Jude Kereama to reopen Kota Kai following refurbishment

Chef Jude Kereama has evolved his Kota Kai restaurant in Porthleven to become a “little bit more grown up”.

Kereama’s Kota Kai restaurant in Porthleven will reopen its doors on 8 February following a month-long refurbishment project.

The popular family-style restaurant, which originally opened in 2011 overlooking the harbour in the Cornish village of Porthleven, closed on 4 January to allow Kereama and his team to overhaul the site.

Kereama worked with Steve Coombe from 3idog to refurbish the interiors, introducing a new colour scheme and more natural materials and textures.

New dining furniture and bespoke handmade lighting have been installed, alongside artwork by local artists including Felix Griffiths, Zee Van G, Jo Hague and photography by Jack Johns adorn the walls.

Kota Kai will have 90 covers and will feature a new Josper grill allowing head chef Marcus Houghton to experiment with dishes cooked over charcoal, such as Cornish hanger steak with Asian herb dressing, and Charsiu monkfish on grilled Gear Farm greens.

The restaurant will also feature a new statement bar, with cocktails and wine list curated by the ‘Bearded Barman’, Chris Jarrrett.

“After 13 years, it felt like the right time to evolve the offering at Kota Kai to something a little bit more grown up,” said Kereama. “It is important to us that it still feels like a welcoming place for families, but is a destination for drinks and snacks too.

“The open plan layout really highlights our special location, drawing the eye to the views across the harbour. We also have a slightly different menu format with some great new dishes we’ve been working on, accompanied by an extensive drinks list. We are excited to introduce the changes to our guests.”

Similarly to Rick Stein’s imprint on the Cornish town of Padstow, much of Porthleven’s popularity can be credited to Kereama, having opened his flagship three-AA-rosette restaurant Kota in 2006, and Kota Kai five years later.

New Zealand born Kereama, whose cooking is influenced by his Maori and Chinese Malay heritage, was also one of the founders of the annual Porthleven food and music festival. He also appeared on BBC Two's Great British Menu where he secured a place in the final in 2021, which helped further cement the Cornish village as a food-led destination.