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Best restaurants on the Isle of Wight

Found off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is a picturesque location that’s home to gorgeous beaches and historical points of interest, all of which are well loved by locals and holidaymakers alike. For those who choose to follow their appetite, you’ll find the Isle of Wight to be a rewarding foodie destination too, especially for seafood lovers. Throw in seductive seaside views, local hospitality and fair prices, and you’ve got a recipe for a dining experience that you won’t forget.

Updated on 06 March 2024

The Isle of Wight is perfectly positioned off the south coast of the UK, boasting a micro climate that makes it an ideal spot for growing phenomenal produce, and therefore home to a whole host of delicious eateries for locals and visitors to enjoy. The best restaurants on the Isle of Wight can be found across every corner of the island, so whether you’re taking a quick trip across from Portsmouth to Ryde, or looking to refuel near the coastal path in Bembridge, you’re sure to find a spot that will tantalize your taste buds.

One of the island's defining qualities is its pristine beaches and seafront promenades, including the golden sand of Shanklin Beach and the charming, south-facing Ventnor Beach, which is dotted with coveted vintage beach huts. Being entirely surrounded by water, it comes as no surprise that Isle of Wight restaurants with sea views are in abundance, and you’ll be hard pushed to find more idyllic locations than some of the places on this list. There are rustic beach shacks perfect for a casual lunch, and super chic alternatives that are popular amongst hungry yachties - the Isle of Wight is a summertime haven and a must visit during the warmer months.

That’s not to say the Isle of Wight isn’t worth visiting 365 days a year; on our list you’ll also find a number of pubs perfect for cosying up by the fire on cold winter nights, and fine dining options for when you’re looking to celebrate.

So no matter why you find yourself on the other side of the Solent, be it a fleeting visit or because you’re one of the lucky year-round residents, take a look through our favourite picks to get started. From the best Isle of Wight restaurants for lunch, to award-winning dinners - we’ve got you covered.

The Conservatory at The George Hotel

The Conservatory at The George Hotel

Quay Street, Yarmouth, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, PO41 0PE

The Conservatory at The George is known for its undisrupted views of the solent and extensive terrace, perfect for enjoying a laissez-faire lunch and soaking up the south coast sunshine. Be sure to get here in good time though because this is a local favourite!

£50 - £79
Modern European
The Duck Ryde

The Duck Ryde

Appley Rise, Ryde, Hampshire, PO33 1LE

Nicely located just a short walk from the Hovercraft, The Duck is a laid back eatery using local, seasonal produce and boasting gorgeous sea views. Check out the globetrotting menu or just stop by for a cocktail or two, you’ll not be disappointed.

£30 - £49
Mediterranean
Heron Ryde

Heron Ryde

2 Castle Street, Ryde , Hampshire, PO33 2EP

Chef Alex Kimber heads up the team at Heron, where guests can enjoy a first class fine dining experience that showcases the best of what the Isle of Wight has to offer - combining local produce with skill and precision, plus formal but unfussy service to complete the evening.

Over £80
British
The True Food Kitchen Ventnor

The True Food Kitchen Ventnor

14 High Street, Ventnor, Hampshire, PO38 1RZ

The menu at True Food Kitchen in Ventnor uses flavours from Japan, Thailand and Korea whilst championing the best of local produce, plus there’s an extensive list of sake and Japanese cocktails to compliment the food.

£50 - £79
Thai
Korean
Japanese
The Taverners

The Taverners

High Street, Godshill, Ventnor, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 3HZ

Taking advantage of its idyllic location, The Taverners pub incorporates locally sourced produce into its crowd-pleasing menu of home-cooked pies, hearty sandwiches and slap-up Sunday roasts. There are a surprising number of plant-based options too.

£30 - £49
Gastropub
The Crab Shed Ventnor

The Crab Shed Ventnor

Love Lane, Steephill Cove, Ventnor,, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1AF

This lively shack offers a short and sweet menu of lobster, mackerel and crab, as well as vibrant salads and daily-changing specials. To pair alongside your seafood, choose from a selection of well considered wines.

Fish
RT Cafe Grill

RT Cafe Grill

Royal Maritime House, Ryde, Hampshire, PO33 2DL

Robert Thompson is about as close as you get to chef royalty on the Isle of Wight, and RT Cafe Grill is a great place to try his classic British cooking in a more relaxed setting. The location is especially lovely, set in Royal Maritime House in Ryde with stunning 180 degree views of the Solent.

£30 - £49
Bistro
Smoking Lobster at Foresters Hall

Smoking Lobster at Foresters Hall

Foresters Hall, Cowes, Hampshire, PO31 7HY

Smoking Lobster at Foresters Hall, not to be confused with the other Smoking Lobster found nearby in Cowes, offers a menu that’s focused on locally caught seafood and fresh pasta - perfect for enjoying out on the terrace.

£50 - £79
Mediterranean
The Hambrough

The Hambrough

Hambrough Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1SQ

The Hambrough has first class food and unbeatable sea views in spades, and is a must visit for those heading to the south coast of the island. The menu is seasonal and changes regularly, but you can expect anything from wild mushroom and Parmesan tarts to freshly court turbot.

£50 - £79
Modern European
The Hut at Colwell Bay

The Hut at Colwell Bay

Colwell Chine Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9NP

Any restaurant that’s more commonly reached by boat than by car gets a thumbs up from us. Ideally located on the beach at Colwell Bay, The Hut has stolen the hearts of locals and beyond for it’s chic setting, impeccable seafood, and party atmosphere. Don't forget to book in early, because weekend reservations at this spot are like gold dust.

£50 - £79
Fish
Aquitania

Aquitania

The High Street, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, PO34 5EX

Located at the front of the Seaview Hotel, Aquitania strives to showcase the best of what the Isle of Wight has to offer through high quality dishes, but without the stuffy service. It makes a great spot for when you’re looking to really treat yourself.

£50 - £79
Mediterranean
The True Food Kitchen Castlehaven

The True Food Kitchen Castlehaven

Castlehaven Lane, Ventnor, Hampshire, PO38 2ND

You’ll be hard pushed to find a view better than the one at True Food Kitchen - perched in an idyllic fishing cove, you can tuck in to local fare whilst taking in the beautiful vistas.

£50 - £79
British
Smoking Lobster Cowes

Smoking Lobster Cowes

127 High Street, Cowes Isle of Wight, PO31 7AY

Boasting picturesque seaside views, Smoking Lobster draws in the crowds by serving up a mix of small and large plates with global influences - think fluffy squid ink steamed buns stuffed with tempura soft shell crab.

£50 - £79
British
The Crab & Lobster Inn

The Crab & Lobster Inn

32 Forelands Field Road, Bembridge,, Bembridge, Hampshire, PO35 5TR

At this cosy inn, expect to find elevated pub grub as well as an ambitious menu of fresh seafood dishes. Highlights include dressed crab and moules mariniere, while gin cheesecake is a novel dessert option.

£30 - £49
Pubs
Fish
The Garlic Farm Café

The Garlic Farm Café

Mersley Lane, Newchurch,, Sandown, Hampshire, PO36 0NR

Home to an annual Garlic Festival (with live music and a funfair) and a menu dedicated to championing the pungent vegetable, The Garlic Farm Cafe is a truly unique proposition. Perhaps not one for date night though.

£30 - £49
The Terrace in Yarmouth

The Terrace in Yarmouth

Quay St, Yarmouth , Isle of Wight, PO41 0PB

Get here early during the summer months to grab a table on the highly coveted terrace, before settling into an afternoon of sipping on fine wines and indulging in a menu of seasonal, simple seafood.

British
International
Fish
The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel

Belgrave Road, Ventnor, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1JJ

This grande dame dates back to 1832, but still attracts diners. A sophisticated a la carte includes dishes such as halibut with beetroot risotto and whipped ricotta, while afternoon tea and Sunday lunch also impress.

British
The Blacksmiths Newport

The Blacksmiths Newport

Calbourne Road, Newport , PO30 5SS

If you’re after properly good pub grub, The Blacksmiths is a sure fire way to itch that scratch. The historic site has been around for 400 years, and boasts unbeatable scenic views of rolling hills - plus the food is equally as epic.

£30 - £49
Pubs
Bistro
The Red Lion Freshwater

The Red Lion Freshwater

Church Place, Freshwater, Hampshire, PO40 9BP

The Red Lion in Freshwater is a quaint country pub with plenty to shout about. The building dates all the way back to the 11th century making it one of the oldest pubs on the island, whilst in contrast the menu is contemporary, innovative and most importantly, delicious.

£30 - £49
Pubs
British

Love to get your food fix whilst also enjoying some glorious sea views? Why not head across the solent to Southsea for anything from Spanish tapas, to first-class fish and chips that you can eat right on the beach? It’s just a short trip on the Hovertravel or Wightlink ferry to be transported from island to mainland, where an impressive culinary landscape awaits. Check out our pick of the best restaurants in Southsea to find out for yourself.

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