The story
Smoking Lobster Ventnor serves Asian fusion seafood at Esplanade, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1JT, and holds 2 AA Rosettes (2026) for culinary excellence. The restaurant opened in summer 2017 on a sandy beach with views over the English Channel.
The restaurant owns a fishing boat and keeps lobster and crab pots in front of the building. Rods bring in sea bass, skate and mackerel for the Daily Fish Board. When it is available, the wild sea bass is the dish to order.
The Good Food Guide describes a small-plates menu with East Asian influences, where the local lobster comes grilled or tempura with miso butter and yuzu slaw. The seafood platter with miso grilled lobster earned a place in Grace Dent and Ainsley Harriot's Best of Britain By The Sea series. Creative cocktails are the stronger choice over the wine list, according to the same guide.
Recognition
Details
History
The vibe is 'chilled-out beach-bar' at this Ventnor asset located on a beach overlooking the English Channel. The food is largely East Asian in style, a small-plates menu that’s focused on fish from the island's waters. The big draw is the wild sea bass, if it's on – they have their own boat and catch semi-regularly; the local lobster is good too (grilled or tempura with miso butter and yuzu slaw). Prices are reasonable, especially the out-of-season set two/three-course menu, which weighs in at under £30. Service is engaging and casual, while creative cocktails are a better bet than the wine list, which could be improved.
2 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
Location
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