10 Best Restaurants on the Isle of Wight

Thompson’s specialises in contemporary British cuisine. Robert Thompson, who is the youngest British chef to receive a Michelin star, runs this restaurant. Its staff prepare seasonal menus, consisting of fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood. You can also enjoy a wide range of a la carte options, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

If you’re looking for a fine-dining experience that won’t break the bank, this is the place for you. Thompson’s can even prepare an 8-course tasting menu so you can confidently select the dishes you want.

The Little Gloster is a nautical-themed restaurant that serves seasonal British and Scandinavian dishes with a modern flair. This includes slow-cooked lamb breast, roast pork, and courgette pakora. You can also find many vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.

If you’re looking to dine in a chill, relaxed atmosphere, this Danish-style restaurant is a must-visit. It sits on the sea’s edge in the quaint town of Gurnard, which is about 2 miles from the seaport town of Cowes. 

Pendleton’s is a rustic, cosy gem at the heart of the old seaside village of Shanklin. Its friendly staff and laidback ambience make the place feel inviting – as does its ever-welcoming owner, Steven. The restaurant specialises in classic British dishes, along with local beer, wine, and cocktails.

Pendleton’s is only open for dinner and late-night drinks. So, if you want to have a chill night out with friends or a significant other, you may want to book a table while you’re on the island.

Burrs Restaurant offers a charming, intimate setting with delectable European cuisines, made fresh from locally sourced produce. The chef, Matt Burr, knows his way around steak and seafood. He prides himself on making everything from scratch, from the bread to the chocolate fudge in your coffee.

Burrs Restaurant offers some vegan and vegetarian options. It also provides free Wi-Fi and highchairs, making it a family-friendly establishment. If you’re travelling with kids, Burrs is the place to be.

Tramezzini is a steakhouse and seafood restaurant that serves Mediterranean and European dishes at reasonable prices. It uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create delicious dishes and mouth-watering desserts, ranging from cheesecakes and tarts to brownies. It’s the place to go to for coffee and weekday brunch. On the weekends, you can have a romantic night over a candlelit dinner.

Tramezzini is also a wheelchair-friendly establishment. If accessibility is crucial, you’ll like it here. It even offers street parking and free off-street parking.

The Bandstand is a small restaurant overlooking Sandown Bay. It retained the former bandstand’s architectural features and refined its vintage charm by adding large glass windows so you can have a panoramic view of the coastline wherever you’re seated.

If you’re heading to Sandown Bay, you can grab a cup of coffee, a light lunch, or a cold brew at this restaurant. At night, you’ll have a completely different experience, with seasonally varied dishes and an even more breathtaking view of the coastline.

Gastronomy Cowes offers a diverse menu with Asian, Mexican, and European influences. Burgers and ribs, pork bao buns, and piri-piri chicken are a few of its tempting dishes. The restaurant goes above and beyond to cater to customers’ tastes and dietary preferences. If you have dietary restrictions but you still want an unforgettable gastronomic experience, you should check this place out.

Aside from the excellent food and vibrant atmosphere, people come to Gastronomy Cowes for the local beer and fun, tropical cocktails.

Off the Rails is a restaurant occupying an old railway station in Yarmouth. It retains much the station’s old charm, though it has become so much more to the local community. You can enjoy an extensive breakfast selection, from croissants and pain au chocolat to pancakes and waffles.

Off the Rails is well-known for its themed evenings, which you must check out if you’re in town during the winter months. Some of its most popular events include Murder Mysteries and themes like the popular sitcom Faulty Towers.

Serving 100% plant-based food, Tansy’s Pantry is the place to go for a hearty vegan meal. It offers plenty of tempting fusion dishes, from vegan curries and sausages to desserts. Even its artisanal sodas, beers, and teas are healthy and guilt-free.

Tansy’s Pantry is a vibrant cafe that has live music and locals with their pets. If you have a dog, it’s more than welcome to join you on your plant-based dining experience at this restaurant.

No64 Ryde is a dog-friendly establishment that serves classic British comfort foods for a reasonable price, including good coffee and homemade cakes. Although very limited, they provide vegan options as well. In fact, they cater to all dietary requirements.

The restaurant’s chirpy staff and warm interior lighting make it extra cosy and inviting, which is why it’s a local favourite. If you want to meet and dine with the locals without having to leave your furry friend at home, you should visit No64 Ryde for a memorable experience.