Eating and drinking in Cowes
Last edited Feb 2019
Information on this page is now out of date - please see VisitIOW website for up-to-date information on the Isle of Wight
For the best restaurant reviews for the Isle of Wight, visit Mat and Cat's Isle of Wight Eating Out Guide mattandcat.co.uk or check tripadvisor.
For Firefly's reviews of restaurants and bars, cafes and pubs in Cowes, scroll down.
We strongly advise booking restaurants one busier days, and phoning ahead to check that your choice is definitely open on quieter days.
Restaurants and bars in Cowes (scroll down for CAFES & PUBS in Cowes)
Walking South to North
The Basque Kitchen (formerly known as Amabi), Medina Road
01983 716164
Currently closed, reopens 21 March 2019
The Basque Kitchen restaurant and tapas bar infuses Basque Country cooking with the best fresh Isle of Wight produce. "Come in for some of our specially blended coffee roasted on the Isle of Wight, choose lunch from our selection of freshly made tapas and seasonal salads or join us in the evening for a hearty Basque meal with fine wine chosen to perfectly match our cooking."
We (Firefly House) love sitting with a cold beer and some tapas in the back terrace watching the comings and goings of Shepards Marina, especially during Cowes Week and Round the Island.
Mojacs, Shooters Hill
01983 281118
Check winter opening times
They serve a selection of cocktails, drinks, wine, nibbles and simply good food. "Our aim has consistently been to provide our customers with a warm, cosy environment in which you can be wined, dined and indulged, whether you are a regular visitor with us or visit only once."
Mojac's is consistently the number 1 restaurant in Cowes on Tripadvisor. Firefly owners often go for quiet evening meal as the food is always excellent.
Toninos Italian Restaurant, Shooters Hill
01983 298464
Established since 1979, Toninos has a friendly atmosphere, popular with the sailing community and locals alike. They cater for large groups and the restaurant has seating for up to 80. "Visiting our restaurant is a must for those wishing to enjoy the full Cowes experience".
Fantastic traditional Italian menu, Firefly House particularly like the mixed seafood pasta, not even sure that it is on the menu, but they are always happy to make a dish for you.
The Coast Bar and Dining Room, Shooters Hill
01983 298574
Locally sourced, seasonal food in a relaxed and welcoming setting - all day, every day. “You can drop in for breakfast or a cake with a morning cappuccino, enjoy a hearty lunch or a three course dinner, as the relaxed informal style of our Bar & Dining Room is designed for every day eating"
We (Firefly House) spend many hours in the Coast Bar: we have business meetings over coffee, long lazy glasses of chardonnay in the afternoon with a little people-watching from the sofa, pizza and Rioja in the evenings, or a romantic dinner for two upstairs. It's THE perfect place to waste time!
Club Moocow, Cross Street
01983 200750
Check winter opening times
"club MOOCOW is a gorgeous dining and venue space, quite different from any other venue on the island. it has a real wow-factor; a previously empty victorian penny school revamped into a modern urban space with a year-round outside social terrace
as well as the surroundings, the home-made food, the great drinks and entertainment, are another big factor in why people come back time and again to celebrate in style
enjoy club MOOCOW through your own private function or as part of a supperclubs, our regular FRIDAY NIGHT @ MOOCOW evenings and of course our infamous MOOCOW soirees"
The Harbour Kitchen, High Street
01983 297559
"HK is a Café come Bar come Bistro, located on the High Street in the heart of Cowes. The owners aim is to provide an inexpensive café, bar and dining experience which is why they went for the tag line 'Café ● Bar ● Bistro'.
Wherever possible local ingredients are sourced by the owners, Brian and Caroline Hicks. The HK is proud to say that its beef burgers are always 100% Isle of Wight beef.
For a relax, friendly and comfortable environment then the HK is the definitely worth a visit."
The Fountain Inn, High Street
01983 292397
"Located in the English sea port town of Cowes, the Fountain Hotel presents a traditional style, with a host of modern facilities. Dating from 1793, the hotel has a long-standing history in the local area, now recognised throughout the world as the home of the annual Cowes Week Regatta. This hotel boasts 20 traditional but stylish bedrooms, to relax and enjoy the sights of the Isle of Wight. With a relaxing bar area serving cask ales, premium lagers and fine wines to compliment the traditional English menu."
The menu features well priced pub classic food.
Pier View, High Street
01983 292397
"We are delighted to have taken over this iconic yachtsman’s pub and kitchen.
We have recently completed a major refurbishment and the pub is decorated with the fabulous photography of renowned yachting photographer Rick Tomlinson.
We have Sky and BT Sports and show most major sporting events.
Families are welcome but no children under 12 permitted after 7pm"
The left side of the pub is now now furnished as a restaurant area with good menu and seasonal favourites, Firefly recommend the burgers.
Cowes Tandoori, High Street
01983 296710
Traditional Indian restaurant and takeaway.
Bahar Tandoori, High Street
01983 200 378
Long established tandoori traditional Indian restaurant and takeaway. There's a great photo of Sir Richard Branson in the 80s in there! Bring your own alcohol policy.
North House Hotel, Sun Hill
01983 209 453
"Our restaurant has a relaxed, stylish and comfortable feel - full of character, yet unpretentious. Our team of chefs create dishes focused on fish and seafood from the South Coast with a respectful nod to the seasons. With flagstone flooring, tongue and groove walls and a peaceful terrace, North House is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner."
The Little Gloster, Gurnard
01983 298776
Previously awarded ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and featured in the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide 2018, The Little Gloster is a family-run restaurant with rooms offering panoramic sea views of the Solent, in Gurnard, just five minutes west of Cowes.
Presenting simple seasonal food in relaxed Scandinavian-influenced surroundings, we offer high-quality service, locally sourced produce, and a passion for great food, wine, music and cocktails.
The Little Gloster is the perfect place for a quiet meal, to celebrate a special occasion or simply unwind with a glass of wine whilst taking in the spectacular sunsets that contribute to making this location so unique.
A short drive or taxi from Cowes, or a wonderful afternoon walk along the seafront.
Cafes & takeaways in Cowes (scroll down for PUBS)
Walking south to north
Hong Kong House, Mill Hill Road
01983 295852
Chinese takeaway
Dalyan Kebab & Pizza House, Birmingham Road
01983 291 555
It's so easy to use, fast and convenient! Try our takeaway menu - You can now relax at home and order online all your favourite freshly prepared dishes and many more delicious options, and have them delivered straight to your door in no time at all. We use the best ingredients for the preparation of our food, including NON-GENETICALLY MODIFIED VEGETABLE COOKING OIL.
With our new website and mobile apps, you can choose to pay online safely and securely or choose to pay by cash. Here you will find our up-to-date prices and exclusive special offers limited to our online customers only! Our website and apps are easy to use, make sure you download our app to your phone now!
Chip Ahoy, Victoria Road
01983 296763
Traditional fish and chip takeaway
Paradice, High Street
01983 249600
Paradice Ice Cream Parlour (formerly The Plaza) began life in March 2018. Specialising in Kelly’s Ice Cream we offer a vast variety of ice creams as well as sorbets. We try and cater for everyone so stock diabetic and vegan ice creams too. We also offer waffles and pancakes, both served with your choice of ice cream. You can also pop in and have one of our delicious sundaes or knickerbocker glories. Paradice also has a selection of lollies and hot and cold drinks including affogatos.
Bliss Ice Cream Parlour, Bath Road
01983 295400
Bliss is a fresh ice cream parlour based on the IOW. We specialise in local ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies and confectionery. It’s Bliss!
We aim:
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To bring you as much of our islands local ice creams as we can fit into our freezers.
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To restore your energy levels with our fresh fruit smoothies, milkshakes, tea and fresh ground coffee.
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To spoil you with a warm Belgium waffle served warm with a scoop or two of our ice cream, or go all out with one of our epic ice cream sundaes.
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To sweeten you up with our yummy confectionery, including Jelly Belly, gourmet liquorice sticks and much, much more!
