Great Island Seafood

Situated on the shores of Totland Bay, The Waterfront serve up some of the best views on the Island along with award-winning fish and chips! Crowned Silver in the 2023 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards, tuck into crispy beer battered cod with thick cut chips, Cajun calamari, or seared fresh tuna by the sea. With a menu inspired by flavours around the world, there’ll be something for everyone, while their position on the west wight coast enables dining under some of the finest sunsets. 

Ever-expanding thanks to their popularity, Smoking Lobster now boast four locations on the Island, two in Cowes and one on Ventnor seafront, where they’re accompanied by Drunken Lobster, a Japanese-inspired cocktail bar. With an aim to deliver locally sourced produce ‘re-imagined through a pan-Asian lens’, dishes include grilled lobster with miso butter, tender tempura monkfish, seared scallops and more. They even have their own fishing boat catching seasonal fish outside the Ventnor restaurant – you won’t find any fresher than that!

A floating café on Bembridge Harbour, The Best Dressed Crab featured in Channel 5’s Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South! With a fishery just next door bringing in delicious produce, here you can dive into delicately dressed crab, fresh lobster and prawns on a bed of salad with bread and butter, while taking in the views across the marina. Booking in advance is recommended for this one! 

Dine with a view worthy of your Insta grid, with beautiful food and cocktails too. With a prime position in Colwell Bay, The Hut can be reached by land, air (if you have a helicopter!) or sea, and can even pick you up in their own ‘Hut Trucks’ - fully restored 1970s military Land Rovers. Their contemporary menu and sleek waterfront seating will have you feeling like you’re abroad as you feast on tiger prawns, crab rolls, scallops, lobster and lots more. 

Head to Steephill Cove to discover fresh handmade crab pasties served up right on the beach! Open from Easter to November, The Crab Shed also rustle up delicious fish tacos, mackerel ciabatta sandwiches and more, with local tipples to wash it all down. You can find them a mile south of Ventnor on the coastal path, however do be advised that access to the beach is via a steep hill and steps. 

A staple in Cowes High Street for 40 years, Murray’s are seafood specialists, with freshly prepared dishes such as local crab pâté, smoked salmon and prawn linguine, alongside their own hearty fish pie and ‘catch of the day’ specials. Finish off your meal with a delicious cheesecake, brownie, crème brulee or Isle of Wight cheese and biscuits.

Believed to be the oldest building on the Victorian esplanade, The Spyglass Inn sits right on the water’s edge, offering unobstructed views of Ventnor beach and the English Channel beyond. With fun and fascinating nautical décor giving a nod to their history as a former smugglers' haunt, here you’ll find locally caught seafood, fish and chips, and a traditional fish pie – the perfect place for seafood by the sea.

Continuing the theme of al fresco seaside dining, True Food Kitchen at Castlehaven Beach offer some seriously stunning dishes. Find new favourites such as Thai coconut squid with pineapple sweet chilli dip, tempura catch of the day with wasabi and lime tartare, or Vietnamese rice noodle seafood salad, amongst many other tasty options. You can also find their sister restaurant on Ventnor High Street – worthy winner of a 2023 Tripadvisor Travellers Choice award! 

Family-run for four generations, The Crab & Lobster Inn boasts an extensive seafood selection. Choose from hot and cold platter options, all served with a trio of tempting dips - Classic Mermaid Gin Marie Rose, chilli and lime, and katsu curry. Mains include ale and soda battered fish and triple cooked chips, juicy crab or lobster salad, and a seafood risotto. A must-visit for fish fans. 

As the name suggests, Fisherman’s Cottage on the far end of Shanklin Esplanade is another great spot for sea-foodies. A charming thatched pub dating back to 1817, here you’ll find a friendly atmosphere and fantastic fish dishes such as creamy moules mariniere, fresh crab baguettes, seafood spaghetti and the Fisherman’s Cottage Famous Homemade Fish Pie. With a ‘Little Fish’ menu for kids, this one is perfect for the whole family, especially when combined with a trip to nearby Shanklin Chine.