Ever since booking my week on the Isle of Wight, Smoking Lobster has been top of my list to visit while here and I was determined to make sure it happened. I love my solo travels but always struggle with solo dining so I had to go out of my comfort zone to make it happen. I needn't have worried though, from the moment I walked through the door, a really friendly and smiley lady greeted me and showed me to my table and then a lovely guy looked after me for the rest of the evening. The restaurant was busy and often this makes me feel guilty for taking a table up for just me but I was made to feel welcome and relaxed and they were really attentive, I really enjoyed my evening. I had arrived with my choices of starter and main already in mind but the monkfish tempura was actually half a lobster Tempura this evening so I switched my starter option so to avoid eating lobster in both courses and what a fantastic stroke of luck that was. I ended up picking the Szechuan Scallop Kiev, char sui pork cheek with crushed edamame for starter and it was the highlight of the evening. Not only was it exquisitely presented, the flavours were incredible! I could have eaten that dish several times over it was that good! Sadly I didn't get a photo of it as it really did look beautiful on the plate. I was very impressed by the selection of non alcoholic drinks options on the menu. It is so refreshing to have options that extend further than coke, lemonade and orange juice. I opted for the elderflower with lime and soda.. With it's mint sprig garnish, it was like drinking a delicious, non alcoholic, mojito it was really good. My main arrived and as with the starter it was really well presented with the tempura lobster sitting in the sections of the shell. It came with salad, slaw and a choice of new potatoes or fries with a sweet chilli dip. It was a really nice meal. I had read another review mention that the starters were the stars of the menu and on the basis of the two dishes I had, I would agree but that says more about just how incredible the starter was rather than to put down the main, I very much enjoyed both. I hadn't intended on drinking alcohol, but top of the cocktail menu was a lychee martini and I couldn't resist. It was sharp but refreshing, not for those who like their cocktails super sweet, but was perfect with my main course. I ended the evening with Jasmine tea. I was very tempted by the caramel espresso martini but wanted to sleep this evening so skipped on the caffeine! The little teapot the tea is served in was so cute, I really wanted to ask where I could get one! When it came to paying, there was a little bonus... those of you who like to collect your airmiles by using your Amex, you're in luck! I've been in several places since arriving for my break on the island 3 days ago and everywhere has refused my American Express card so I was ready with two cards in hand to be told the same thing at the Smoking Lobster, I was very pleasantly surprised to be told they would accept it as payment. All in all, it was a lovely evening, the front of house team were welcoming, attentive and friendly, the chef served some delicious food and the bartender made served me two lovely drinks. Next time I find myself back in Cowes, or near the sister restaurants in Ventnor, I will definitely be dropping in to try something else from the menu.