Reservations for inside can be made for tables up to x6 mixed households or if larger a maximum of x2 households. If you would like to book a table in the restaurant please use the book now button on the tool bar. Kota Kai is an extension of the well-established and highly recommended Kota restaurant, offering a relaxed and light environment to enjoy a meal with friends and family.
Perfectly situated at the head of the harbour in the bustling fishing village of Porthleven, Kota Kai enjoys uncompromised views over the inner port, the nationally recognisable Clock Tower and beyond to the swelling surf of the Atlantic. With the option to Eat and Sleep in our B&B rooms above Kota 50 yards away, guests could turn an evening out into a short break away and really embrace the charms of Porthleven.
Perfectly situated at the head of the harbour in the bustling fishing village of Porthleven, Kota Kai enjoys uncompromised views over the inner port, the nationally recognisable Clock Tower and beyond to the swelling surf of the Atlantic. With the option to Eat and Sleep in our B&B rooms above Kota 50 yards away, guests could turn an evening out into a short break away and really embrace the charms of Porthleven.
Services
Ideally located at the head of Porthleven harbour and occupying the entire top floor of Celtic House, diners can enjoy unbeatable views across the harbour, towards the clock tower and beyond. 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.
Head into the lounge area for a quieter area for private dining, whether you're seeking out a spot for coffee, a casual lunch with friends, or holding informal meetings. Bring your laptop, plug into the wifi and enjoy a temporary workspace with the best lunch break around. Or just sit back and have a gossip and a catch up with friends.
Winner of the Trencherman's Guide Award for Creativity and Innovation 2016. If you are looking for a more intimate dining experience then our award-winning sister restaurant is the place to head to. Having been awarded three Rosettes by the AA, and highly praised in both local and national editorials Kota has a great reputation for excellently presented and delicious dishes with Jude's signature Asian twist.
Reviews (18)
Jacob Popple
Nov 06, 2021
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We had such a wonderful evening at Kota Kai. Relaxed and informal, but the food was exceptional. We enjoyed two small plates as starters to share, followed by a main each and a dessert to share - we were stuffed! Highly recommend the Kai Mojito, and soft shell crab bao bun - truly delicious! Thanks to all at Kota Kai
Martin Peters
Oct 26, 2021
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Merriatt Yeoman
Oct 19, 2021
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Jacquie Chilton
Oct 18, 2021
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David Thomas
Oct 17, 2021
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Martin Peters
Oct 11, 2021
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Victoria Yau
Oct 07, 2021
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Wow wow, exceeded all expectations! In my mother’s 75 years on this planet she said it was probably the second time she has had a satisfying meal out !! Asian and hard to please 😬 ! Clean & fresh tasting food, excellent service, beautiful setting, we will be back for the next birthday celebration! Thank you
Tracey Poyser
Sep 24, 2021
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D. & K.
Sep 20, 2021
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Excellent summer holiday lunch. Loved the eclectic menu that should cover all tastes. We shared 3 small plates as our starter - scallops with pork belly, duck bau bun and, the star of the show, Korean fried cauliflower which was both robust and light. These were 3 contrasting dishes with great flavours. For our mains we had the fish of the day - pan fried hake, and the seafood lassa, both delicious. We finished with a rhubarb panna cotta and trio of sorbets - unusual range of flavours available including strawberry and balsamic - a perfect finish to the meal which was flavoursome and filling, yet
Victoria Nicholas
Sep 14, 2021
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Really really lovely food. Only let down was the group behind us seemed to be prioritised, ourselves and a few other tables had to wait over an hour for a main course we had ordered the same time as drinks & starters, we wouldn’t normally mind but we had somewhere else to be. Would still visit again and will highly recommend purely on the food as it was cooked to perfection. Will be back to try Kota Restaurant next time 😀
Becky Smith
Sep 11, 2021
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What can I say about this restaurant!! This has to be the best meal we have ever had from any restaurant.
We are down on Honeymoon and decided to give it a go based on the head chefs reputation. We couldn't book in to Kota so they recommended Kota Kai instead.
We were not disappointed. Every single mouthful from start to finish was amazing 😊
We left very full, the food portions were a good size and pleasantly surprised with the bill too!
We both had 3 courses each, 1 oyster each and 5 alcoholic drinks between us and it came to £99.30.
Would 1million percent recommend this place and we
We are down on Honeymoon and decided to give it a go based on the head chefs reputation. We couldn't book in to Kota so they recommended Kota Kai instead.
We were not disappointed. Every single mouthful from start to finish was amazing 😊
We left very full, the food portions were a good size and pleasantly surprised with the bill too!
We both had 3 courses each, 1 oyster each and 5 alcoholic drinks between us and it came to £99.30.
Would 1million percent recommend this place and we
Katie Bull
Sep 10, 2021
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Alex
Aug 26, 2021
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An underwhelming experience unfortunately. We were very excited for our visit after seeing Jude on the GBM, however we were left disappointed with our visit. The food was hit and miss overall with aspects of it being good but many shortcomings. The bao buns had a nice filling but the consistency of the buns themselves had a strange chewy texture rather than being pillowy and fluffy. The noodles in the laksa and ramen were over cooked and were overly soft with no bite. The taste of the broth and laksa was good however. The scallops made a pleasant starter. We sampled the wasabi tartare with chips
Barry Eggleton
Aug 19, 2021
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Incredibly lucky they had a cancellation otherwise it's a substantial waiting list, if you want to go I'd advise booking in considerable advance of actually going.
Atmosphere is relaxed and informal, no need to dress up for the occasion; however, the food is as good as any high end restaurant I've been too.
The food is essentially Asian or Asian inspired but using the freshest and best Cornish produce.
We initially shared prawn crackers...I have a passionate hatred for prawn crackers due to them being oily and unpleasant; however, Kota Kai's are utterly delicious, I could eat them every single
Atmosphere is relaxed and informal, no need to dress up for the occasion; however, the food is as good as any high end restaurant I've been too.
The food is essentially Asian or Asian inspired but using the freshest and best Cornish produce.
We initially shared prawn crackers...I have a passionate hatred for prawn crackers due to them being oily and unpleasant; however, Kota Kai's are utterly delicious, I could eat them every single
Nw Nw
Jun 28, 2021
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Lovely food served here. We had not booked a table but luckily managed to get some seating outside, lovely weather as well. We shared some crispy squid to start - perfectly cooked, it melted in your mouth! Next I had a soft shell crab bao bun, again superb! I could not find soft shell crab anywhere for years, so was very happy to get my fix! My partner had a duck bao bun and again it was lovely. Great place, highly recommend!
Nathan S.
Oct 28, 2015
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Very good food and comfortable atmosphere. Kiwis with a healthy Asian influence, the soup is often a pho broth and the wonderful salad definitely Viet. Duck spring rolls highly recommended. Kiwi burger 'with the lot' is delicious but a challenge to eat daintily. Cocktails all delicious. Even the fish and chips are good, but it's a shame to choose that when Roland's Happy Plaice is nearby. Mussels ( Cornish have the best! ) were mediocre last spring but tried them again this fall and they are now excellent - plump, mild but still flavorful, in a lemongrass coconut broth
Colin G.
Oct 05, 2013
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Went to Kota Kai on Tuesday for a meal and their movie night. As we had been eating during the day we decided to have starters to make a type of tapas. This worried out really well, with the food giving a great variety of taste and textures. We chose locally sourced scallops, Thai fish cakes, etc chips washed down with a cold beer. Everything was beautifully cooked and delivered in individual dishes, so we could nibble at each dish as we wished. We then enjoyed a film on their large TV and during the break had two lovingly made ice creams, they were in individual dishes and were certainly one of
Rebecca N.
Apr 23, 2013
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Situated on the harbour of Porthleven, the Kota Kai offers an extensive menu of oriental flavours from 'mini kai' (tapas) to a large selection of starters and mains. As the sister restaurant to the Kota (situated down the road), the Kota Kai offers a cheaper alternative.
With a beautiful view of the harbour, a chic and modern interior and an exciting infusion of flavours in each dish, I would highly recommend the Kota Kai to anyone that visits Porthleven.
With a beautiful view of the harbour, a chic and modern interior and an exciting infusion of flavours in each dish, I would highly recommend the Kota Kai to anyone that visits Porthleven.
