May 2024 by mikezoeclem
We had become aware of the venue on watching Alan Titchmarsh?s ?Isle of Wight:Jewel of the South? on 5 despite having lived here 35 years. ?Jewel of seafood restaurants? would be an appropriate tag for this discovery, my having bemoaned about the use of frozen fish by another recently. Here fresh is what is advertised and what you get. True, the weather was idyllic last Friday lunchtime, the harbour calm as a millpond and the restaurant veranda sliding doors open - all of which added to the pleasure of the occasion. All the tables had been booked (we booked about 7 days earlier). There are two sittings - at 12 and 2pm but arrive at 1pm on spec and you might be lucky that a table has finished thanks to the speed and efficiency of the excellent service. A small point concerns the lack of protection for veranda diners in the hot sun. This visit was early May temperature c20 degrees but in July at 30 degrees we would rather sit inside. Outside tables have no umbrellas. You should tell the staff when booking whether you wish to risk sitting outside. We chose a half lobster salad and a dressed crab salad with a shared bowl of fries and two bottles (A Peroni and a local ale). (See photos). It wouldn?t be possible to criticise the seafood as it was perfect in freshness and presentation. My only tip would be that those who dislike having to extract the ?meat? from lobster might prefer the crab salad as all the work for the latter had been carried out by the kitchen. Perhaps they should offer the lobster ?off the shell? for fussy diners although frankly the amount of flesh in half a lobster would probably be no more than 3 or 4 mouthfuls which might dissuade customers. Anyway, we recommend the venue thoroughly and will return for the occasional treat. The bill came to about £62 for 2 (including drinks).
May 2024 by Susan U
Lovely setting. We were lucky and the tide was in. We phoned and booked a table inside but just walked in and sat outside and no one asked if we had booked. Ordered the seafood platter for 2 which arrived really quickly. Really dissapointing. As previous comments have said it was just a bag of salad leaves on the plate with a few tomatoes cucumber and red onion added. The lobster was so tough I left mine. Crab pretty tasteless as were the prawns which my husband thought were frozen. 2 small watery clams and some dry mussels, and 2 green lipped mussels which seemed old, and unedible. You would have done better to buy things yourself from a fishmonger as it cost over £100 with wine.
May 2024 by Rob H
We visited last year without pre booking. We were given a table just inside the door and it was very draughty but the food was excellent . We booked in advance for our meal last week. We were sat on the same table in the draught. Half of the food on the menu was unavailable. For the prices they charge I expected much better. We will not be going back there
May 2024 by N5965QSivanc
Saw this Sea Food Cafe on the TV so my wife and I went to sample their fare whilst on holiday. No frills but we did enjoy very good Crab Salads and a glass of white wine.
May 2024 by U4820MCpaulg
Love this place and whenever i get the opportunity book a table to get my shellfish fix. Practically eaten everything on the menu and all sublime with plenty of salad and a great bottle of french dressing. My only gripe is that they are served with a baguette which seems to be only part cooked, still doughy when you pull apart.
April 2024 by 844markf
We had looked forward to eating lunch here and were not disappointed. We shared the seafood platter with a side order of fries and a couple of mugs of tea. The platter arrived with lobster, crab, mussels, crevettes and prawns on a bed of salad. Fresh and delicious. Advise book ahead to guarantee an inside table or if the weather is better there are outside tables too. Great view over Bembridge harbour but parking quite limited.
April 2024 by Duncan S
Having been recommended by our friends, who had visited two months previously, we managed to get a table. Arrived a little early but were greeted warmly and seated looking over the small harbour. We had already decided on the seafood platter and can only say wow. When it arrived our eyes nearly popped out on stalks; the whole thing looked a picture (I don't usually take food photos but on this occasion I did). Lobster, crabs, ctrevettes, mussels, clams, prawns, a lovely bed of salad and baguettes. Freshly cooked, beautifully presented and gorgeous. Will be back next time we are on the Island
April 2024 by Paul A
Don?t mess around - get the dressed crab salad. It?s to die for. The staff are friendly, the service good, the location spectacular - the food is sublime. I can not wait to come back!
April 2024 by loverofsunhols
Lovely sea view crab and lobster lunch. We dropped in and luckily got a table and had a fabulous lunch. Don?t attempt to get there via Bembridge at the moment (Easter hols April 24) as the road to the esplanade is closed. The only way to get there is via St Helen?s.
April 2024 by SteveBlackburn
Great location and fantastic service and food. We booked in advance which is advisable, and although we arrived 30 minutes early we were seated immediately. We ordered the Seafood Platter which was amazing and a bottle of very reasonably priced Pinot. the service was brilliant, and the views from our table amazing. we will definitely be coming back.
March 2024 by katerina f
I live on the Isle of Wight and I stopped at this cafe with my husband ,my mother and brother that they came over to visit us , and I also had my little baby in the pram. When I asked for a table the very rude lady that was serving sent us away. She said that it will not be profitable for her to give a table to us that we only want to have coffees as she can get people to have lunch at this time . She didn?t even try to find a polite way to talk to us or even find an excuse! She just said that our order would not be profitable ! Please note well that on the sign outside is written ?cafe? not ?restaurant?. I would never go there again!
March 2024 by S2867JMjaneth
Absolutely fantastic location, we arrived early and were sat down immediately. Fantastic service and the seafood sharing platter was outstanding.
March 2024 by Wanderer302013
Outstanding. Best lobster I have eaten anywhere in the world. Fabulous setting. Efficient service. Excellent value for money. Faultless.
March 2024 by Giulia Ballabio
Amazing food and amazing experience! The staff was very kind and professional!I'd recommend booking in advance as the place is small and popular! Best crab I've ever had! Would definitely go back again!
March 2024 by Richard B
The nicest dressed crab baguette I've had!
