31 Jul 2019
Enjoy the Isle of Wight's top foodie spots this summer with Wightlink
As we race through summer, travellers and day-trippers shouldn't miss the chance to sample some of the Isle of Wight's top foodie spots. And with Wightlink's 20% off travel deal running from 23rd July to 22nd August*, those looking for something tasty should head to the Island this summer.
The Isle of Wight has seen a huge rise in gastronomy over the last year five years, with a range of talented chefs opening new restaurants that focus on fresh local Island ingredients. Firm foodie favourites include Thompson's and Three Buoys but below explores some of the Island's hidden gems:
Located in the Island's capital of Newport, Hewitt's House Hotel and Restaurant is a 17th century building with its own walled garden. Offering fresh and contemporary dishes, diners can start with local options such as roasted vegetables on toasted brioche with melted Isle of Wight soft cheese, before moving on to succulent steak, grilled seabass fillets and smoky root vegetable casserole. Finishing with strawberry pavlova or an espresso panacotta, Hewitt's menu offers fantastic choices at reasonable prices.
Get there: Reach Hewitt's House in just 20 minutes from Wightlink's Fishbourne Port
Lockslane Contemporary Bistro (Bembridge)
Lockslane is on a mission to serve the very best that Isle of Wight produce can offer. Their aim is to source ingredients as locally as possible, which means that a delicious seafood menu is normally the main catch of the day for diners. They also choose to only cater for a maximum of 20 guests at a time, allowing them to fully concentrate on their guest's comfort and enjoyment.
From Isle of Wight crab to delicious prawns, sea bream and mackerel, fish-loving foodies will be in their element. Meat options are also predominantly Island reared, including dishes such as lamb cutlets and chicken satay, and anything that Lockslane can't find locally is substituted with the highest quality produce.
Get there: Reach Lockslane in just 25 minutes from Wightlink's Fishbourne Port
Michelangelo Restaurant (Ryde)
There's a lot of Italian restaurants out there but there are a lot less offering authentic Italian food prepared by genuine Italian chefs. The menu ranges from pizza and pasta to veal, duck, seafood and chicken – so there's no need to worry that your tastes won't be catered for. Originally from the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, where both parmesan and prosciutto come from, the restauranteurs set up Michelangelo in 2000 and it has continued to go from strength to strength since then.
Taking numbers up to 70, large parties can be sure of a spot and the 12 extra seats outside mean dining al fresco is also an option. And with a deli also part of the establishment, customers can buy typical products and take a slice of 'il cibo Italiano' home with them.
Get there: Reach Michelangelo two minutes on foot from Wightlink's Ryde Pier port
Perfect for all dietary requirements, The Llama Tree bistro and pizzeria carries on the Italian theme but with some fun foodie twists. Visitors can watch chefs make artisan sourdough pizza right before their eyes, all with local ingredients for toppings. The Llama Tree caters for everyone with its vegan-friendly Veg Patch pizza as well as offering gluten-free options.
Get there: Reach The Llama Tree in just 30 minutes from Wightlink's Fishbourne Port
With so many tasty treats on offer, this summer is the perfect time to head to the Isle of Wight to try out its top foodie spots. And travelling with Wightlink means food fans can reach the Island in as little as 22 minutes from three ports in Hampshire, so visitors shouldn't let this summer pass by without an Island getaway. Wightlink even offers a taste of the Isle of Wight onboard with its Wight Taste shops, where passengers can pick up local Isle of Wight produce.
*Valid on car returns to and from the Isle of Wight, valid on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays.
ENDS
Wightlink
Wightlink is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator carrying almost 4.5 million holidaymakers and Islanders across the Solent to the Isle of Wight every year. Eight ferries on three routes complete over 45,000 sailings a year, giving Islanders an easy and frequent service to mainland Hampshire, and tourists an accessible way to enjoy a taste of Island life.
With seamless train connections to Portsmouth Harbour and Lymington directly to the Wightlink terminals, getting to the Isle of Wight could not be easier. Passengers can step off the train from London, hop on a Wightlink catamaran and be on the Island from just 22 minutes, while the car ferries take around 40 minutes from Portsmouth and Lymington. On board, passengers and drivers alike can relax in the lounges and enjoy some refreshments before arriving on the Island to enjoy the range of attractions, events and experiences that make the Isle of Wight a leading destination for tourists.
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Drive Less See More – www.wightlink.co.uk/dlsm
For more information about Wightlink Ferries, please contact:
Belinda Hallworth 020 7680 7114 belinda.hallworth@flagshipconsulting.co.uk
Radhika Sharma 020 7680 7118 radhika.sharma@flagshipconsulting.co.uk
Claire Nelson 020 7680 7116 claire.nelson@flagshipconsulting.co.uk
Jo Kenworthy 020 7680 7125 jo.kenworthy@flagshipconsulting.co.uk
