Carn Brea Castle

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#4 of 48 Restaurants in RedruthMiddle Eastern, Vegetarian friendly, $$ - $$$

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Carn Brea Castle

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CUISINES

Middle Eastern

Meal types

Dinner, Late Night

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Parking Available

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Location

La Belle, Redruth TR16 6SL England

Parking Available

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

Yes

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4.4

436 reviews

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291

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Elaine M

East Kilbride144 contributions

Lovely and unique

Oct 2024 • friends

Great dinner in a unique setting and great value for money. Absolutely loved our meal here with friends. Being a Saturday night it was very busy (we'd booked in advance) and all of the staff were efficient and friendly. The food was generous in portion and very tasty with a goid variety of choice on the menu. Being able to go up on to the roof in-between courses for a lovely (although cold!) view was an added bonus. The house wine was good - we had both red and white - and the whole jealous was very reasonable in price. The only downside was that the coffee was instant - but the waitress made us aware of this and we didn't bother having coffee. Would definitely go back

Written October 22, 2024

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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 December 9, 2022

Keith

2 contributions

Very average for the price.

Jul 2024 • couples

Starter of humus in a large dish but thinly smeared around the pot and the the centre filled with olive oil resulting in little humus to coat the pitta bread. Disappointing when in most Turkish restaurants this starter is provided free of charge. Main described as lamb kebab with onion relish. What arrived was 4 very good quality small lamb cutlets with a couple of warm white onion bits top of a mound of white rice and some dressed small chopped up salad leaves with chopped tomato etc..and a pot of plain yoghurt. Wine was ok but overall not worth the money and very limited menu. Need to up their game for such a nice venue.

Written July 5, 2024

Tony G

Cornwall318 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 April 18, 2022

Dave M

32 contributions

Unique venue for dinner

Jan 2024 • couples

An unusual venue to have dinner. A winding track leads you up to the castle and the views are stunning on a good day. The castle is perched on the top of what can only be described as a Tor. This is an experience eating here. We visited in January and it was dark and atmospheric. Mainly lit by candle light inside which adds to the ambience. Our dinner was superb. We had chicken and steak (which was cooked to perfection) and some very tasty starters. Sincere thanks to Andy and the team for a memorable evening in a unique setting. We had to change our date due to unforeseen work at the venue, but as a thank you from Andy, we had a free bottle of wine with our dinner which was much appreciated and a lovely gesture. Can’t wait to return…. A1

Written January 25, 2024

Andy B

Hessenford9 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 February 25, 2022

JNHarvey

19 contributions

This is NOT middle eastern food!

Apr 2023 • friends

This is NOT middle eastern food! Shish Tawouk should be a spicy kebab - not a chicken fillet and surely garlic mushrooms don't usually come in a meaty vinegar sauce? Half a plate of plain boiled rice and some shredded lettuce is really not good enough, either as food or by way of presentation. Over-priced and very disappointing.

Written April 26, 2023

David N

Truro59 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 August 22, 2021

thetangoman

Truro241 contributions

Simply Amazing

Aug 2024 • couples

Amazing Visit Recent visit , we’ve been a few times and it’s been consistently good Amazing restaurant with stunning views, and cash payments only Very atmospheric, candle light giving the place a real sense of history and balance The staff are amazing very friendly and welcoming The menu is full of great dishes based from Lebanon do always full of flavour and tastes Would definitely recomend the “Carn Brea Special “ We recomend a visit and we will be back

Written August 22, 2024

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 June 23, 2021

Ben White

Northampton3377 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 November 9, 2020

Malika A

Stoney Stanton286 contributions

Great People, Great Views and Good Food

Sep 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 September 29, 2021

22sasha

Worcester8 contributions

Fantastic atmosphere but average food

Mar 2023 • none

The atmosphere here is fantastic! You would struggle to find another restaurant like this. The views are amazing also but sadly we did find some of the food was not the best. Everyone enjoyed their starters especially the garlic mushrooms. Though, I would suggest that they serve with nicer bread instead of thin toast. The rice with the kebabs (seasoned chicken breasts) was unfortunately cold. The chilli chicken tasted like a chicken tikka masala ready meal.My mums steak was well cooked and she enjoyed it very much. The chocolate brownie was dry and tasted more like a chocolate sponge. I do feel the price does not reflect the quality of the food unfortunately. However, I am Interested to try some of the other options on the menu for comparison as If not for the incredible views we would probably not return.

Written March 20, 2023

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 June 16, 2021

Julia H

17 contributions

A quirky restaurant worth a visit

Mar 2022 • couples

Last night we ate at Carn Brea castle. The reason to visit is the uniqueness of the castle itself, I have eaten at the castle 3 times and each time I have enjoyed being in this unique and special place. The food is good but not amazing- I had some nice hummus and great tasty steak but for me the food is always secondary to the experience of being in the castle itself. We were pleasantly welcomed and really enjoyed our evening. As others have said the last part of the approach road is bumpy and twisting so allow extra time and take it slowly- it is absolutely worth the effort. So pleased that despite challenges the Sawalha family continues to offer this experience to visitors and maintain the castle for others to enjoy.

Written March 9, 2022