Address: Esplanade, Ventnor, PO38 1JT, United Kingdom
Phone: +441983855938
Rating: 4.7
based on 178 reviews.
Food Quality
Pros:
"The turnip cake starter was sublime and the mains were lovely especially the half lobster."
"Both me and my better half had the calamari for starters, which were very well cooked."
"Food was fantastic (have to try the lobster brioche) and the staff couldn't have done enough for us."
"Food was amazing and felt like it was worth it. Definitely recommend the seafood platter for 2 and having the sea bass deboned."
"The food was truly exceptional and among the best dinners we've ever had."
"The food here, such care over every aspect. We were quite well lubricated, but really enjoyed our octopus bruschetta, followed by a seafood platter."
"The food was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!! We were slightly disappointed that we could not try the lobster as it had run out but wow!"
"Fish- and meat-led menu looks expensive but decent portions of well-made food makes good value overall."
Cons:
"Though this could've been a solid 4 - maybe even 5 if there was better communication amongst the table service staff."
"It's also worth mentioning that the overall prices were rather high."
"However, they were far too overpriced for the size of the dish."
"Starters were excellent, tuna beautifully cooked, although noodles were oily for me."
"The tempura lobster was probably the only part of our dining experience that was a little underwhelming and that is simply down to the portion size."
"I didn't know lobster came that small. I ordered a whole lobster and the woman on the table next to me order half a lobster."
"Very disappointed food poor overpriced, staff seemed inexperienced had no wine instock excuse was its because of the bank holiday !!!"
"Don’t bother. Arrogant staff, haphazard management (specials board brought out, run through and then told they had no specials)."
Service Quality
Pros:
"Super attentive staff who were more than helpful in finding us a quiet corner for our dog."
"Nothing to criticise at all!"
"The food is fresh and very well cooked, the service is friendly and attentive."
"The service was excellent. The staff greeted us straight away, and were very professional."
"Had a fantastic lunch here today. The staff were all so lovely and went out of their way to accomodate some requirements we had."
"The staff were knowledgeable of the menu and well-positioned to advice on the food."
"Staff were very friendly and helpful, talking us through the menu choices was not a problem for them."
"Staff are lovely. Food is great, something for everyone. Seafood has a slight Asian twist and is very tastefully done."
Cons:
"It's the table service where the experience lacked a bit. We've had to wait for our plates to be cleared of the table on multiple occasions."
"There's also been a handful of occasions where the kitchen staff have called for service to clear their counter with food that was made and ready to be served."
"We stalled as much as we could to make a night of it. When we ordered coffee we were told snippily that they would need the table back in 25 minutes."
"My only niggle is that you were only given a 90 minute slot, and unfortunately we were a few minutes late due to transport issues."
"No idea stood at the door but not acknowledged at all by staff."
"Had lovely meal yesterday lunch time the thing I would say is waitress was very nice but needs to check when food is ready for service."
"Really nice food, spend over £220 just on 2 of us which is fine, had to wait ages for food, mains came out separately quite a time apart."
"I came here with my African girlfriend for a little getaway trip and planned to enjoy a dine here until we was refused to even sit at a table."
Ambiance and Location
Pros:
"Easily missed, but this gem of a restaurant is a must visit when you come to the Isle of Wight."
"Ventnor is a casual little seaside town with the usual seaside fish and chips, etc."
"The restaurant is quaint, quirky and incredibly welcoming, the location is beautiful on the edge of the beach overlooking the ocean waves."
"It was a wonderful experience dining here! I really liked the decor and the overall feel of the place."
"Perfectly positioned directly on the sea front. Great views. Pleasing ambiance and decor."
"This restaurant has an exciting vibe, we visited during the fringe."
"Beautiful location and espresso if you capture the sunset. It’s a little expensive but well worth the treat."
"Fantastic meal at Smoking Lobster. Great wine and cocktail list."
Cons:
"Having been to the Smoking Lobster in Cowes on three occasions with three different experiences from superb to mediocre, we decided to go to the original one in Ventnor."
"What a find The Smoking Lobster is! It doesn't look like much when you walk in as it resembles a rather minimalist café more than a top restaurant."
"The only reason I'm marking down is the service and slightly mixed atmosphere."
"The place itself is immediately inviting, the food beyond stand out and the drinks compliment perfectly!"
"The food was lovely, I had the prawns with the salad and it was delicious. My partner had the risotto and thought it was nice."
"A really lovely meal with family over the bank holiday weekend."
"Decor feels more like a beach diner than a ~£20-30 main course restaurant."
"We went here for lunch and got the lobster. It was absolutely immaculate."