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/

This my personal list of top coffee spots (all cyclist friendly!) - IoW Coffee Shops and here are a few of our own favourite places to eat:

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 Bistro. http://thebistroventnor.co.uk/. Fabulous little independent restaurant on the high street run by husband and wife team. One of our personal favorites, but book ahead if possible, as not always open.

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 opened 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.  

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.

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 Brasserie.  https://www.stripped-brasserie.co.uk/. Mediterranean style food to match the local climate and fabulous burgers !

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

Castlehaven Beach Cafe. http://castlehaven. Summer only open air cafe / restaurant with incredible views - an output of the True Food Kitchen, so excellent menu of Asian Fusion

Cowes (and Ryde)

The Heron: https://www.heroniow.co.uk/.  Chef Alex Kimber has gained much notoriety for the art of developing and producing food to the highest quality for a wide range of clients including elite athletes and celebrities.  Alex developed Heron in 2021 and with with 2 AA Rosettes, the restaurant is making waves across the Island with sensational dishes that jump off the plate with artistic flare and taste!   Cowes is home to the casual dining version, the original is in Ryde!

Ryde

Robert Thompson: https://www.robertthompson.co.uk/. Now relocated to a fantastic location overlooking the solent in Ryde, Robert Thompson OBE is without a doubt the island's top chef. Superb quality food, all from local produce. If you can't get to Ryde, then consider getting one of his amazing home deliveries (You be Chef) and dining at home with Michelin standards.

Brading

Braai: https://www.braai-iow.co.uk/. Braai is a unique farm to fork pop up restaurant situated on the beautiful and historic Nunwell Estate, located just outside Brading on the Isle of Wight.  Only open in the summer at weekends, and often booked up in advance, it is a collaboration between Nunwell Home Farm, Heron Restaurant, Wight Knuckle Brewery and Wight Whisky.  Pasture raised meats cooked over open fire, served alongside other produce from small artisan Isle of Wight producers and farmers, with beers and cocktails produced right here on the estate, a truly unique dining experience!

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!

Godshill

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

Newport

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.