From Indian to Italian, Ryde has plenty to offer the discerning foodie. These are my particular favourites but there are lots of others to choose from suiting all budgets and tastes. Enjoy all Ryde has to offer when you stay in a holiday cottage and treat yourself to a meal out.
Ristorante Michelangelo
You can’t miss this place which is situated in a prominent place on the corner of St Thomas and Union Street. It’s one of Ryde’s best known restaurants and is renowned for authentic Italian cuisine. I dined here with friends on a cold winters evening a few months ago and boy was it busy. Every table was taken (it can seat up to 70) which I guess is a good sign as winter is usually a time when more locals than visitors dine (and if locals return here it’s all for the good!). The menu is extensive and service was good considering how busy they were. I’d recommend the Capelletti di Parma, a good sized portion and very tasty. Prices are as expected for Italian dining and I’d recommend a visit if you enjoy a bustling, vibrant atmosphere.
The White Hart
If a traditional pub meal is what you’re after them hop in the car and drive 3 miles from Ryde to The White Hart. A red brick building, it’s located in the pretty village of Havenstreet, has a cosy atmosphere and lovely large garden for al fresco summer dining. The specials menu board changes regularly and fresh local produce is used to create traditional home-cooked food. Sunday lunch is a popular event with four different roasts on offer. With ample parking and close to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, make a day of it and call in for either lunch or dinner.
The Dell
Without doubt, this is my favourite cafe in Ryde. Part of the appeal, to me at least, is the lovely walk to get there, either along the beach from Ryde Rescue or on the esplanade, a flat footpath which runs all the way from the centre of Ryde. On route you pass Appley Tower and have views across the Solent on one side and the pretty woods of Puckpool Park on the other. The cafe itself has lovely views and a combination of contemporary and traditional furnishings. Seating is limited and although I’ve always managed to get a table I can imagine it would be busy in summer. By then however most visitors to the cafe would be clamouring for a table outside where you can sit and watch the world go by. The menu is traditional cafe food and a good standard with nice garnish touches on the sandwiches. Best of all though, the coffee is excellent and well worth the walk to get there.
The Duck
A fairly new addition to the eating houses of Ryde, this restaurant opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day apart from Monday’s. The interior light and airy with lots of windows and white walls. Tables are a nicely spaced so you don’t feel too close to your neighbour (a pet hate of mine!). Service was friendly and the menu offers a good choice of classic dishes a modern twist. Vegetarians are well catered for and although I didn’t see any vegan options it feels like the kind of place that would be happy to help if you gave them notice. My choice of Sticky Teryaki Chicken was a good one and the accompanying stir fry vegetables were fresh as can be. Parking is fine as there’s lots of roadside space nearby. It’s probably about a 10 minute walk along the seafront from the centre of Ryde so a handy location if you want to build up an appetite.
Chocolate Apothecary
Calling all chocolate lovers, this place is chocolate heaven! Situated on the Esplanade, call in for cakes, drinks and of course chocolate. It’s retro vintage interior is cosy and welcoming and the staff are really friendly. On my latest visit I chose a hot chocolate which came accompanied by a bowl of marshmallows, divine. It’s not a huge place and every time I’ve been it’s been busy so you might have to wait a while at times for a table. The shop sells its own chocolate bars and individual chocolates and it would be rude not to buy some to take home. Parking is normally fine as there’s plenty of off road pay and display spots nearby. The hovercraft and passenger ferry terminals are just over the road so this is an ideal place to call in either on arrival or before you leave the island. If you want to check out the weather today just take a look here at our webcam overlooking Ryde beach.
Fancy trying these places yourself? Take a look at our collection of Isle of Wight holiday cottages.
