A foodie’s guide to: the Isle of Wight

Island destinations are infused with “foodie” potential. With a long tradition of self-sufficiency, the Isle of Wight has a wealth of home-grown ingredients on hand. Local producers reign at the top of the food chain, while the best restaurants and cafes make creative use of all things seasonal.

From Wight-grown vegetables and venison to island distilleries and desserts, there’s so much to sample while you’re here. What makes the Isle of Wight such a foodie destination? Local produce and creative kitchens combine to make dining here truly unique. Whether you’re venturing out on a group tour or curating a gourmet escape, follow our guide to the best places to eat on the Isle of Wight.

Where are the best restaurants on the Isle of Wight? For a memorable evening out, the island takes a relaxed approach to refined dining. At The Terrace in Yarmouth, an evolving selection of award-winning dishes is served in a harbour-side setting. Likewise, Ventnor’s Stripped Brasserie has designed an intimate dining experience with a minimalist menu that changes weekly to reflect what’s available locally.

In Cowes, The Brasserie by Smoking Lobster offers Mediterranean flavours and freshly made pasta; menus feature options such as line-caught sea bass with orecchiette and tuna ceviche. 

If you love food, the Isle of Wight provides fantastic opportunities to look beyond the menu, meeting with growers, touring farms, and watching how products are made.

Want to explore Isle of Wight food tours and tastings? Amidst 334 acres of hills and countryside, the Isle of Wight Deer Farm raises red and fallow deer. By booking a walking tour with the Farm Director, you can get up-close with the animals and learn more about them – a rare opportunity to delve into the provenance of the meat you eat.

In the Arreton Valley, The Garlic Farm is open for farm walks, where you can see fields of garlic growing between February and July. Visit Briddlesford Lodge Farm in Wootton to indulge in fresh dairy products, or discover the art of gin-making at the Isle of Wight Distillery in Ryde, home to the renowned Mermaid Gin.

If your holiday forms part of a group celebration – or if you’d simply like to push the boat out a little further – you’ll find a number of fine dining options on the Isle of Wight.

For Michelin-starred excellence, RT Café Grill in Ryde delivers carefully crafted menus – from grill dishes to a la carte plates – led by renowned chef Robert Thompson. If you prefer a more exclusive experience, the restaurant also offers two private dining rooms, catering for between 16 and 20 guests.

Alternatively, head across the island to Freshwater Bay, where The Rock serves deceptively simple seasonal dishes, with a real focus on island produce. Our tip: if you’re booking for more than eight people, it’s best to contact the restaurant to plan ahead.

Seeking something more easy going? For light lunches and days out, the island’s laid-back options include country pubs, beach cafes and classic tearooms.

In Colwell Bay, The Hut has been transformed from a locals’ beach bar to a beachside restaurant exuding effortless cool. Pair your lunch plans with a day at the beach or even arrive by boat – if you’re travelling on the ferry from Lymington or berthing at Yarmouth Harbour, The Hut has its own vehicle shuttle service to collect you.

Or, spend a peaceful morning walk in the Freshwater countryside, setting the Red Lion Inn as your destination. Here, you’ll find gourmet country pub classics, such as salads, ploughman’s lunches and hand-made burgers.

Where can you find artisan food on the Isle of Wight? If you’re a food-lover excited by local ingredients, stock up on produce to try cooking at home. Living Larder is a family owned organic farm, based at Galley Horne for over 100 years. In addition to regular veg box deliveries, the farm also offers one-off orders, making it an ideal option for holiday staples.

And there’s plenty to discover while exploring the island. Shopping options range from micro to magnificent: buy eggs from the farm gate in Ashey and crab from a shed in Steephill Cove, or call in at the Harvey Browns farm and food hall to wonder at the abundance of ingredients on offer. It’s About Thyme in Shanklin is a butcher, deli, greengrocer and fishmonger, while the Pickle and Dill delicatessen in Ryde offers everything from preserves to takeaway sharing platters.

With luxury properties on the Isle of Wight, it’s easy to make this food-lover’s haven your holiday home. While you’re here, explore on land and by water – stopping to savour the island food and drink on your way.