Love your website. When you get the chance, could you review the rest of the Yarmouth restaurants please? Blue Crab, Salty's, On the Rocks (dinner only) Sian Ellin and the brasserie at the George. I'd be really interested to read your thoughts on all or any of the above. Many thanks.

My wife and I are regular visitors to the Island, and never miss the August bank holiday with the highlight watching the thousands of Lambrettas at the international scooter rally. Now we have another highlight as we have found a superb family run restaurant we would like to recommend called Ganders in St Helens, the restaurant itself is small with a homely / romantic atmosphere, the staff are all very pleasant and informative, the menu has a good selection with the seasonal specials chalked on the wall.
We had pan fried fillet of local sea bass with Isle of Wight crab mash, followed by a large portion of home made raspberry pavlova with clotted cream. ( heaven )
I hope that my wife and I become regulars at Ganders and hope they maintain their high standards and excellent food unlike the Crab and Lobster ( Bembridge ).

There are a couple of "fine dining" Restaurants where I would appreciate your ideas
The Hambrough Ventnor and The Pond by the same time rarely left me disappointed, same goes for the upmarket pup The Red Lion in Freshwater, some of my friends commend Mozarts in Cowes and I certainly had pleasant food in Both Lugleys Retaurants... Burrs in Newport and D@Bs in Cowes certainly would deserve Reviewing...
Looking for breakfast I think the Waterside in Gurnards stands out, for food and drink later the day The Woodvale....
Very happy that same ISlanders take up this task
Btw- it would probably be worth to add good quality suppliers of Local Produce to the Recommendations for these days you want to cook yourself
Thank You

Oh!!you have to visit Kimbos in lake!it's really good! but I wouldn't go on saturday it's jam packed then! and on Sundays they're closed!It's brilliant!
BTW-It's a chinese take-away!

I have great difficulty finding places to eat that serve fresh cooked food in an accessible venue with level access and room to move around between tables that is also non smoking.

It would idealy have an accessible toilet too.

I would love to find somewhere on the Island that serves cooked meals of fresh organic veg and meat dishes eg; roasts etc. there doesnt seem to be one place that serves organic food on the Island.

Its bad enough getting up and down kerbs but getting in and out of eating places is awful.
Take a look at this website to see how hard it is just to find an accessible venue to eat etc.
www.wight2access.co.uk

After trying several places that were not suitable in Newport I found Hong Kong Express to have level access and totally non smoking too.
Other wheelchair users were using this venue and the food was lovely but far to large portions for me, the staff were so friendly clean and helpful and the lovely fresh food was quickly served with a smile.

West Wight Sports Centre Cafe Moa is good too and very accessible.
The End of the Line in Freshwater is another good venue but not very accessible hard to get in with a small power chair without an assistant.

The Bear Cafe at Lake is good too not always a great choice but freshly cooked food.
The Toilet is good but the door access is a bit difficult without assistance.


MATT & CAT RESPOND: Thanks for your thoughts, Carmelle. We are very aware that accessibility is an issue in pubs and restaurants, and welcome your comments and suggestions. We hope that Wight2access becomes a big success!

For coffee and cake or something more substantial try Tintos in Ventnor , made extra nice by the very friendly staff

Hi

Have noticed a restaurant in Blackgang (on the roundabout by Blackgang Chine) called Merlins Bistro. Can't find a website for them, only contact details. We'd love to know what it's like and whether it's any good.

Think it might be an Indian Restaurant.

Thanks!

Hi I wondered if you have thought of trying Pettigrews (Abingdon Lodge Hotel) West St Ryde. ??

Recently in the County Press I read an article on JUDES FISH BAR in Carisbrooke. It apparently came 2nd in Chip Shop of the Year? I would be very interrested to see what you think about this chippie. I only visited it once when I heard it was in new hands and maybe it was an off day but for the goodness of my health I darent go back until someone else is brave enough to eat there! I would be grateful if you could try it out.

Matt and Cat respond: thanks, Bob, you've really sold it to us. We'll be along there... really... soon...

Hello
Brilliant website - are you guys really fat??!!
I was told to try The Essex at Godshill by some visiting London friends who thought it was excellent. You should go there - we tried it out and had an experience!
Pretentious, over ambitious, staff who try too hard, bland decor etc etc. Im sure it was a lovely place before the current owners stripped the charachter out of it and tried to run a 'foodie restaurant' which frankly doesnt work. 2/10

I visited Lugley's in Cowes over the weekend and much to my disappointment is wasn't a patch on their Newport restaurant. I ordered pheasant with braised cabbage, and I could probably say it's the worst thing I've ever eaten out. My wifes meal of Rump of Lamb was overcooked and dry, the service was sloppy (I was asked if I wanted to see the desert menu 3 times?).

Lugleys in Newport is still once of the best on the Isle of Wight, but don't get it confused with the one in Cowes.

As a suggestion to visit, I recommend the Fat Cat at Freshwater Bay, their latest menu is fantastic and at great value.

Would love for you to review The Small Talk Tea Rooms in Shanklin, i had a lovely home made meal there, beef in red wine casserole with crusty rolls, my children enjoyed enormous sandwiches which were packed with salad and came with a huge side salad as well.

I really think you should visit the Four Seasons restaurant in Wroxall. My family visit the island every year and always eat there two or three times during our stay. We have always received very good value for money there and the staff are friendly too.

Have you been to the Rex in Ventnor since it has been under current management?

We go to the Isle of Wight every year with my in laws who have been going for 20 years!! Two of our favourite places to eat are the Steamer Inn on the front at Shanklin and Pavarottis in Shanklin old village opposite the Crab Inn (which also do nice food). I would be interested in your reviews of these places.

There is also a nice little chippy called Chubby's Chips in Shanklin new village that do excellent cheesy chips!!!

A new Italian has opened on the High Street in Sandown. Main meals about £10.00. Give it a try:

Steaks, fish, pasta and veggie options

Great site for choosing a new restaurant to try! Please could you review DB's on Bath St in Cowes - I've heard it's very good.

Please always describe whether your restaurants have: vegetarian options, and are child friendly (child menu).

Many thanks for some inspiration, and advice to avoid some of the worst places.

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment, Luisa. Glad you;re inspired! Keep writing comments to tell us what you think. Check out our review categories - currently there are 87 reviews of places that we consider to be 'family friendly'. Click here to see those reviews.

We have considered having a 'vegetarian' category but decided it probably wouldn't be very useful as w we're not veggies so we wouldn't often assess the quality of veggie food. If a venue offers exclusively vegetarian food, we would probably mention that, and although we try to give details of menu choices in our reviews to give our readers some idea of what they can expect we don't list everything on the menu.

Anyone know where we can get good vegan food, day or evening? We are visiting at the end of August 07

Pauline, re vegan food suggestions: the Quay Arts Cafe, Quay Street, Newport, has really nice vegan as well as vegetarian food. And I think the menu at Dimbola Lodge, Freshwater includes some vegan, as well as vegetarian options. A lunchtime snack I had at the Orrery (Union Street, Ryde) - falafel - was vegan. Also, I think Pizza Express in Newport marks its vegan dishes. I'd be interested to see what anyone else comes up with.

Caulkheads Sandown IF you like good food served hot your wine chilled dont mind a little wait then this is well worth a vist there are many places to eat on the island every year we find a good place. only to find it has changed the next. But the Caulkheads has remained the same good value honest cooking. Try their two steak meals plus a bottle of wine for £21 this was a excellent meal All meals are large portions so dont have the starter or you wont have room for one of their deserts

Grand View Te Gardens near to rylstone Gardens Shanklin. Terrifiv views over Sandown Bay,well tended gardens good service,lovely sandwiches all served with unusually good sidesalads.
Reasonable prices. Excellent on a nice day!

Don't worry this won't be long! Saltys in Yarmouth was a huge surprise - Cuban music, lively atmosphere, lots of lovely seafood choices ( I had the burger - sorry Saltys) but it was lovely, clearly homemade with proper unprocessed beef. Far too many chips though.
Also Pendletons in Shanklin. Could give Morgans a run for it's money. Very good imaginative food, good wine, friendly staff. Very family run. Definately worth a shot. The Crab and Lobster in Bembridge. Good wholesome seafood. Crab cakes - more like Maryland cakes, good lobster. Shame about the vegetables.
IOW food has improved so much since my last visit and I will definately be back next year. There is so much to try. I will be very interested in the Hambrough reviews, as we were told by too many people not to go, but I really was to!

Enjoyed reading your reviews. Have you tried Ferrets in Shanklin. It was a really unusual dining experience, but great fun and brilliant food. But be prepared to try something different we had Water Buffalo and Zebra bothreally tasty. Check but when we went you had to take your own wine because of no license. It is not cheap about £25 per head but in my opinion well worth it.

The Boathouse at Victoria Fort in Yarmouth is the place to go if you want good honest food cooked from scratch by an excellent chef, Breakfast there is a must with an excellent view over the Solent.The Sunday lunches are fantastic with the best Yorkshire puds you'll ever taste. They have also just started to introduce a curry night to which we went and were not disappointed. Give it a try.

Matt and Cat respond: been there too.

Hi have you thought about doing a review on Pearly Boise ice cream parlour? it opens april-oct and does the best home made italian style ice cream with over 27 flavours, you really have to try it, they also have a cafe section serving fresh paninis and proper coffee, but you have to see the ice cream! i recommend watermelon sorbet.

Matt & Cat respond: remind us again in April, eh?

Dalverton garden centre (Honnor and Jeffrey), Newport Road Sandown is well worth a visit for a coffee break.Their cheese scones are to die for!!

Suggest you try the Piano Bar in Ventnor. It is in a restored art deco building and serves stylish lunches and dinners. We have been twice and enjoyed both meals. We have no connection with the owner

Thanks for the reviews! Very informative and amusing.

after reading the comments from bob about judes fish bar, i would like to say how pleased i have been every time i have visited. not only do they sell fish and chips it also has a good range of other meals including vegetarian,burgers(which are 100% beef)chicken nuggets(which are 100% chicken),also they always have a good range of special deals. so please pop along and sample the food for yourselves. i am sure you will enjoy it.

Hi!
A new restaurant has opened in Ryde. It's under the Abingdon Lodge Hotel West Street. The name: Zachs Restaurant and Bar. Tel: 566722, booking is advised, open Tuesday- Saturday 6.30-9.30. Open Sunday for Sunday Luch 12-2.30.
Hope to see you there!

My wife and I are frequent visitors to the Isle of Wight,usually by taking our boat to Cowes. However, this weekend we decided to drive and stop over.We were sat in the Pilot at Bembridge when we saw an ad for a fish restaurant, in the local paper, namely the Loaves and Fishes at Godshill. So off we set. Strange place. The person behind the bar, didn't know how to open a bottle of champagne, let alone pour it and we found ourselves asking for a bucket all of which we had to carry to the table, ourselves. We ordered Whitebait which was advertised with crusty bread.A French stick cut up! into rounds. No one topped up the glasses. I had Lemon Sole, with "cold" peas and my wife had mackerel fillets with "cold" peas. No garnish no lemon wedge. We both opted for the cheese which was pretty ordinary and put on the table with no expalnation of the varieties. The lady of the house seemed to want to serve everybody and the gent behind the bar, even when busy just stood there.I then had to go to the bar and get the bill. All in all pretty average and not worth the money. Wine list included JP Chenet Chenin Blanc! at 11.99 a bottle. I wouldn't even cook with that. Having dined all round the world, what annoys me are people who profess to run a restaurant and haven't got a clue. Loaves and Fished welcome to that club.

Try the Bowsprit on Gurnard seafront, great starters, amazing main courses and wonderful puddings. Friendly service and warm atmosphere...always booked up!

A fantasitic web site found it whilst looking for something else. As someone who enjoys a good evening out for a dinner and entertaining a guest. I would like to put forward a few that I have found but not on here. White Horse - Whitwell, Lugleys - Newport and Valentinos - Carisbrooke as I have been to these locations a few times by and had nothing but good service at each of them as well as some excellent choices of food.

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your feedback Andrew. We had some lovely food at the White Horse, Whitwell. Read our review here.

Please go to Oggies fish and chip restaurant in St Thomas Square, Newport. Good food - plenty and not greasy (lovely batter) but the star of your visit must be the spelling mistakes on the menu! Pinnapple, Sayaloy, vegtables and many more! Well worth a visit.

Have you tried On the Rocks in Yarmouth? It was full of yachties on the night we went (last summer), but we all enjoyed our meal and the idea (cook your own food at the table) was novel. Would be interested in knowing what Merlin's Bistro (at Blackgang) is like, as we often drive past, but haven't yet ventured in. Also we'd be interested if anyone knows whether the Rex piano bar in Ventnor is any good. Keep up the good (reviewing)work - we've visited a couple of places you recommended!
Matt and Cat respond: glad you like it, thanks for your input. We also tried to get into On The Rocks but couldn't be accommodated - whatever it's like, it certainly is popular. Maybe next summer...

you were misled...you discovered the standard service available

Try Tilley's Family run Cafe Bistro in Ventnor. Excellent food and very friendly staff. Good value for money and if you've got a young family, they do half portions of almost everything on the menu. Kids don't always want burger and chips or chicken nuggets and chips.

Went to On the Rocks at Yarmouth last night. Had heard good things about it but had never seemed to manage to get there. I was concerned about what was to come after a bit of confusion over the booking on first arrival, but it turned out to be a fantastic night! Great concept, great food, and good fun experience. Would love to know what you think?

If you get the opportunity. I would strongly recommend you give the Three Bishops another visit. They have finished their long awaited refurbishment and wow, what a difference. Spacious and homely with stone floors and real fires. It feels like a proper old fashioned real pub, not one of these mock ye olde pubs. As for the food, very tasty, incredibly good value and obviously home made. By the way, love the website. Keep up the good work. It's a hard job, but someone's got to do it.

We've just had an excellent impromptu meal at Barnabys in Sandown. It's in Pier Street, about 50 yards up the hill from the, er, pier. It's unpretentious and, not surprisingly, a bit seasidey, but they have a menu to suit all tastes, without over-reaching itself. I had a simple 'breakfast in a bun' which was just bacon and fried egg in a bread roll, but it was very well done, with the egg cooked to perfection. We could have had anything from a cream tea to a roast dinner, and there was a tempting range of puddings. I'd be interested to know what you think...

have you tried judes fish bar at carisbrooke yet.the foods delicious

Try the Royal Hotel in Ventnor. Open to non-residents.
We had a fantastic stay there.
Excellant food. The evening menu was superb and they did a great breakfast.
Lovely for a special occasion.

Has anyone tried the carvery at Holliers in the old village in shanklin?
I can really recommend it; choice of three
meats around 6 different fresh vegetables
(not soggy) stuffing etc. Probably the best carvery on the Island. Very friendly staff
& nice setting on the patio outside watching the world go buy with a bottle of wine after
lunch

Ocean View Fish & Chips, Ventnor The proprietor claims that Islanders travel from as far as Bembridge as they only cook to order so fish is fresh. it is within walking distance (up 108 steps!) of our house so have enjoyed their produce. It is good and you should give them a try when you in a chippy mood - a lot better than Fat Harry's sounds, so I was prompted to let you know. Address is 1 Newport Road also super views from seats outside while you are waiting. Thanks for the reviews

Well I travel from Shanklin to use them and have always been very satisfied

Hello Cat and Matt

Fine site - keep up the good work.

Have you ever tried out Ganders in St Helens? First impressions aren't that promising - the decor is a bit ye olde tea shoppe and somehow the descriptions of the food on the menus aren't that inspiring. However: the food is great. I had a risotto the last time I went, which is not something I would normally go for, but it was superb. Mark, the chef/owner over at the St Helens Restaurant on the other side of the green, rightly gets a lot of plaudits for his food, but I think it would be nice to 'big up' Ganders as they seem to get overlooked. And if they get a bit busier, perhaps they'll be able to afford to replace those nasty pub chairs...

I recently visited The Bistro at Island Harbour, Binfield and i highly recommend it. The Food was all freshly made from local produce, and my boyfriend ate some bass that was caught that day. I found that there were plenty of choices for vegetarians, and had a delicious bowl of homemade chunky vegetable soup and fresh bread.
Apart from the gorgous homemade food, the atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed.
We sat outside and could of spent all afteernoon looking over the harbour and at the beatuiful surrounding counrtyside.

I just noticed in your review of The Square that you've run out of places to review in Newport! You put me to shame. I always tend to play safe and opt for old favourites; you've even reviewed more eateries in my own area (SW Wight) than I've been to myself.

But back to Newport: have you tried that little coffee shop in Gray's Walk (opposite the back of BHS) with the Italian sounding name? Looks like it might be alright for a light lunch, though so far I've only popped in for a drink - the service was friendly.

Matt & Cat respond: thanks Wendy, we'll give that a go. Actually, we've only run out of places that appear in the yellow pages - and we think there's one more there yet. There are quite a few others that are not in the book - and new ones opening now and again! So we don't think we'll ever catch up...

You should try The Reef on Sandown esplanande. We went there recently and the food was delicious, atmosphere was great and there's a gorgeous little sun terrace where you can sit out at the fromt and watch the world pass by with a drink and lovely food. Excellent for a balmy summer day!

Great venue, glorious weather and view superb. Daily menu with excellent, delicious sounding choices. Alas, it didn't come together for us. Please, please, please give this a try to see if it has improved with the new 'London' chef. We'd really like to sit on the deck again, watching the fisherfolk at the pond, but cannot bring ourselves to do so after THE ABSOLUTE WORST PUB MEAL EVER! We foodies love being out and about and trying new dishes and places but wouls love someone else to tell us that Rookley Country Park has improved. A simple complaint sufficed in us not paying for all three meals, but that's not really the point is it?

Rookley Country Park has improved beyond all measure, even the Sunday carvery is alright (and I usually hate them)

Re: Cask and Taverners in Godshill

We have just had an excellent lunch here. Potted duck with pickles and home made ciabatta, pork pie with home made picalilli and the best thrice-cooked chips as seen on TV demonstrated by Mr Blumenthal I think. The new couple are passionate about local food and the short, competitively priced menu reflects the best the Isle of Wight seasons offer. We are hopefully going back this week to try the dinner menu.

Hi Matt and Cat,
Great site well done, we recently went to the Hermitage restuarant at Bourne Hall Country House Hotel Shanklin,now under new ownership and it was wonderful. The 4 course table d' Hote menu was the best we have had in over 30 years on the Island.
enhanced by the tranquil setting of the Hotel & the more than courteous staff.
I am sure you are going to get lots of reviews about the Hermitage,you should give them a try they deserve it.

lin

Hey Matt & Cat, with Isle of Wight Festival starting today, how about a section on festival food? Don't know if you're going mind you? I know it's temporary, and it'll be different every year, but just one or two decent food outlets make all the difference to the whole experience to me.
Bestival definitely had the edge last year, with plenty of variety and a good local presence (I even found your sushi lady Tomo Bentou there). I became a fan of Pie Minister pies there, and now get my Bristol-based friend to bring me some down when he visits. I'm hoping there'll be some decent nosh on offer this weekend. I'm quite picky - it has to be veggie or fish, and I hate anything bland & stodgy (which rules out about 90% of it!).

Matt and Cat respond: Hi Wendy! Thanks for your suggestion. Alas we are not going to the festival this year so will not be able to comply. However, there's nothing to stop you commenting on this site if you think any of the food stalls are worth a special mention (for whatever reason - good or bad!), particularly if they are run by a local business. BTW, we had a delicious Tomo Bentou lunch today - Tomo has a stall at the Friday Food and Craft market in Newport.

Update: thanks Wendy for your feedback - we've made a whole new review out of Wendy's food reports, and you can see it here.

Why not have a shufti into Flanagans, on Pier street in Sandown. This year seems to be the best yet, it's local to me and have had good honest pub meals there before. But sat outside a few weeks ago, on a warm(ish!) summer evening I had a the greatest chicken breast stuffed with stilton and celery, in sauce with saute spuds and decently cooked veggies. I recommend! We were a party of four,all with nice clean plates at the end. They've got couple of tellies for the footie and loos that need a slap of paint, but if you like a tasty and reasonably priced meal, ignore the plastic Elvis and this could be a winner.

Hi matt and cat

As a regular visitor to the Island I find you reviews most useful. Have thought of expanding to food shops, I was over this weekend I had the misfortune to visit Ratseys deli in gurnard - very poor selection, overpriced and too much washing liquid and far too many christmas puddings than a shop should have in June!

I think one of reviews would have kept me safely away!

Keep up the good work :)

Great site. This is exactly the sort of thing I have had in mind for my webpage although I haven't got nearly as much done as you have. Really good work, I will add a link to your site.

There are some notable places missing though. For example there are reviews for several places in Bembridge but not the Crab & Lobster Inn why is that? Couldn't see the Crown Inn in Shorwell either.

Good luck with your eating adventures, and I'm missing the Isle of Wight already.

Matt and Cat respond: thanks! Try here, and here for your missing reviews. Good luck with your webpage!

Hi Matt and Cat

Recently visited the cafe at Newport Nursery, Aquatics & Pets in Watergate Road and thought you might be interested in the experience. My own comments are in the form of a poem.

Matt and Cat respond: thanks for that, what an entertaining medium for a review. Perhaps we'll try it... the poetry, that is, possibly not the cafe!

The Beach Cafe at Steephill Cove - excellent "Crab Tea" consisting of Crab Sarnie,
& Salad (no raw onion!) decorated with shell-on prawns, tea/coffee, and stawberry and
raspberry Pavlova to follow, all for under a tenner. It was high-tide, but we were not charged extra for the wave which showered our table with sea - great fun!.

You will enjoy a visit to Manuel's in Shepards Wharf in Cowes. Not just "another" Mediterranean Restaurant but probably the "only" Portugese place in the South of England, Portugese Family owned and enthusiastically run.
Nice small menue with fresh ingredients and a ! on perfectly prepared steaks and grills at a for the "yachty" venue affordable price (even for wines).
Also exceptional the allday and late opening (we were served a full dinner at 10 pm without having a prior booking), the very personal service by the proprietors and the probably best designed and cleanest WC on the IW.
Defenitely one of my new favourites- I hope they keep their enthusiasm up...
Try to get there before Cowes Week to see the design as long as it is new and fresh....

The Reef on Sandown Esplanade always seems to serve up a good spread, we have eaten there 3 times in the past 5 weeks. Normally I stick with the same dish but have been steadily working through their menu and haven't been disappointed yet!

Guinness on Draught as well which is always nice to see in a restauranty type establishment. (Apologies for my customised use of the English language!)

Worth booking a week or two ahead if you want to sit indoors as they do seem to be getting ever more popular.

Hi Matt & Cat,

Firstly, what a great site! We always refer to it when wanting to try out somewhere new and have added a link to our website.

We've just come back from the Island Harbour Bistro and have to say we were quite disappointed. The menu was quite limited, with nothing for vegetarians, and having vegetables included amongst the side orders at extra cost seems a cheek. My partner had the fish and chips and although it said the chips were homemade, they certainly didn't look or taste like it. They looked distinctly like frozen chips and were apparently on the hard side. I had a chicken schnitzel which came on its own so I'd ordered some new potatoes and vegetables. Prior to our meals being served, and about after 20 mins of us having ordered, we were told that as the potatoes were only just being put on, did we want to wait 15 mins for them or just have chips. As I didn't want chips we decided to wait.

My "vegetables" actually turned out to be a dishful of brocolli so no variety there. Desserts were actually quite nice, although my partner felt his chocolate fudge cake was bought in and not homemade.

We both felt that for the prices they charge and the fact they call themselves a Bistro, they really need to try harder. A shame really, because the setting is lovely.

We loved the bistro. We skipped along the river path with our Golden Retriever and enjoyed the best seafood pasta and gorgeous salads. And then they lost their chef. We had such lovely meals there and it went from beautiful to dire in a nanosecond. We contacted the manager and she denied that the chef had left but sadly, this was not true and his name is now gone from the website and now no-one wants to take credit for the horrible cuisine. Our inedible meals were prepared by a couple of teenagers with dirty aprons. It's so sad.

Matt and Cat respond:Thanks for your comment Dave. We assume that you are referring to the Island Harbour Bistro. Looks like we'll have to see if it's as bad as you say it is...

We completely agree with the comments re the Island Harbour Bistro. The chef HAS changed because I saw the advertisement in the paper for a new one! We had lunch there under the old chef and it was gorgeous so went there again a few weeks ago for a repeat. However we were told that we could only order sandwiches as the chef was "cleaning the kitchen". We both ordered sandwiches which were advertised as being served with salad and chips. Payment was taken at time of order. We were then told that there were no chips because of the kitchen cleaning. I asked for a refund of part of the cost and was refused, being given an additional drink instead (which we did not want). However we thought it was an off day and went there again last night for our wedding anniversary. Starters were all but one fish, we were told that the fish and chips and steaks were off the menu, however we both ordered the special, Beef Wellington. We waited over an hour for our meal, two people came in and sat at the next table to us and had their main courses and puddings and were paying their bill as our food arrived! Like the other reviewer, veg consisted of broccoli only (have they bought a job lot!) although the Wellington itself was very nice. If we had not had to pay at time of order again we would have left. Pudding a real disappointment, crumble and custard which was far too tart and microwaved until the custard bubbled and dried out, yuk! We will NOT be going there again.

The Hambrough welcomes Michelin Starred Robert Thompson as Chef Patron-
says the website and the IW Country press- so I will be very interested to have a look and find out- but I may be biased because I think that was so far already the best fine dining experience on the island so change can always be for the good or for the worse- interesting how prices will develop too and I would love to see what M&C think, I shall post my 5p's worth as soon as I know more

Hello Mat and Cat

Yes, there are numerous eateries in Cowes and as an East Cowes resident have made a number of visits to the newly opened 'Manuels' near the Floating Bridge. Would you consider giving it a review? The food is Portuguese, which I regard as an interesting twist on European cuisine.

HAMBROUGH HOTEL..we went for what might be our most delicious lunch of the year here last week..£22 for three courses of the highest quality possible. This chef knows his stuffing. Lunch bargain of the year too, I would volunteer. The staff were top notch. The wine list is very well priced....the Alborinio was on the button. The hotel has had a complete change of guard, including the Pond Cafe.

The rooms are worth a visit too and it is possible to park outside the front of the hotel. For that special week-end .....

One of our favourite places for tea & coffee is:-

http://www.luccombemanor.co.uk/index.php/95

very nice location as well.

Just returned home after a week on the Isle of Wight and as is now our ritual on the last night we ate at Ganders, St Helens's. We have been coming here for around 7 years now and we have never had a bad meal. This year took my brother & wife, there were 6 of us in total all had starters, mains and deserts. My main was the duck breast and it was cooked to perfection, how I wish we had a restaurant as good as this at home (actually probably not a good idea , my waistline would grow and grow!!!).
The bill came in at a tad under £190, and that included the 2 bottles of wine, me and my sister-in-law had so I think it is very reasonable.
In the same week we ate out most nights , Blacksmiths Arms (forgot how large the portions were......phew), White Lion, Arreton, I think it may have changed hands since last summer but just as nice.
Only places not too great were Wishing Well. Seaview and Sloop Inn, Wootton Bridge, but I understand bothwere in the process of undergoing a refurb which may explain that, won't put me off trying them next year.

So keep up the good work Matt & Cat, I regularly check to see what's new for us on our next visit, might see you next year.

You really must try The Folly in Whippingham, you will love it!
the specials board is as varied as the menu and they do a
great crewpot. After a very hard day at work last week we
decided to get a take away and could not choose from any of
the poor offerings in cowes (corries cabin may be good but the
service is bad, we are frequently missing part of our order
and you never know how many chips you will get)we priced up a pretty timid chinese but it
still came up to £27 so we went out to eat instead. I am so
glad that we did. By the way the food bill was only £25 and
the quality was outstanding, they also make the children feel
very welcome.

Matt and Cat respond: Thanks for your comment Joy. We love The Folly. Read our review here.

Fantastic website .. perhaps you ought to suggest good walks to enable people to write off their calorific footprint.

One restaurant that we visit time and time again is 'Fox's' at Bembridge. It's a small restaurant run by a chef and his wife ... I think they are only open on weekdays now, but the food is delicious and the service great.

It's one of those rare restaurants .. consistent! You can recommend it without trepidation (please don't tell me it's been taken over and become a greasy spoon!). Anyway, we never leave the IOW without having dined there.

Keep up the good work.

You might care to try the cafe at Oasis, just off the Brading Road.

The lunch /snack menu provides good quality and quantity home cooking.

Whilst the pastries look delicious, the lunch specials have always been excellent. The Lasagne accompanied by delightful garlic bread and fresh salad is always good as are the jacket potatoes and soups.

Please try the food at Melville Hall Hotel. The website has a
sample menu, have a look.
Food and service was excellent. Great value for money.

Have they got new owners yet?

THE WATERSEDGE, GURNARD

This is a great cafe. The menu is good, and food is freshly cooked and plentiful, with wicked cakes to tempt you from your diet. Breakfasts are filling and the veggie breakfast is one of the best I've tasted.

Also, it is licensed.

It can get very crowded at the weekend and it is wise to book a table.

Give it a try...........

I recently tried the breakfast at Fakenham Farm which is between Nettlestone and St Helens, probably the worst breakfast i have ever eaten , cheap tasteless sausages , anaemic eggs , so not what you would expect to be served in a farm cafe.

Try Tilleys Cafe on the High Street in Ventnor. Great Food,
Great Service, Value For Money.

We had a short holiday in Colwell Bay with our young grand-daughter a few weeks back and most evenings we walked along the sea-wall to the small cafe at Totland Pier for an early supper. A good basic menu, well cooked, fresh food at reasonable prices. The extremely pleasant and friendly people running the place made us and our three year old feel very welcome....what a contrast to the cafe at Amazon World, never going there again.

I tried Goodman's Deli in Ventnor on Saturday lunchtime for a bite and a drink. Had a toasted flatbread sandwich filled with a delicious mix of mediterranean vegetables from the deli counter, pesto and Italian cheese (normally they offer fresh paninis, but a new batch had only just gone in the oven). To drink I had possibly the most ornate drink I've ever seen: flowering green tea. It comes in a very novel glass teapot and the green tea "flower" blooms as it brews in the hot water. Stunning! As a green tea fan I can confirm it had a very superior flavour too. My son had hot chocolate which - having tried a sip - was also top quality. Very friendly service. Recommend it for a light bite.

Any chance of a night out at the Swan's Nest (Salvatores)in Ryde?

This establishment was recommended by some ex-pats in Portugal.

I tried the café at Chale Green Stores today. Felt a bit like Lucy emerging from the wardrobe in Narnia. One second you're in a (very well-stocked) village store, but at the back you turn right and find a whole other dimension. A very enticing deli counter, and nicely furnished café with floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading into a courtyard garden and with views of the hills.
A deli menu is available all week from 12-3pm; and a full café menu from 12-3pm Wednesday to Sunday.
I had a warm garlic camembert salad for £4.95: half a camembert melting onto a roast vegetable and rocket salad, served with sliced toasted ciabatta drizzled with olive oil and served with a delicious relish. Excellent quality and great value. I was very impressed and will definitely return.

Go on, M&C, try The Hambrough in Ventnor. It will make for some stunning pics on your website! Ian and I ate there yesterday evening having read about its young and tipped-for-stardom chef Robert Thompson several times in the past month. He's the one emerging from the sea with a fish on the front of the current Taste of the Wight Magazine; he's been reviewed in The Independent; mentioned on Ventnor Blog, and he's won local awards. The County Press's Keith Newbery pondered whether his food was the sort of posh nosh that would look good but not fill you up, to which RT valiantly responded in last week's letters page that yes it would fill you up and that he's wanted to be a chef since he was ten years old and he's trying to bring visitors to the Isle who might not ordinarily come.

So anyway, I can report that: 1) We were both most definitely full by the end of the meal; 2) The food is a talking point - how it looks, what it is, what it reminds you of from your past (at one point when eating the eel starter Ian mentioned prawn-flavoured crisps, but I think it was in a good way). 3) It's the kind of place with attentive waiters who top up your drinks and tell you what you're about to eat, but having said that they were friendly, not offputtingly intrusive. 4) You won't get a dish of veg alongside your main course, but 5) The three courses actually turned out to be more. I'll list them: first there was an eye-catching pair of long squid-ink (ie black) sea-salt studded deliciously crunchy breadsticks that look like a table decoration, standing on end in a glass of dry red lentils. And warm freshly-baked focaccia bread which was meltingly good. Then a pre-starter, a little cup of pumpkin velouté with a very deep garlicky flavour. Then the starter - I had cep risotto with sea bass truffle something or other; then fillet of red mullet with seared scallops, olive and smoked garlic sauce. Then a pre-dessert of caramelised apple with a creamy lemony sauce. Then an amazing blackcurrant soufflé towering out of its ramekin dish, served with Ventnor Stout ice cream. And finally petit-fours, tiny ice cream cones filled with soft lemon meringue and raspberry cream, plus a dense chocolate and almond ball.

While each course individually is not massive, collectively they make for a hearty meal. The taste sensations are plentiful and the food exquisitely presented. The 3-course dinner menu is £45 a head excluding drinks. The lunch menu is approx half that price. There's also an evening tasting menu for £59 a head of the sort that food critics slaver over.

Great for a special occasion.

I live in Gulf State of Kuwait and before that in Singapore, The Gambia and The Bahamas. My mother was an isle of wighter and I will be retiring to Totland bay June 2009. Cant wait! Whenever mother (now dead) and I visited family on the island we always went to Tudor Lounge at freshwater. Lovely fress island vegetables: mother was a Cotton from Rookley and her father a market gardener, the cafe has an eclectic mix of excellent home cooking with a sometime twist of the slighty continental. PLUS deals for pensioners which I will need on retirement! Aplogies if you have reviewed already. Judith waine (Dr)

Sorry to tell you that the Tudor Lodge is now the Hong Kong Express. Recently opened but very popular, especially for breakfasts, lunches and coffee.

I was invited to Valentino's in Carisbrooke High Street for a relative's birthday do yesterday. Several years since I last ate there and I had a memory of leaving there over-full from an excess of carbs and cream. Top marks for consistency as everything appeared exactly the same: friendly waiters, kitschy decor and creamy menu. Plus cheesy Italian music ("That's Amoré" etc). One of our party was surprised that not all Italian restaurants serve pizza; my son was surprised that not all Italian restaurants serve pesto sauce. But everyone was pretty happy with their food.

I tried the lighter sounding options: a delicious thick vegetable soup; salmon with, yep, a creamy dill sauce plus very nice vegetables served to the table from a big platter; and the fruitiest-looking of the vast desserts on the trolley - the Italian trifle (so not that light, really!). Another lady in our party wondered how topping off the festive period with a vast plate of tagliatelle with creamy salmon was going to impact on her Rosemary Conley weigh-in on Monday.

The restaurant was busy and bustling, with a good atmosphere.

Oh, and the birthday girl got a full-volume restaurant-stopping Italian rendition of happy birthday played as her candle-lit pudding was brought out. Not for the bashful!

had sunday lunch at THE REEF in Sandown......WOW!!!!!! it was
superb! roast beef cooked so as to melt in the mouth,yorkshire
pud light and tasty,potatoes,veg and gravy just how i like them!!
my partner is a vegetarian,so she asked if it was possible to
have a "meatless" roast....no problem! they were happy to oblige,
nothing was too much trouble!!!! friendly staff,good atmosphere,
worth every penny!!! congrats to Mike and his team!!! go on Matt
and Cat,pay them a visit!!!!!

Hello M & C,
I just wanted to remind you to visit Manuel's in Cowes (who I have no personal interest in apart from wishing them to do well as they serve very good, fairly priced food)
In contrast to other venues in Cowes they are open all year round and continue to serve fresh interesting food. Currently they have a winter offer to feed two people for a tenner (as long as you order from a special menue, and both have the same) and portions although a bit smaller then from the normal menue will do nicely- they even include a glass of house wine. Desserts are only one choice but remain freshly in house made and the service is personal and friendly
I would advise Cat to ask for rice rather than fries although they are home cooked, they are skinny (whih i love) but probaly they will not suit the feline taste buds???
Give them a try they deserve it- and the winter is still long....

Went to that seafront cafe at Puckpool today and for the third time in a row they seemed to struggle with the most basic of requests, very limited winter menu, lots of staff dithering about. Place seemed to be full of dogs as well.

I can't remember what it's called but doesn't seem to have a review. Could do with one as I bet thousands of tourists hit this place in the summer.

Hi Matt and Cat, please go and try Chale Green stores! Ive been there a few times now for lunch and it is my favourite place. The food is fantastic and excellent value for money, I had sausage and mash with a red wine gravy and I was so surprised when it came out, the presentation was of a standard I would expect from a top restaurant and it was delicious. You must go and try this, however I recommend going between Weds-Sundays as they only run a limited menu on Mondays and Tuesdays as the chef isnt there.

we recently visited the island and went out for our evening meals every night and the two top places we ate at were MAMMA MIA in shanklin its the italian and the DRAGON PEARL chinese also in shanklin both served great food and service.

really enjoyed it and hope to visit again.

Please try the Outlook Cafe at Gurnard marsh, bit hard to find, but the view is fantastic the atmosphere friendly and relaxed, the food freshly prepared and worth a little wait, we use it regularly and can recommed the monthly curry nights. thx

Matt and Cat respond: We went to Gurnard to try the Outlook but it was closed. Perhaps we'll try again in the summer season so we can take advantage of the view from the terrace.

Hi I wonder if you have been to the 8 bells yet in Newport.I think its owned by the same peopel who pwn the Gperge who you rentlly did a review on.
If I've missed it my apologies.

Matt and Cat respond: we're sorry to hear The George is pwned. And we have indeed been to the Eight Bells.

Ha!that'll teach me to type without my specs'I'll interpret that;The Goerge is,I think,owned by the same people who own the 8 Bells.Sorry I missed that review,am now going for a brain transplant.

I notice a few good pub-grub reviews recently - useful and interesting! I wonder if you have tried the lunch menu (or evenings late in the week) at the Simeon, Simeon Street, Ryde? It's a good 'local' and the food is usually good value with regular 'specials'
on the board outside. They also run a creche for husbands who don't like shopping!

You haven't been to the Rex Piano Bar at Ventnor yet. Super location way above the bar, interesting menu and run by a nice man (not me!)

Go on, give it a try.

Not 'way above the bar' - 'way above the beach'.

I must start adding more water to it.

Hi Matt and Cat
Have you visited the Watersedge Cafe on the front at Gurnard? We always have great food in there after a walk along the seafront. Does get busy in summer and on the weekends but lovely staff and reasonably priced.

I stayed at Horseshoe Bay House, Shore Road, Bonchurch, last year for B&B which was really good. Do try their licenced cafe on a sunny afternoon when it is especially lovely to sit outside on a sunny day overlooking the sea and the food is excellent. You will have to book at peak summer periods as it is very popular!

Pavorottis is one of the finest Italian resteraunts on the Island...you will not be disappointed

I love visiting Cowes and regularly visit the Fountain. Brilliant food (you have got to try there homemade soups...out of this world) beer reasonably priced and staff friendly.

refering to pavarottis: hi, sorry to disagree with you there. we went on two occasions once as a birthday party and once with my wife and both times very disapointing.
we seemed to be rushed around and wanted to get rid of us very quickly slow poor service and the quality of the food just did not match the style of the place.
we nephew had a pizza and could have sworn it was a frozen pizza and the pasta was well over cooked.
all in all i must say 2 bads out of 2 i shall now be going back.

was refering to pavarottis but missed that part out.

We were also disappointed by Pavarotti's. We'd booked a table only to be phoned an hour before and told that their "frozen delivery hadn't arrived" so they had no garlic bread or pizzas. We cancelled. You'd think that one of the 'best Italian restaurants on the Island' would make their own pizza bases...
We usually go to Pendletons in Shanklin. Cannot fault food or service. If Pavarotti's has improved, let Matt & Cat know as we'd like to give them another try.

hi all, dont think pavaottis has improved we had a meal there last week and it was if not the worst one of the worst meals we have had in a long time. poor quality service and equally bad food.

i have noticed a lot of comments on hong knog express i must say we tried it for the first time last week and we loved every bite of it!
very nice.

Dear Matt & Cat,

I'm a fellow Isle of Wight-based food-fan who's just found your website & I've spent the past couple of days reading your many informative reviews with great interest.

Anyway, I'd really like to 'bump up' Cranny.Faddock's suggestion (above) of a visit to Salvatore's as I'd be keen to know what you think.

I think The Swan's Nest is one of the few remaining Island pubs/restaurants with a genuine friendly local atmosphere (In my experience some of the Island's out-of-town or rural pubs can have a 'The Slaughtered Lamb'/'American Werewolf In London' quality to them). But I eat there regularly & always enjoy it. If Salvatore himself is cooking then you're definitely on to a winner - I tasted my first lobster there a fortnight ago which was marvellous. I like the fact that he regularly patronises other establishments too - I've recently seen him in Wetherspoon's & only last night he was spotted dining in Union Street's Yan Woo. Never seen him in Michelangelo's though (another of my favourite haunts), but that's another story.

(P.S. Although I would probably offer a friendly nod to him in the street, I don't know Salvatore or anything, I just like going there...)

Come on Matt and Cat-high time you tried The Hambrough at Ventnor!
we went on Tuesday 31 March and have nothing but praise for the food, ambience and service.
Let us all know what you think!

I like my Full English brekkies (ok I know they're unhealthy) and I have sampled many ( as my waistline proves).
The best value for money is,in my opinion,Merlins in Ventnor, the worst a cafe in Shanklins Regent Street (no anme to save embarrasement) It was truly awful. So perhaps a visit to Merlins to see what you think?

Mike

The Reef in Sandown, have not changed their menu since opening but the specials always vary.......we have never had a bad meal or bad service give it a go, we do regularily

Curious about the Red Duster in Cowes High Street. What type of restaurant is it? The boards outside offer a vast array of meals to appeal to all tastes. Have not seen any review yet (or the usual advertising BOGOF in the CP) for it. Maybe it is word of mouth and a well kept secret.

M & C reply: we've never heard of it. We'll have a look next time we're in Cowes.

I think the site is a great idea and despite disagreeing with you on my last two reviews, I hope you keep up your efforts. It would be boring if everyone thought the same way!

One of my personal favs is Valentinos in Carisbrooke. It is old fashioned, there is lots of cream and carbs (as mentioned above) and it looks unchanged for a long-time. HOWEVER, it is very freindly, the food is big and nourishing and the sweet trolley is direct from heaven. Judging by the fact it is almost always busy, lots of people seem to like it just the way it is!

I'm not suggesting M&C make a special trip to La Cantina at Blackgang Chine, to eat fast food surrounded by junior cowboys and cowgirls grinning as they shoot you at point blank range with toy guns, but having got stuck there at lunchtime with my sister and three hungry kids the other day, I can't resist commenting. My key observations are that, as someone who likes what Jamie Oliver has done for school dinners, I wish he'd turn his attention to theme parks. While the café by Blackgang Chine's main entrance does at least have a smidge of variety and some hot food that doesn't involve the deep fat frier, at La Cantina you get a limited choice of basic fast, fried food.

But given those constraints, and choosing the sole veggie option - the vegeburger - it actually was not bad. The bun was fresh, the burger moist (given that vegeburgers are often hard as hockey-pucks that in itself was a bonus), and with onions, ketchup and a slice of processed cheese, it was pretty tasty. The side order of chips was fine, too: chunky and nicely cooked. My son had the same, and also approved.

So okay as it goes. But I'd still really appreciate more variety.

Found your site really useful when researching restaurants/cafes/pubs to try on our recent visit. Noticed you don't have a 'Vegetarian' section - do you know of any veggie places on the island. If so we'd be really interested in hearing about them.

Just noticing Carolyn's comments about veggie food, I tend to seek out veggie options myself, and while I'm not aware of any purely vegetarian restaurants on the island (someone correct me if I'm wrong), my own favourite places that cater well and imaginatively for veggies are: Quay Arts Café, Olivo's, Burrs (all in Newport), and Chale Green Stores Café. I also really like the Nabab (Indian) in Newport. Matt and Cat have reviewed them all. I'm sure there are more, but those are my current top five. They seem to put as much thought into their veggie meals as they do their meat or fish options. I've heard good things about The Taverners' veggie options (Godshill), but I haven't eaten there yet myself.

M &C respond: there's also the New Vegetarian which is a pure veggie place - is that still open?

At the top end of the scale, the Hamborough does a superb veggie menu. See http://londonfood.typepad.com/stuff/not_london/ for a full review (by my 'foodie' son! They even provided different wines to accompany each course of the vegetarian tasting menu.

You're right, Bushy. You don't get the impression that The Hambrough does much for vegetarians looking at the general menu, but when I ate there the veggie courses were wonderful (I do eat some fish, so it was mixed) . Couldn't stretch to the full tasting menu (either purse or waistband!). Maybe next time. But then I noticed that my other half's starter of eel involved foie gras. That would put some vegetarians off a restaurant entirely.

Off-island tip for Bushy's foodie son or his friends: best vegetarian food I've ever eaten was in Umbria, Italy, at the vegetarian hotel Country House Montali. Just amazing. http://www.montalionline.com/

Re the New Vegetarian, had forgotten about that one. Must see if it's still open. Confess haven't tried it myself as it seemed to be essentially a sandwich shop.

Recommend you try Bluebells, the new café at Briddlesford Farm, which has just opened. Housed in a beautifully-done barn conversion (formerly a cattle shed), it's a real showcase for Isle of Wight produce. Stopped off for a lunchtime bite yesterday, and was really impressed. Tried the Gallybagger tart (stuffed full of Isle of Wight cheese) with homemade red onion jam and balsamic dressing - a pair of tasty tarts served with salad, for £5.75. The rest of the menu was equally appetising. Specialises in ethically, locally, sustainably sourced food (as does the adjoining farm shop). The custard on the puddings is made from Buttercup Milk from the farm's Guernsey herd grazing just across the road; as I was leaving a delivery of fish was being handed over which had been caught just half an hour earlier... Really good stuff. And the café itself is lovely. Even the toilets are great. Fluffy flannels to dry your hands on like in posh hotels... Some really nice touches. Open from 9.30 till teatime (not evenings).

Brighstone Tea Rooms has rebranded itself Seven (apparently because it's exactly seven miles from Newport). Same management I think, but as they've gradually expanded what they do to be more of a bistro, the old name no longer fitted.

Having heard the ads on IW Radio we popped along at 6pm on Tuesday, expecting evening meals to be available, but the main chef was having a night off and the (very polite and friendly) staff were offering the daytime menu instead. There was enough variety there to suit us. I had polenta and roast vegetable tart with salad, though I couldn't discern anything actually tart-like about it. Not bad, but a slightly plainer option than I'd expected (polenta needs plenty of flavour with it). The pear and chocolate cheesecake was pretty good, and it was a generous portion.

I'll go back, as the evening menu looked very promising (another venue that flags up use of local produce). But I was surprised that, given the advertising push, the place wasn't fully geared up for the evening custom. A party of six arrived as we were leaving, but on hearing that only the daytime menu was available, they left again.

The next day as I was passing, it looked busy in the evening, so I presume the head chef was there. Seven is open all day, and seems generally busy; I'd just phone first if you want a more substantial evening meal to make sure the full menu is available.

I couldn't find a review of Ganders in St Helens here. We're DFLs and have been visiting Ganders for years and never had a bad meal. Fish and seafood are particularly good here, and the pavlovas are a must. It's a small family run restaurant and the quality is consistently good. The waiting staff always friendly and helpful. Smashing little restaurant!

I suggest you try Goodman's deli in Ventnor. The coffee's really good and so are the cup cakes.

Can you review Forresters Restaurant in Yarmouth - more or less oppsite the Blue Crab in the High Street. Thanks

We run a one room B and B in Cowes...but food features heavily in our lives and so we offer our guests high(ish)-end evening meals.
We like your site (and all our restaurant recommendations carry a link to your reviews of them!) and would love the challenge of entertaining you both to a meal one evening and seeing what you think!
You never know...you might say someting nice about us!

Try Totland Pier Cafe.
Food is great. Prices reasonable, portions large!.
Top that off with outstanding views from your seat on the pier whilst dining.
One of the pleasures of island living.

Driftwood - Sandown - did I miss your visit ?

Matt replies: We were considering a visit to the Driftwood Beach Bar and Grill on our next Sandown voyage. But we were so incensed by the sudden rash of tacky stickers advertising the place that defaced lampposts, street furniture and even cars all along the esplanade in our home town that we didn't really feel it appropriate to go. We wouldn't have been able to give a fair review. When we've cooled down a bit and chilled out doubtless we'll be along.

Could you review The Four Seasons in Wroxhall.

Stayed at The Wight Mouse Inn last August & got chatting to one of the managers who was leaving to take over The Four Seasons (www.the-fourseasons-inn.co.uk)

Will be back to visit the Island soon & will definitely give this place a bash especially as the new owner really looked after us when she was at the Wight Mouse.

Thanks.

THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL ISLAND TO BET THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS AND THATS CHIPMUNKS IN RYDE - ALWAYS FRESH AND TASTY AND SERVICE IS FANTASTIC - ITS THE ONLY PLACE THAT IS CONSISTANTLY HIGH STANDARD EVERY SINGLE TIME ............. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE !!

I think ming garden should be re-evaluated personally. I have been in their since their opening in february and they have greatly improved their cooking since that time. I believe it has been well under rated

Been staying in Ventnor for a few weeks and decided to try the Rex piano bar.I've eaten at places all over the world and have to say this place is in the botom three.From the decor which is bland to say the least to the food this place is just horrible. Nice views though.

Hi! Read your review of the top of the town cafe and totally agreed - it used to be rubbish! However, new owners do proper steak burgers, waitress service that actually delivers on time (I only get half an hour for lunch!) and proper American stuff you can't get here - Lucky Charms, Authentic rootbeer floats etc.

Long live The Original Phil's Diner! Look forward to seeing your review!

Ian