Whether you’re on the Island for the night, a weekend break or even here with the family and have a lucky night off, there are plenty of places to choose from for a cosy date night…
A (dining) room with a view
Here are some of our top recommendations for a date night dinner with a special sunset view…
Set between Yarmouth Harbour and the historic Yarmouth Castle, The Terrace has been featured in the Michelin Guide and The Good Food Guide. Here, you can expect local produce and seasonal ingredients to be at the heart of the menu. Book a table outside on the deck or facing the panoramic windows for a spectacular sunset view across the harbour.
Right by the water's edge, The Hut combines stunning sea views with simple yet delicious food. Seafood is of course on the menu, as well as a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes, plus they are renowned for the cocktail menu. Arrive in style - by boat simply drop your anchor and someone will be out to collect you or arrive at Yarmouth Harbour where you can grab a ride in the Hut Truck.
True Food Kitchen, Castlehaven
Relaxed al-fresco dining at its best, The True Food Kitchen is open during the warmer months as it makes the most of the stunning surroundings. Perched on the southern tip of the Island’s coast looking out across the English Channel, the menu mirrors the location. Enjoy locally caught seafood, and tasty plant-based dishes, all with flavours designed to transport your senses.
One of the most unique places to eat and drink on the Isle of Wight, Off the Rails is a former railway station with views out over the outstanding natural beauty of the Yarmouth marshes and Mill Copse, where, if you are lucky, you can watch the sunset reflected in the water. For an unusual experience, book one of their famous Comedy Supper Nights, featuring characters and events from hilarious sitcoms including ‘Blackadder’, ‘Fawlty Towers’ and ‘Allo Allo’.
Sea view specials
Surrounded by water, you are never too far from seaside dining. These are some of our favourite places to eat right beside the seaside…
The Culver Haven Inn, Yaverland
Not technically right by the sea, The Culver Haven Inn sits at the top of Culver Down and is home to one of the most stunning views on the Island. Look east across Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge and west towards Sandown and Shanklin, it is a truly unique spot. Cosy up by the fire and enjoy a roast dinner or a classic pub dish.
This seaside pub & restaurant is located right on the water’s edge on Seaview Esplanade, offering sweeping panoramic views of The Solent and beyond – a perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. The menu has a mix of delicious pub classics and mouth-watering daily specials, using fresh, local, seasonal produce. During the warmer months, the focus is on fresh fish including plenty of fresh local crab & lobster and in the winter months, try the exclusive seven-course Tasting Evenings, showcasing the very best the Island has to offer with a carefully curated selection of wines to pair with each dish.
Dine & Stay
Make the most of a romantic break with some of our top picks to dine and stay…
The Terrace Rooms and Wine, Ventnor
Somewhere a little different, The Terrace in Ventnor has six bedrooms and a 600+ bottle wine cave where guests can buy to takeaway daily or enjoy on the terrace with home-baked breads, cheeses & charcuterie. In the winter months experience the 14-seat restaurant around the wine room table featuring 7-8 course menus of special Isle of Wight produce.
If it’s award-winning burgers or perfectly cooked steaks that you fancy, then look no further. Situated in the heart of Tapnell Farm, the views across the Isle of Wight from the mezzanine level and terrace are hard to beat. Take advantage of the romantic dine & stay offer in a cosy eco pod, including a bottle of prosecco on arrival, meal at The Cow and a pastries hamper breakfast, coupled with the beautiful countryside walks right on the doorstep.
A popular spot in the picturesque sailing village of Seaview, and only a stone's throw from the sea, The Seaview Hotel is renowned for simple and delicious food - in fact, it has been awarded two AA Rosettes for the past five years! Choose fine dining in The Aquitania Restaurant at the front of the hotel, or more relaxed dining in the seaside pub housed within the hotel, The Pump Bar.
Packed with character, the rooms and restaurant of Hewitts are housed in 14th-century building in the heart of Newport town centre. Their ethos is fine food, cooked to order which is reflected in their uncomplicated yet super tasty dishes. If the weather is fine, ask to be seated the gorgeous ‘secret garden’ a real gem in the midst of the town.
Food, glorious food
Known for great food, these restaurants are our pick of some of the best places to experience culinary delights on the Island…
Situated in the heart of the Island, this contemporary ‘open kitchen’ restaurant offers a modern British menu inspired by both the flavours of the Island and renowned Chef Robert Thompson’s own experiences. Expect unfussy menus, showcasing modern twists on British classics. Choose from A La carte or the Tasting Menu as well as special events including Valentine’s Night.
Set by the beautiful Canoe Lake in Ryde, The Duck prides itself on uncomplicated, honest yet exceptional food served in an elegant relaxed atmosphere. The meu changes regularly with the seasons so you’ll not often find the same dish twice. Enjoy the views across the golden sands and towards the Portsmouth skyline, beautiful when lit up at night.
Cibo, Wootton Bridge
Beautifully inspired by Mediterranean living, Cibo’s warm, welcoming, contemporary surroundings. The Mediterranean influence extends to the menu where you can expect tasty pasta and risotto dishes and rainbow salads. For date night, try the Antipasti for two, alongside a cocktail (or two!) from the extensive menu.