Location: Ventnor
Top Restaurants in Ventnor
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Ventnor Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Ventnor
Ventnor (/ˈvɛntnər/) is a seaside resort and civil parish established in the Victorian era on the south east coast of the Isle of Wight, England. It is situated south of St Boniface Down, and is built on steep slopes leading down to the sea. The higher part is referred to as Upper Ventnor (officially Lowtherville); the lower part, where most amenities are located, is known as Ventnor. Ventnor is sometimes taken to include the neighbouring settlements of St. Lawrence and Bonchurch.
Things to do in Ventnor
1. The Spyglass Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
The World Famous, Award Winning Spyglass Inn is an Island family-run business. The pub sits at the western end of Ventnor Esplanade on the Isle of Wight, in a most enviable position overlooking the English Channel.The Inn is steeped in history, being perhaps the oldest building on the Esplanade, dating from around 1830..As you approach The Spyglass Inn with its superb Terrace directly on the waters edge, you can't help but be impressed by the wonderful location. For centuries it has been the haunt of Smugglers with contraband from the French coast only a few hours sail away.Upon entering The Spyglass, you will be intrigued by the enormous collection of seafaring memorabilia accumulated by the owners, Neil & Steph Gibbs. You will find it hard to drag yourself away from the fascinating items on display to inspect the equally fascinating menu which has been developed by with the help of Rosie their daughter. Their son Henry is also part of the engine room in the kitchen, producing many of the daily specials.The Spyglass is well known among the Islanders as well as visitors from all over the world for excellent seafood, including Ventnor Bay lobsters and crabs, as well as many other mouth-watering delights on offer throughout the year.
Reviewed By BlendDog - London, United Kingdom
Been to the spyglass a few years ago and it’s still owned by the same people. The pub advertises a welcome to muddy boots and well behaved dogs so we took our jack Russel along with us for dinner.
He was welcomed and we had two wonderful meals there this weekend.
The food offered has something for everyone and they had a great selection of specials both starters and mains.
Prices are reasonable and the portions huge!
Well worth a visit for the views alone
2. The Bonchurch Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By RichardandLin - Billericay
Revisited the Bonchurch Inn after about 3 years. Things change sometimes, and over the years we have found a few places that we don't like anymore. However we were delighted to find the Bonchurch Inn was just as good if not better than we remembered , friendly service and the best (life changing) lasagne ever ,followed by tiramisu to die for. This place is definitely a must to visit if you are in Ventnor. They serve a good beer as well. Thanks for a great evening.
3. Pendletons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 822 reviews
Reviewed By 94588863 - Bexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom
'Twas a night before Christmas so the rain came down in sheets, nippers sailing in their prams up and down adjoining streets, Shanklin was dark, nothing in a manger, Kings delayed in Orient, no angels hollering Hark, perhaps only Ventnor could be stranger.
Santa came to see us with an item in his pocket, one festive reservation garnished with rocket, Steve had a cancellation, of that here was no doubt, we took him on with open arms from flooded rooftop one did shout.
Subtle greeting and Proscecco set the tone for Crimbo perfection, Steve in a suit and matching boozy flute put me loosely in mind of One Direction, brother Sam one man to forget me not remember, another clan member showed us to a table, next to his Mother named Sue some pictures of stuff gas central heating and an internet cable.
Quizzes for much later were doodled onto paper.
My wife opted seafood whilst I settled for the duck, cocktail and pate being rather precise, appetizing tasty well seasoned well nice, posh bottle bubbles chilled to the flow, non tacky crackers cost him four quid a throw, trinkets adorning something useful for a change, not purchased down the market diamond geezer or "The Range"
Succulent festive gobbling beast thick slices ah, the best, generally speaking us horny fellas preffering a breast, gravy not in globule form no lumps no bumps to boot, Brussels past that bullet stage red cabbage laced with fruit, sausages in overcoats cranberry conserve in cranberry boats, many other vegetables placing palettes to the test, vegetable on table six, the somewhat shady questionable guest.
A noisy man behind us simply didn't cease blaspheming, one more heathen bleater from Messiah Lord and eternal keeper who fails to grasp the meaning.
'Twas Christmas Day in Pendletons, pudding was steaming hot, the first man to refuse the thing was marched outside, and shot. Several vats of paraffin brandy, sixpences bright copper kettles and canes made of candy, dragged to our table billowing flames, Masterchef and The Hunger Games, John and Greg would indeed bow their cranium to a pud full of nickel shrapnel spare change and titanium, titillated with alcohol grease, every paying punter was deserving of a piece.
Next stuff to tackle being a lorry load of cheese, with grapes of Roth apples sticks celery to please, Cheddar Brie Stilton a thing resembling Torte, accompanied by butter puff's Red Leicester and a port, Southampton I believe, which isn't far away!
Home made hand made woman made chocolates, shortbread indigestion, booking.com would avoid repeat congestion, thanking you to all concerned, nothing ventured nothing burned, raising a glass to all things en croute, especially Steve, who rocked a suit !!
4. El Toro Contento
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Small restaurant striving to give excellent value for money. Plenty of delicious home made dishes from Spain. Constantly changing specials, genuine interest in cooking tasty, healthy and traditional & really authentic dishes. Informal dining in the tiny street level bar or dinner in the "dungeon". Excellent value Spanish wines, beers and cider. Paella available, freshly made to order. Lots of options for vegetarians, vegans & gluten/lactic free.
Reviewed By grjod - Reading, United Kingdom
An absolutely excellent tapas meal - filling and delicious - on a busy carnival night ( we booked in advance) served up by lovely people in a cosy atmospheric restaurant.
Couldn't have been better!
Especially as they kindly sat us in the window, with our daughter and grandson so we watched as the whole carnival of lights passed by.
Although we love tapas I'd never really seen the point of pat at as bravado before - now I do!
We'll be back!
5. The White Horse Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 472 reviews
Reviewed By ColinandTheresa - Leeds
We found ourselves in Whitwell after discovering the last remaining eatery in Wroxall had closed again! And what a great bonus this was - lovely food, pleasant atmosphere and cask ales. (We even managed to purchase our Classic Buses and Beer Programme!) Two specials - a pie and a burger - beautifully cooked and presented.
Everyone seems to be welcome including walkers.
6. The Royal Hotel Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
The Royal Hotel has achieved 2 AA Rosettes for excellent food for over 17 consecutive years and has appeared in every Michelin Good Food Guide since it's inception in 1911. Lunch and afternoon tea are served daily in our beautiful, Colonial-style conservatory and Terrace with its backdrop of rare, pink, climbing mountain geraniums. Spend the evening in our glorious, award-winning restaurant and the menu created by our head chef Steven Harris, is sure to delight and surprise any seasoned gourmet.
Reviewed By gillian4343 - Ventnor, United Kingdom
A very pleasant lunch was enjoyed by a group of friends in this lovely hotel.
We are all locals and visit periodically.
The food was superb and just the correct size for lunch time.
We mixed and matched according to taste but an average cost was £24 for three courses.
Service was excellent and the charming setting gives the meal a certain ambience.
Well done chef!
7. Besty & Spinky’s Cafe Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By gillian4343 - Ventnor, United Kingdom
Situated on Ventnor sea- front near the children's paddling pool and opposite the harbour this is a great place for breakfast / or brunch.
The food and service are very good ,no nonsense prices and a good position make this a popular spot.
There is outside Seating for sunny days but the interior is welcoming.
There is a wide menu including vegetarian food.
This is no frills and better for that.
8. Tramezzini
Overall Ratings
5 based on 329 reviews
Mediterranean inspired homemade food and local produce , cooked to the highest level in a stunning little Mediterranean bistro . Breakfast , lunch and dinner all cooked with a twist and the best the island has to offer
Reviewed By AAdolph - London, United Kingdom
We had a delicious meal here, especially the pigeon starter with hazel nuts and the crispest pastry you can imagine. The service was excellent and very friendly, to the extent that we were invited to join in playing charades with the proprietor, Bethan, and her guests, who were enjoying an early Christmas dinner in Victoria dress - we arrived as strangers and left as friends - thank you for an exceptional evening out!
9. The Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
The Bistro has an open kitchen - See, Hear and Smell what's going on. In the heart of Ventnor you'll find The Bistro - Serving, european cuisine, only a few yards from the sea - 30 Pier Street, PO38 1SX. Relaxed, contemporary, cosy, arty bistro - local and own ingredients freshly prepared. Menu 5 choices per course. The Bistro is open every day ecept Tuesdays & Sunday evenings for Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch and Dinner. 24 Covers. Super wine list.Easy Parking.
Reviewed By MummaFish48 - Southampton, United Kingdom
We had a short stay in Ventnor out of season. We found The Bistro and looked at reviews and booked. There were 6 of us and the food and service was outstanding. The decor is fresh and pleasant, restaurant is clean and food fabulous. We had a mixture of Fish and Steak dishes, all cooked to perfection and beautifully presented. Good wine list. If you are Ventnor, definitely don't miss an opportunity of a meal here!
10. The Crab Shed
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
A fantastic little restaurant that serves up crab pasties to die for and fresh fish and seafood from their own boat parked just outside
Reviewed By sherlynn2406 - Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Decided to see if we could find The Crab Shed which we had heard about. After quite a straightforward walk from Ventnor,we found Steephill Cove but couldn't see The Crab Shed ,keep walking and look to the left,delightful setting. Friendly quick service and it would have been daft not to have had crab,excellent. Our only disappointment was there was nothing really to go with a cup of tea afterwards,just Victoria sponge.
But, it is the crab we went for and we were delighted,prices fair too,unlike so many eating places on IOW. Do visit,it is unique.
