Café Azur: A Hidden Gem at The Valley

Just a stone’s throw from Truro, Café Azur is hidden away in luxurious holiday retreat, The Valley.

This 5 star self-catered hideaway can be found on the outskirts of the quiet village of Carnon Downs, within thirteen acres of peaceful woodland and gardens. Home to 46 two and three bedroom cottages, the site also has its own restaurant – Café Azur.

Now run by new head chef Mark Callaby and partner Helene, Café Azur was named Best New Restaurant 2017 by Cornwall Live and 5th Best Restaurant in Cornwall’s Live’s ’50 Best Restaurants in Cornwall’ list last year.

But you don’t have to be staying at The Valley to enjoy an evening meal here (although I’d highly recommend a stay – full review on my own cottage experience coming soon!); Café Azur is open to the public every night (except Wednesdays in off-peak periods), as long as you make a reservation.

Having only recently re-opened for the season, Alex, Danny and I decided to pop down one evening over Easter to test out the new menu. With a Cornish Curio gin and tonic in hand (obviously!), we were shown to our table by Helene.

I love how cosy and relaxed the restaurant feels; everything at The Valley is so peaceful and this is no different. The mood lighting and candles give it a nice ambience too, and combined with reflections of the outdoor pool glimmering on the ceiling, it really feels like you’re on holiday!

For starters, I chose the Goats Cheese and bruschetta salad – it was delicious, and I loved the balsamic glaze on the salad. Meanwhile, Alex went for a beef salad on potato pancakes, which were super fluffy and tasty. We both were amazed at how generous the portions were too – good job we were both feeling very hungry!

Our main courses arrived shortly after; mine being the prawn linguine (my usual choice!), Alex with the pork belly and Danny with his steak and ale pie. I loved the addition of crispy kale on top of my pasta, but I have to say I was extremely jealous of Danny’s pie…

I had one cheeky mouthful and it was incredible! The beef was so tender, and the gravy was to die for. Would definitely recommend this choice if it’s on the menu :)

Once again we were amazed at all the food on our plates, but Alex and I (keen to try out as much of the menu as we could) still managed to cram in some dessert…

I do love a good citrus-y dessert to finish a meal, so I went with the lemon tart with Cornish ice cream. My photos don’t do it justice but the presentation was lovely… predictably though, I couldn’t eat the whole thing. Three large (but delicious) courses had well and truly finished me off!

Alex’s tiramisu was yummy also, but very rich and even he was getting rather full by the end! All three of us rolled back home feeling suitably stuffed.

Whilst the restaurant is open just for evenings most days, I’m also really excited to try their Sunday roast as well (they’re open 12:30pm til 7pm on Sundays), as lots of people have been saying how good it is!