Explore the delicious food and drink of the Isle of Wight in our round up of the island’s best places to eat and drink.
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Golden beaches, quaint towns and historical landmarks make the Isle of Wight an excellent destination for a short break or summer holiday.
There are plenty of things to do on the Isle of Wight, from visiting Queen Victoria’s Osborne House to exploring landmarks like the Needles. But to truly experience the island, it’s worth knowing not just what to see but where to enjoy a pint, a pie or a plate of just-caught seafood.
Food on the Isle of Wight is deeply tied to seasonality, proximity to the sea, and a strong sense of community. Yes, you’ll find top-notch restaurants here, but it’s also worth seeking out the spots where the locals eat. Islanders tend to follow instinct, tradition and reputation rather than food trends or glossy tourist leaflets.
So, here’s our guide to food and drink on the Isle of Wight, including cosy cafes, seaside seafood and pubs worth a visit. It’s worth bearing in mind that some businesses have seasonal hours or close during the winter months when footfall is lower. It’s best to check the opening hours before your visit.
The Spyglass Inn
Perched right on the seafront, at the western end of Ventnor Esplanade, The Spyglass Inn enjoys spectacular views over the English Channel. It’s the perfect spot for refreshments after a long walk, and well-behaved dogs are welcome.
The pub dates back to the 1830s, and it often entertained smugglers en route from France to England. Take time to browse the fascinating memorabilia displayed around the building and soak up the sense of history as you sip a pint and enjoy a delicious meal.
The menu at the Spyglass Inn is big on locally-sourced ingredients and freshly-caught local seafood, including Ventnor Bay lobster and crab.
- Address: Esplanade, Ventnor PO38 1JX
- Website: thespyglass.com
The Bargeman’s Rest
The Bargeman’s Rest is a popular family-run pub overlooking the River Medina, a few minutes outside Newport. It’s a picturesque spot with quirky décor and a buzzy atmosphere that makes it popular with locals and tourists.
Islanders come here for live music, generous portions of home-cooked pub food and a great choice of beers, including some local brews. The large menu is complemented by tasty daily specials, and dog walkers are welcome in this friendly pub.
- Address: The Bargeman’s Rest, Little London Quay, Newport PO30 5BS
- Website: bargemansrest.com
Cantina
Cantina is a cosy little cafe in the heart of Ventnor serving delicious brunch dishes and amazing coffee. In the evening, Cantina transforms into an intimate restaurant with a menu of Mediterranean-inspired plates, perfect for a romantic dinner or special celebration.
Islanders love Cantina for its impeccable service, laid-back vibe and flavourful food. This cute eaterie has built a loyal following among locals, and it gets busy, so advance booking is recommended.
- Address: 20 High St, Ventnor PO38 1RZ
- Website: http://www.cantinaventnor.co.uk
Shells Cafe
Shells Cafe stands out for its warm and friendly service, inviting atmosphere and high-quality homemade food. The cosy décor encourages you to linger, making this Ventnor eaterie a great place to relax after a day of shopping and sightseeing.
The portion sizes are generous, and visitors rave about the sensational sausage rolls and fabulous scones. Shells Cafe is also an excellent spot for brunch or afternoon tea.
- Address: 11 High St, Ventnor PO38 1RZ
- Website: Shells Cafe on Facebook
The Beach Shack Steephill Cove
Accessible only by foot, this little beach cafe in sunny Ventnor serves some of the island’s freshest seafood. The menu also features plenty of homemade food, including delicious soups, crusty baguettes and delicious home-baked cakes.
The Beach Shack’s location in one of the Isle of Wight’s prettiest coves is the icing on the cake. It’s perfect for a reviving snack and drink after a blustery coastal walk.
The Hut
- Address: Steephill Cove PO38 1UG
- thebeachshack-steephillcove.co.uk
Once a rustic beach bar known only to islanders, The Hut opened in 2013 and has grown into a thriving restaurant popular with locals and visitors alike. This elegant restaurant is set among the colourful beach huts on Colwell Bay, the perfect spot to watch the sun set while enjoying excellent seafood and handcrafted cocktails.
The hut opens throughout the day in the summer season, offering super-fresh seasonal food and local produce at reasonable prices. Visit in the morning for coffee and pastries or in the evening for a romantic candle-lit dinner on the terrace.
- Address: Colwell Chine Rd, Colwell Bay, Freshwater PO40 9NP
- Website: thehutcolwell.co.uk
The Garlic Farm
The Isle of Wight is famous for its high-quality garlic, so the Garlic Farm is well worth a visit for keen cooks. You can learn all about Isle of Wight garlic on a walk around the farmland and stock up on garlic bulbs and delicious speciality garlic products in the farm shop.
Next, head to the cosy on-site restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch and stunning views of the valley. The menu features garlic-infused dishes using local ingredients, such as the Garlic Farm’s own pasture-raised beef. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and there’s a children’s play park within sight of the restaurant. You might even spot red squirrels darting around!
- Address: Mersley Lane, Newchurch, Sandown PO36 0NR
- Website: www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk
Grace’s Bakery
Grace’s Bakery shops are the perfect place to pick up grab-and-go food or relax with a cup of coffee and a sweet treat.
Locals know they can be sure of finding top-quality hand-baked cakes, pastries and breads, plus a delicious range of lunch options. The iced doughnuts are a firm favourite, but visit early because once something has sold out, that’s it for the day!
- Address: Newport, Shanklin, Ryde, and Yarmouth
- Website: www.gracesbakery.co.uk
Where to Drink
The Isle of Wight has plenty of cosy seafront pubs with gorgeous sunset views. As well as the Spyglass Inn and The Bargeman’s Rest, it’s worth paying a visit to the Crab and Lobster at Bembridge. On a clear day, the views stretch over the Channel to West Sussex.
The Woodvale Hotel in the picturesque village of Gurnard has beautiful gardens, and its terrace enjoys stunning views over the Solent. The Waterfront at Totland is another prime seaside spot, and is just a few minutes’ drive from The Needles landmark.
And did you know that legendary mixologist Dick Bradsell, the inventor of the Espresso Martini, grew up on the Isle of Wight? The island boasts some fantastic cocktail bars like the Artisan Cocktail Bar & Grill in Ryde and The Cellar Bar in Sandown.
Small coastal pubs with limited opening hours often have the strongest followings. Real ales from island breweries, uncomplicated wine lists, and the expectation that conversation matters more than décor define these spaces. Islanders choose atmosphere over aesthetics every time.
The Isle of Wight even has its own gin distillery. Mermaid Gin is available in bars, pubs and restaurants throughout the island, and you can also sip a cocktail at the Isle of Wight Distillery’s Mermaid Bar.
As you can see, the Isle of Wight has plenty to offer, from sampling seafood just a stone’s throw from the sea and tucking into comforting home-cooked pub grub to sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the Solent.
Each of these spots will give you an authentic taste of the Isle of Wight and leave you with a deep connection to this beautiful island.