Our Favourite Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants

Ventnor and the Isle of Wight have some excellent pubs, restaurants and cafes. Most are worth booking ahead of time!

For in depth reviews across the island, Matt and Cat are the "go to" foodies who offer a fount of knowledge on their website https://mattandcat.co.uk/, and regularly tweet updates and offers, if twitter is your thing!.

In the meantime, here are a few of our own favourites:

Ventnor

The Spyglass Inn. https://thespyglass.com/. There is a reason it is famous. Not only a great choice of beers and decent pub grub, but what a location!!

The Smoking Lobster. https://www.smokinglobster.co.uk/. Book ahead for a great meal in an unlikely looking building right on the seafront.  As well as the Drunken Lobster (see below) the team have also opend a new branch in Cowes.

The Royal Hotel.  https://royalhoteliow.co.uk/dining.  If you are looking for something traditional and of very high quality, the Royal Hotel is just a couple of hundred yards away.  

The Bistro.  http://thebistroventnor.co.uk/.  Nice little independent restaurant on the high street.

True Food Kitchen.  http://www.thetruefoodkitchenventnor.co.uk/.  The former Tramezzini has recently reopened as the True Food Kitchen, and is serving a delicious fusion menu.

The Hamborough. https://www.thehambrough.com/t... Chef Matthew Tomkinson won 2 Michelin stars in previous jobs, and brought his expertise to the Hamborough in 2021.  Expectations on quality and price will be met!

Drunken Lobster. https://drunkenlobster.co.uk/ A wine, sake and cocktail bar, featuring a Japanese Yakatori grill - what a combination.

Le Tour du Monde. Le Tour du Monde After a recent change in ownership, this french bistro is definitely on the up!

Masala Bay.  https://masalabayventnor.co.uk...  All the curry standards plus some interesting Nepalese specialities.  Delivers too!

Cantina.  https://cantinaventnor.co.uk/.  Great bread and a really decent breakfast / brunch.

Stripped.  https://strippedventnor.co.uk/. Currently on tour in a burger van (Thursday and Friday nights in Ventnor), but forget 5 guys - this is the burger!

Crave. Crave.  When there is so much choice they announce daily ice cream flavour choice on Facebook, you know something special is going on.  A visit to Chris and Tracy's locally run ice cream parlour is a must.  All the ice cream is made on the premises

Tonis. Tonis. Great place on the seafront to stop for some delicious homemade cakes!


Niton

The Buddle Inn. https://www.characterinns.co.uk/the-buddle-inn. The perfect pub during a walk, with a lovely garden looking over the sea, and often live music.

The White Horse. https://whitelioniow.co.uk/.  Book ahead to secure a spot for a very generous Sunday roast

Godshill
The Taverners.  
https://www.thetavernersgodshi...  Local gastro pub with a good reputation and loyal following

Newport

Thompsons:  https://www.robertthompson.co.uk/.  Now relocated to North House in Cowes.  Superb quality food, all from local produce.  Consider getting one of his amazing home deliveries and dining in at Michelin standards from https://www.robertthompson.co.....

Caffe Isola:  https://islandroasted.co.uk/caffe-isola/.  Probably the best Flat White on the Isle of Wight, all in a very cool space and plenty of cakes and sandwiches.

Cowes

North House https://northhouseiow.com/restaurant. The recently refurbished North House is now one of the top restaurants on the island.  Robert Thompson has now established his team there, so it will only get better.

Colwell Bay

The Hut: https://thehutcolwell.co.uk/.  Feels a bit like you've stepped into Miami, cool music and superb sunset - book weeks in advance!