The Balancing Eel
1 / 10

The Balancing Eel

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A beloved old-school seaside fish and chip shop and restaurant in St Ives, serving classic dishes with a friendly atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The Balancing Eel

The Balancing Eel

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved old-school seaside fish and chip shop and restaurant in St Ives, serving classic dishes with a friendly atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This traditional chippy offers a taste of St Ives with fresh fish and chips you can enjoy by the sea."

TIP

Dine Upstairs

Avoid takeaway queues and enjoy a more comfortable experience upstairs.

Try the Sharing Platter

Highly recommended for great value and a delicious variety of seafood.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

Fish and Chips

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 1736 780861

Address

Back Ln, Saint Ives, TR26 1LR, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Worthy Fish & Chips

Award-Worthy Fish & Chips

Crispy batter, fresh fish, and generous portions make this a must-try seaside classic.

Places to eat in St IvesGoogle Review
Generous Seafood Platters

Generous Seafood Platters

Great value seafood platters overflowing with fresh catches, perfect for sharing.

Google Review
Dog-Friendly Ambiance

Dog-Friendly Ambiance

A cozy upstairs restaurant that welcomes furry friends with treats and water.

TikTokGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visiting St Ives Cornwall this weekend? If you are make sure you get yourself to the Balancing Eel to try the best chippy in town! 🐟 #fishandchipshop #fishandchips #chippy #chippychips #chippylunch #chippytea #likenow #followus #popular #weekendtrip #foryoupage❤️❤️ #viralvideos #stives #cornwall #workteam #takeaway #restaurant #beelreal #thebalancingeel #fyp #fyppp #
@the.balancing.eel
116 likes • 4.1K views

Dine Upstairs

Avoid takeaway queues and enjoy a more comfortable experience upstairs.

Try the Sharing Platter

Highly recommended for great value and a delicious variety of seafood.

We are back everyone! 😃 It’s a beautiful day in St Ives today ☀️ Come and get your fish and chips fix at the Balancing Eel today 🐟 both takeaway and restaurant are open. We can’t wait to see you🤩 #fishandchips #fishandchipshop #takeaway #restaurant #thebalancingeel #beelreal #chippytea #chippychips #chippy #stivescornwall #fyp #fyppp #yummyfood
@the.balancing.eel
94 likes • 4.2K views
When she switches back to boss mode 🤣 #thebalancingeel #beelreal #fishandchipshop #fishandchips #chippy #chippytea #fish #workplacehumor #workplacetiktok #stives #cornwall #viralvideos #takeaway #fyp #fyppp
@the.balancing.eel
58 likes • 3K views

Off-Peak Visits

Visit during quieter times to avoid crowds and still enjoy attentive service.

Pet-Friendly Welcome

Your dogs are welcome and will be treated with water and treats.

Welcome to The Balancing Eel, St Ives, Cornwall! Pay us a vist if you want to try the best fish and chips in St Ives (according to our customers)😋 We’re sure you’ll agree! #fishandchips #fishandchipshop #takeawayfood #restaurant #chippytea #fishfriday #chippychips #yummyfood #stivescornwall #thebalancingeel #beelreal #fyp
@the.balancing.eel
37 likes • 2.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Dine Upstairs

Avoid takeaway queues and enjoy a more comfortable experience upstairs.

Try the Sharing Platter

Highly recommended for great value and a delicious variety of seafood.

Off-Peak Visits

Visit during quieter times to avoid crowds and still enjoy attentive service.

Pet-Friendly Welcome

Your dogs are welcome and will be treated with water and treats.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Balancing Eel is celebrated for its traditional fish and chips, with many praising the crispy batter and generous portions. While some recent reviews note increased prices and a reduced menu, the upstairs restaurant is often highlighted for its friendly service and dog-friendly atmosphere. Despite some cost concerns, its seaside location and classic offerings continue to draw visitors.

"Fresh and tasty food with the option of dine in and take out.
We visited during the off season and the staff were incredibly friendly, helpful and welcoming.
The food was very delicious and there was plenty of variety. The portions were extremely generous and offered such good value for money!
I recommend coming here if in St Ives."

ThemeParkJaden

"Great food. We ate upstairs. Despite a queue for takeaways at around 12:30pm on a half term, there was plenty of space upstairs.

The food took a while to arrive but the upstairs staff kept us informed and were very attentive and cheerful. Once it arrived the fish and chips and seafood platter were delicious.

Good food, great staff upstairs."

william smith

"Popped in as walking by and not expecting the amazing food and service we received. Very good price too for the middle of St Ives. Definitely recommend the seafood sharing platter which is more than enough for 2 adults and was incredible! Thank you."

Ben Rose

What People Like

Crispy, light batter
Generous portions
Friendly, attentive staff

What People Dislike

Increased prices
Reduced menu variety
Occasional inconsistent food quality

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the upstairs restaurant is very dog-friendly, offering water and treats for your pets.

Google Review+1

Yes, The Balancing Eel offers gluten-free options, making it a great choice for those with dietary needs.

Top 12 Gluten-Free Dining Spots to Experience in St Ives

While both are options, dining upstairs offers a more comfortable experience away from takeaway queues.

Google Review

The seafood sharing platter is highly recommended for its value and variety, as are the classic fish and chips.

Google Review

Absolutely! The restaurant is conveniently located near the harbour and seafront, perfect for a seaside picnic.

The Best Takeaways in St Ives | Sail LoftsThe best places in St Ives for warming winter food

The restaurant and takeaway are typically open daily, but it's advisable to check their social media or website for the most current hours.

TikTok+1

Mentioned in

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The Best Takeaways in St Ives | Sail Lofts

When in St Ives, the chances are that Fish 'n' Chips are most often enjoyed off of your lap, overlooking the sea with a close eye on the gulls, but if the Autumn weather doesn't permit alfresco dining it's only right that you should still get your fix. Situated at the entrance to the Sloop carpark, the Balancing Eel is so close that you might just be able to resist the tang of vinegar until you get back to your St Ives holiday cottage. If you happen to be coming from out of town and fancy grabbing your food en route, we also love John Becks (on the main road just as you enter Carbis Bay from Lelant. See our Fish 'n' Chip blog for more recommendations!

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When the pretty harbour of St Ives is right there offering seaside dining for all, a hearty fish and chips supper is always on the cards and when in St Ives, there’s nowhere better than the Balancing Eel!. A traditional takeaway chippy, you can enjoy your freshly battered fish in any setting, whether amidst the golden sands of one of the many beautiful beaches in St Ives or perched harbourside for a spot of wave (or people) watching. You’ll find the usual mouth-watering suspects on the menu, including fresh haddock, cod and plaice, as well as fluffy chips and gloriously mushy peas - yes, we’re firmly for mushy peas with our British classic!

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Head to the Balancing Eel near Harbour Beach – they’re the best in town!. If you’re jumping in the car, Becks Fish and Chips in Carbis Bay is also a popular choice amongst locals and tourists, with both a restaurant and takeaway, as well as Sharky’s in Penbeagle. There’s also By The Sea, another excellent seafood option that has both takeaway and dining options.

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We found the 8 Best Fish & Chips in St Ives, Cornwall

The Balancing Eel has been established for decades and is loved by many who have visited St.Ives year on year. While there may be long queues in summer, it’s worth the wait. It’s situated near the harbour, so you can take your fish and chips to enjoy the view, or choose to dine in their upstairs restaurant.

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It wouldn’t be a holiday in St Ives without a visit to The Balancing Eel. Their restaurant and takeaway is just a stone’s throw from the seafront, making them the perfect place to pick up your choice of fish and a portion of chips ahead of a seaside stroll. But beware of those pesky St Ives seagulls!

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Atly

Top 12 Gluten-Free Dining Spots to Experience in St Ives

and attentive service create a comfortable experience for those seeking a relaxed, inclusive environment. Lynn & Ellie were very accommodating and lovely members of staff!. The food was lovely and again very accommodating for gluten free, one of the few fish and chips shops that offer it in the area.

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Cornwall Travel Guide

Places to eat in St Ives | St Ives Food

If you are a fan of the traditional British fish and chips, what better place to sample it than on the Cornish coast. Balancing Eel is well known for its fish and chips, which can be eaten in or taken away. A classic way to sample the local fish on offer.

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squaremeal.co.uk

Best restaurants in St Ives

This chippy may have a quirky name, but everything else here is resolutely traditional. Expect a no-frills menu of high-quality fish suppers at reassuringly reasonable prices, while friendly service cements Balancing Eel as a must-try.

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Renowned for the quality of their fish and chips; using the finest sustainably-sourced cod and haddock, hake and lemon sole from the Newlyn and Looe Fish Markets and locally grown potatoes to make real chips!

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7 Delicious Places To Buy Fish & Chips In St Ives Cornwall

The Balancing Eel is tucked up near The Sloop car park in the harbour, between The Wharf Post Office and Moomaids Ice Cream Parlour. They do takeaways downstairs and a sit in restaurant upstairs.

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⋆ ANCHORAGE B&B ST IVES ⋆ ST IVES ⋆ UNITED KINGDOM ⋆ RATES FROM £150

Seafood restaurant The Balancing Eel was located 5 minutes walk away. Extras like an electric kettle, a fridge and an individual safe were appreciated.

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