In BeachesFoodIdeas

From freshly caught seafood to a hearty roast dinner with all the trimmings, the Isle of Wight is brimming with delicious places to eat and drink. But it’s not just tasty food on offer – the Isle of Wight is famous for its exceptional sea views. If you’re looking for a mouth-watering meal by the water, the Island offers a truly memorable dining experience. Ready to tuck in?

© The Woodvale pub on the Isle of Wight

North Wight

After a busy day exploring North Wight’s must-visit attractions, enjoy a bite to eat at The Fishbourne – a warm and welcoming pub dating back to the 1900s. Located by woodlands on the banks of Wootton Creek, the sea views are beautiful – and the selection of superb ales and fine wines are sure to make your visit a memorable one. The pub’s located near the Wightlink Ferry Terminal, making it the perfect place to enjoy some last-minute Island views before you head home.

With an ever-changing menu with over 50 choices, The Woodvale offers a fine-dining experience with some of the most spectacular views of the sunset. In the summer, you’ll get the chance to watch the world-famous sailing regattas as you enjoy speciality fish dishes or an alfresco BBQ lunch.

The Globe, in Cowes, is another stunning spot by the sea. Located on the water’s edge, it’s the ultimate place to enjoy a glass of champagne, cocktail or fine ale on the rooftop terrace as you relax and watch the yachts sail by.

The George Hotel, Isle of Wight

West Wight                                                                               

West Wight is a hub of natural beauty, with stunning coastal walks, fossil beaches and hidden rockpools to explore. Ideally positioned in the centre of Colwell Bay only a stone’s throw from the beach, The Hut provides uninterrupted sea views of stunning Island coastline. Its unique location means it’s sheltered from the wind but attracts the sunshine from noon until night. The menu boasts a selection of high-quality dishes using the freshest regional produce, making this beach restaurant a firm favourite with locals and holidaymakers alike - and it's a great place for celebrity-spotting too!

The beautiful Waterfront Bar and Restaurant sits in Totland Bay, with an enviable beachfront location for diners to enjoy. With a menu inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll feel as if you’re on a European holiday. And sitting on the harbourside above the Yarmouth Wightlink Ferry Terminal is The Terrace Yarmouth. The outdoor terrace and enclosed shelters offer spectacular views out to the Solent, forming the perfect backdrop as you enjoy a lunchtime and a la carte dinner menu created using the finest local ingredients.

Looking to surround yourself with a touch of history as you dine? Then be sure to swing by The George Hotel & Restaurant. Nestled between the castle and pier in the bustling harbour town of Yarmouth, this magnificent building was once home to Sir Robert Holmes – one of the Island’s Governors who famously entertained King Charles II. Today, this family-friendly brasserie offers uninterrupted views of the Solent and features a renowned garden bar and private single beach for diners to enjoy. Cheers to that!

© The Spyglass Inn_Nathaniel Wheatleye

South Wight

South Wight is home to a vast array of delicious eateries – all with stunning sea views and exciting menus to match. And it doesn’t get much better than Smoking Lobster in Ventnor. Not only does it have an enviable beach-front location with panoramic views, but it offers a mouth-watering food and drinks menu inspired by Pan-Asian cuisine.

Steeped in history, The Spyglass Inn sits at the western end of Ventnor Esplanade on the Isle of Wight overlooking the Channel. Seafood is their speciality, with fresh crab and lobster often the catch of the day. There’s free live music most evenings and Sunday lunchtimes, giving you the chance to listen to some of the Island’s top local musicians. Grab a beer, enjoy the view and stay for the entertainment. And only a three-minute walk away from the inn is The Met – offering tapas in a cosy beach front setting, boasting the largest terrace on the coastline, offering a slice of Mediterranean paradise overlooking Ventnor bay.

Fisherman's Cottage, Shanklin

East Wight

Head to the east of the Island and you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice with pubs, restaurants and bars ideally located on the coast. The Steamer Inn is no exception. Situated on Shanklin Esplanade, the pub boasts the most incredible panoramic views across Sandown Bay to the English Channel. Whether you’ve been busy exploring local attractions or spent the day on the beach, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some local seafood after your adventures. Similarly, The Old Fort pub in the Edwardian sailing village of Seaview offers sweeping sea views across the Solent and beyond. Renowned for offering relaxed seaside dining, this multi-award winning restaurant is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by over a delicious pub classic or mouth-watering daily special.

If you’re after fish and chips by the sea, you can’t go wrong with the Fisherman’s Cottage. The pub gets busy in the summer, so many diners enjoy sitting outside by the sea in traditional British holiday style! If you’re bringing your pooch along on holiday, then head to The Waterfront Inn at Shanklin for a quiet and relaxing dog-friendly dining experience. Whether you fancy a light lunch or the signature steak and ale pie, there’s a sun terrace with magnificent views that offers a warm and welcoming ambience all-year round.

Just a stone’s throw from the beach is The Reef Sandown, which has a spacious decking area at the front perfectly positioned to see spectacular views of Sandown Bay. Choose from a selection of dishes, including stone-baked pizza, fresh fish, salad, pasta, steak and more. Then there’s The Seaview Hotel – a relaxed hotel by the sea where everyone is made to feel at home. Situated adjacent to the picturesque village of Seaview, you’ll get the chance to enjoy fine ales and delicious bar classics – including the famous crab ramekin – as you watch boats and yachts sail by. You won’t want to leave!

Located in Seaview, which is a quaint, unique village that sits to the eastern end of the town of Ryde, is The Boathouse. They pride themselves on offering superb ales and an extensive wine selection to compliment their award winning food. With an outside seating area, you can enjoy the unobscured sea views whilst dining.