Wightlink’s five foodie favourites on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight food scene has exploded in recent years so you’re rarely a few minutes from somewhere selling fabulous food. And it’s just 22 minutes from Portsmouth on Wightlink’s FastCat, meaning your next tasty moment is closer than you think.

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1. Seafood spots

The Island is surrounded by water, so it’s no surprise that it’s a seafood hotspot. Try one of the Smoking Lobster restaurants in Ventnor or Cowes. Diners can enjoy dishes that celebrate the island's best local produce, reimagined through a Pan-Asian lens. Expect sashimi, scallops, lobster and changing ‘catch of the day’ dishes.

The Best Dressed Crab in Bembridge is the Island’s only floating seafood café. A family run business, this stunning spot serves the finest, freshest shellfish landed straight from the boat.

2. Home-grown produce

You’ll find Isle of Wight Tomatoes on menus across the country but where better to try them than at their place of origin? While you can’t visit the nurseries, the sweet juicy tomatoes feature at eateries across the Island.

Shops at Briddlesford Farm and Harvey Browns Food Hall have a cornucopia of local produce. Pick up a few foodie souvenirs to take home with you, or to enjoy during your visit if you’re staying in self-catering accommodation.

The Garlic Farm serves wonderful dishes in their restaurant, and their shop stocks myriad garlicky delicacies, from smoked garlic to Black Garlic beer. There’s an annual Garlic Festival in August, too.

3. Michelin faves

As well as a wealth of excellent places to dine, there are several Michelin-listed restaurants on the Isle of Wight, if you’re seeking an official seal of approval.

The Hut is an elegant hangout on the water’s edge at Colwell Bay, which could easily be mistaken for a Mediterranean restaurant. The Red Lion at Freshwater has bags of character, open fires and a slow cooked Isle of Wight beef crumpet that’s to die for. RT Café Grill offers a modern, relaxed British and European menu inspired by the island's flavours, brought to you by Island chef Robert Thompson MBE. The Terrace is a harbourside favourite with a wine list that’s managed by one of Harper’s Top 20 UK Sommeliers. And finally, Aquitania at Seaview Hotel is an intimate spot that celebrates the Island’s flavour, freshness and character.

4. Local tipples

Mermaid Gin, a smooth, elegant and complex gin made with locally foraged rock samphire and Boadicea hops is one of the Island’s most famous liquid exports - and it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Their Mermaid Salt Vodka and Spiced Rum are well worth a try, too. Find them all over the island but especially at their distillery home, The Mermaid in Seaview.

Beer lovers won’t be disappointed either. Try Goddards, the island’s oldest brewery and one of the first independent craft brewers in the UK. You can visit the brewery, kitchen and shop near Ryde at Barnsley Farm.

5. Ice cream

If ice cream is your passion, you’ll already know about the island institution that is Minghellas. With 250 flavours and more than 70 years’ experience of making ice cream on the island, they’ve won more than 80 well-deserved awards by creating flavoursome delights like Lemon Meringue, and Oriental Ginger & Honey. You’ll find them stocked at shops and attractions across the Island.

Or head to Crave at The Ventnorian in Ventnor. They’re known for their unusual yet surprisingly delicious ice cream flavours, such as Rose & Pistachio, Whisky Marmalade and dairy free favourite, Caramelised Cashew.

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