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The best places to eat in the Isle of Wight
There are plenty of amazing places to eat in the Isle of Wight. The Isle beckons with a diverse culinary landscape, offering freshly caught seafood, hearty roasts with locally reared meats, and fine dining by award-winning chefs.
From seaside afternoon tea experiences to countryside pubs with stunning views, indulge in a variety of experiences featuring the island's signature produce. Whether it's fish and chips by the sea or modern bistro creations, there's something to satisfy every palate, perfect for gaining a real taste of the island.
You’ll be spoiled for choice with some of the best Isle of Wight restaurants. If you want to indulge in British classics at pubs on the Isle of Wight, why not try the Highdown Inn?
Or, enjoy some afternoon tea spots like The Pearl Café. And of course, don’t hesitate to grab a bite of some iconic fish and chips, maybe at Ozze's Plaice?
The best Isle of Wight restaurants are waiting for you to explore them. So, sit back, put your napkin on, and get ready to tuck into our guide to the best places to eat in the Isle of Wight.
The best Isle of Wight restaurants
If you’re yearning for the top places to eat in the Isle of Wight, then you’ll likely want to explore these delightful restaurants that cater to every guest. Here are our picks for the best restaurants in the Isle of Wight:
The Hambrough, Ventnor
Overlooking gorgeous sea views, this fantastic dining spot found in the Michelin Guide is the perfect choice to kick off our list of the best restaurants in the Isle of Wight. The Hambrough, nestled in the haven of Ventnor, offers some fine dining options to tickle any taste buds. Why not try some honey-roasted duck whilst peering out at the blue skies?
Smoking Lobster, Cowes
For a top-tier seafood restaurant in the Isle of Wight, why not visit Smoking Lobster in the far north of the Isle, in Cowes? As you may have guessed, lobster is a favourite in this dining spot – they even use their own lobster pots! That being said, there are plenty of other options ranging from seafood noodles to chicken skewers, so there’s something for everyone.
Thompson’s, Newport
Let’s travel further inland to the town of Newport, and look at the contemporary wonder of Thompson’s. This ‘open kitchen’ restaurant blends modern and traditional culinary styles for the perfect dining experience.
You can see why it’s one of the top places to eat in the Isle of Wight. When you’re ready to eat, the restaurant is only a 10-minute drive from The Lakes Rookley holiday park.
The Hut, Freshwater
Another seafood restaurant in the Isle of Wight can be found in the centre of Colwell Bay – The Hut. Sheltered from the wind from noon until night, The Hut can be reached by boat, so you can arrive in style. After a day exploring the seas, you can simply dock and dive into some delicious meals.
And better yet, you only need to walk for 6 minutes from The Bay Colwell to reach this restaurant.
Heron, Ryde
To finish off our list of the best places to eat in the Isle of Wight, we’ve got a modern dining experience that specialises in passionately designed and creative dishes. Heron is one of the finer Isle of Wight restaurants to visit on your break away. The cosy setting and stylish décor are a great accompaniment to go with your hand-rolled gnocchi.
No matter your dietary requirements, Heron offers a variety of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options in their exquisite menu.
The best pubs in the Isle of Wight
If we’re talking about the best places to eat in the Isle of Wight, or anywhere in the UK for that matter, we ought to pay some attention to some pub picks. There are several pubs in the Isle of Wight that should be on your to-do list – or should we say to-eat list – because of their brilliantly British atmosphere and quality. Here are our top contenders:
The Highdown Inn, Totland
Planted on the far west side of the Isle in the beautiful, natural landscape of Totland, The Highdown Inn perfectly encapsulates our Isle of Wight tradition. This pub is a great spot to chill out, enjoy a nice meal, and meet some of the Isle’s locals. Plus, it’s only a few minutes’ drive from the iconic Needles.
The Waterfront Inn, Shanklin
Another beachfront option on our list, The Waterfront Inn in Shanklin is exactly as named. Imagine sitting there, feeling the soft breeze of the sea wave over you, as you sip on your favourite selection of ales, lagers, wines or spirits. And of course, it’s also one of the nicest places to eat in the Isle of Wight with leisurely meals to accompany your beverage.
Why not stay in Whitecliff bay, where you’re only a 20-minute drive down the beautiful coast from the restaurant?
The Sun Inn, Compton Beach
If you’re looking for cosy, inviting pubs in the Isle of Wight, The Sun Inn is your best bet. It was voted top 10 most cosy pubs in the UK in 2018, by the Sunday Telegraph. So, whether you’re relaxing inside in the classic, 16th century atmosphere, or you’re lounging in the huge beer garden, this could be the spot for you.
This restaurant offers a wide range of catering for a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian options for everyone to enjoy.
The Village Inn, Shanklin
We’re heading back to Shanklin now, where you’ll find the Village Inn, another one of the best pubs in the Isle of Wight. Not only is it a brilliant place to eat or drink in the Isle of Wight, but it’s also a great spot for some live music. If you’re looking for some glorious entertainment to help you wash down your meal, this is the place to be.
The Lifeboat Inn, East Cowes
A fantastic pub situated right on the River Medina, The Lifeboat Inn is both one of the best places to eat in the Isle of Wight, and a great place to catch some exhilarating sports on TV. Take the family out to this lovely, warm atmosphere and cheer on your favourite teams!
The best afternoon tea in the isle of wight
If we’re talking about the best places to eat in the Isle of Wight, and we’ve covered restaurants and pubs, it’s only natural we turn to the beloved classic we Brits are known for – afternoon tea. There are several places to enjoy some delightful afternoon tea in the Isle of Wight, with luscious settings to top off your holiday.
Here are some of our favourites:
The Pearl Café, Brighstone
If luxury beckons, then you must surely answer. And that’s why you ought to pay a visit to The Pearl Café in Brighstone. You’ll be met with many excellent options, whether you want scones, doughnuts, or some of the best cream tea in the Isle of Wight. After your food, you could treat yourself to something special from the family-run Isle of Wight Pearl jewellery shop.
And better yet, If your holidaying with your furry friend, they’re more than welcome in the café too.
Quarr Abbey Teashop, Ryde
The Isle of Wight is known for its intricate architecture, and Quarr Abbey is clear evidence of this. visit the Quarr Abbey Tea Shop to have some delicious afternoon tea in the Isle of Wight, whilst you take time to relax and admire the sights of the monastery.
And if you’re staying at St Helens resort, it’s only an 18-minute drive away.
Laburnum Cottage Tearoom and Garden, Shanklin
Settled in the heart of the Old village, in the picturesque town of Shanklin, Laburnum Cottage is a great location if you want some afternoon tea – which is themed after the classic Alice in Wonderland story!
Gods Providence House, Newport
Welcome to Gods Providence House, where the food certainly provides a heavenly touch to your taste buds. If you’re in need of some mouthwatering afternoon tea in the Isle of Wight, these delicious homemade cakes are sure to hit the spot. So, bring the family along for some unforgettable dining delights.
There are also plenty of options for those with special diets. Why not enjoy the vegetarian breakfast, for example?
The Freshwater Coffee House
On the Westcoast of the Isle, The Freshwater Coffee House provides some of the most satisfying cream tea in the Isle of Wight. Why not tuck in to some warm, fresh scones with some butter and jam.
Best fish and chips in the Isle of Wight
Naturally, a holiday away in the UK wouldn’t be complete without some much-loved fish and chips. So, when looking for the best places to eat in the Isle of Wight, it’s only right that we put some wonderfully tasty options for your chippy favourites.
Here are our top choices for the best fish and chips in the Isle of Wight.
Ozze's Plaice, Newport
If you find yourself in Newport, you should certainly swing round to Ozze’s Plaice. You’ll find all your favourite traditional dishes being made ready to order, so every bite is warm, fresh, and full of flavour.
Plus, this delicious spot for fish and chips in the Isle of Wight is a mere 11-minute drive from The Lakes Rookley holiday park.
Tony's Fish and Chip Shop, Ryde
In the heart of Ryde, you’ll find Tony’s Fish and Chip shop, a well-known and well-loved staple in the town. Feel free to dine in for a relaxed meal with the family, or grab your grub and head back to your luxury holiday home in St Helens – which will only take you 14 minutes to drive back to, so you can enjoy your meal in comfort.
Avenue Road Chippy, Sandown
If you’re staying at our Whitecliff Bay holiday park, then why not grab the family and jump in the car for an 8-minute drive to Avenue Road Chippy? In the beautiful town of Sandown, this chippy will have your tummies jumping for joy with the freshly cooked chips and wide selection of fish, burgers, and more.
Brothers of Brading, Sandown
Sandown also offers another fantastic spot for fish and chips in the Isle of Wight, Brothers of Brading. This chippy is always hailed for its friendly staff and high-quality dishes that have everyone coming back for more.
If you’re staying in Whitecliff Bay, you now have two options for fish and chips in the Isle of Wight less than 10-minutes away by car.
Golden Sands, Ventnor
If you’re heading to the south of the Isle, a much-needed stop in Golden Sands will provide you with one of the best places to eat in the Isle of Wight. The wonderful town of Ventnor has so much to offer, so grab some delicious bites and go exploring with the family.
Your dream day trip with brilliant experiences and top-tier fish and chips in the Isle of Wight is only 18-minutes for The Lakes Rookley holiday park.
Colwell Captain’s Cabin Café
All aboard the Colwell Captain’s Cabin, because here you’ll find some delightful fish and chips in the Isle of Wight that fully represent why this Isle is so famous for its food. Tuck into some traditional fish and chips favourites and admire the scenic views of the coast.
It may only be open in the summer months, but if you’re staying in The Bay Colwell, you won’t need to walk more than four minutes to reach this mouthwatering spot.
Places to eat in the Isle of Wight: FAQs
We hope our guide to the best places to eat in the Isle of Wight has left you stuffed with ideas and full up with excitement. That being said, if you’ve still got some room left for questions, here are our most frequently asked ones on places to eat in the Isle of Wight:
What food is the Isle of Wight famous for?
The food the Isle of Wight is most famous for would traditionally be succulent crab and delicious cream teas. If you’re looking for the best afternoon tea in the Isle of Wight, our guide will surely not disappoint, and there are plenty of seafood restaurants in the Isle of Wight where you’ll find crab.
What is the Isle of Wight famous for?
The Isle of Wight is most famous for its mild climate and beautiful coastal scenery. This popular holiday destination is full of mesmerising landscapes from hills and lakes to bays and countryside. If you want the best break away, visit the Isle of Wight for unforgettable experiences.
How many pubs are on the Isle of Wight?
There are 120 pubs on the Isle of Wight, according to the most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics. With each of the pubs in the Isle of Wight, you’ll be greeted with a warm atmosphere and a variety of fantastic food, making these pubs some of the best places to eat in the Isle of Wight.