The top 10 most-recommended places to get breakfast on the Isle of Wight

We asked, you answered: Recommended by the people who know the Isle of Wight best – the ones who visit, live it, love it and never stop finding delicious new corners of it! 

There’s something special about an Isle of Wight morning. The sea air feels fresher, the coffee tastes better and a great breakfast somehow sets the tone for the whole day ahead. 

Whether you’re after a proper full English, something a little different on sourdough or a leisurely coffee with a view, the Island has plenty of places to fuel your adventures. So, we asked our Facebook community:

And you certainly didn’t disappoint! From generous plates of bubble and squeak to veggie breakfasts, homemade hash browns and pancakes piled high, your recommendations covered the whole Island.  

A few favourites appeared time and again, while others tempted us with a particular dish that sounds well worth getting out of bed for. By the end of this blog, you’ll have more than enough breakfast inspiration to fill a week of Island adventures. 

If there’s one thing your comments made clear, it’s that Ritchie’s Diner knows how to do breakfast. This Lake favourite was mentioned repeatedly, with plenty of love for its special breakfast and, in particular, its bubble and squeak. 

One commenter called the bubble and squeak special a must, while another praised the value for money and the option to go bigger if you’re feeling especially hungry. 

Why people love it: Generous portions, excellent value and a bubble and squeak that clearly has a loyal following. 

Cook + Baker received plenty of recommendations, with commenters highlighting everything from a full English to some more unusual breakfast choices. 

The Korean eggs caught our attention, alongside French toasted croissant and bubble and squeak with poached eggs and tomatoes. If you prefer a traditional breakfast, there were recommendations for that too. 

Why people love it: A menu with plenty of variety, whether you fancy a classic cooked breakfast or something a little different. 

If the comments are anything to go by, Artisan Café has built up a loyal following. 

People praised everything from its big breakfasts to its impressive vegetarian options, one commenter described the food as delicious with “no grease in sight”, while another recommended garlic mushrooms on toast.  

It also sounds like a firm favourite with holidaymakers, with one follower saying it’s always their first stop on the Island. 

Why people love it: A tempting choice for breakfast fans, including those looking for a meat-free start to the day. 

For breakfast on the western side of the Island, Off the Rails was a recurring recommendation. One follower said anything on the menu would blow you away, while another gave a special mention to the baked beans. 

Not only does Off the Rails offer a great breakfast, they’re also one of the most unique places to eat and drink on the Isle of Wight. Set along the old railway line in Yarmouth’s former train station, the restaurant overlooks the outstanding natural beauty of the Yarmouth Marshes and Mill Copse.  

It’s the perfect pit stop for walkers, cyclists and visitors arriving via Yarmouth, sitting just a five-minute stroll from our port. 

Why people love it: A well-loved breakfast menu that can be enjoyed with a great view. Plus, some particularly enthusiastic fans of its baked beans! 

Tandem Tea Rooms appeared several times in your recommendations, with the full English getting a special mention.  

This isn’t Tandem Tea Rooms’ first appearance in one of our community-voted top tens either. It also ranked fourth in our Isle of Wight’s most-recommended small businesses blog, which speaks volumes about its popularity. 

Situated in Brighstone, it’s another option to consider when exploring the Island’s south-west, whether you’re planning a countryside outing or a coastal wander. 

Why people love it: A classic full English, warm service and a popular choice among our Facebook followers. 

Breakfast with a view sounds pretty appealing and Fins Beach Café, perched right on Sandown seafront, certainly attracted some enthusiastic recommendations. 

Eggs Benedict and the mango breakfast bowl were among the top suggested dishes, while another follower couldn’t resist the loaded hash browns.  

One commenter said they’d tried several things on the menu and had been impressed every time, a recommendation that’s hard to ignore. 

Why people love it: A varied breakfast menu, from eggs Benedict to loaded hash browns and lighter options. 

Harvey Browns, the Island’s well-known family-run farm shop, food hall and kitchen, was another name that cropped up repeatedly. Alongside recommendations for its full English and massive breakfast bap, one follower singled out the shakshuka as delicious. 

That gives you a few different ways to start the day, whether you’re after a substantial breakfast or something with a little more spice. Fortunately, there’s plenty to browse in the farm shop afterwards if you’re looking to walk off breakfast. 

Harvey Browns also featured eighth in our top ten most-recommended places to eat blog!  

Why people love it: A choice of hearty favourites and dishes that offer something a bit different. 

The Copper Kettle, is a traditional, no-fuss café serving cooked breakfasts throughout the day.  

So if your holiday plans involve a leisurely lie-in, there’s still time for a full English when you arrive. 

One follower also pointed out that it’s dog-friendly, which is useful to know if your four-legged travel companion is joining you on an Island adventure. 

Why people love it: A hearty breakfast in Shanklin, with the added bonus of being dog-friendly according to one of our commenters. 

For those who enjoy knowing exactly where their food comes from, Bluebells Café at Briddlesford Farm proved a popular recommendation. 

Food is rooted in what Briddlesford does best as a working farm. You can expect quality dairy and carefully sourced Island produce.  

Breakfasts are a highlight, where Briddlesford butter, local sausages, mushrooms and eggs come together in simple, well-made dishes that have become firm favourites. 

Why people love it: Breakfast made with local produce, served in a farm setting. A tempting stop for anyone exploring the central and eastern parts of the Island. 

Not every breakfast has to be a quick stop before heading out. At the Seaview Hotel, one follower described a particularly leisurely combination: fruit salad followed by a full English, toast, tea and a cheeky Bloody Mary. 

Others simply recommended the hotel’s breakfast, with the Full House breakfast earning a special mention. 

Why people love it: The opportunity to make breakfast a proper occasion, whether you fancy a full English or a slower start to the day. 

Of course, ten places barely scratch the surface of the Island’s breakfast scene. Narrowing hundreds of recommendations down to just ten was never going to be easy, and plenty of worthy contenders just missed out on the final list. 

 

• The Mersley, Ryde – recommended for its breakfast selection, service and delicious French toast. 

• Gossips Café, Yarmouth – a regular stop for one follower, who visits at both the start and end of their holiday. Poached eggs and avocado on toast also received a mention. 

• The Wight Mouse, Chale – recommended for a full English. 

• Blueberrys Café – the dirty hash browns caught one follower’s eye. 

• Besty & Spinky’s, Ventnor – praised for its Ventnor Bat Breakfast  

 

Your breakfast, your Island 

One thing is certain: the Isle of Wight has no shortage of fantastic places to start the day. From old-school diners and seaside cafés to farm kitchens and hidden local favourites, your recommendations showcase the incredible variety on offer across the Island. 

Whether you’re fuelling up for a coastal walk, taking a break between attractions or simply enjoying a slower pace of life, there’s a breakfast spot waiting to become your new favourite. 

The only question is: which one will you try first? 

• Our ferries connect you conveniently to the Island via three routes, making all these eateries accessible. 

• Plan ahead and choose your must visit breakfast spots for your visit, create your itinerary to make sure you can fit as much as you want in to your time on the Island. 

• Check opening times before planning your visit and if you’re heading to a particularly popular spot consider arriving early or booking if possible. 

With regular crossings from Portsmouth and Lymington, your next mouth-watering breakfast is closer than you think. 

Whether you fancy a classic full English with a view, a helping of bubble and squeak or something with a twist, the Island’s independent business scene always delivers. 

And now thanks to hundreds of locals and visitors sharing their trusted favourites, you’ve got a ready-made shortlist to explore! 

See original post for even more recommendations.