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Pubs And Restaurants With A Sea View On The Isle Of Wight (2025)
A friend once complained to me that there’s not a great deal of choice for good quality seaside dining on the Isle of Wight. I immediately told him he was wrong, kicked him out of my house and unfriended him on Facebook.
In hindsight, I may have been better to give some suggestions.
We've just included pubs and restaurants that offer evening meals. There are plenty more if you include cafes for lunch etc (see our beachside café guide). I’ve included links to food hygiene ratings, since many of these places specialise in seafood and I’d rather not spend a week’s holiday on the toilet.
We've mostly just included those with a TripAdvisor rating of at least four (as of November 2024).
In hindsight, I may have been better to give some suggestions.
We've just included pubs and restaurants that offer evening meals. There are plenty more if you include cafes for lunch etc (see our beachside café guide). I’ve included links to food hygiene ratings, since many of these places specialise in seafood and I’d rather not spend a week’s holiday on the toilet.
We've mostly just included those with a TripAdvisor rating of at least four (as of November 2024).
Pubs and restaurants with a sea view in Sandown and Shanklin
Shanklin Esplanade has a couple of large restaurants next to each other. At the time of writing, you can choose from The Steamer (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene rating) and The Waterfront (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene rating).
The other one we like is the Fisherman’s Cottage (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene rating), which is a thatched pub at the far end of the Esplanade in Shanklin. It’s so close to the water that you might get your feet wet. Elsewhere in Shanklin is The Hideaway, which is a shorts and flip-flops sort of place with live music from the clifftop path (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). They do serve food in the evening but not as late as some places. Thanks to Ian on Facebook for the suggestion, and for the info that they provide binoculars for peering at passing ships.
There's also a restaurant on Shanklin seafront called Caesar's, which was previously Shanklin Beach Hotel. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor but I don't know a lot about it, and it's not the sort of place that you can peer through the window very easily (see Food Hygiene).
The other one we like is the Fisherman’s Cottage (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene rating), which is a thatched pub at the far end of the Esplanade in Shanklin. It’s so close to the water that you might get your feet wet. Elsewhere in Shanklin is The Hideaway, which is a shorts and flip-flops sort of place with live music from the clifftop path (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). They do serve food in the evening but not as late as some places. Thanks to Ian on Facebook for the suggestion, and for the info that they provide binoculars for peering at passing ships.
There's also a restaurant on Shanklin seafront called Caesar's, which was previously Shanklin Beach Hotel. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor but I don't know a lot about it, and it's not the sort of place that you can peer through the window very easily (see Food Hygiene).
A sunny day in Shanklin (just like every other day in Shanklin)
In Sandown, our favourite is The Bandstand (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). I've not been since it changed management in 2024, but I can say that the building and views are terrific. The new owner is a West End chap who has added a stage.
There are some seafront restaurants in Sandown. The Reef has a large outdoor seating area and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor (see Food Hygiene rating). There was great excitement when Brian May dined at The Reef in 2023. Flanagans near to Sandown Pier is a popular pub grub sort of place. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor (see Food Hygiene rating).
There's also Sandown Cliffs Cookhouse and Pub, which is attached to the Premier Inn on the seafront. It's open to non-residents and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, (see Food Hygiene). It's a Whitbread pub, so is similar to Beefeater. The first time we visited was shortly after it opened and it wasn't great. However, we returned a year later and really liked it.
There are some seafront restaurants in Sandown. The Reef has a large outdoor seating area and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor (see Food Hygiene rating). There was great excitement when Brian May dined at The Reef in 2023. Flanagans near to Sandown Pier is a popular pub grub sort of place. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor (see Food Hygiene rating).
There's also Sandown Cliffs Cookhouse and Pub, which is attached to the Premier Inn on the seafront. It's open to non-residents and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, (see Food Hygiene). It's a Whitbread pub, so is similar to Beefeater. The first time we visited was shortly after it opened and it wasn't great. However, we returned a year later and really liked it.
Restaurants and pubs with a sea view in Ryde and East Wight
The sandy beach at Appley
During the summer months, The Dell Café in Appley (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene) does evening meals on some nights. It gets good reviews, but you have to book as it's not huge. Thanks to Helen for the suggestion, via Facebook. I had an excellent breakfast here during a heatwave.
Elsewhere on Ryde seafront is Harbour House, which scores well (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). It's at the pricier end of the market (£15 - £25 for a main). Kudos to Annabel on Facebook for being the cool kid who heard about this one earlier than me. I expect she's into bands I've never heard of too.
Round the corner in Seaview, you'll find The Old Fort (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). It's won a few awards and is quite trendy.
The restaurant at the Seaview Hotel (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene) has a bit of a sea view if you sit outside. It's on a road which is at a right angle about 70 metres from the coastal road. It's not a perfect sea view but it's worth a mention as the restaurant - Aquitania - is in the Michelin Guide. That isn't the same as getting a Michelin star, but it still means you get delicately presented fine dining rather than a mountain of cheesy chips.
Meanwhile, you get impressive cliff top sea views from Culver Haven Inn (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene), which is a relaxed pub overlooking Sandown and Shanklin from a spot near Bembridge.
Elsewhere on Ryde seafront is Harbour House, which scores well (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). It's at the pricier end of the market (£15 - £25 for a main). Kudos to Annabel on Facebook for being the cool kid who heard about this one earlier than me. I expect she's into bands I've never heard of too.
Round the corner in Seaview, you'll find The Old Fort (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). It's won a few awards and is quite trendy.
The restaurant at the Seaview Hotel (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene) has a bit of a sea view if you sit outside. It's on a road which is at a right angle about 70 metres from the coastal road. It's not a perfect sea view but it's worth a mention as the restaurant - Aquitania - is in the Michelin Guide. That isn't the same as getting a Michelin star, but it still means you get delicately presented fine dining rather than a mountain of cheesy chips.
Meanwhile, you get impressive cliff top sea views from Culver Haven Inn (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene), which is a relaxed pub overlooking Sandown and Shanklin from a spot near Bembridge.
Pubs and restaurants with a sea view in Ventnor and South Wight
Ventnor has a long row of cafes and restaurants on the esplanade. Most of them are the kind of place you’d go for lunch rather than an evening meal but there are some evening options.
The biggest and busiest is The Spyglass (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene rating), which is a pub with an abundance of raucous laughter, live music and more chips than a casino. It won Best Pub at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022.
There's also a pub near to the Spyglass called Mill Bay Inn (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). We've not been to that one and I can't find a website, so I can't offer much insight.
Also on Ventnor's seafront is the Smoking Lobster, which is another one specialising in Seafood (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). Thanks to Jess on Facebook for recommending that one. It won Best Restaurant at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022 and also featured on a More 4 TV programme with Grace Dent and Ainsley Harriott.
A little further up the hill is The Hambrough, which is a hotel with a restaurant which is open to non-residents. It's a posh and pricey one but reviews are very good and a few years ago it held a Michelin Star (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). We've had breakfast at the Hambrough and were impressed.
The Terrace in Ventnor (See TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene) is mostly somewhere for a lunch with a glass of wine but they do occasionally do evening meals. These currently take place in the winter months.
If the sun is shining and you don't mind a walk then the True Food Kitchen (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene) at Castlehaven in Niton is a quirky experience. You can park near the Buddle in Niton and then walk for 10 minutes down a public footpath to the restaurant. They were only serving food until 7pm when we visited. The seating is pretty much all outdoors but it's right by the sea. I had a rather nice poke bowl here.
Also in Niton is The Buddle (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene rating), which is a historic and well-known pub in the area. It offers pub grub and has a distant sea view from the large beer garden.
The biggest and busiest is The Spyglass (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene rating), which is a pub with an abundance of raucous laughter, live music and more chips than a casino. It won Best Pub at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022.
There's also a pub near to the Spyglass called Mill Bay Inn (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). We've not been to that one and I can't find a website, so I can't offer much insight.
Also on Ventnor's seafront is the Smoking Lobster, which is another one specialising in Seafood (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). Thanks to Jess on Facebook for recommending that one. It won Best Restaurant at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022 and also featured on a More 4 TV programme with Grace Dent and Ainsley Harriott.
A little further up the hill is The Hambrough, which is a hotel with a restaurant which is open to non-residents. It's a posh and pricey one but reviews are very good and a few years ago it held a Michelin Star (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). We've had breakfast at the Hambrough and were impressed.
The Terrace in Ventnor (See TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene) is mostly somewhere for a lunch with a glass of wine but they do occasionally do evening meals. These currently take place in the winter months.
If the sun is shining and you don't mind a walk then the True Food Kitchen (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see food hygiene) at Castlehaven in Niton is a quirky experience. You can park near the Buddle in Niton and then walk for 10 minutes down a public footpath to the restaurant. They were only serving food until 7pm when we visited. The seating is pretty much all outdoors but it's right by the sea. I had a rather nice poke bowl here.
Also in Niton is The Buddle (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene rating), which is a historic and well-known pub in the area. It offers pub grub and has a distant sea view from the large beer garden.
Chips and a sea view from The Spyglass in Ventnor
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Our table at the True Food Kitchen overlooked the sea (and a caravan in the foreground)
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Restaurants and pubs with a sea view in Cowes and North Wight
The Woodvale pub in Gurnard is in a prime location (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene).
A few years ago I found it to be a bit pub-like with flashing fruit machines and a pool table, but I've visited a few times more recently and it has a much better atmosphere. There is loads of outdoor seating and the view over the beach huts is one of my favourites. On my last visit, I enjoyed my sweet chilli crispy chicken salad and three scoops of ice cream (in case you're interested, I went for chocolate, rum and raisin and mint choc chip).
The Best Western New Holmwood is a hotel, but non-guests can use their restaurant (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). I've not eaten there, although I did visit one of the function rooms to argue with the Isle of Wight Council about my mother's council tax bill (I'll save that thrilling story for another day). The location is great, as it's right on the seafront.
At the Cowes end of the Esplanade you will find The Globe (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). It calls itself a 'Sports Lounge and Kitchen' and has a roof terrace with excellent views of the Red Funnel ferry. Main courses are about £15-£25.
There is also a relaxed pub/restaurant on the marina at East Cowes called The Lifeboat (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene) where we've had a couple of good meals. It's hidden away at the bottom of a housing estate, so you'll think your sat nav has gone mad for a few minutes.
A few years ago I found it to be a bit pub-like with flashing fruit machines and a pool table, but I've visited a few times more recently and it has a much better atmosphere. There is loads of outdoor seating and the view over the beach huts is one of my favourites. On my last visit, I enjoyed my sweet chilli crispy chicken salad and three scoops of ice cream (in case you're interested, I went for chocolate, rum and raisin and mint choc chip).
The Best Western New Holmwood is a hotel, but non-guests can use their restaurant (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). I've not eaten there, although I did visit one of the function rooms to argue with the Isle of Wight Council about my mother's council tax bill (I'll save that thrilling story for another day). The location is great, as it's right on the seafront.
At the Cowes end of the Esplanade you will find The Globe (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). It calls itself a 'Sports Lounge and Kitchen' and has a roof terrace with excellent views of the Red Funnel ferry. Main courses are about £15-£25.
There is also a relaxed pub/restaurant on the marina at East Cowes called The Lifeboat (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene) where we've had a couple of good meals. It's hidden away at the bottom of a housing estate, so you'll think your sat nav has gone mad for a few minutes.
The Woodvale in Gurnard has outstanding sunsets and plenty of outdoor seating
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Gurnard's beach huts
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Pubs and restaurants with a sea view in Yarmouth and West Wight
The Waterfront in Totland is well placed for sunsets and we enjoyed our last meal there (4/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). It was a runner-up in the Best Fish and Chips category at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022. You can pay to park on the seafront or park for free on Cliff Road, which runs parallel (see our free parking guide).
The Rock at the Albion Hotel in Freshwater Bay has an outstanding location next to crashing waves (5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). The hotel spent many years looking a bit unloved before it had a £6 million renovation and re-opened in 2024. It's a fairly pricey place to eat, but it's classy and you can sit out on the terrace or dine inside the restaurant. You can also book in for breakfast for a more affordable alternative.
The Hut sits in a prime position on the water's edge at Colwell Bay (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). Chris Evans and Michael Buble did a fundraising thing at this one a few years ago. Last time I checked it was in the Michelin guide. That's not the same as having a Michelin star, but it's still impressive. I liked the food and sea breeze but I was slightly distracted by a nearby table taking selfies every thirty seconds.
The Rock at the Albion Hotel in Freshwater Bay has an outstanding location next to crashing waves (5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). The hotel spent many years looking a bit unloved before it had a £6 million renovation and re-opened in 2024. It's a fairly pricey place to eat, but it's classy and you can sit out on the terrace or dine inside the restaurant. You can also book in for breakfast for a more affordable alternative.
The Hut sits in a prime position on the water's edge at Colwell Bay (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). Chris Evans and Michael Buble did a fundraising thing at this one a few years ago. Last time I checked it was in the Michelin guide. That's not the same as having a Michelin star, but it's still impressive. I liked the food and sea breeze but I was slightly distracted by a nearby table taking selfies every thirty seconds.
The Waterfront in Totland scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor
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Colwell Bay is home to The Hut
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Another restaurant in the Michelin guide is The Conservatory within The George Hotel in Yarmouth (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). It has sea views towards the town's pier. It's one of the more expensive restaurants on the Isle of Wight. The George appeared at great length on a Channel 5 series called Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South. It featured a chap called Howard Spooner whooshing around on a boat and selling expensive champers to men in red trousers.
Also in Yarmouth is The Terrace, which is near to the Wightlink ferry and the harbour. It's another fairly posh and pricey one with mains costing about £15-£25 but reviews are glowing (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). If you're on the mainland and fancy a day trip, you can pay extra for a private shuttle on their boat from Lymington. During the winter, they do some really good value set menu offers.
A more casual seaside dining option in Yarmouth is The Gossips Café. It is next door to The George and has a view of Yarmouth Pier and the Wightlink ferry. Gossips Café is mostly a daytime-baguette sort of place, but during the summer months they open up for evenings. I would suggest calling ahead to check dates. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor (check Food Hygiene).
If you book an upstairs table at The Cow Restaurant at Tapnell Farm (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene) you get a lovely distant sea view towards Tennyson Down in one direction and the North Island in the other. It's a couple of miles inland so don't expect to hear the waves whilst you eat your burger. It won the Best Burger prize at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2021 and 2024. We've been here several times as it's nice and relaxed.
If you like the West Wight's quaint villages then The Sun Inn at Hulverstone has distant sea views from its large beer garden and some of its inside space (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). Curiously, there are two pubs called The Sun within close proximity, so make sure you end up at the right one if you want a sea view.
Also in Yarmouth is The Terrace, which is near to the Wightlink ferry and the harbour. It's another fairly posh and pricey one with mains costing about £15-£25 but reviews are glowing (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). If you're on the mainland and fancy a day trip, you can pay extra for a private shuttle on their boat from Lymington. During the winter, they do some really good value set menu offers.
A more casual seaside dining option in Yarmouth is The Gossips Café. It is next door to The George and has a view of Yarmouth Pier and the Wightlink ferry. Gossips Café is mostly a daytime-baguette sort of place, but during the summer months they open up for evenings. I would suggest calling ahead to check dates. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor (check Food Hygiene).
If you book an upstairs table at The Cow Restaurant at Tapnell Farm (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene) you get a lovely distant sea view towards Tennyson Down in one direction and the North Island in the other. It's a couple of miles inland so don't expect to hear the waves whilst you eat your burger. It won the Best Burger prize at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2021 and 2024. We've been here several times as it's nice and relaxed.
If you like the West Wight's quaint villages then The Sun Inn at Hulverstone has distant sea views from its large beer garden and some of its inside space (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). Curiously, there are two pubs called The Sun within close proximity, so make sure you end up at the right one if you want a sea view.
The Hut in Colwell is in an excellent location
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A view of Yarmouth showing (L to R) Gossips Café, The George, Yarmouth Castle and the Wightlink ferry
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Finally, a few curveballs...
We love The Blacksmith's on the Middle Road quite near to Carisbrooke (4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, see Food Hygiene). Sure, it's about four miles from the sea but you can see the Solent from its dining room and we've had really good meals there. It's currently Mrs Guru's favourite Isle of Wight pub/restaurant. It won Best Pub at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2021 and was a runner up in 2024.
Along similar lines, the Beefeater in Newport doesn't have a sea view but it is right next to the River Medina which heads out towards the Solent (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). They were very helpful when we've had to deal with allergies whilst eating out.
We also like the Wightwood pizza van that travels around the West Wight, including Freshwater Bay and Yarmouth. You need to pre-book in summer and then you can sit on a bench with your margherita whilst the sun sets. I guess it's a takeaway rather than a restaurant so shouldn't really be on this guide but I'm sure you'll forgive me (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene).
Along similar lines, the Beefeater in Newport doesn't have a sea view but it is right next to the River Medina which heads out towards the Solent (4/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene). They were very helpful when we've had to deal with allergies whilst eating out.
We also like the Wightwood pizza van that travels around the West Wight, including Freshwater Bay and Yarmouth. You need to pre-book in summer and then you can sit on a bench with your margherita whilst the sun sets. I guess it's a takeaway rather than a restaurant so shouldn't really be on this guide but I'm sure you'll forgive me (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, see Food Hygiene).
The Blacksmith's isn't by the sea but it has nice distant sea views
Are your children ruining your eating out experiences? See our guide to pubs with playgrounds
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