There is a tasting menu and a set menu at Kota.

Helpful? 0

Kota Porthleven is featured in

Location

Harbour Head, Porthleven, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9JA

01326 562407 01326 562407

Website

Opening Times

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

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01326 562407 01326 562407

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