Must-Try Foodie Experiences

Get your day off to a flying start with delicious coffee and breakfast from Caffé Isola, in the heart of Newport town centre. This artisan café and coffee roastery has expanded significantly in recent years, with their popular Island Roasted brand served all over the Isle of Wight. Take in the roasting process from start to finish in the first-floor roastery, before tucking into tasty Italian-influenced dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients from local suppliers. 

For a brunch or lunch time indulgence, visit the famous Garlic Farm in Newchurch. Surrounded by beautiful wildflowers, their on-site restaurant offers a perfectly pungent menu. Meanwhile, their award-winning shop is a treasure trove of garlicky goodness to take home with you, including fresh garlic, smoked garlic, black garlic, elephant garlic, purées, mayonnaises, sauces, snacks and more… Their products double up as incredible gifts, if you can bear to give them away! 

For a real afternoon treat, take a visit to the energising town of Ventnor, a former Victorian spa known for its eclectic arts scene (check out Ventnor Fringe!) and range of unique boutiques. Make sure to stop by hugely popular Crave ice cream parlour, where you can choose from a wide variety of novel flavours that push the boundaries but taste delicious - all handmade on the premises! Pair your frozen treat with a leisurely seaside stroll along the pretty esplanade. 

If you’re partial to a tipple you’ll love the unique options the Isle of Wight Distillery, creators of popular Mermaid Gin, have to offer at their onsite Mermaid Bar and restaurant in Ryde.  Sip on colourful cocktails and dine on light bites or stone baked pizza, while knowledgeable staff provide insights into the distillery process. With regular, Zest and Pink varieties of gin, alongside Mermaid Salt Vodka and Spiced Rum, it’s a great way to help you decide which bottle you’ll be taking home with you!

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. 

With a large herd of pedigree Guernsey cattle, Briddlesford Farm have been producing milk for three generations and even have an on-site café, Bluebells at Briddlesford, showcasing their delicious dairy produce and home-reared beef. Dishes such as the veggie breakfast with Briddlesford Halloumi offer a twist on traditional brunching, while their Mac and Cheese uses 4 types of Briddlesford cheese! Children’s options, café classics, and a variety of homemade cakes are also available. 

Set in Yarmouth's former railway station, Off The Rails is a charming establishment adorned in pretty flower baskets, with vintage railway-themed décor giving a nod to its past. Here you'll find beautifully plated breakfasts, juicy burgers, and doorstep sandwiches piled with fresh fillings, and even a dedicated menu for your four legged friends. A visit to Off The Rails can be perfectly paired with a scenic walk of the River Yar loop.