One of the great things about travel is not just the views but the FOOD! Every destination has its own flavour. I’m particularly fond of seaside destinations. Being near the water makes my soul sing. This summer we visited the Isle of Wight for the third time. The channel isle never disappoints. From the moment my feet touch the white sand and I look out onto its aquamarine waters, I exhale. We stayed on the West Isle of Wight, in Freshwater. The holiday chalet was only 10 10-minute drive from Freshwater Bay. So … what does the Isle of Wight taste like to me … salty, sweet seafood. Although we gorged on seafood, the morning coffees were next level. When on the isle, try these top 4 foodie destinations on the Isle Of Wight.
Ryde
In no particular order, my first foodie destination on the Isle Of Wight is in Ryde. Our first trip to Isle Of Wight was 2017, since then it’s been Wight’s Fish & Chips in Ryde. I’m telling Wight’s is the place. Thank you me later. You get table service, freshly made tartar sauce and of course yummy battered fish. Overall welcoming and good service.
If you are in town for a day, you can grab an afternoon coffee at Game On. Game On is a new discovery of ours. It’s games café. You pay by the hour to play their video games. However, you can sit front of house in the café area grab a hot drink (or cold) and play the board games ‘free’. The café is family friend and staff are great.
The Fast Cat from Portsmouth will bring you to Ryde. The eateries mentioned above are a few minutes’ walk up hill from the Fast Cat drop off.
Brighstone
Second on my Isle Of Wight foodie destination is Brighstone! Brighstone is a picturesque village with pretty thatched roofed houses with fairytale-like front gardens. However, on the coast overlooking the sea the Isle Of Wight Pearl is perched. You can select a oyster to find your own pearl or purchase unique jewellery pieces on site.
Hubby and I had a celebratory 18th wedding anniversary lunch with our kids their Pearl Café. I had a crab with seaweed salad, Master A had fish and chips, while hubby and Miss V had Welsh Rarebit. We were very pleased with our choices.
Before leaving, we went out cliff-side to take photos a few anniversary snaps with sea a backdrop.
Cowes
Next up is Cowes. Cowes is an English seaport town known for its maritime attractions. On the calendar in late July there’s Cowes Week and a regatta. Unfortunately, we were only able to catch the last few hours on the last day. There was live music on the seafront, as well as food and craft stalls. We had dinner at the Smoking Lobster.
Smoking Lobster is located on Cowes High Street. It has a cosy ambience and staff have attention to detail. Excellent service and the Pan-Asian cuisine is to die for. The lobster practically melted in my mouth. Their food was so good we went to the branch in Ventnor as well! Same again, superb service but Ventor was lighter and brighter. We booked ahead and were seated by a window which looked out onto Ventnor esplanade and the sea.
For afters we went to Paradice Ice Cream Parlour near the bottom end of the Cowes High Street. They specialise in Kelly’s Ice Cream but also serve sorbets, vegan ice cream , along with hot and cold drinks.
Yarmouth
Lastly, there’s Yarmouth. It maybe the second smallest town in Great Britain but it’s got big character. The harbour and pier set the scene. Catch the Wight Link from Lymington and the town is there to explore. You’ll be spoilt for choice with boutiques shopping, some specialising in jewellery, fashion and others interiors. The jetty has a toll but would make atmospheric insta snaps. However, it’s really the coffee house I need to tell you about. I can still taste the turmeric latter I ordered, in PO41 Coffee House.
PO41 is a tiny coffeehouse on Quay Street. They have their own ground coffee. Their baristas skill at making a cappuccino is second to none. The homemade carrot cake is dreamy. It’s quite popular and gets very busy. We found ourselves doing the rounds and return a few times in the hopes of getting a seat. We weren’t in the mode for a grab and go.
FYI: It’s dog friendly, like many places on the isle.
Word of Mouth is a bigger café, with a nautical theme. The service is great but after PO41’s coffee nothing less would do, that said they serve a mean sausage roll. The famous The Bembridge Sausage roll which is made by well-known W W Woodford’s is served there. It has thin crispy pastry encasing a divine thick sausage. We are hearty eaters but one roll was enough to fill us up.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ve got to try the handmade fudge from the Isle Of Wight Fudge Company! The make the fudge in house using Isle of Wight Dairy products. I recommend their best seller, the raspberry.
Hopefully, I’ve tickled your taste buds. If not do check out my reel of all the places we ate. Check out my list of places you need to know about in western Isle Of Wight.
If you want a quietier time visit, why not try Isle Of Wight in the autumn and for more staycation inspiration CLICK HERE . You can also find me on Instagram @xpatathome
