Kota Restaurant
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Kota Restaurant
Kota, meaning 'shellfish' in Maori, (chef Jude is half Maori, half Chinese Malay) is set in a 300 year old building, right on the harbour front of the historic village of Porthleven. From here, Jude works his culinary magic on the best local produce using his signature Asian twist. Jude earned the Trencherman's Award for 'Special Contribution' in 2020 and was named 'Chef Of The Year' in 2019.

Kota is proud to be recognised by the Good Food Guide, the Michelin Guide with a prestigious Bib Gourmand Award and the AA (with three Rosettes). Kota is one of only five restaurants in Cornwall to have been awarded 3 Rosettes. A tremendous award we couldn't be more proud to receive.
Services
Stepping through the door of Kota you are welcomed into a warm and relaxed world where your taste buds are invited to experience the exquisite dishes offered by chef Jude Kereama and his team. Since opening in 2006, Kota has been recognised by many eating out guides and is a consistently present name amongst the food and beverage awards.
Awarded 4* by the AA, Kota has three rooms available for visitors wishing to stay in Porthleven. All rooms have king size beds and en-suite bathrooms. One is a large family sized room with a small double sofa bed available upon request and enjoys stunning views over the bustling harbour. Kota now has a brand new room on ground level, which can also accommodate a family.
No less impressive than big sister Kota, Kota Kai offers a relaxing atmosphere and a menu that is well-deserving of it's AA rosette. Kota Kai Bar & Kitchen is a versatile space enjoyed by drinkers and diners. Our menu offers a diverse range of dishes inspired by Jude's multiple influences. Amongst our extensive and well thought-out wine list you'll easily find the perfect tipple to accompany your chosen meal.
Reviews (15)
Sian Sandercock
Sian Sandercock
Jan 09, 2022
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I had a wonderful evening at Kota, we had the 6 course tasting menu (plus amuse bouche and petit fours). The whole experience was just fantastic - every mouthful was delicious, the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, the staff really attentive and polite. I've already booked to go back for my birthday!
Ken Philip
Ken Philip
Dec 10, 2021
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Had to wait a few months to get a reservation on a date that suited us but well worth the wait!
Deliciously innovative food, lovely ambience, very courteous staff and great location!
Rachel Walmsley
Rachel Walmsley
Dec 01, 2021
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There aren’t enough superlatives to describe how incredible this tasting menu experience was. Joyous. Exquisite. Mind blowingly excellent. Science mixed with art and pure genius. A truly memorable birthday… meal. Everyone should get to experience this place at least once in their lives. Thank you for the wonderful meal, wine pairing and lovely service. Highly recommend and would love to come back in future
Stuart Ross
Stuart Ross
Nov 18, 2021
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We stayed for three nights in room 2. We ate there two nights out of the three.
Our room was cosy, loads of towels and mini shower gels etc. Bedding was lovely, we had all the tea and coffee items and the fridge had milk and water . Our meals at the restaurant were fantastic, we opted for the set menus both nights. Food was lovely, service was fantastic, staff were attentive, we didn't have to wait long to order drinks and food. Breakfast was at Kota Kai and was great, again staff there were lovely. We cannot fault our stay and it was made the perfect break by meeting Jude and getting to have
Steve Gunter
Steve Gunter
Nov 17, 2021
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As always a lovely experience. A very intimate restaurant with top quality food and staff. Either a set menu of 2 or 3 courses or a taster menu of 4 or 6 courses. All the dishes are exquisitely prepared and the flavour combinations are superb. Highly recommended
Lynne Merrick
Lynne Merrick
Oct 30, 2021
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Fabulous taster menu last night. Perfectly delicious food & wine thank you 🙂
Stewart Richards
Stewart Richards
Oct 24, 2021
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What a great experience! We had the tasting menu and it was excellent, with all the flavours and textures in the dishes it was a truly gastronomic experience par excellence. The serving staff were very pleasant and their knowledge of the dishes served and the wines was top notch. We will visit again before too long and therefore highly recommend Kota
A. Minute Of Cornish Calm
A. Minute Of Cornish Calm
Oct 22, 2021
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Absolutely outstanding food and service. We had the 8 course tasting menu and every dish was amazing. Not the cheapest but an incredible experience and I'd wholeheartedly recommend.
We had scallops, salmon, hake and beef and each mouthful was divine. Can't wait to go back.
Tony Clout
Tony Clout
Aug 24, 2021
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Been wanting to go to Kota since moving to Cornwall 5 years ago. Finally made it last Thursday and it didn’t disappoint. The taster menu was excellent The staff were amazing Clearly highly trained and very… respectful and friendly Highly recommend anyone visiting the area to treat themselves to the Kota experience Well done Jude you have a great team and look forward to coming back soon
NothingontheTV
NothingontheTV
Jul 13, 2021
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Fantastic restaurant and dinning experience. We had the 6 course tasting menu and all the courses were interesting and well prepared. Our party of 6 contained 2 Vegans but the staff were able to accommodate and each course for all of our party came out at the same time and was presented with the same enthusiasm. Staff were attentive and the food was excellent. Would happily return when I'm next in Cornwall.
Derek Hughes-Beddows
Derek Hughes-Beddows
Sep 19, 2020
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Well this is the second time we have visited Kota. We had the 6 course tasting menu.....again. I can honestly say this is the best meal we have had ...ever. After sampling fare around the globe, Michelin star gaffs in London and world wide, this place is truly exceptional, every mouthful was savoured, I can still taste the food 24 hours later. Staff were simple superb....thank you for a great night (18th).....even if you forgot my birthday lol
Ailish Harrison-Miller
Ailish Harrison-Miller
Sep 07, 2020
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Kota is brilliant. Welcoming, friendly and lovely staff. The food is impeccable and the wine is 👌 especially the Mārama Sauvignon Blanc from the Seresin estate.
My husband and I have eaten here three times now and have enjoyed the 6 meal taster menu with wine flight each time. The dishes are fantastic. Give it a go, you won’t regret it.
P.s. the blue cheese ice cream is amazing 😉
Sarah Dugan
Sarah Dugan
Aug 02, 2020
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Had yet another amazing meal at Kota, this was the first one since lockdown has lifted and the first time we have had the taster menu. The staff managed to work completely within the government guidelines , … but still managing to make us feel so relaxed and the food, well what can I say ? It was absolutely out of this world, so so good. Thoroughly recommend to anyone - thanks team Kota
Dan Ransley
Dan Ransley
Nov 14, 2019
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Thanks for looking after me & my parents this evening on my Mum’s birthday. Wonderful food & fantastic staff! 5*
Bethany Clare Leonard-Williams
Bethany Clare Leonard-Williams
Sep 28, 2019
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Lovely atmosphere, brilliant staff and the most delicious food. Would highly recommend and we shall come back and tackle the tasting menu next time.