Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling, St Ives, Cornwall

Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling

4.9 (1389)
£41 and over
British
Carbis Bay HotelCarbis Bay, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2NP

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 14 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
  • Innovative
Visit us at Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling for a quintessentially British experience, whether it be in our restaurant, terrace or bar, or for afternoon tea, exploring the best of South-West’s larder, with surreal coastal surroundings.

We are so lucky to have one of the most beautiful views of Fistral Beach, nestled inside the historic hotel, The Headland. You are overlooking the clifftops over the ocean, watching the world pass you by.
It’s truly a place where all of your problems disappear.

We see Cornwall as a hidden gem in this fabulous country, so we only use what we find in the South-West of England from our fisherman, farmers and suppliers, keeping our menu hyper-local and traceable. Our restaurant menu is created for you. Pick up to 4 courses of our regularly-changing menu, so you can eat in the way that you most want to.

We are breaking down the boundaries to the conventional ‘fine dining’ restaurant. Instead, it’s dining for you, at your leisure.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    British
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Sun 12:00 pm–1:30 pm Afternoon Tea Daily 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    01637 839739
  • Website
    http://www.uglybutterfly.co.uk/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Adam Handling MBE
  • Private party facilities
    Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling lucky to have one of the most beautiful views of the Cornish coast. Our open plan restaurant lends itself to larger private hire events and weddings. No matter the celebration, Ugly Butterfly is the perfect location.
  • Private party contact
    Nick: 01637 839739
  • Location
    Carbis Bay HotelCarbis Bay, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2NP
  • Neighborhood
    St Ives
  • Parking details
    Parking is available within and next to the Carbis Bay Estate
  • Public transit
    BY RAIL The nearest station is Newquay on the Atlantic Coast Line from Par. From the train station it is only a 20 minute walk to The Headland.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,389 people are saying

Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Cornwall

    Best Ambiance

  • Cornwall

    Innovative

  • Cornwall

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Cornwall

    Great for fine wines

  • Cornwall

    Romantic

  • Cornwall

    Great for scenic views

  • Cornwall

    Good for special occasions

  • Cornwall

    Lively

  • West Cornwall

    Best Overall

  • West Cornwall

    Best Food

  • West Cornwall

    Best Service

  • West Cornwall

    Best Ambiance

  • West Cornwall

    Healthy

  • West Cornwall

    Great for fine wines

  • West Cornwall

    Romantic

  • West Cornwall

    Good for special occasions

  • West Cornwall

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • West Cornwall

    Lively

  • West Cornwall

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling delights with "exceptional food and service" in a "stunning location" overlooking Carbis Bay. Renowned for its "innovative tasting menu," the restaurant emphasizes sustainability with a "no waste ethos." Guests rave about the "beautifully presented dishes" and "knowledgeable staff," making it a "truly special and memorable experience."
1,389 Reviews

  1. Amy

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were incredibly lucky to dine at Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling on its final night in Carbis Bay before the team moves on to a new chapter- and what a send-off it was. The setting was stunning, an atmosphere that felt both elevated and welcoming. We did the tasting menu, and it was without question one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had. The food was inventive without being intimidating-creative, surprising, and it felt deeply personal. What set the evening apart, though, was the staff. Warm, attentive, and clearly passionate, they created the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like more than just a guest. Knowing the team is moving on together felt like a testament to the strength of the culture they’ve built. That kind of cohesion and care doesn’t happen by accident-it’s the mark of something rare and meaningful. Thank you to everyone at Ugly Butterfly for such a special experience.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Inge VIP

    New York City9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was perfect in every sense of the way: setting - service - kindness - foodwise.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Susan

    Hampshire1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and wine was exquisite, every course was beautifully thought out and executed perfectly. The team were attentive and the setting, looking out over the bay was outstanding! Perfect evening 10/10

    Is this helpful?

  4. Paul

    Buckinghamshire1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Quite possibly the most amazing culinary experience. We have been fortunate enough to dine in many fine restaurants around the world, the most recent Michelin restaurant being the Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower, Paris. Whilst the Eiffel Tower offers a superb visual experience, The Ugly Butterfly vastly out performs on taste, quality, service, ambience, etc, etc. The staff, and there are plenty to hand, are so warm, welcoming and attentive, particular mention to Tilley, thank you so much. We opted for the 5 course tasting menu combined with wine pairing...utterly amazing flavours on both respects. Beautiful locstion and views over Carbis Bay..alas, no longer home to their restaurant, but looking forward to visiting their new home in Newquay.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Celine VIP

    Bristol1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best place and people on earth! Every time I go I feel so welcome! The food is delicious and service is outstanding! I know every time I go there I will relax and have a lovely experience! Special thank you to Ellie and Tom 🫶

    Is this helpful?

  6. Viola

    Cornwall1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was an outstanding dining experience at a superb location, we couldn’t wish for anything better. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Scott VIP

    St. Louis15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant is one of the best I have ever experienced. The food was incredible, the service was otherworldly good, and the ambiance was spectacular.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kevin VIP

    London75 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous Afternoon Tea at Ugly Butterfly in Carbis Bay, Cornwall. The flavours were terrific

    Is this helpful?

  9. Martin

    Cornwall1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service and ambience was top quality. We had the afternoon tea which was delicious and very flavourful. The serving size was perfect and the combination of foods was excellent. Will certainly revist the new venue when it opens

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jeannette

    Gloucestershire/Wiltshire6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A fantastic location and restaurant setting: huge, floor to ceiling glass frontage with views of Carbis Bay and beyond. A wonderful choice for a special lunch or dinner - particularly for a special occasion/celebration. All staff were welcoming, knowledgeable, attentive and passionate about their work. Little details, often missed by other restaurants, make this place something special. Dishes were truly inspired and beautifully presented, with each dish explained in lovely detail by staff. Each course, on the Chef's Taster Menu we had for lunch, was like a little drama of its own! The huge amount of work and passion put into every dish is to be marveled at - this is, obviously, reflected in the bill. Always happy to pay for such high standards! Sommelier was very knowledgeable and passionate, able to give information on all drinks available.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling is rated 4.9 stars by 1389 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Cornwall
  4. West Cornwall
  5. St Ives

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 14 times today
Google Map for Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling

Carbis Bay HotelCarbis Bay, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2NP

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    St Ives
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Sun 12:00 pm–1:30 pm Afternoon Tea Daily 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    British
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Parking is available within and next to the Carbis Bay Estate
  • Public transit
    BY RAIL The nearest station is Newquay on the Atlantic Coast Line from Par. From the train station it is only a 20 minute walk to The Headland.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Adam Handling MBE
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.uglybutterfly.co.uk/
  • Phone number
    01637 839739
  • Private party facilities
    Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling lucky to have one of the most beautiful views of the Cornish coast. Our open plan restaurant lends itself to larger private hire events and weddings. No matter the celebration, Ugly Butterfly is the perfect location.
  • Private party contact
    Nick: 01637 839739
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo