21 All-Time Best Restaurants on the Isle of Wight
There are a lot of restaurants on the Isle of Wight to choose from – the island has become a foodie paradise. It’s difficult to choose just the one, so here’s the best of the Isle of Wight’s restaurants for all your dining desires.
I live in Portsmouth so the Isle of Wight is just a 10-minute journey on the hovercraft, or about an hour on the ferry. I’ve been over quite a few times now, and one of my favourite things to do is to hit up the Isle of Wight restaurants. There are some great options over there.
Generally themed around seafood, garlic and delightful gastro pub grub, the quality of restaurants on the Isle of Wight is high.
Most people just go to the Isle of Wight for the weekend, or maybe a week, so let’s get straight to the point and reveal the best places to eat on the Isle of Wight for you to include in your itinerary.
Best restaurants on the Isle of Wight
– Wouldn’t be an Isle of Wight restaurant guide without some seafood!
1. Crab and Lobster Inn, Bembridge
32 Forelands Field Rd, Bembridge PO35 5TR
My boyfriend and I found the Crab and Lobster Inn by accident. A happy, delicious accident as we were lost in the depths of Bembridge. It’s a traditional Isle of Wight pub, but serves excellent, above standard food with a seafood theme. They proudly serve locally sourced seafood and island reared meats.
– Yum! Definitely one of the best Isle of Wight restaurants!
I went for the Moules Marinière for a starter and then the cold seafood platter for a main. Both were an absolute taste sensation. If you want seafood on the Isle of Wight, then this is one of the best places to go.
Definitely one of the best Isle of Wight pubs I’ve come across.
2. The Cow Co Restaurant and Bar, Yarmouth
Tapnell Farm House, Newport Rd, Yarmouth, PO41 0YJ
– This was one of my favourite restaurants on the Isle of Wight, for sure!
The Cow is a great burger restaurant located on Tapnell Farm – a working farm with lots of great animals to pet and say hello to. Including cows. And then you can go and eat their friends in the restaurant. Winner!
As well as an extensive burger menu – with a vegan option – The Cow also serves steaks and salads. Pictured is The Big Smoke I had a few years ago, but next time I think I’ll have the slow-cooked beef stew. This is definitely the best Isle of Wight restaurant for the meat lovers out there.
“The Cow’s location sets it apart from other Isle of Wight Restaurants; tucked away in the rural heart of the Island, surrounded by stunning views of Tennyson Down and The Solent – yet only a 15 minute drive from the capital, Newport.
Add our dedication to freshly cooked food, home grown and locally sourced ingredients and sparkling service, and you’ll discover why we are regarded as one of the best places to eat on the Island!”
– THE COW
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3. The Bandstand at Sandown, Sandown
39 Culver Parade, Sandown PO36 8AT
The Bandstand is a good one for those summer nights, if they ever arrive. Located right on the beach, on the site of the former bandstand, there’s a classic pub menu to enjoy – with a fishy emphasis.
As well as dinner, you can enjoy the brunch and lunch menus in the day too. Mostly sandwiches and paninis, but sometimes that’s all you need right?
It really is the location that makes the Bandstand one of the best restaurants on the Isle of Wight. The windows roll back and you get amazing views of Sandown Bay to enjoy with your aperol spritz.
4. The Duck, Ryde
Appley Rise, Ryde, PO33 1LE
The Duck is one of the fancier Isle of Wight restaurants, one of the highest rated on the island.
If you’re over on the island for a special occasion then The Duck is the one to go for. It’s also handily located in Ryde, by the lake, which means it’s totally accessible on a day trip to Ryde. Check out the little shop there, the Emporium, to buy some of the flavourings and foods they serve in the restaurant.
“Welcome to your new home-from-home, The Duck. Uncomplicated, honest yet exceptional food served in an elegant relaxed atmosphere. Ever changing menus inspired by local produce through the micro-seasons, from coast to country.” – The Duck
Definitely one of the best restaurants in Ryde, Isle of Wight.
5. Off the Rails, Yarmouth
Station Rd, Yarmouth, PO41 0QX
People who like olde trains will love the Isle of Wight – there’s a steam railway museum, with a wonderful and award winning restaurant on site. So, even if you don’t like trains at least you can sit and have a coffee while you’re waiting for your beloved.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner – with a real log fire – the unique setting and ambience is heightened by the high quality food. ‘First Class’ some would say.
Lols.
More advice for visiting the Isle of Wight
You can see all of my Isle of Wight blog posts here.
Music Lover’s Guide to the Isle of Wight
58 Brilliant Things to Do on the Isle of Wight
Staying at Tom’s Modulog on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight Festival Experience Explained
Best Spots for Glamping on the Isle of Wight
Best Things to Do in Ryde, on the Isle of Wight
6. Best Dressed Crab, Bembridge
Fishermans Wharf, Embankment Road, Bembridge, PO35 5NS
Some of the Isle of Wight Restaurants on here have earned their place for their surroundings, others for their decor, and some, like this one, for their exceptional food that speaks for itself.
The Best Dressed Crab serves epic seafood platters, shellfish salads and seafood sandwiches and baguettes to eat in, and take away. The food is as fresh as fresh can be, and the restaurant is out on a jetty in the water.
An absolutely perfect Isle of Wight seafood restaurant for those summer days.
7. Garlic Farm, Sandown
Mersley Ln, Newchurch, Sandown PO36 0NR
The Garlic Farm is one of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic restaurants. It could also be a whole afternoon out, depending on how much you like garlic.
As well as the restaurant here, serving up all kinds of garlicky treats, they also have a full events schedule.
8. Smoking Lobster, Ventnor
Esplanade, Ventnor, PO38 1JT
Smoking Lobster on Ventnor’s seafront is the number one restaurant on Trip Advisor. It’s a seafood, grill, cocktail & wine bar, with sea views in what I think is the coolest part of the island.
Seafood platters, ceviche and steak are the order of the day – lush!
They’ve also just opened a new Smoking Lobster in Cowes, and they have the Drunken Lobster in Ventnor too.
9. Fisherman’s Cottage, Shanklin
The Esplanade (furthest end), Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6BN
Fisherman’s Cottage in Shanklin is another island highlight. Located just beneath Shanklin Chine (see things to do below) at the end of Shanklin Esplanade the thatched dining pub dates back to 1817.
Visit Fisherman’s Cottage and you can enjoy music nights, a scenic beach patio and what is widely regarded as some of the best food on the island.
– You need to try the Isle of Wight tomatoes on the Isle of Wight!
10. No 64, Ryde
64 George St, Ryde PO33 2AJ
If you’re coming into the Isle of Wight via hovercraft, then you’ll come into Ryde.
Interesting fact about Ryde, Ryde Pier is the oldest pier in the UK, and the second longest. Now you totally want to go and see it, right?
No 64 in Ryde is one of those cool, hipster, kinda places. One that serves delicious cakes and artisan coffees. There’s a good veggie menu here (so I’m told, can’t give up my piggy products) and it gives you a quick getaway for the hoverport if you need. You can get breakfast, lunch and coffee – to take away too.
If I was to pick anywhere on the Isle of Wight for brunch, this would be it. The sweet potato stack with poached egg that I had was pretty special…
11. Artisan Bar and Kitchen, Ryde
24 Union St, Ryde PO33 2DT
– As well as the restaurants on the Isle of Wight, you’ve got a whole load of beautiful views too!
The Artisan Bar and Kitchen has amazing sharers, and a great gin and cocktail bar upstairs. There’s live music too. What I’d really recommend you visit for though, is the breakfast menu. There are waffles, all kinds of eggs benedict and some extra sounding greek yogurt too.
A really nice and relaxing restaurant on the Isle of Wight, with guaranteed great food.
12. The Taverners, Ventnor
High St, Godshill, Ventnor, PO38 3HZ
The Taverners is famous for its meaty platters. This a la carte country pub uses local produce to create their home cooked pies, freshly baked bread and Sunday roasts in an idyllic location on the Isle of Wight.
“The Taverners is a real country pub that is popular with locals and tourists alike. We buy our produce daily depending on what is available at the market, from farms and through what has been caught, foraged, shot or hunted. The majority of our meats come from Island farmers, the fish come from local waters and we use island vegetables when they are in season from Living Larder and Farmer Jacks.
We bake our own bread daily and our local cheeses come from the award winning Richard Hodgeson of the Isle of Wight Cheese Company. We believe all of this gives us some of the freshest and best quality ingredients on the island. We then prepare it simply and cook it only when you order. It takes time, effort and patience but we believe it is worth it.” – The Taverners
13. The Crab Shed, Ventnor
Steephill Cove, Genevra, Ventnor, PO38 1UG
The Crab Shed comes highly recommended thanks to the freshest crab, lobster & mackerel caught every morning. It’s only open during the summer, and closes when the weather is rubbish – meaning summer days are the best (and only) time to really enjoy the food here.
The menu is limited, on purpose. This means they’re experts in what they do, do, and you can enjoy first class, fresh seafood right on the beach from the comfort of a pub bench. Definitely one of the most ‘rustic’ restaurants on the Isle of Wight!
New Isle of Wight Restaurants I need to try
A lot of great restaurants in the Isle of Wight have popped up recently, here are some new ones to try!
14. The Beach Hut, Bembridge
Apparently The Beach Hut at Bembridge do a great seafood platter (only open on nice days Wednesday to Sunday but they do delivery of the seafood platter). The location is pretty magical too.
15. Call It What You Want, Cowes
If you want a creole/cajun vibe to your Isle of Wight restaurant choices, then check out Call it What You Want in Cowes. The menu look amazing!
16. The Terrace, Yarmouth
Seafood by the beach anyone? The Terrace in Yarmouth looks stunning for a beachside meal on a special occasion.
17. The Cadet Club, Ryde
Visit The Cadet Club on Ryde seafront for Balearic vibes with Asian fusion food.
18. TZ’s True Food Kitchen, Castlehaven/Niton Undercliff
Another amazing beach bar on the Isle of Wight, TZ’s True Food Kitchen serves up beach bar food with an Asian twist.
19. Hungry Bear, Brading
There’s a great new restaurant on Brading High Street, called Hungry Bear. Apparently Sunday Roasts, are the THING.
20. Coast, Cowes
“You can drop in for breakfast or a cake with a morning cappuccino, enjoy a hearty lunch or a three course dinner, as the relaxed informal style of our Bar & Dining Room is designed for every day eating”
– THE COAST BAR
21. North House, Cowes
Visit North House for elegant dining, and a lovely terrace for your coffee and dessert. Would love to visit for one of their ‘light lunches’!
FAQ about Isle of Wight restaurants
1. Which restaurants on the Isle of Wight have a view?
On the Isle of Wight, some restaurants not only give you a great overlooking of the beach but the best view of the stunning landscape as well. For the best water-view spots, check The Seapot, The Salix Beach Cafe, The Beach Hut Beachside Bar and Seafood Kitchen, Culver Haven Inn, and The Hideaway.
These restaurants are located where you can just get a balanced amount of sea breeze and land winds.
2. Which Isle of Wight restaurants can be found by the sea?
Relax while dining in Isle of Wight’s restaurants by the sea such as The Ocean Deck Bar & Restaurant, The Hut, and Smoking Lobster. Seafood from these IOW restaurants is a must!
3. Where can I find seafood restaurants on the Isle of Wight?
Being that the Isle of Wight has plenty of coastline, it’s fairly easy to find a seafood restaurant that suits your cravings. You could start with The Crab and Lobster Inn, Smoking Lobster, and Murrays Seafood Restaurant.
Shrimps, crabs and lobsters are plentiful here!
4. Which fast food restaurants are on the Isle of Wight?
Fast food restaurants on the Isle of Wight include McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC.
5. What is the Isle of Wight’s traditional food?
The Isle of Wight takes pride in their traditional food such as black garlic, Gallybagger cheese, and crab pasties. The first one even has a dedicated festival on the Isle of Wight to acknowledge its existence.
6. What is the best Isle of Wight food and drink?
Indulge in the Isle of Wight’s fine crab offerings and indulgent cream teas.
7. Which is the best food pub on the Isle of Wight?
With extensive menus, some of the best food pubs in the Isle of Wight are Horse & Groom, The Fishbourne, and The Culver Haven Inn.
8. Is there fine dining on the Isle of Wight?
Of course, an Isle of Wight experience won’t be complete without having to experience fine dining. Hands-down the best restaurants for fine dining on the Isle of Wight include Thompson’s Restaurant, The Duck, and Heron for a gourmet like no other!
Best restaurants on the Isle of Wight
If you want to see these Isle of Wight restaurants on a map, click here.
- 1. Crab and Lobster Inn
- 2. The Cow
- 3. The Cow Co Restaurant and Bar
- 4. The Bandstand at Sandown
- 5. Off the Rails
- 6. The Duck
- 7. Best Dressed Crab
- 8. Garlic Farm
- 9. Smoking Lobster
- 10. Fisherman’s Cottage
- 11. No 64
- 12. Artisan Bar and Kitchen
- 13. The Taverner’s
- 14. The Crab Shed
- 14. The Beach Hut, Bembridge
- 15. Call It What You Want, Cowes
- 16. The Terrace, Yarmouth
- 17. The Cadet Club, Ryde
- 18. TZ’s True Food Kitchen, Castlehaven/Niton Undercliff
- 19. Hungry Bear, Brading
- 20. Coast, Cowes
- 21. North House, Cowes
Explore more of England
NEW SITE: I recently launched a brand new website dedicated entirely to days out in England.
It’s called… DAY OUT IN ENGLAND. Ha!
It’s packed full of local knowledge, awesome things to do, and more.
Few of my favourite posts for you: how about the best adventurous days out in England, or the most popular English beaches? I’ve also put together a guide on saving money on days out, and even an English food quiz too. Go and check it out – you’re guaranteed to learn more about England!
More on my adventures in England
A Peaky Blinders Weekend in Birmingham
How to Make the Most of 24 Hours in Bath
A Weekend Road Trip in the Mendip Hills, Somerset
How to Do the Best Road Trip in the Cotswolds
PIN THESE ISLE OF WIGHT RESTAURANTS FOR LATER
September 2022.Went to the Crab and Lobster on your recommendation. Very disappointing. Starters were a mediocre lobster bisque that was tasteless, and a very small portion of squid that was expensive for what it was. My main course of mussels was so over cooked that I had to send it back and her lobster salad contained a tiny half portion. Beer was good, wine was OK but a bill of £80.00 not including the main course mussels was ridiculous. We left disappointed. I wouldn’t recommend this place for anything but a pint of bitter.
Oh no! I am sorry! I went a few years ago and the crab was absolutely fabulous. I’m very disappointed to hear this. Did you tell them your concerns? I’m so sorry you didn’t have a good experience, mine have only ever been wonderful.
Hi, next time you come across to the Isle of Wight can I recommend you visit Snacks and Ladders Board Game Cafe in Newport. They have only been open since 2019 but in their first year they won Isle of Wight Radio’s Best New Business award, last year won silver in the Best Small Attraction category in the annual Red Funnel awards and have been voted one of the top 10 Board game cafe’s in the country by a leading gaming magazine! Not bad since for about 9 months of the time since they opened they were closed due to covid lockdown.
Their food is amazing and all cooked fresh to order and they cater for all dietary requirements. Definitely recommend a visit!
I would wholeheartedly concur with several of these, but cannot agree with the Garlic Farm review. It was good several years ago, but after a few visits which featured lacklustre service and small portions of expensive average food, we haven’t off gone back. It’s now filed firmly under tourist trap.
Oh no, really? I’ve booked to go back on Saturday for breakfast. Hope they’re still as good as last time!
Well this can’t be very up to date ‘cos the Little Gloster shut down ages ago and the new biggies are The Hut at Totland, and The Terrace in Yarmouth, plus how can you miss The Red Lion at Freshwater. Off The Rails is rather snacky for a restaurant, too.
Thanks for your comment. I’m actually on the Isle of Wight right now so it’ll be great to check them out. I’ve added your recommendations to the list above. I love Off the Rails!
The ‘Little Gloster’ at Gurnard has been closed a while ago, so your 🍽 research is bit out of date.
Try Hungry Bear at Brading where the old Waxworks were.
Also you have missed off Coast and North House in Cowes plus Smoking Lobster are also now in Cowes.
Vicky Try l👀king at Matt & Cat’s Isle of Wight Food Blogs🍽 🍽 http://www.matandcat.co.uk they will give you the top current places to eat if your not from the Island
Thanks for your comment. I’m actually on the Isle of Wight right now so it’ll be great to check out your suggestions. I’ve added your recommendations to the list above. Ah yes I’ve heard of their blog, I’ll have to check it out.
Three Buoys is now Cadet Club with new owners and different menu.
Artisan is also under new owners.
What do you actually know about food?
Been eating it for over 30 years now.