Acclaimed chef Dorian Janmaat is set to launch his inaugural solo venture, Ardor, in the vibrant heart of St Ives. Drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean coast, Ardor promises a dining experience imbued with passion and warmth, as its Latin-derived name suggests. Located on Fore Street, the casual dining establishment reflects Dorian’s profound affection for both the Mediterranean and Cornwall, regions that have significantly influenced his culinary journey.
With a distinguished career that includes serving as the award-winning Executive Head Chef at The Idle Rocks Hotel and a notable nine-year tenure at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Dorian has perfected a menu that emphasises simplicity and seasonality. Ardor’s offerings will feature Spanish-inspired small plates, showcasing both locally sourced and Andalusian ingredients, complemented by the finest Cornish seafood and dry-aged meats, all expertly prepared over charcoal.
Ardor aims to bring the essence of Mediterranean life to St Ives, positioning itself as the must-visit dining destination this summer.
The Menu
Ardor will be open for both lunch and dinner, presenting a menu of small plates inspired by the tapas and mezze traditions. This allows guests to sample a variety of dishes and savour the rich flavours of both Cornwall and Andalusia.
The menu evokes nostalgic memories for Dorian, reminiscent of long summer lunches on the Spanish coast. Highlights include fritto misto with Calabrian chili aioli and burnt lemon, featuring the finest Cornish seafood, and rotisserie chicken showcased at the kitchen’s forefront, adding a theatrical element for diners at the chef’s counter. The Josper Grill will offer dishes such as monkfish tail with nduja and samphire sauce, and Chistorra sausage with lentil and pimentón stew. Iconic dry-aged cuts, including Iberico pork tomahawk, will be grilled over charcoal and served with a selection of salsas.
Other notable offerings include croquetas of the day, gambas al ajillo, and moules provençal, alongside daily specials and a fresh fish counter supplied by Matthew Stevens Fish, a family-run St Ives institution since 1948.
An extensive wine list and signature cocktails, such as the Sangria Del Mar and the Ardor Old Fashioned, will perfectly complement the dining experience, whether for lunch, dinner, or afternoon pintxos.
The Chef
Dorian’s passion for Mediterranean cuisine stems from his childhood spent in Spain, where he developed a deep appreciation for the region’s culinary traditions and communal way of life. He reflects, “It has been a lifelong dream of mine to open a restaurant, and I can’t wait to throw open Ardor’s doors and welcome visitors, locals, friends, and family with beautiful food and wine. Ardor’s aim is to offer delicious plates using the best produce, selected for its quality and flavour, enhanced by cooking with care and simplicity. We want Ardor to be high energy and lively, somewhere you’re welcome and at ease for a friendly counter lunch or evening pintxos, or as a larger group enjoying a Galician Côte de boeuf, catch of the day, and all of the small plates, accompanied by the finest wines and cocktails.”
The Restaurant
Situated on bustling Fore Street, Ardor features an upstairs and lower dining area, a bar, and a chef’s counter for a dynamic dining experience. With seating for up to 60 guests, the restaurant offers a variety of seating options, including larger tables, cozy window seats, and the chef’s counter with an unobstructed view of the kitchen’s rotisserie and Josper grill. The bar area serves Mediterranean-inspired cocktails, while the lower restaurant provides views into the kitchen, ideal for both couples and groups.
The Design
Ardor’s design, curated by Dorian himself, embodies the core principles of Mediterranean cooking: openness, warmth, and conviviality. The decor features hand-painted Moroccan zellige tiles from Otto Tiles & Design, and a warm, earthy colour palette influenced by Mediterranean summers. Artwork from Emily Daborn and a significant piece by London artist Joe Walker, a childhood friend of Dorian, add character to the space.
Seating has been sourced from London-based Cult, with tables, bar tops, and the chef’s counter crafted from Glencoe Quartz by Cornish supplier Varcurn Marble. Ardor has collaborated with local suppliers and craftsmen for various elements, including building, decorating, and floral arrangements from St Ives florists.
Ardor promises to be a culinary haven where the flavours of the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean coast converge with the best of Cornish produce, offering a unique dining experience in the heart of St Ives.