The Ruin Beach Café

As you arrive at The Ruin, the scent of woodsmoke curling from the kitchen chimney greets you, rich with the promise of flame-cooked dishes, fuelled by island-grown wood.

At the heart of The Ruin is our wood-fired oven, giving every dish a signature depth of flavour. From crispy, hand-stretched pizzas to succulent meats, fish, and vegetables slow-roasted to perfection, the oven sits at the heart of the restaurant and our menu. Sharing platters encourage relaxed, convivial dining - perfect for lingering over with friends and family.

Start the day with coffee and pastries, enjoy a long, lazy beachfront lunch as the children play on the white sands below, or settle in for sundowners and a special supper as the sky reflects the colours of a Scilly sunset. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and vibrant coastal flavours are fired to perfection in our wood‑fired oven, then served with unforgettable sea views.

The Ruin takes its name from the crumbling remains of a smuggler’s cottage that still forms part of the terrace, perched above Raven’s Porth. Just next door, the old Coastguard boathouse - now Watch House cottage - hints at the colourful and often precarious past of this beautiful stretch of coastline.

We highly recommend booking a table for lunch or dinner at The Ruin, especially during busy periods.

Please note that advance bookings are available for indoor seating only. If the weather’s good, we usually have plenty of space outside for walk-ins - perfect for a more spontaneous visit.

You can book online for groups of up to 6 people. For larger parties, feel free to call or email us directly.

Before booking, please take a moment to review our full table booking terms and conditions below.