Smoking Lobster Cowes — Restaurant in Isle of Wight

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...

Quality, beautifully presented food that packs a punch of flavour. I am a planner and after finally finding some time to cycle around the Isle of Wight, I knew I would need somewhere good for lunch at the end. I looked at a lot restaurants but kept coming back to the Smoking Lobster.

After 4hrs of riding around the island I was worried that being sweaty and in full Lycra this may not be the best look, but parked myself outside and the staff were only too happy serve me, even though I didn’t have a booking (there I was thinking I was a good planner!).

Asahi on draught after a long ride sat outside in the sun was next level. After a short wait my food arrived and I asked for it all to come up at once. The Szechuan Lobster Katsu Maki was as pretty as a picture and had a delicious sweetness from the lobster after an initial Szechuan spicy, not hot, hit.

Next up was Pan Seared Scallops in their lobster bisque with a side of jasmine rice. I asked if I could have an extra small jug of the bisque for my rice which they were happy to do. Scallops were soft and sweet and with the rich bisque, definitely something to savor. The rice with the bisque over it was something extra for me to get the carbs back in and blow my mind as the lobster bisque was one of the nicest I have ever had.

Not cheapest meal but I want quality tasty food rather than plate fulls of everyday rubbish. My only critique is there needs to be an additional scallop. Standard practice is three, maybe four, for a main from my experience but as the quality and cooking was so top notch, this did not affect the overall experience; it would have just further enhanced it.

Staff were lovely, friendly and engaging and I went back on the ferry with a bucket list ride ticked off and a restaurant on my “need to...

Excellent decor and interesting menu let down by rowdy diners beside us and getting lost between two waiting staff. On arrival we had high hopes; friendly service and prompt seating for our reservation and kindly moved into the main restaurant as the open kitchen space was hot and smokey. Excellent cocktails and the food came together and all served hot. Then it went downhill… I had to chase for my wine twice. And then the same for the bill. In the meantime a large table of your girls were downing rose wine and becoming increasingly loud. The volume and behaviour took over the dining space and really if it were me I’d have asked them to remember it was a restaurant and not a pub. Good food but overpriced when you experience the service. Some dishes lack depth of flavour so for me it is a little too much a case of style over substance. Very well presented though and a warm welcome. It was just frustrating that the excuse for service falling apart was they were busy. In my mind, don’t take bookings if you can’t manage the volume for service. Probably spoilt as we are...