Carn Brea Castle

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#4 of 51 Restaurants in Redruth££ - £££, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian friendly

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4.5

435 reviews

#4 of 51 Restaurants in Redruth

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CUISINES

Middle Eastern

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner, After-hours

features

Location and contact

La Belle, Redruth TR16 6SL England

+44 1209 218358

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Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?

Yes

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CUISINES

Middle Eastern

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner, After-hours

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Table Service

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4.5

435 reviews

Excellent

289

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Ben White

Northampton3275 contributions

Lovely Evening Meal

Oct 2020 • couples

We were recommended to visit this place by a friend and we were not disappointed! The drive up to castle is a long a very narrow road with lots of potholes, so drive slowly and it almost seems like you’re driving into the middle of nowhere. But once you reach the car park, there’s plenty of space to park. The castle is on top of a hill, so the views are amazing even when it’s dark. The reception is a warm, cosy entrance with a roaring fire which was perfect as it was freezing outside! We were greeted by a very friendly lady, who shown us to our table. It’s very dimly lit as the main source of light is candles, so would be a struggle for the visually impaired. But it added to the medieval atmosphere. The menu was predominantly European and Middle Eastern but a range of dishes for everyone to enjoy. The price is more on the expensive side but the food was tasty and good quality so it was worth the price. Our lovely server made us aware that the rooftop was open so we could explore the roof and take some more photos. By the way, the only accept cash or cheque - no cards of any kind. Overall, a lovely place with tasty food and friendly service!

Written 9 November 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steve M

Newquay37 contributions

Intimate and romantic dining experience in 13th century castle

Feb 2020 • couples

We loved our visit to Carn Brea castle restaurant, which was on a cold and blustery night in February. This is a no frills dining experience in a 13th century castle, lit by candlelight and heated with a few mobile appliances. So yes, it was a little chilly and the tables are quite close together, but we found the atmosphere intimate and romantic. The food has a clear middle-eastern influence and offers a good choice of meat and vegetarian dishes. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and recommend the Prawn Provençal Tarator. The service was friendly and hospitable. We will certainly return, perhaps in the summer when we will be able to enjoy the view from the battlements, which are accessible to diners. A word of warning: there is poor mobile reception so they do not take credit cards; also don’t attempt to get there in a low-slung sports car. The drive to the castle is on an unmade road and not for the fainthearted.

Written 12 February 2020

David N

Truro60 contributions

Family celebration at the castle

Aug 2021 • none

My cousin, coming to stay with us, asked if we would book a meal "somewhere different that we had never been before". I had been aware of the restaurant at Carn Brea Castle for many years but had never actually got around to trying it. I duly booked and on the agreed day the four of us headed out, the drive up from Carnkie village is an experience in itself. The restaurant is spread across the various floors of the castle giving a pleasantly intimate setting with great character. The roof is open to the public and it is well worth climbing the narrow staircase for the panoramic view of central Cornwall. The cuisine is middle eastern / European. For starters I had the meneesh which is a baked flatbread with thyme, sesame seeds and olive oil. This is something that should really be shared, definitely not a single person starter. Next time we go we will order a range of starters and share "mezze style". The restaurant lists a "small mezze" as a main, I think next time we will take that as a shared starter (one of our party had this as a main and pronounced it excellent). I had the pepper fillet, cooked rare ("blue"), yes it was a proper fillet and cooked to perfection and came with a sufficiency of pepper sauce (I hate it when restaurants are stingy with sauces) the sauce I suspect contained other eastern spices, very tasty. Veggies were cooked well too. My wife had the sirloin steak which was good, while my cousin had the lamb kebab which wasn't served as a kebab and more like lamb medallions which he really enjoyed. All four of us couldn't fault the food (other than the meneesh should be billed as a starter for sharing); we all felt the service was excellent too, helpful and attentive. The venue would certainly benefit from a wine selection, only choices were house "red", "rose" or "white". We had the red and it was pleasant enough. We all had deserts which were pleasant and the waitress responded instantly with a little extra cream when requested. We will certainly return and give more friends and relatives the experience. The menu can accommodate veggies and vegans well but might not be suitable for diners with very "plain" tastes. Having worked throughout eastern Europe and the Middle East, and enjoying the cuisine, I loved it. It should be noted that the very structure of the (very small) castle does not facilitate "social distancing separation" of diners and tables.

Written 22 August 2021

charlottesA6697QJ

Ashford1 contribution

Setting 10/10, service 7/10, food 5/10

Jun 2021 • couples

Visited Carn Brae Castle restaurant on a recommendation and have to say the restaurant and setting is amazing. Overall we had a lovely evening and absolutely loved the building and views. Unfortunately we could not say the same for the food. We did not complain as the experience made up for it which we feel is probably the case more often then not upon reading the other reviews along similar lines. The food was cooked well and edible but not reminiscent of Lebanese. The starters were nice despite the standard packet pitta breads however the mains were bland and uninspiring. Chilli chicken can only be described as jarred chicken curry from the supermarket with added hot spice layed on a coriander supermarket naan with plain boiled rice. Lamb cutlets unseasoned although cooked well with plain boiled rice and chopped lettuce, cucumber and tomato with no dressing. Nothing Lebanese about it. Having eaten frequently in Beirut I was left disappointed. Drinks weren't much better, small selection of not great wines and with all the lovely cornish ciders about we got served a pint of strongbow :-/. Overall lovely place just a shame the food was sub standard and massively overpriced for what we got.

Written 23 June 2021

Francesca H

Bury5 contributions

Wonderful meal in a quirky establishment!

Jul 2020 • friends

We've walked past this restaurant so many times and we're really glad that we remembered to book for a meal for when we came back to Cornwall. The food was excellent, beautifully cooked with unusual but delicious flavours. The staff were lovely - very welcoming and friendly and they have very competitive prices for both food and beers/wines. Thank you Carn Brae Castle Restaurant for a lovely evening and great food and ambience 🙌👍👏

Written 23 July 2020

Katie B

Penzance29 contributions

Drink in the atmosphere!

Sept 2020 • none

I visited here with a friend who, like me, had always wanted to see what it was like. If you are a Goth, or even a more closet one like myself, book a table. The food is lovely, the staff are happy, friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is Transylvania in Redruth. We ate three courses each and, not only was the food filling, it was not overly rich, well balanced and a very decent price. Just under £34.00 for mine which included a drink. The castle's age and stone can be felt. I would definitely recommend this place if you want to go somewhere different for an adventure and I will certainly be back. A word of caution if you are the driver, which I was; it is quite a bumpy and alarming road to those who are unused to it. Watch out for speed bumps too at the beginning which loom up unseen. Luckily, I had driven the route before hand and knew what to expect. Do go up on the parapet and do visit the strange room with weird and wonderful things in it. As I say, if any of your friends or family are Goths, get them up here!

Written 5 October 2020

Tony G

Cornwall319 contributions

The castle on the hill

Apr 2022 • couples

For so so many years we've viewed this as we only live locally and apart from a quick look around nearly 30 yes ago never visited for a meal To celebrate 40 years since we started going out courting I decided to do something nice so booked a table for 2 Arrived 5 mins early no issues parking although the lane does have some hellish bumps and dips so slowly is the way to approach. we were seated straight away, given a few minutes to look at the menu and then ordered drinks, starter and main, like most people already checked menu on their website. Wife had humus olives and pitta followed by the sirloin steak in pomegranate. I had the garlic mushrooms followed by the Safayeh prawns on rice, all meals were delicious and served hot. Very polite staff and very efficient. Only criticism is the small wine at £6.95 is in fact a miniature bottle of one glass, I would have liked to see a half carafe and paid a little more. Really loved the atmosphere and will definitely be going back again No card machine so cash or cheque only Tony and Shelley April 2022

Written 18 April 2022

sandra m

Norwich136 contributions

Interesting experience.

Sept 2020 • none

We were looking for somewhere special to celebrate our anniversary and this came up with good reviews. Decided to book a table as it sounded quite out of the ordinary. Well it certainly was an experience that I won’t forget. The drive up, in the dark is quite an adventure on its own. Certainly in need of a drink once you arrive. You have to ring the bell when you arrive and someone comes and unlock the door to let you in. There are several little areas with tables in and everywhere is just lit by candlelight. We had to climb up stone stairways to our table. Very cosy although it’s just stone walls and candles. We were told we could climb up to the roof to have a look out over surrounding area. Advice, turn phone torch on as it’s very dark up here. Well worth it though. And the food! Can only say delicious. Had hummus with hot pita bread and stuffed vine leaves for starters, all very tasty. We had lamb kebab and chicken kebab for main and couldn’t fault it. As a visitor to Cornwall it’s unlikely I will visit again anytime soon, but would highly recommend a visit if you want something different to experience.

Written 30 September 2020

Richard P

Helston56 contributions

A real Cornish treasure

Jun 2021 • none

We are locals anmd having walked up Carn Brea a number of times we had always wondered about this restaurant and could not wait any longer to go and see. You have to prebook and must pay with cash or cheque, no cards. What an experience, not too sure what to expect we started our adventure. To get to the restaurant you have to drive up a long unmade track, quite narrow and very bumpy so take care but don't let this put you off. You arrive at the restaurant, ring the bell and we were greeted by a very friendly lady who makes you most welcome. It turned out that this lady would be our waitress, in fact she was the only one there on table duty. She works so hard but makes it so obvious that she loves her work, always smiling. The castle has many small areas for dining, going up stone staircases to different levels, all lit by candlelight, there are candles everywhere, creating such a lovely and relaxing atmosphere. The service is excellent, we ordered and before we knew it the food was on our table, we had three courses and the food was cooked to perfection. Not a huge choice on the menu but should be enough to satisfy most people with the range from European to middle eastern. You are also allowed to go up narrow stone steps to the top level where the views from between the turrets are amazing on a good day. I can usually find something not too good and drop a star in rating but this visit was perfect in every way, thoroughly deserving five stars. We will certainly return again and when we have visitors can think of no better place to take them, if you would like something a little bit different this is the place for you.

Written 16 June 2021

Andy B

Hessenford8 contributions

Fabulous atmosphere.

Feb 2022 • family

We booked for a group of 10 for a celebration with family and friends. What a wonderful, atmospheric place. Outside the weather was dreadful with gales and wind yet inside we were snug and treated to the most wonderful (and good value) food and warm hospitality. There is a perfect blend of history, comfort and atmosphere. As others have said, the approach road is ‘difficult’ but it is worth the effort. Definitely 5*. Thank you. We will be back.

Written 25 February 2022

Lesley C

19 contributions

50th birthday celebration 🎂

Dec 2022 • couples

Went on 5th December for my birthday. Turns out we were blessed by booking for 6:30pm as once we were welcomed in by the hostess and taken up to the dining area, we had the whole castle to ourselves. The interior is amazing, dark in places and subtly lit with candles creating an authentic experience. Yes it was dimly lit in places and, yes it was cool. However, it's December. In a castle and to be honest this is part of the experience. I would have been less impressed If the castle had been renovated to the point of being a modern restaurant, and am glad they have not followed modern trends. The other reviews that mention the drive up to the castle being spooky and photo opportunities of the castle from the car park are correct, and certainly builds the excitement. We were blown away by the look of the castle and the surrounding area that will not disappoint. Food. We ordered house wine. Garlic mushrooms, prawn provincial and hummus with pitta and olives as starters. All amazing, good sized portions and definitely eat those again. The mushrooms were a highlight. Mains were fillet steak cara with vegetables with my partner ordering the vegetable stew with rice (cashmari). Steak was perfectly cooked and good size for the cost. The menu caters for both vegitarians and meat eaters, has a good selection, and in our opinion is very tasty and is value for money. I would suggest increasing the size of vegetable main dishes though. Larger appetites will thank you for this. Finally we enjoyed the baklava for desert. Before leaving we were kindly prompted to explore the castle roof top and rooms within. I strongly advise looking around, at the open fire and christmas tree on the ground floor. Winding staircase leading up to the roof and ramparts that provide a universal view over Red Ruth. Upon leaving we commented that the next time we come to this Venu we come during daylight so we can experience this incredible venue from a different perspective. Service, food and venue were amazing. This is a unique experience and not your run of the mill restaurant, well worth a visit 😀 x

Written 9 December 2022

ProfSally

Bedford184 contributions

A delicious and unique hidden gem

Aug 2020 • friends

What a fabulous find! Local friends told us about this unique Jordanian restaurant in the castle and we decided to give it a go! I can see what it doesn’t need to advertise as the food, service, setting and experience are superb and word will get around quickly! We enjoyed a mix of starters (beans, salad, hummus and vine leaves) and they were all fresh, tasty and came out in great time. The five of us had a range of mains from lamb kebab to chicken to steaks and every dish was a winner! Fresh veg, great flavours, and generous portions. Finished with smiles! The views from the castle are wonderful, and you can also go to the top of the castle for a panoramic view. The sun was setting and it was just fabulous. The candle light made the whole evening beautifully atmospheric and it was the perfect lock down catch up for us. What a quirky, fun and memorable place for a meal. Service was friendly, fast and the prices were reasonable given the quality and location. We will be back for sure. Book in advance and they only take cash or cheque. No cards.

Written 21 August 2020

Malika A

Stoney Stanton286 contributions

Great People, Great Views and Good Food

Sept 2021 • none

You don’t come here for the food, you come here for the quirky nature of the venue, the ambiance and a well cooked dinner, served by efficient and polite people. Service is unbelievably quick, our starters arrived three minutes after we ordered, and our perfectly cooked steaks as the starter plates were cleared. We visited six years ago and the menu is the same (even the soup of the day is vegetable). All food is cooked well, very tourist traditional and served with lots of salad, rice, potatoes and vegetables. The views and building are stunning, yes the drive is a little hairy, but you are going to a castle on an accent hill fort site, so what do you expect! Take cash, eat good food, go to the roof to see the 360 degree panorama and tip the bloody amazing staff (up and down those stairs all night with food and drinks is hard work).

Written 29 September 2021

Emily

7 contributions

Amazing location, awful food

Jul 2021 • couples

If you like good food, this is NOT the place to go. My husband and I excitably booked for a meal as part of our honeymoon in Cornwall,.. Unfortunately it did not live up to our expectation. The food was awful! We had the potato and spinach curry which was one of the few vegetarian options on the menu. It was full of salt, and tasted like a bad microwave meal. We are sure it had been made days in advanced and reheated up. We both had terrible stomachs this morning because of it. Yes the castle is beautiful, but the food makes this place fall short. The driveway up to the castle is terrible, be prepared for a few bumps and scrapes on your car from the potholes on your way up. I hate writing bad reviews, but for the price of the food in this restaurant and the quality of what arrives on your plate, it isn't worth it.

Written 3 July 2021

Kyle J

Market Harborough28 contributions

Incredible venue, incredible view, ok food

Jul 2021 • couples

The venue is something really special, the restaurant and views are incredible. I'd definetly recommend the whole experience as something you must do. Dont think I'd return though. For me the food did not live up to the experience or the price. I'm not knocking the food too much, the quality was good, I just felt they have such an opportunity to do something special. We ordered the lamb and King prawns. The lamb was just a few cutlets on plain rice, it was well cooked, a bit plain and the majority of the plate was taken up by the condiment bowl of yogurt. Same story for the prawns. After spending £80 for two we did leave a bit hungry. They could also do with a better wine list. The only red option was the house wine and it was no more than a £5 bottle from the supermarket marked up 3x. The last frustrating thing was they don't accept card. Its nice they do tell you when booking. I never keep cash on my person so looked at what I wanted before and withdrew the money. But after the small portions I wanted to order a bit more and couldn't so just got a taxi to the co-op and grabbed a pizza.