Special Occasion Dining

With restaurants in Cowes and Ryde, and a wine and cocktail bar in Ryde too, the team at Heron pride themselves on an unrivalled fine dining experience. Led by Chef Alex Kimber, Heron holds two AA Rosettes and is one of the most sought-after places to eat out on the Isle of Wight. Heron chefs bring their passion and creativity to every dish, using the finest local ingredients to create foodie excellence and satisfy every palate. Great hospitality is at the forefront of what Heron offer, expect attentive and courteous service alongside a spectacular food offering. Inside the restaurant feels modern and atmospheric, with stylish décor and comfortable seating. The perfect venue for a special evening out. Booking is essential.

The Royal Hotel has achieved 2 AA Rosettes for excellent food for over 28 consecutive years. The Geranium is open to both guests and visiting diners, serving lunch, dinner, and an indulgent Afternoon Tea – once enjoyed by Queen Victoria herself. For lunch enjoy a menu of freshly prepared sandwiches and light bites, through to more substantial plates and delicious sides. Lunch is served in a sunny conservatory, elegant dining room or alfresco in the pretty gardens. For dinner, choose from an indulgent fine dining menu packed full of local Island ingredients, served in an opulent dining room – the scene set by high ceilings, ornate décor, and crystal chandeliers. A luxurious dining experience not to be missed, booking for lunch, dinner and Afternoon Tea is essential.

A beautiful harbourside restaurant boasting spectacular sea views, The Terrace is an idyllic spot for a long lunch, delicious dinner or just a coffee with a croissant and a view.  The light and airy dining space is elegant yet informal, with a large outside terrace giving the restaurant its name. This outside space (alongside the food) is what makes this restaurant really special. Sun drenched in summer with sparkling blue seas providing the backdrop to your meal, it’s easy to forget you’re in the UK. During the colder months, The Terrace offers stylish glass dining pods outside, each one dressed with candles, faux furs and blankets to create a chic and comfortable dining experience whatever the temperature. Cosy up in the privacy of your pod and enjoy breath-taking sunset views and sparkling stars overhead. Dinners can look forward to a well curated bistro menu for lunch and dinner, with two and three course set menus available and an extensive drinks list. Booking is recommended for the restaurant and is essential for the outdoor pods.

A relaxed restaurant with pretty views over Ryde Canoe Lake and the golden sands of Appley Beach, at The Duck you can expect great food and a warm welcome. Head Chef and owner Charlie Bartlett has worked at some of the Island’s finest restaurants for over 20 years, now branching out with his first solo venture. With The Duck, Charlie has achieved an uncomplicated but elegant restaurant, serving honest and exceptional food using the finest local ingredients. Diners can expect a menu of impeccable restaurant favourites, simple food done very well. The Duck is open for lunch and dinner, also offering a cocktail menu, extensive wine list and a delicious Sunday Lunch.  Booking is advised.

Specialising in Pan-Asian cuisine, there are two Smoking Lobster restaurants, one in Cowes and one in Ventnor, as well as a Japanese Inspired Izakaya Bar offering speciality cocktails and Japanese Robata dishes served tapas style. Family run, the Asian fusion style menu is inspired by Chef GC and sister Cinz’s father, who is both Chinese and Italian, and their love of travel – particularly around Asia. Exceptional food, exciting drinks and socialising is at the heart of what Smoking Lobster offers, from delicate sushi starters and zingy lychee Martinis through to impressive platters complete with whole ginger and chilli infused seabass, sticky pork belly and more. Diners can look forward to vibrant and flavourful food in a cool modern setting, both restaurants at the heart of vibrant Island towns. A great choice for date night or catching up with friends, booking is advised. 

A brand-new bistro for 2024, The Bay offers a relaxed dining experience in a totally unique setting. Situated on the newly restored Totland Pier, The Bay gives beach club vibes thanks to its buzzy atmosphere and unrivalled sea views in one of the Island’s most picturesque locations. To eat, diners can expect well executed restaurant favourites, as well as specials such as grilled fish and steak garnished with local ingredients. With a good cocktail menu and an extensive wine list, The Bay is an idyllic spot to luxuriate over a long lunch or sunset supper with a breath-taking view. Enjoy happy hour every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between 1700 and 1900 and after 2100. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, booking is recommended.

A restaurant and private members club in the heart of Cowes, diners can look forward to an expertly crafted menu packed with delicious dishes, served in a modern and atmospheric setting. Committed to ethical food sourcing, each dish on the menu has been meticulously planned and created with freshest ingredients from within a 25-mile radius of the Island. Head Chef Matt Egan is passionate about showcasing local Island produce within his creations, with seasonal produce at the forefront of menu planning. Book in for lunch or an evening meal, or pop by for drinks and small plates or a tasty Sunday lunch. The restaurant also offers a unique wine pairing menu, matching the perfect glass to each course for the ultimate foodie experience. House is open to both private members and visiting diners, please book ahead.