On the Isle of Wight you are never far from the water. But a great sea view and a great meal don’t always land in the same place. Here is where they do.
The one to book first: RT Café Grill, Ryde
Ryde faces north across the Solent, and RT Café Grill sits right above it. Wide windows wrap the dining room for a full 180° of water, ferries and light, and the terrace takes you outside for it. The kitchen keeps pace with the view. A seasonally written menu built on Island produce and whatever has landed, served from breakfast through to dinner, Tuesday to Sunday in June, July and August and Thursday to Sunday from September to May, when Sunday is breakfast and lunch only.
What makes a sea view worth the trip
If you are choosing where to eat for the view, look for three things.
- Open across the day, so you can time your table to the light: lunch in full sun, or a drink as it drops toward the water.
- Somewhere to sit outside, so on the good days you are actually in it rather than watching through glass.
- A kitchen that earns the setting. The view gets you through the door once; the food is why you come back.
Around the Island’s coast
The coast changes character as you go round. Cowes, on the north, is the Island’s sailing town, all masts and harbour life. Yarmouth to the west has a working harbour and some of the best sunsets. Ventnor and the southern Undercliff sit in a warm microclimate with open sea rather than Solent, and Seaview and Bembridge to the east are quieter, sheltered and lovely on a still evening.
For the sunset
If it is the sunset you are after, north and west-facing is the rule. The terrace at RT Café Grill looks out across the Solent, with drinks and bar snacks served until 10pm Thursday to Saturday and until 5pm on Sunday: oysters, a glass of something cold, the light going over the water. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar and terrace.
The practical bits
RT Café Grill, Royal Maritime House, 17 St Thomas Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2DL
Thursday to Sunday from September to May, Tuesday to Sunday in June, July and August. Breakfast 8.30am to 11am Thursday to Saturday and 9am to 10.30am on Sunday; then lunch noon to 3pm and dinner 5.30pm to 8.45pm (Thursday to Saturday from September to May), and Sunday lunch from noon, last orders 3.30pm
Bar and terrace from 9am: until 10pm Thursday to Saturday, until 5pm on Sunday. Walk-ins welcome
Tables for one to seven book online up to two months ahead, or call 01983 526118
Frequently asked
Which restaurant has the best sea view on the Isle of Wight?
RT Café Grill in Ryde has a full 180° view of the Solent from the dining room and a terrace for the summer. The seasonal menu is written by Chef Robert Thompson MBE and the kitchen.
Where can I watch the sunset with a drink on the Isle of Wight?
The terrace at RT Café Grill looks across the Solent and serves drinks and bar snacks until 10pm Thursday to Saturday and until 5pm on Sunday. North and west-facing spots on the Island get the best of the sunset.
Do sea-view restaurants on the Island need booking?
In summer, tables are best booked ahead. At RT Café Grill the bar and terrace are walk-in for drinks and bar snacks; tables for one to seven book online.
Which side of the Island is best for sea views?
The north coast, including Ryde, looks over the Solent with the ferries and passing boats. The south coast around Ventnor gives open sea and a warmer microclimate.
Is there a sea-view restaurant on the Isle of Wight for a private party?
For the view, ask about the dining room or the terrace at RT Café Grill. The Cellar downstairs has two private rooms, for 8 to 16 and 12 to 20 guests. Each room has a minimum spend on food and drink, which depends on the day and the season. They look into the wine cellar rather than out to sea.
