MANY top restaurants in St Ives battle each other season in season out to break away from the pack to establish themselves as the number one eatery in the quaint seaside town.

Some emphasise their fresh fish being hand reeled off the quay while others claim to offer the best dishes prepared from the highest quality, locally sourced produce.

Often, however minor twists in the presentation are the only difference that distinguishes one dish from another.

So when I was offered the chance to sample the new menu at the Onshore I wondered how this, yet another award winning seaside eatery, would differ from its many rivals.

It was a busy Friday evening with the resort having been basking in the glorious sunshine for two solid weeks when we arrived at the harbour front.

So unsurprisingly we found the restaurant heaving with holidaying couples, families and friends of all ages, which is a good indication of top notch grub – so we took our seats in anticipation.

Onshore has recently launched a new menu, which they say is full of fresh summer tastes and flavours, including an increased focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes.

So although I have never been a big fan of shellfish, after eaves dropping into the conversation of a couple sat nearby I ordered the Falmouth Bay plump net mussels.

They were beautifully served in garlic and cream sauce with some fresh, home-baked chunky granary bread – a delicious starter which on its own would have been enough to whet both appetites.

My husband opted for the lightly pan-fried king prawns delicately infused with garlic butter, chilli and lemon juice and served with a mixed salad.

For mains were decided to continue with the seafood theme – again thanks to the older couple seated next to us who could not have raised the ceiling any higher in terms of the quality of the food.

The menu was full of temptations from a duo of lemon sole and John Dory and pancetta wrapped monkfish to seafood pizzas and pastas, all freshly baked in their wood burning oven.

I chose the whole Dover sole which was served in a rich prawn butter sauce.

It was accompanied with some sugar snap peas and new potatoes which to my liking were perfectly al dente.

My companion ordered the pan-fried sea bream served on a bed of pea risotto and, to his delight, also with more crevettes, garlic and butter-fried king prawns.

But the icing on the cake in this friendly and vibrant restaurant was the selection of desserts – appearing that the chef has taken a lot of passion and pride in.

I desired something lighter so I ordered Eton Mess, an elegant combination of fresh summer fruit, crunchy meringue and cream, all served in the shape of a tropical flower.

Meanwhile my husband couldn't resist his old time favourite, sticky toffee pudding, which he rated as excellent.

So after all this, what makes Onshore stand out from the pack? For us it was probably the friendly and prompt service which sometimes in many tourist destinations during the season's hustle and bustle can be left on the backburner.

But it was also the pleasant atmosphere, which combined with the spectacular view and contentment from quite simply stunning food, which finally sold it to us.

To make a reservation at Onshore call 01736 796000 or visit www.onshore-stives.co.uk