Dining out on holiday is a real treat, and finding the perfect restaurant can create extra special holiday memories. Whether you are flexing the credit card for a fine-dining experience or are looking for a quality takeaway option after visiting one of the Isle of Wight's attractions – be inspired by our favourite places to eat on the Isle of Wight.
There’s a good selection of Italian, Indian and Chinese takeaways, plus gastropubs, dog-friendly cafes, seafood specialists and so much more to discover; there’s even a selection of Michelin-guide restaurants on the island. Although the Isle of Wight is home to several high street favourites, predominantly in Newport, the top restaurants on the Isle of Wight are arguably those one-off and independent eateries offering a unique dining experience.
Read on for the low-down on the best restaurants on the Isle of Wight, or if you've already made up your mind, click the button below to find a lovely self-catering cottage for your getaway.
Book a table at Thompson’s in the heart of Newport. Specialising in contemporary British fare, Chef Robert Thompson’s flagship restaurant offers unforgettable dining. Select a dish from the seasonal set menu, à la carte, or an eight-course tasting menu. The kitchen offers a series of cookery courses where you can learn new skills and develop your tastes and repertoire. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Stay at: Marvel Cottage | Sleeps: 4 guests
Terrace, Yarmouth | ££
This superb Michelin-guide restaurant offers dazzling views over the sea, and while you're tucking into the delicious cuisine, you can watch the boats come and go from the harbour. As you would expect, the food is impeccable, and with a menu offering something for all tastes, you won't be disappointed by the choice. Enclosed shelters and outdoor terraces make summer dining here a wonderful, laid-back experience - definitely one of the best Isle of Wight restaurants.
Stay at: Westport Cottage | Sleeps: 7 + 2 dogs
Top gastropubs on the Isle of Wight
The Red Lion, Totland | ££
This gastropub at the western end of the Isle of Wight is a great place for a slap-up meal and a pint at the end of a long day’s walk. Close to The Needles Landmark Attraction and Tennyson Downs, The Red Lion in Totland Bay is a perfect place for a pitstop and refuel after a long day of walking the byways and trails of the island. The food is tasty and dependable, cornering the market on deluxe versions of British mealtime favourites. It gets busy in the summertime, but that’s a sign of a good place to eat and drink.
Stay at: Solent Sunsets | Sleeps: 6 guests
The Horse and Groom, near Yarmouth | ££
Just 3 miles outside of the harbour town of Yarmouth, you could make a trip to The Horse and Groom after you’ve arrived on the ferry from the mainland. It’s a superb place to eat with a sturdy menu comprised of family-friendly meals. For kids, there is a play park in the garden with slides and swings to play on, which makes it one of the best places to eat on the Isle of Wight for families. It won the best family-friendly pub award three years on the trot (2017-2019) and judging by its success, the trend looks set to continue.
Stay at: Apple House | Sleeps: 4 guests
Top Italian restaurants on the Isle of Wight
Ristorante Michelangelo, Ryde | ££
Who doesn’t love Italian food? A high street favourite since the late 1970s in England, Italians have been leading the way when it comes to plying the evening dining crowd with something exotic to eat and drink. Ristorante Michelangelo specialises in authentic Italian-style pizza, and pasta dishes to make the mouth water. Vegetarian options concocted to perfection bolster the options and make this a must-visit foodie destination when you are on your trip to Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
Stay at: Iona Cottage | Sleeps: 8 guests + 1 dog
Pavarotti's, Shanklin | ££
Eat like a king at this fine Italian restaurant close to the beach at the popular seaside resort of Shanklin. Then, walk off your feast with an amble along the Esplanade. Pavarotti's has a great wine list and a suitably relaxed environment in which to unwind, uncork and while away the evening with good company and exceptional Italian food. The pizzas are to die for and don’t miss out on the antipasti plate for the starter. You will think that you have travelled to Italy, so delicious is the fare on offer here. Book ahead.
Stay at: The Sea Terrace Cottage | Sleeps: 6 guests
Top Indian restaurants on the Isle of Wight
Ryde Tandoori, Ryde | ££
With a frighteningly good range of curries and other Indian and Far-Eastern dishes, the Ryde Tandoori is a wonderful choice for those that love to wind down with something spicy at the end of the day. The menu is full of intriguing dishes that are bound to cause dilemmas amongst you and your party. Choose from balti, vindaloo, Madras, biriyani, korma and so many more interesting Indian dishes.
Stay at: Oaktrees | Sleeps: 8 guests plus 2 dogs
Eastern Eye, Sandown | ££
The Isle of Wight is home to several good Indian restaurants; another one we’d recommend is Eastern Eye, located in the coastal town of Sandown, close to the beach. It’s got a great range of Indian beers to cool the edge off the hot curries that populate its extensive menu. Using the best and freshest ingredients for its sauce blends, curry fans should head into Eastern Edge if they are staying on the east coast of the island.
Stay at: Beaulieu Cottage | Sleeps: 5 guests
Top seafood places to eat on the Isle of Wight
The Hut, Colwell Bay | £££
Enjoy your mouthwatering seafood with a side-helping of outstanding sea views at this Michelin-guide restaurant set amongst the colourful beach huts of Colwell Bay, open in the summer. The Hut offers a brasserie-style menu, with fresh seafood dishes at the forefront. The simple and unfussy dishes are served on the sunny terrace with retractable roofs, so you can be guaranteed a comfortable dining experience, whatever the weather.
Stay at: Lodore | Sleeps: 6 guests + 2 dogs
Bellamy’s Bistro, Sandown | ££
For a sensational seafood experience of an evening, we thoroughly recommend a visit to
Bellamy’s Bistro in sunny
Sandown. Fruits de mer, prawn cocktails and a veritable ocean of seafood dishes are waiting for you and your fellow diners to indulge in. It’s a great place to people watch and enjoy the experience of seeing course after course of fish and shellfish appear from the kitchen. Bellamy’s is a firm favourite with islanders, and we think you’d like it too, especially after a long, scenic
walk on the Isle of Wight coast.
Stay at: Lookout - Sandown | Sleeps: 4 guests
Top dog-friendly places to eat and drink on the Isle of Wight
Fisherman’s Cottage, Shanklin | ££
Take your friendly canine companion along to the Fisherman’s Cottage in Shanklin. This dog-friendly eatery has been welcoming our four-legged pals along to dine with us for ages. It’s a wonderful place to kick back and enjoy a bout of informal dining after a walk on Luccombe beach, which is one of the Isle of Wight's best dog-friendly beaches. The Fisherman’s Cottage is one of the oldest pubs on the island and has been trading since the mid-1800s. You can find it just beyond Shanklin Chine at the southern end of the beach. The views from the tableside are great; you and your dog will love it.
Stay at: Keats House | Sleeps: 7 guests + 2 dogs
The Cow, Yarmouth | ££
Bring your dog along to join you for your dinner at The Cow near Yarmouth. If you like dining outside, your hound can accompany you in the large garden. The menu here is great and full of grilled goodies that cover all surf, turf and veggie options. It's fully licensed so you can enjoy some wine or beer with your choice too.
Stay at: Lodore | Sleeps: 6 guests plus 2 dogs
Stay with us on the Isle of Wight
We have some lovely self-catering holiday cottages all over the beautiful Isle of Wight, close to many of the places to eat and drink featured in this guide. Where will you stay on your holiday to the Isle of Wight?
Isle of Wight cottages