A match made in heaven

We discover what makes restaurant Rastella the hottest culinary ticket in Falmouth.

Cornish food and drink is some of the best in the country. “We’d be crazy not to take advantage of that,” explains Merchant Manor Proprietor, Nick Rudlin, “which is why we produce nature inspired food that ticks all the boxes.”

Rastella is the highest rated dining experience in Falmouth. From locally-foraged greens, butchers and garden markets, to the love Chef Patron Hylton Espey puts into every dish, there is one mantra in the Rastella kitchen: “What grows together, goes together.” This makes every breakfast, lunch and dinner here a journey around Cornwall.

“we produce nature inspired food that ticks all the boxes”

We’d heard many good things about Rastella, the restaurant at Merchants Manor in Falmouth, not least of which is it has recently been awarded the highly coveted third AA Rosette – one of only four restaurants in Cornwall to boast this accolade. Chef Patron, Hylton Espey was born and raised in South Africa and it was Merchants Manor’s devotion to using the finest, fresh, local ingredients as well as a love of the sea that drew him to Falmouth and Rastella, and it’s fair to say that it’s proven to be a match made in heaven.

On arrival you can’t fail to be bowled over by the grandeur of the building – the ivy-clad doorway heralds an opulent interior where sparkling chandeliers light up the traditional entrance hall. When it comes to style and ambiance – the bar and dining room rival the very finest of London restaurants. The tables are adorned with crisp linen and the cutlery shimmers in the evening light as you sit down to your table. Dishes are served with the utmost finesse; with perfectly balanced flavours that will leave you utterly satisfied and you would be forgiven for thinking that they’re works of art rather than food!

Although part of the hotel, Rastella feels very much like a standalone restaurant, and has a chic and stylish identity of its own. The service is unobtrusive, yet impeccable and the wine choice is a triumph. The dining experience is perfect for any special occasion or celebratory dinner and makes for an incredibly relaxing evening.

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Rastella is open seven days a week for lunches and dinner.

MERCHANTS MANOR

01326 312734

www.merchantsmanor.com/food-drink/rastella