One of the greatest luxuries of exploring the Solent by RIB is the ability to pull up to some of the Isle of Wight’s finest restaurants directly from the water. No traffic, no parking headaches, just the open water, a cold drink and a table with a view.
Whether you’re looking for a long and lazy lunch, afternoon tea or an atmosphere to rival Ibiza, the Isle of Wight has a dining scene that punches well above its weight. Here’s our pick of the best restaurants worth planning a trip around.
The Hut
Ask any sailor about dining on the Isle of Wight and The Hut at Colwell Bay will almost certainly come up first.
This iconic beachfront restaurant sits right at the water’s edge on the north-west coast, surrounded by colourful beach huts, looking out towards Hurst Castle. The setting is practically Mediterranean. Terraces dressed in wicker shades, white furniture, and the kind of light that makes everything taste better.
The menu is a beautifully edited selection of fresh seafood and grilled meats. Think fish tacos, fruits de mer platters, ribeye steak, and grilled lobster. The cocktail and wine list is equally impressive, and there’s a solid plant-based menu too. The Hut holds a listing in the Michelin Guide, and bookings typically open in February each year. They go fast, so plan ahead, or let us help. Open mid-March to the end of October.
The Best Dressed Crab
Perched on the water in Bembridge Harbour, The Best Dressed Crab is the place to go if you want your seafood as fresh as it gets.
The terrace looks directly over the working harbour, and it’s not unusual to watch fishermen delivering their catches while you eat. Lobsters and crabs are brought ashore to the restaurant and fishmonger next door.
The menu is seafood-focused and excellent. The atmosphere is relaxed and the setting is genuinely charming, with views across the harbour from every table. This is the kind of honest, brilliant seafood experience that makes the Isle of Wight so special.
The Terrace, Yarmouth
Yarmouth is one of the most attractive villages and harbours on the island and an obvious stopping point for any boat trip around the Isle of Wight’s western coast.
The Terrace sits between Yarmouth Harbour and the historic Yarmouth Castle, with wonderful views out across the Solent. We’ve always enjoyed our meals at The Terrace and highly recommend it.
The cooking is superb, and the setting is relaxed without being casual. There are seasonal menus and a great wine list.
The George Hotel & Restaurant
Also in Yarmouth, The George is one of the Isle of Wight’s most prestigious dining destinations. Housed in a beautiful 17th-century building,steeped in history was once home to the Island’s Governors, Sir Robert Holmes who often entertained King Charles II. The restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide and delivers unfussy yet beautifully crafted dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
For a special occasion, an anniversary, a birthday, or simply a well-deserved treat after a day on the water, The George represents the island’s finest. The service matches the setting, and the food more than justifies the price point. In summer, the Beach Kitchen in the grounds offers a more casual option with pizzas and rosé beside a resident DJ.
The Smoking Lobster
A two-AA-Rosette restaurant with locations in both Cowes and Ventnor, The Smoking Lobster is one of the island’s most distinctive dining experiences. The family-run restaurant serves innovative Pan-Asian cuisine. Grilled lobster with miso butter, tempura monkfish, and seared scallops, crafted by a chef whose Chinese-Italian heritage and travels through Asia inform every dish. They even operate their own fishing boat to source seasonal catch directly.
The Cowes venue is particularly well-placed for visiting boaters. The atmosphere is vibrant, the cocktails are excellent, and the food is genuinely unlike anything else on the island.
The Rock at The Albion Hotel
Nestled beneath the dramatic chalk cliffs of Freshwater Bay, just a stone’s throw from the Needles, The Albion is one of the Isle of Wight’s most storied hotels. Following a stunning £6 million refurbishment, its restaurant The Rock has become a destination in its own right. The hotel’s history stretches back to the early 1700s, and it is said that a young Queen Victoria stayed here while Osborne House was being built. Today, the beautifully restored building combines Georgian and Victorian heritage with a refined coastal boutique feel.
The Rock is a light-filled, 120-seat restaurant with panoramic views across Freshwater Bay. On fine days, the large windows open fully onto a sun-drenched terrace just yards from the water. The kitchen, led by head chef Adam Wells, who trained with Marco Pierre White and Tom Kerridge, champions simplicity and local flavour, with over 90% of ingredients sourced from Isle of Wight producers. Expect hand-dived scallops, lobster, wild sea bass, and seasonal dishes crafted with genuine care. The Cabin, the hotel’s historic bar, is perfect for a drink before or after your meal.