The Isle of Wight boasts a thriving tourism industry, with many people choosing it as a location for a second home. Cowes is renowned for its rich sailing history, making this the perfect place to escape the 9-5, kick back, and relax.

The quaint town centre is a mere 15-minute flat stroll along the seafront and hosts a selection of vibrant eateries and cosy pubs. Whilst we cannot directly give recommendations, here are just a few of our hand-picked favourites locally and from around the Island.

Smoking Lobster
An Asian-Fusion restaurant voted best Isle of Wight restaurant two years in a row. Family-owned by the Giancovich’s, with recipes influenced by their extensive travels around Asia. Sushi, Sashimi, and Japanese BBQ, with an excellent cocktail menu. 127 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7AY
Tel: 01983 240916

The Brasserie by Smoking Lobster at Forester's Hall
Mediterranean and seasonal produce with a focus on locally sourced seafood and freshly made pasta. Set within Foresters Hall, a beautifully restored period property with quirky design and fireplaces.
Foresters Hall, 30 Sun Hill, Cowes PO31 7HY
Tel: 01983 209453 | [email protected]

The Coast
A great place for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Coast always has a sense of vibrancy with its warm and inviting interiors. Situated on the high street close to the Marina, it also has a great little enclosed courtyard garden for the warmer months.
Variety of contemporary dishes, ranging from the Mediterranean, with seafood and steak as a specialty, along with its traditional wood-fired pizza oven – a winner for the younger generation. Well-behaved four-legged friends are always welcome.
15 Shooters Hill, Cowes PO31 7BG
Tel: 01983 298574

Pier View
Offering a fantastic selection of home-cooked dishes using locally sourced produce. During the summer months, the pub is buzzing with locals and sailing folk enjoying the vibrant, friendly atmosphere. It has become a popular meeting point for visitors from all over the world. During the winter months, it’s warm and cosy with a roaring log fire.
25 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7RY
[email protected]
Tel: 01983 299891

The Heron
The Heron in Cowes is passionate about creating memorable fine dining experiences with the freshest and finest ingredients. The Heron is excellent for special occasions or birthday celebrations, and they are sure to go the extra mile.
46-47 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7RR
Tel: 01983 302000

The Garden
Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner you're after, The Garden is open every day from morning through late evening. They have an extensive drinks menu with barista coffee, homemade cakes, and cocktails available. Set within a walled garden, The Garden Cowes is a sun trap in the summer and is heated and covered in the winter for al fresco dining all year round. They also offer indoor table options and have the ability to cater for larger parties, with four-legged friends welcome.
48 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7RR
Tel: 01983 300142 | [email protected]

The George Hotel & Beach Club
The Conservatory is a family-friendly brasserie-style restaurant with a light, airy interior and uninterrupted views of the Solent. The food here is fabulously unfussy, and dishes are created and cooked from the wonderful natural Isle of Wight larder.
The Beach Kitchen serves delicious wood-fired pizzas – perfect for enjoying the hotel’s co-branded Aix Methuselah (that’s a 6-liter bottle!) of rosé while listening to cool vibes with breathtaking sea views. The gardens have an abundance of tables, garden games, and are directly adjacent to the Castle walls. This is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon with a drink in hand.
The George Hotel, Quay Street, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, PO41 0PE
Tel: 01983 760331

The Hut
Situated right on the beach at Colwell Bay, The Hut boasts some of the best views on the Island, overlooking the Solent, Hurst Castle, and the New Forest beyond. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, often with live music or DJs, and the food ranges from a good steak, surf and turf, to sushi, with excellent vegetarian options catering for all dietary requirements.
If you are arriving by boat, you can drop anchor north of the large white buoys, and someone will collect you. In the case of bad weather, the team will advise you to head to Yarmouth Harbour, where they will pick you up in their fully restored 1970s military Land Rover 101.
Colwell Bay, Colwell IW PO40 9NP
Tel: 01983 898637 | [email protected]

Harvey Browns Food Hall & Kitchen Farm Café
Open daily for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, offering a range of classic Full English or Veggie Fry, Eggs Benedict, cereals, breads, and freshly made pastries. Seasonal lunch options range from soups to snacks and sides, with a must-try grilled Arreton Valley asparagus dish. Their outdoor seating includes a large terrace with views over a beautiful lake. After your meal, explore the nearby footpaths around the lakes and woodland.
Hale Manor Farm, Arreton, PO30 3AR
Tel: 01983 527530 | [email protected]

Finn’s
Located by the calm waters of the eastern shores, Finn’s Beach Café offers aesthetically pleasing dishes ranging from smoothie bowls to homemade banana bread, poke bowls, and gourmet burgers. All served with flowers and a smile – definitely worth a visit.
Western Revetment, Sandown, PO36 9JT
No bookings | [email protected]

Cook & Baker
Cook & Baker is an Indonesian-inspired café, perfect for a late breakfast, leisurely brunch, or coffee and cake. On cold days, sit by the wood burner, and in the summer, enjoy their rear garden with a sunken terrace. Daily in-house bakes, soups, salads, and Asian-inspired hot specials are available. On Saturdays, they serve hand-rolled doughnuts made from a 36-hour, butter-enriched dough.
High Street, Godshill PO38 3HZ
Tel: 01983 840080

We hope you enjoy the delicious variety of food and warm hospitality that the Isle of Wight has to offer during your stay. Whether you're savoring a meal at one of these local favorites or exploring new culinary experiences around the Island, we're sure you'll leave with unforgettable memories. Bon appétit!