Newport on the Isle of Wight is a beautiful historic village that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is a great quiet village to stay in – in fact, I have written an article about the best hotels in Newport, Isle of Wight which you can read here, as there is lots to do, see, and explore. Additionally, there are quite a few great restaurants in Newport which you and your family will love. That is why I have put together a list of the best restaurants in Newport, Isle of Wight.
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Django's Restaurant Newport
Why does a pig play the saxophone? Because you chose to eat vegan so it didn’t need to die so you could have a meal. If you are not vegan yet, you soon will be after trying out anything at Django’s. They will make you realise how non essential meat is on your plate. They are a fully licensed jazz & tapas bar, located in the serene surroundings of the fifteenth century courtyard at Staplehurst Grange. Their menu is constantly changing, but is always 100% plant based. They also do their best to accommodate any food allergies or specific likes one might have. Their dishes are not just healthy, nutritious and delicious, they are delicious. The chef only opts for the best quality local, seasonal produce, ensuring the freshest meals. They welcome you to a cosy courtyard, where you can savour your food while you listen to some soul warming jazz. They also have a great wine list, so you are set for a smooth evening.
Burrs
The ideal place for a candle light dinner, or a fancy celebration, or when you simply want to indulge in good food in an intimate setting. Burrs offers European, super chic cuisine, in a relaxed atmosphere. Burrs has been around since 1997, and claims to be one of Newport’s best kept secrets. It’s tucked away, building a reputation for excellent food made out of locally sourced produce as much as possible. They offer dishes that are made on site, from the chocolate fudge, to the bread, to the dipping oil, ensuring every single item on your plate is kept to a high standard. The sophistication of the place spills out from every pore, from the service to their beautiful plating, to the charming facade that welcomes you in. their menu is not overly extensive, a refreshing change from the usual, so you won’t be left pondering over a long list of items of which you want to order all, and they also have a sample menu.
Prezzo Italian Restaurant Newport, Isle of Wight
Prezzo being a chain restaurant, you will know exactly what you are getting and will be ensured high standards. They have everything from starters, pastas and pizzas, with of course sides and desserts to follow. All their items have a gluten free option, specially the pastas and pizzas, and you can also find vegan and vegetarian options. They offer a concise menu, making it easy to choose but still have ample choice, whether you want seafood or meat, you are bound to be satisfied. The interior is bright and modern, with fine details to spruce the place up. The dishes are so classy that you may forget you are dining in a chain restaurant. Head over here for some classic italian dishes that will not leave you disappointed.
Thompson's Restaurant Newport
Ideal for a different kind of dining experience and awarded the Michelin star in 2021, Thompson’s Restaurant offers stylish dishes in a friendly and relaxed environment. They also have tables overlooking the kitchen, so you can witness your plate being made and the passion the chef’s put in to it. The dishes are of course a treat to the eyes, offering seafood, meats, vegan and vegetarian options as well as satisfying your dietary requirements. They are known for interesting pairings and combinations of different flavours. Thompson’s Restaurant also makes use of the Island’s ingredients to promote local flavours and use locally sourced ingredients. Ideal for anyone wanting a fancy meal, minus the fancy location or atmosphere.
Ada Meze Kitchen
Ada Meze Kitchen offers mouthwatering, succulent dishes. They specialise in Mediterrenean dishes, also offering vegetarian friendly, vegan and gluten free options. Their portions are large and have a vast menu to choose from. The meze dishes are ideal for sharing, which makes this place great for going to with friends and family. The homely and cheery atmosphere adds to the value and makes it worth to visit over and over. All dishes look like they are straight out of Turkey, the colours, the smells and the herbs, all creating a lovely cultural trip. They have the usual starters such as garlic bread and cheese and sharing antipasto, but they also offer house specialties such as grilled halloumi, liver a la turka and lahmacun, a turkish favourite. They have hot mezzes and cold mezzes, as well as mains such as lamb kofte, a la turka burger and meat moussaka. Their pasta are also available in a gluten free version and they have a selection of pizzas and side dishes.
The Bargeman's Rest
A real pub in a great location, The Bargeman’s Rest offers visitors of Newport a traditional pub experience. You can indulge in this unique experience by the riverside, while taking in the views and savouring some amazing beers, amongst which also some great local brews. At night, the entire street lights up, and you can relax in a romantic atmosphere as they reflect on the river. They pride themselves in offering not just average pub grub, but “good, honest home-cooked food”, that reminds you of home but is just a notch better than what an average home cook can make. They also offer daily specials, which change constantly, amongst which is the “fish of the day , pie, curry and soup of the day”. Their menu is extensive, from all day breakfast, sandwiches and baguettes, burgers, the catch of the day, several types of jacket potatoes, several hearty, pub grub mains, and sides. They also have a special vegetarian and vegan list, and most of their items are available as gluten free options.
Valentino's Restaurant Newport Isle of Wight
Valentino’s is a quaint Italian restaurant, offering delicious Italian dishes in a homely and relaxed environment. Its great for when you want to treat yourself but also want to take it easy. Their portions, as with any good Italian, are huge, so order accordingly or be ready to carry a doggy bag home. You will feel like you entered your Italian grandma’s home, both in terms of deco and quality of food. Their dinner menu consists of several types of creamy pastas, several types of hearty pizzas, and side dishes to accompany them. The desserts are not to be missed, from the white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake, chocolate rum cake, tiramisu and strawberry pavlova. You can visit this place on a date or a family gathering alike.
The Original Phil's Diner Newport
An entirely American diner, and the only one on the island. For anyone feeling like they need some good ol’ comfort food paired with a nice big milk shake. You will feel American from the minute you enter through the door, throughout your visit. They have great art work hanging above the red and white diner chairs, and a great American menu to choose from. Their selection ranges from typical american all day breakfasts, hot dogs and fries, tasty waffles topped with bacon and sausages, hash browns with baked beans and milk shakes which look like they jumped out of a kid’s imagination. Good luck figuring out what you want to try out, they even have a range of different kinds of fries.
The Smokehouse Burger Co Newport Isle of Wight
The Smokehouse Burger Co offers everything smokey, meaty & delicious. They offer gourmet beef burgers made right at home to an original recipe. The burgers range from Beef and Pork, Chicken and also Veggie, so no one gets left behind. The sides are equally tantalizing, from season fries, sweet potato fries, chicken breast bites to jalapeno dippers. It seems like an understatement to describe these burgers, the brioche buns soft and homemade, and the burger itself is the kind of burger that has you dripping sauce from the sides and unable to hold it straight. You can also choose to double up on any meat, and add pickles for free. You will find some interesting combos and definitely want to come back and try some more.
The Blue Door Cafe Newport Isle of Wight
This quirky cafe offers amazing breakfast, brunch and lunch options. You can come here to enjoy a morning coffee and a hearty breakfast, or a light lunch, or a nice celebratory brunch. The interiors are simple, soothing and easy going, just like their food. You will find delicious cakes, layers of cheesy lasagna, roasted veggies in the vegan breakfast, specialties such as warm goats cheese salad, chunky sandwiches, and some simply hearty, classic dishes such as Cumberland sausage and mash. They also have pasta bowls, burgers and chows, to be accompanied by wine, beer or ciders. Pair this great food with a nice sunny day outside and you can enjoy an al fresco meal. If it happens to be gloomy, be assured that you will be cheered up in no time after you dig in. They also have homemade breads and bagels, along with some shiny and original desserts, some even gluten free.
Lieze Neven is a globetrotting travel writer and expat currently based in Nepal. With a passion for exploration, she has lived in Dubai, the UK, and Belgium, alongside her international teacher husband. Her parents live in France and she tries to visit Paris at least once a year. Together, they travel the world looking for the best hotels, experiences and food locations have to offer!