Cornish Culinary Landmarks

Kota and Kota Kai are places of perpetual motion – environments where culinary inspirations blend and transform.

Celebrating 20 years of culinary excellence, Kota has been a cornerstone of Porthleven’s food scene. Together with its 14-year-old sister establishment, Kota Kai, they’ve transformed this once-quiet fishing village into a gastronomic destination attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond.

After 14 years, Kota Kai recently underwent a comprehensive rebrand and refurbishment. The addition of a wood-burning fire, refreshed colour palette, new bar, and removal of several walls has created an inviting space with distinct areas. The lounge room has been reimagined as an intimate dining area available for private hire for up to 30 people. The long dining room, with its harbour views, accommodates larger parties of up to 70 guests. The former end room is now a snug area centred around the wood-burning stove, seating up to 30 people. The new colour scheme has elevated the restaurant while maintaining the influence of the owner’s Asian-Ma-ori heritage.

Kota Kai’s culinary evolution includes the introduction of a Josper grill, adding a distinctive smoky dimension to the menu. The team grills fish, vegetables, and meats, creating dishes with complex flavour profiles and a signature char. A prime example is their Aji Rojo sauce, where ingredients are blistered to absorb characteristic BBQ flavours before being blended into a versatile sauce perfect for tacos. Even simple grilled steaks take on new life when paired with their Asian green herb dressing.

What distinguishes both restaurants is the owner’s diverse background. His Ma-ori heritage informs his passion for foraging and gathering – practices he grew up with, collecting seafood and seaweeds from the beach. This connection to the sea resonates deeply with their coastal location. Meanwhile, his Chinese-Malay ancestry manifests in subtle Asian twists throughout the menu, from soy master stock in Kota’s pork cheek dish to the heritage-inspired Curry Laksa at Kota Kai. This cultural fusion creates a distinctive culinary identity unique in Cornwall.

As Kota marks its 20th anniversary, the restaurant has evolved while maintaining its signature Asian influences. Following February’s refurbishment, they introduced a new menu format with snack and Pintxos options complementing the tasting menus. The redesigned dining room feels more vibrant and facilitates greater interaction with guests, with chefs often personally delivering dishes.

The upgraded bar area now accommodates an expanded wine selection, anticipating the launch of Kota’s wine shop in late spring. This venture will allow customers to sample and purchase wines from small producers with sustainable practices. Later this year, they’ll inaugurate the Kota Wine Club, hosting winemaker and supplier dinners.

Both establishments feature carefully curated artwork. At Kota, they’ve collaborated with Maxine Greer, whose work reflects ingredients used in the kitchen. Similarly, artists featured at Kota Kai – Zee’s porthole-shaped works, Felix’s lounge pieces, and Mickey’s photography – capture the restaurant’s essence.

Kota Kai recently welcomed Ryan Venning as Head Chef, bringing fresh experience while maintaining signature Asian flavours. At Kota, long-time colleague Ross Sloan has adapted to the more accessible menu format of smaller plates alongside a frequently changing six-course chef’s menu.

Community engagement has been fundamental to both restaurants. The Porthleven Food Festival, conceived by Jude and friends in 2009, has grown from a small local event into a nationally recognised celebration. During the festival, both restaurants host special events: Kota Kai offers feasts with DJs throughout the weekend, while Kota focuses on champagne and sparkling wines paired with seafood and vegetarian dishes.

The restaurants source ingredients locally, foraging along the coast and in woodlands, working with organic farms, local fishermen, and butchers. Their cocktail menu emerged from collaborative sessions focusing on flavours complementing the food, with resident bar expert Ash continuing to develop exceptional new creations.

With Kota now in its 20th year and Kota Kai in its 14th, they’ve witnessed and contributed to Porthleven’s transformation from a relatively unknown town to a recognised culinary destination. Following their recent refurbishments, both restaurants continue their gastronomic journey, maintaining their position at the forefront of Cornwall’s
dining scene.

KOTA & Kota Kai
Harbour Head, Porthleven TR13 9JY
01326 562407 / 01326 727707
www.kotarestaurant.co.uk
www.kotakai.co.uk