The Isle of Wight ranks as one of our top dog-friendly destinations for more than its walks and attractions. Whether you’re fuelling up for dog-friendly adventures or have worked up an appetite on walkies and beach days with your four-legged friend, the island also offers plenty of places to dine with your dog. From artisan coffee shops to seafood restaurants, we recommend these dog-friendly restaurants on the Isle of Wight.
Off The Rails, Yarmouth
One of the most unique places to eat and drink on the island, Off The Rails is a former train station flaunting views of the Yarmouth marshes and Mill Copse. Just a five-minute stroll from the Wightlink ferry terminal, with plenty of walkies from the quirky setting, it’s no wonder that it’s a paw-friendly venue. You can even treat your pup to their own meal or dog-friendly ice cream.
The Piano Cafe, Freshwater Bay
Once owned by Queen Victoria’s piano tuner, The Piano Cafe is a trendy coffee house and restaurant where jars of artisan coffee and teas sit beside trays of freshly-baked pastries. Mezze platters stuffed with delectable island-grown produce are served in a chic, continental-style setting. We love an early stroll on Freshwater Bay (there are dog restrictions in peak season) followed by a big breakfast and warm doggie welcome. They also do a Greek takeaway (Friday and Saturdays), which is a delicious treat to take back to an Isle of Wight holiday cottage.
The Boathouse, Seaview
Located right on the beach in the charming village of Seaview, The Boathouse is one of the best dog-friendly pubs on the Isle of Wight. Inside you can soak up the cosy, nautical ambience, and outside you can watch the boats bobbing across the Solent. Stroll straight off the coast path with your canine companion, and soak up the stunning vistas complemented by stylish plates of seasonal produce and thirst-quenching local tipples.
The Hut, Colwell Bay
High on our list of dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Wight, Colwell Bay also boasts one of the island’s best dog-friendly beach restaurants – The Hut. At high tide, the ocean laps the sea wall at your feet while you eat, drink and kick back with your dog at this iconic beach bar with a buzzing ambience. Sandy toes and sandy paws are all part of the decor, and local seafood dominates the menu alongside fresh, plant-based dishes, too.
The Pearl Café, Brightstone
Fancy cream tea on a picnic blanket with your pooch at your side? Or plates of local seafood, vibrant vegan dishes and big breakfasts served with the sea in sight? Perched on the cliff tops in a sublime spot to watch the sailing boats on the English Channel, The Pearl Café welcomes paws with water bowls and treats, and is committed to serving fresh island produce from the natural environment on the doorstep.
Island Bistro, Sandown Airport
You may not think of going to the airport to eat out, but the Island Bistro is a wonderful waggy-tailed setting to tuck into seasonal wood-fired food and Sunday roasts – indoors and out in the rocket garden – as long as your four-legged friend enjoys the odd plane landing and taking off.
The Crab & Lobster Inn, Bembridge
Tuck into local crab and lobster served with a crisp white wine or the Island’s own Mermaid Gin and tonic, against the backdrop of the sea. The Crab and Lobster is the Isle of Wight’s landmark seafood pub overlooking Bembridge Bay. Alongside fresh seafood, locally reared meats and just-picked produce, enjoy a warm doggie welcome and spectacular views of the rocky bay and Bembridge old lifeboat station. It’s a wonderful spot for lunch or dinner, and a great local if you’re lucky enough to stay in Bembridge with some of the Isle of Wight’s best dog walks on the doorstep.
Albert Cottage Restaurant, East Cowes
Take a seat for afternoon tea or lunch on the terrace of a Grade II listed cottage with lush gardens, that was once part of Queen Victoria’s Osborne Estate. You and your dog will receive a royal welcome at the Albert Cottage restaurant, where tradition meets modern flair in the setting and the food. It’s well worth a short stroll from nearby holiday cottages in Cowes.
The Crab, Shanklin
When it’s Pimm’s o’clock with your pooch or you’re looking for a dog-friendly venue to catch the next big game with your four-legged friend, head to The Crab in Shanklin. This traditional thatched pub in the heart of the old village welcomes dogs with water bowls and belly rubs, whether you want somewhere to feast with the family or share a Sunday roast with your friends.
The Star Inn Coffee and Ale House, Ryde
Bustling Ryde is packed with places to eat out, but if you’ve got your dog in tow and are looking for a welcoming place for artisan coffee and local ales, try The Star Inn Coffee and Ale House, in the heart of Ryde. Fido is sure to receive a warm welcome, and if you’ve worked up an appetite there’s pastries and pizzas to fuel you up for your next dog-friendly adventure.
The Taverners, Godshill
A country pub-cum-fine dining eating house squirrelled away inland from Ventnor and Shanklin, The Taverners is the sort of gastro-pub you dream about stumbling across on island adventures with your dog. Retreat inside the 17th-century inn and sip cask ales under oak beams beside the fire, or bask in the sunny beer garden. Everything on the menu is dictated by what’s been caught, foraged or hunted locally – think slow-cooked meats and just-caught seafood – wrapped into contemporary British cuisine.
Book a Dog Friendly Retreat on the Isle of Wight
Looking forward to dining out with your dog on the Isle of Wight? Browse our collection of dog-friendly cottages in the Isle of Wight and book your next holiday to this island paradise off the south coast of Britain.
