At The Terrace Rooms & Wine, the six-bedroom bolthole overlooking Ventnor Bay that I own and run with my partner Ashley, Friday nights are something special. Guests and locals gather in the intimate wine room for a themed tasting and communal dinner made up of 95 per cent island-sourced ingredients. We serve our seasonal menus – which might feature roast venison or rack of flounder – with wines from small, sustainable producers. A set four-course breakfast is served under the pergola. Bedrooms are stylish and relaxed, with sea views and vintage charm. It’s a unique bolthole for food and wine lovers looking to soak up the flavours and character of the Isle of Wight. theterraceventnor.co.uk

A new, family-run neighbourhood bistro bringing the bold, smoky flavours of northern Spain to the island. It’s the only place on the IOW where you can get your txuleton fix: a hefty, dry-aged rib-eye steak for two. Small plates, like clams in fino sherry with garlic and parsley or grilled padrón peppers with flaky salt, are perfect with a glass of albariño. thebasquekitchen.com

The hub of the community, this husband-and-wife-run Mediterranean brasserie is warm, consistent and affordable. It's a total asset to Ventnor – just ask early guest Tom Kerridge! Crowd-pleasing dishes include charred octopus with chickpeas and harissa, and lamb koftas with flatbread and tzatziki. Friendly service, bold flavours and a welcoming buzz make it an easy favourite for both locals and holidaymakers alike. stripped-brasserie.co.uk

This breezy, beachside café serves benchmark brunches and exceptional coffee. Huevos rancheros with Isle of Wight eggs, cinnamon French toast with seasonal compote and the house shakshuka are all local favourites. It’s a true labour of love by owner Dita, who champions sustainable food and has built a loyal following thanks to her flavour-packed dishes and unwavering community focus. cantinaventnor.co.uk

Sister restaurant to The Terrace in Ventnor (and right on Yarmouth harbour), this airy, sea-facing dining room is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Matthew Tomkinson, formerly of The Montagu Arms and The Goose. The menu showcases his refined but relaxed style, with standout dishes like cured Chalk Stream trout with buttermilk, cucumber and horseradish, and poached Isle of Wight gurnard with potato rosti, pea fritter and warm tartar sauce. Don’t miss the great-value set lunch, which is popular with both locals and day-trippers. theterraceiow.co.uk

This is nationally relevant Pan-Asian cooking with incredible cocktails. Smoking Lobster has done wonders for the island’s food reputation, and even has its own fishing boat. Wok-fried lobster with chilli tamarind sauce and Korean fried chicken bao are must-try dishes. It's great for date nights, group dinners or cocktail hour with sea views. smoking-lobster.co.uk

An authentic Mexican spot, with not a whiff of Tex-Mex about it, husband-and-wife team Marco and Camila are passionate about real Mexican food and culture. Cochinita pibil tacos and chile relleno with rice and beans are slow-cooked, spice-laced and deeply satisfying. It’s colourful, casual and unforgettable. pricklypearkitchen.co.uk

Run by former Terrace restaurant manager Tom Butler and his wife Hannah, this charming café is a local hub with excellent coffee, live music nights and a small but perfectly formed menu. Brunch standouts include shakshuka with sourdough, and crushed avocado toast with dukkah and poached egg. A laidback, creative space with heart. thepianocafe.co.uk

Visit this proper country pub to try chef Sean Jeffers's top-notch food – he mixes classic comfort with modern flair in dishes like slow-roast lamb shoulder with salsa verde, or beetroot and goat’s cheese tart. Add a pint of local ale and a roaring fire in winter, and you’ve got the perfect pit stop after a coastal walk. redlion-freshwater.co.uk

Local legend chef Dan Maskell heads up the kitchen here, and delivers unfussy, high-quality dishes in a 17th-century inn setting. Crab linguine with chilli and lemon and the Isle of Wight beef burger with house pickles are two favourites. It also has a charming garden, open fires and excellent service, making it a go-to year-round. thenewinnshalfleet.co.uk

A totally unique, once-a-week South African BBQ night held at the regenerative Nunwell Farm, home to Belted Galloway cattle and Saddleback x Berkshire pigs. Expect a full island showcase, with beers from Wight Knuckle Brewery, Wight Whisky tastings and meat cooked over fire. Look out for boerewors with chakalaka and braaied pork ribs with pap. Book ahead – it’s special. braai-iow.co.uk

take the ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington – find out more at wightlink.co.uk

Interviewed by Christine Hayes

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