Smoking Lobster grill and cocktail bar in Isle of Wight

We’ve been many times now on our visits but took some friends who hadn’t been before , they loved it . I can not recommend this enough , the food is exceptional with its flavours , presentation and freshness of the fish . The doughnuts are a must !! The service was brilliant really attentive and friendly , well done guys your the whole package you should be very proud . Thankyou

What a fabulous restaurant this is - discovered it by chance and had a lovely meal sat in the sun by the sea . Staff friendly and helpful

A group of us shared a very enjoyable evening meal. With a variety of starters, scallops and prawns being the stars, mains of whole Seabass, monkfish, tuna and a surf and turf specialty. A few found room for a dessert, a delicious brûlée and some interesting donuts. The meal was accompanied by some lovely wines. Not the cheapest of meals, over £500 for six, but worth it for a special occasion. Slight annoyance was asking three times for the bill and having a long wait when the restaurant was practically empty.

We came here five years ago and raved about it; tonight's meal exceeded that and without exaggeration was one of the best I've eaten anywhere. I won't bother describing what we ate - the menu is simple and everything on it sounded exquisite. Our starter and main were out of this world. If I wanted to be really picky then two smaller doughnuts for dessert would have been sufficient rather than three bulls-testicle sized ones. But hey, they tasted great and didn't detract in any way from what had been a truly great meal. The staff were terrific too - clearly cared about the food they served. I don't understand why the Smoking Lobster is currently no. 8 on the list of Ventnor restaurants. I cannot believe there are seven better. Or even one better.

Having eaten here twice last year we were keen to return to celebrate 2 family birthdays - and we weren’t disappointed! The food is incredible - we shared two fish platters and agreed it was probably the best fish we’d ever eaten - so good we couldn’t decide which part was best. Lovely desserts, good wine and nice coffee - and we could enjoy the view of the waves breaking onto the beach. A truly brilliant celebration meal; thank you.

Great food, great views. It has inside and outside dining available - make sure you book well in advance if you want your choice of where to sit. If the weather is likely to be good, consider outside looking at the sea. Excellent food choice, expertly cooked, served with a friendly smile. A menu that includes specials and "catches of the day". Not cheap but worth every penny if you're marking a special occasion.

My husband and I went last night - while the food was lovely it was an odd combination. Seemed to think it wanted to be asian (chop sticks all around) but there was really only 1 dish that you could reasonably eat with chopsticks! That said, we had a lovely dinner and had it not been blowing a hoolie outside and massive waves, it would have been a brilliant evening

We love seafood and pan Asian cuisine and would highly recommend the seafood platter for 2. Created with great care and cooked to perfection. A beautiful meal to end our short break. Try the cocktails too delicious.

We foolishly drove so had to leave the car, cocktails just too good. Then the food arrived and I thought we might not ever leave. Superb Asian-fusion seafood, fish usually caught with their own boat and brought in that day. Failing that, the main fishing port is 3 minutes away with fresh fish every morning. It doesn't get better than this place for seafood. Really imaginative, innovative food and the staff are superb. I changed my plans, moved to the Island and bought an apartment in Ventnor 4 years ago after having lunch for the first time here.

Just absolutely excellent. We come once every time we visit the island and are never disappointed. As usual, we ordered the fish platter, and it was a delight. Highly recommend.

This place never fails , the food is exceptional . Fish with an Asian twist . Buzzy restaurant and happy vibe . Our happy place .

Very welcoming. Great vibe. We really wanted scallop starter, it wasn't on the menu but the most amazing dish was presented. My partner had Whole lobster 🦞 and I had a taste. It was just so light and tender. I had Seabass and it was served nicely crusted but again so tender. Couldn't fault either mains. I suspect you are expecting a BUT...well the isn't. Deserts were also delicious. Oops!! There is a But, it's pretty pricey, definitely recommend for a special treat..

This is an excellent Asian inspired seafood restaurant. The quality of the food and its presentation is absolutely top notch. There are many cheaper restaurants around snd, for many, this restaurant may be above their budget but, if you want to push the boat out, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Every dish that we had was special in its own way but special mention to the seafood platter to share. We deliberated long and hard before ordering it (£115 for two persons) but have absolutely no regrets. I have no hesitation to recommend this restaurant and we will hopefully return.

We popped in without reservation but they were happy to accommodate 6 adults, 2 babies and 2 dogs. Lovely staff and great menu. I had the special risotto. Very tasty! Great lunch

Lovely meal albeit £90 for a seafood platter for 2. Didn’t get to see the view as had a table at the back of restaurant. Felt rushed out at the end as had 5 waiting and sat them next to us at a table of 4 even though we had another 35 minutes on the table booking. The sea bass was the best I’ve had and the prawns shame we felt rushed out and a bit cafeteria like.

Probably the best restaurant on The Isle of Wight ! We had two seafood platters and some Albarino. The presentation of the food was fabulous, the taste was also fantastic. To get all the various elements of these platters all served at the correct temperature is in itself a challenge; but the perfectly seared scallops, the lightly chilled crab, hot Seabass, the tempura squid, grilled prawns along with other items were all served perfectly and it was great to enjoy. "Hats off" to Chef. Thank you. The service was perfect too with great explanations of exactly what was on the platter. The staff are all knowledgeable and charming as well. This was our third visit to this Ventnor branch of Smoking Lobster and so far it scores 10 out of ten on every visit.

First visit to the Smoking Lobster in Ventnor & it won’t be the last. Went with my husband for lunch & it was wonderful. It was really quiet as we had a very early table but it started filling up quite quickly. Lovely vibe, very relaxed, very good & again, relaxed service & absolutely wonderful food. Lovely little surprise of a pecan tart for dessert - it was my birthday but we hadn’t ordered desserts, obviously we finished it though 😁. Thank you all, we will be back.

One of THE best places to eat in on the IoW and hands down the best place to eat in Ventnor. Service and atmosphere fabulous, food fresh, original and so tasty! Cocktails original too. Just fabulous as always! Cannot recommend enough!

Life is short. Put simply. You must eat lunch at the Smoking Lobster in Ventnor. It is such a beautiful setting. Amazing Outlook. I love this place. Top quality seafood. Scollops. King Prawn Tempura. Tuna Cerviche. Half a Lobster. Few bottles of Rose. Heaven. Great people. Coconut Espresso Martini to end. We felt well looked after. I would happily marry the chef or the waitress. It was that good.

Stopped by for lunch overlooking the bay - we both had delicious food all expertly prepared - I tried the Lions Mane which was unusual but very good Overall a perfect spot for lunch - book, go and enjoy!

brilliant food, especially the mixed grill!!! definitely recommend going, service is really good aswell, everyone was lovely in there x

This is a lovely restaurant right on the beach. The food was generally very good (my wife’s sea bass was cooked to perfection) but it was quite expensive - some of the portions were quite small so I’m not sure it represented good VFM. Service was friendly and attentive. The place is small; reservations are essential.

What a little gem!! found this on Google and so glad we did. Views were amazing, cocktails superb and the food was just delicious.

This seafood restaurant is out of this world . Right on the seafront . I had the sea bass it was huge and cooked to perfection . Staff friendly and very professional .

What a beautiful little restaurant- doesn't look much from the outside but the view is stunning. Absolutely loved our visit. Service was great (although a little slow, however 100% worth the wait). Staff were lovely and checked in with us regularly - even the lady on the phone when we booked was extremely pleasant! Food was beautifully cooked and well presented, couldn't fault it!! Definitely recommend booking in advance as it is very popular and gets fully booked quickly. Be mindful that the surf and turf includes an added price for the lobster.. but was absolutely delicious and worth every penny!! A must go if you visit or passing Ventor.

Great food great position and dog friendly for lunch. Highly recommend the restaurant sitting in the bay. Challenging drive down the cliffs 👍

Excellent restaurant, from a friendly hostess who accommodated a last minute booking with two children, to the food and experience itself. The windows overlook the beach and the sea, and the wholly seafood menu reincarnates this. The seafood platter was fresh, delicious and full of flavour. If staying on the IOW, you should definitely check this place out.

Great service and food. Don't be put off by the slightly faded exterior. Inside is smart, clean and welcoming and the food top quality. Almost exclusively seafood menu with a couple of vegan/veggie options or steak. Not cheap but lovely for a special occasion. The Chinese turnip cake starter and coffee creme brulee deserve special mention and the mains were good too - we had sea bass, steak and monkfish and all were good.

Excellent food and service. Scallops, blackened cod and tempura lobster followed by iow cheeses. Serving staff very caring and attentive.

The food is just insane, I’ve so many restaurants and every time someone asks me what my favourite is this one always pops into my head first. I don’t know how they manage to add so many different flavours in the food and it feels like it’s made with love. The service is great and they are all lovely, it’s a very warm feeling when you’re in there aswell, great for couples.

We had heard a lot of great things about the Smoking Lobster and we were not disappointed! Absolutely delicious dinner. We shared a few of the small plates to start; squid, maki, bau buns - all delicious and then I had the halibut for main and my husband had the swordfish burger. Super fresh and with lots of unique twists. Will definitely be returning!

This restaurant is charmingly positioned on the esplanade at Ventnor. We chose tempura lobster and we were not disappointed. It was mouth wateringly delicious and fresh, accompanied by Asian slaw, salad and fries. The staff were attentive and friendly to our dog as well as us. Highly recommended

We didn’t really know what to expect when we booked a table and we loved this restaurant. We started with a warm sake to accompany the Japanese inspired menu of pink grapefruit glazed salmon leek crab pickled daikon, marinated Katsu chicken skewers with yellow curry ketchup and roasted scallops. The main was a seafood platter for 2 with a bottle of cold sake followed by a banana parfait miso caramel sauce matcha green tea crumble and dark choc and sea salt mouse. And an espresso martini. The food was exceptional and without doubt the best we’d had in the Isle of Wight. Service was superb and really recommend this amazing gem.

This was the best meal we had on the island! The menu is interesting and innovative and everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. A very special restaurant which I am excited to have discovered and will definitely return to.

Fantastic lunch. An absolutely lucky find whilst walking along the seafront. We had 4 small plates between the 2 of us. All of which were delicious. Washed down with a glass of chilled rose. Will be back!!

Great food and atmosphere, with either family or friends. The Asian influence makes for tasty food. Feels very continental. Nothing like this on the Island, its a must visit for either Lunch or dinner. Very welcoming.

outdoor visit with friends for lunch, everything superb as usual, food, presentation, service, great team, thank you.

Where to begin! My family and I had a splendid time dining with the Smoking Lobster; kudos to the chefs for our dishes- they were beautifully served and presented. Nevertheless, I cannot write without mention our service. We all felt so accommodated and could not turn a blind eye to the sweet touch of handing out blankets to other guests tailoring the circumstances of having to eat outside in the nippy air. The young ladies serving us were absolute darlings, the kind of chicks I would find pleasure and honour working with if they were on my team, so hats off, girlies, you represent The Smoking Lobster well. Compliments to whom I assume was the barman; his milk consistency was close to perfect just needed a slight tweak and A better Roast to compliment the milk and a value to the team helping his front of house clearing plates. Apologies for our overstay; I was very conscious of time after being communicated over the phone from a gentleman; we only had an hour and a half with our table; however, it did not seem to be a fuss, and we all felt highly welcomed. We look forward to making a return and perhaps bringing some friends and family over to come and enjoy your service and food! Yours sincerely, A Famous Trip Advisor Waitress From The Mainland

Decided to go for a selection of small plates to start as so many of them sounded delicious. They certainly didn’t disappoint. Highly recommend the squid and the katsu chicken. Offering blankets as the sun started to go down was another lovely touch. Dropped a point as the drinks took a little while to come, otherwise would have been a 5. Having said that, we will certainly eat here next time we are in the area.

The Lobster is open. And that is brilliant news for Ventnorians and visitors. A wonderful lunch in the sunshine today with Tempura Squid, Beef Tataki and rare tuna cooked with Asian slaw and fries reminded us of why this is a winning formula. Great service as well.I say welcome back but The Smoking Lobster worked throughout lockdown providing wonderful take away dinners. Special events- Mothers Day and Valentines Day -were marked with special menus and beautifully packaged goodie boxes. The boost to flagging morale this created was amazing.Hats off to Giancarlo and his team. We will be back again ( and again and again....)

We were very pleased when the lockdown takeaway service started up each weekend, and the meals we have had during lockdown have been every bit as wonderful as when we were in the restaurant. The fresh food, the subtle but tasty herbs and spices make every meal an experience. When they open up the restaurant, expect to have to book a few weeks ahead.

Really great food and good service. The take away 3 course dinner was so well packaged it looked like it was in the restaurant. 100% will be back.

Creative and refined food with perfectly combined delicate flavours, just really really delicious food. Can't wait to return and would very highly recommend to all.

Normally, places this well located are average, but not the Smoking Lobster. First class food, friendly staff, upmarket decor. Very high quality overall.

The food is fabulous. The coriander, lemongrass and mussel risotto was so good. One of the nicest meals I’ve eaten. Would definitely recommend.

We come to Smoking Lobster regularly and the food every time is superb. The staff are always friendly and the atmosphere is great. Last night we enjoyed starters, mains and a dessert - all delicious and tasty. The only thing I'm sad about is that the portion sizes have been cut down (starters only). I used to get 3 steamed buns and now they are only doing 2 .. seems the same pattern with all starters! I was still full up, but a shame they've made the portions a lot smaller.

We are superfans of the Smoking Lobster and as soon as the long lockdown was lifted we were booked in to return. The food, views, cocktail and service are all above and beyond that which we have experienced anywhere else locally - and this is consistent every single visit!We're excited to try out their new addition, the Drunken Lobster.The soft shell crab iis my absolute favourite.

Absolutely fantastic! Great atmosphere! Delicious food! Friendly staff! Thankyou for such a wonderful evening! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves

We came here evening of 29/10 to celebrate Husband's birthday. We had a lovely table in the window and went all out on wine, lobster and desserts. Nothing disappointed and excelled our expectations .. and all was Covid Compliant and we felt safe and looked after. Thank you Smoking Lobster.

From the outside it might deceive you into thinking it’s nothing special. But once you receive your food you will understand this place is very good.A relaxed atmosphere in a great sea front location.I don’t know how I can correctly review this place. The food was freshly prepared and cook, well seasoned and tasted amazing. That probably doesn’t do it justice but that’s all I’ll say.

The Smoking Lobster was the first meal of our short stay on the Isle of Wight.The restaurant is on the Esplanade and is very well appointed and Covid compliant.The menu had lots of choices plus a specials board. My partner and I both chose the tempura lobster from the specials board. I didn't want the lobster to end the tempura batter was light and a delight.The dessert choices made it difficult to decide but I opted for a creme brûlée which was very tasty.The kitchen is open plan so it was possible to see the staff in action. All the staff were friendly and happy to advise on the various dishes.I would most certainly recommend the restaurant and it is probably even better in the summer if it possible to sit outside and enjoy the sea views. If you enjoy seafood cooked to perfection then this is the place for you.

We were holidaying on the IOW in October, scanning trip advisor for recommended restaurants to visit we stumbled across honestreviews1717 review of smoking lobster. We knew we couldn’t pass up on an opportunity to ‘Taste gravity’ we phoned for a table and luckily they could fit us in fairly last minute for lunch! We were seated right next to the kitchen- a perfect table for a family of avid cookery programme watchers!! We choose the Fish platter for 2 and the special on the day a delicious Hake risotto. Everything was cooked to absolute perfection! We were so impressed with everything we were served! We have recommended to friends it is definitely worth a trip over the water! We can’t wait to visit again soon :)

Even on a wet and blustery Sunday afternoon, the windows perfectly frame the sea view in this quirky and bustling venue. The food is genuinely delicious. Simple, colourful, cooked to perfection with quick and attentive service. A brilliant place. Rightly deserves all the accolades.

I visited that place with my friends. First impression made on us, the view and surrounding. Then was more... Great, fresh, perfectly cooked dishes, attentive staff, and simple, but beautiful decorations. Everything in simple words, just amazing! It was lovely treat and I hope to come back here next year, most likely during summer.

We’ve just sampled the menu of this delightful seafront eatery after pondering about it on several previous holidays. The food was amazing, we both had halibut but could’ve chosen so much more. The staff are polite, friendly and attentive and we now know why booking so far in advance is an absolute necessity. Thank you and best wishes for the forthcoming difficult month(s). We’ll be back.

Great location. Centrally overlooking Ventnor beach. Fabulous food. Delicious and so scrumptious and tasty.

We had a really lovely meal - ordered the seafood 🦞 platter, catch of the day and sea bass tempura. Really delicious and large portions! We also had the cheesecake which was great too. A really satisfying meal with great service. Thanks so much!

I almost don’t want to write this review, as it will make it even harder to get a table! This place is better than many Michelin star places we have been to - the level of cooking is amazing. We had the seafood platter and the kids had some tempura seafood - all of us loved it - and the dessert nearly made my wife cry! It’s not the cheapest place you will go to, but it’s a fraction of what you would pay for lower quality food in many other places - well worth it! We hadn’t gotten to the end of the meal, before trying to book for the next day! Molly who served us made the experience all the more special.

Looks like a little shack from the outside,but do not be fooled!! Beautiful little restaurant with lovely modern decor. Perfect from the moment we walked in....very safe space and our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable, recommending the sharing platter. We were not disappointed...fresh and perfectly presented. I could not recommend the smoking lobster enough. I almost booked my hotel for another night just to come back. Will be the first place I book when I come back.

Fab food, service and location. We've been to the IOW twice in October and both times we've eaten here. We will be back!

Wow, what an experience!! This restaurant had everything, the location, the food but most of all the amazing, kind and attentive service from the team but in particular, Molly our waitress for the evening who was just fantastic. We both had the catch of the day, so fresh and stunningly presented. If you’re anywhere on the IoW, I would urge you to go.....

Picked the Smoking Lobster for my first meal out since March and I made the right choice. Interesting, fabulous food and exceptional service. Fortunately, it was warm enough to sit outside and the blankets supplied weren't needed. I don't often take photographs of my food, but when it looks this good....

A very popular seafront restaurant and rightly so for the quality of food being offered. Expect the local seafood including lobster and what ever else has come off the boats that day. Friendly service and reasonable pricing. Perhaps a little noisy at times despite good spacing of tables, but we were there on a Saturday night. Clean and tidy with an open kitchen. Seating outside for finer weather than October!

What a refreshing change- better than anything we have in the Yarmouth area. If the main courses are good, the puddings are divine. Lovely service from English girls too.

After an extremely disappointing night of seafood at The Terrace in Yarmouth a few weeks ago I was looking to Smoking Lobster to restore my faith in Isle of Wight seafood... Food & drinks ordered, snorkel-check, flippers-check, let’s just dive right in!With my first bite of the Soft Shell Crab starter I thought I was having a seizure but then I realised... I could see the wind, I could hear colour, I could feel the sound of the ocean & smell time. I could literally taste gravity. My body & soul had become one, I was mother nature, I was time & space, I could see everything that had come before & everything would come to be. The highest of highs, I never wanted to come down.After staring into the bathroom mirror & trying to come to terms with the edible blessing that had just been put before me it was time to try the main, Smoking Lobster Seafood Platter for two (shared of course)...After cleansing my pallet with the local crab it was time to progress to the real delights. Picking at the tender flesh of the sea bass, dripping in black bean sauce, the meat fell from the bone like the tears of a small child yearning for its mother. With my first taste of this scaled wonder the fish’s life flashed before my eyes, I was the bass, from egg to hook I felt what she felt, I’d birthed children, cared for them & watched them grow. Pulled from my home, flapping on the deck of the boat I was at peace, I’d lived a full life & I wasn’t afraid of death, my children would miss me but my time had come, a life lived in a single bite.Biting into my first scallop I became Poseidon, I was the god of the ocean & the king prawn that followed only strengthened my newly found devinety, perfectly cooked & expertly seasoned this bottom feeder truly reached its full potential after its untimely demise. The Salt & Pepper Squid transported me from my new home beneath the waves to high above the clouds, paired with the Smoking Lobster slaw & skin on fries I could literally taste the rainbow, move over Skittles! The Sushi Roll took me into the stratosphere further still, I could see the Earth as a swirling blue & green marble & travelling further into the void of space the Yuzu Cavichi tasted of what can only be described as pure starlight.Onto the dessert, a simple but sifisticated cheeseboard where would this take me I asked myself... the moon of course. Accompanied by a short glass of sake, the dairy delight danced across my tongue as the apple slices & preserve balanced acidity & sweetness with the grace of virgin gymnast. All of this & I haven’t even mentioned the drinks, incredible staff and exquisite views both inside & out. In conclusion there really is only one venue on the Isle of Wight worthy of calling itself a seafood restaurant. An evening at Smoking Lobster is a journey to the galaxy’s edge, you’ll kiss the stars & taste the cosmos. I made love to God herself & she came in the form of Seafood, we climaxed together & I fell asleep in her arms. When I awoke she was gone but I knew I’d see her again, she’d whisper in my ear and kiss the back of my neck the next time I ate at Smoking Lobster.

Great anniversary dinner and wowed by the staff. This restaurant is not cheap but it is good value. The quality of the food and service puts it up there with top London venues. Very impressed.

What a fun night we had at the Smoking Lobster. Great atmosphere with a fun, friendly and helpful team. The creative and inspiring menu is pan Asian seafood with meat and vegetarian options. Plenty of help on hand to navigate any dietary requirements. Everything we ate was visually fabulous and tasted even better. So happy we found this little star of a place!

Inventive menu with a strong Japanese influence. Had 3 courses and each course was well cooked and presented. Vital to book as it gets very busy. And very reasonable priced.

Food was exceptional as always, and such amazing value for money and service is friendly, the views are beautiful and overall my favourite place to eat on I.O.W

We booked online and had lunch, we had the special of the day, monkfish with fries and salad. I prefer vegetables and they happily changed this for me. The food is first class, it was served quickly and we had wine as well. The staff were very helpful, friendly and welcoming and very quick to take the order, etc.Simply cannot fault this restaurant, do try it. It's very popular so do book.

What a joy in a wilderness of mediocrity. First visit to the Isle and frankly this and Michelangelo's in Ryde are the only reasons we would return. I cannot praise more highly the quality of the food and the general feeling of delight and joyful exuberance. Let's hope it lasts and they don't run out of energy! it was our son's 22nd birthday so had two of the fish platters. Not cheap but certainly worth the money. Two recommendations:- look at your customers, few under 40 so turn down the head banging music! Great for the staff but even our children found it somewhat unpleasant! Wine list needs attention on choice and quality. Well done and good luck with the second venture.

We had the Bream and Tempura Monkfish from the specials board at GBP 19 each for our main course. They were cooked very well and very tasty but we expected larger portions than the one smallish fillet of bream and two pieces of monkfish and we were still hungry after we'd finished. In comparison to other fish restaurants we've eaten at (Smiths of Ongar,Alec's at Brentwood) we thought our dishes were overpriced for the portion sizes. The brulee desert was also very nice. There was also a cold draught coming through from the open sliding doors with customers being served on the tables outside and no tables free that we could ask to move to. To summarise, lovely food but not enough of it and too expensive for the portion sizes.

Absolutely outstanding in every way. Friendly warm staff greet you. Felt entirely safe with all Covid measures in place. Our waitress was extremely knowledgeable about every element of the menu and drinks. The food was beyond outstanding, the best we’ve eaten in a long long time. It was an absolute treat in such difficult times. We will definitely return when next visiting the Isle of Wight. Thank you to all the team at The Smoking Lobster for making a memorable evening.

We ate here twice, once for lunch and again for dinner. On both occasions the food and service were excellent. While from the front this looks to be an unassuming seaside restaurant, they serve up some very interesting and original dishes. While the portions are not huge, there was easily enough food for both of us to feel satisfied.I can recommend the seafood platter. While on the face of it this is an expensive dish, it provides enough food to be a starter and a main for two people. The restaurant were also happy to suggest various alternatives to swap out one of the elements of the platter due to a food intolerance, which is always appreciated.Easily the best meals we had during our week on the island.

From the outside you would probably walkby and carry on up the road.Don't judge a book by it's cover!!This is top draw cuisine from start to finish with covid safe service included.Soft shell crab bun a masterpiece.Local fish caught that day cooked with an Asian twist.

One of the best meals we’ve had in ages. Lots of fresh seafood options. We found the meals all had a fantastic balanced flavour. All ingredients seemed to be placed for a reason.The service was also excellent and friendly. On top of it all it was also surprisingly well priced.

A warm and friendly place to eat excellent fish. We started with the special, miso cod, which was subtle and delicious. I had half a lobster with fries and slaw, and my fellow diners shared a seafood platter. We shared a pavlova and a crepe brûlée between the three of us and also sampled the imaginative cocktails. We agreed that it was the best meal we’d had for a long time - and we dine out a lot in non-COVID times. Despite the simple decor, this is a seriously good restaurant.

We came to the Smoking Lobster for a late lunch on a Saturday in September.Having turned up early for our booking, that we were turned away (and not unreasonably asked to come back on time) was a sign that this is a place in demand. Having done as asked, we found the experience a hugely enjoyable one. The menu - as you'd imagine - majors on fish and seafood, all of which was excellent. There's inspiration and creativity to be seen in every dish, and the staff were clearly enthused to be working in such a high-end environment.The buzz (some would say noise) of the place is palpable and I would happily return again and again, not least given how affordable the menu was.So why four stars, rather than five? On the day we visited, they'd run out of lobster, which considering, was a little disappointing.

Well! What a meal! Inventive cocktails to start. A VERY informative and helpful waitress. Delicious food and a lovely atmosphere. The black bean sea bass was excellent as a main as was the plaice risotto.

Wow, what to say. What an absolute gem of a restaurant. Half a lobster, chips salad and slaw all for £20, that is unbelievable. And the best lobster we’ve had before (we’ve had a lot of lobster). The chips even were unreal. Also had just enough of the japanese influence that it didn’t ruin the authenticity of the fish that the IOW is so famous for. There are also specials which change per season, i had the swordfish which was absolutely divine! Can’t recommend this restaurant enough, an absolute must!

When we got to the end of the meal we wanted to book again but were told it was full for the week. Disappointing but entirely understandable for everything about this place was excellent - staff, venue, and food. We weren’t expecting the Japanese twist to the menu but boy did it work well. Black cod in tempura batter to start for me, teriyaki chicken skewers for my wife. Both good and a fitting prelude to what was to come. Catch of the day - halibut, with fries (naturally) and the most sublime slaw to accompany. My wife had the risotto and pronounced it the best she’d had in ages. I told the waitress that mine was better than most of the meals I’d had in Japan last year. Accompanied by a warm sake (the only way sake should be drunk) and then a decent smokey South African Cabernet Sauvignon. Dessert- another faultless twist on creme brûlée. Not cheap but worth it. Avoid the table by the door if possible since half the guests appear not to know how sliding doors close.

Once again we were knocked back by the excellence of the quality, freshness and sheer bravura of the chefs. To watch them at work in the open kitchen with calm efficiency and producing such high end food is awesome. The front of house were excellent and very knowledgeable and Paris who looked after us could not have been more helpful. The cocktails are out of this world, sake based and an astonishing eye opener. Thank you Smoking Lobster!

Tried other highly rated restaurants whilst in the IOW this one is the only one which met every expectation I had, seafood is fantastic in taste and preparation and the waitress was knowledgeable about the dishes, a treat to the taste buds and worth every penny, may come back to IOW just to visit again!!

Me and my other half had the seafood platter for 2 and a cocktail. The food was great, really enjoyed our cocktails and the sea view is great

We came here on a Saturday for a late lunch at the end of our holiday. We were lucky to get a table and I’m so happy we did. It was exceptional. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The restaurant was Covid safe but still felt very ‘normal’ We had the seafood platter. High quality produce cooked perfectly.If you’re wondering whether to go or not. Just do it .

We had a lovely visit here. I accidentally booked a different date to the date we arrived at the restaurant and they still managed to accommodate us, so cannot thank them enough.Quaint little place with excellent food and cocktails. Really recommend the tempura lobster. Staff really friendly and happy to go out of their way to help. This was the only place open in Ventnor when we were there last week. We’ll hopefully return next year if we decide to holiday in the IOW again.

Cannot fault it exceptional food, wonderful flavours, and great service. I would definitely recommend it.

We had an excellent lunch at this restaurant my sons birthday. We were lucky with the weather and sat outside enjoying the view. The food was brilliant we all enjoyed our starters and main courses, had no room for dessert. The service was great too. Book this restaurant it will not disappoint.

If you’re in Ventnor, go here. Our party of seven (4+3 because of COVID) selected from across the menu and everything was excellent. The friendly and attentive staff also make for an enjoyable experience.

Food great. Service v good. Ambience good. Price sensible. Would be 10/10 but for draught from door on a cold, wet, windy night. If they can fix the door it would be absolutely brilliant.

5 stars to the chefs for the fabulous food, love the Asian twist on delicious seafood. But we couldn't wait to leave, the restaurant was full and there's no furnishing to soften the noise. It was also a bitterly cold evening and we froze everytime the door opened....

Fabulous meal! Great food, great wine, friendly attentive staff, we loved it so much we booked for lunch tomorrow!

We went for lunch, just for a special meal whilst on holiday. We booked beforehand as tables were in short supply. Tables were well-spaced, to comply with Covid, and staff wore masks. We ordered the seafood platter for two, which comes with Asian slaw, along with a side order of vegetables. It was good to see the kitchen staff working quietly and efficiently, each with their defined tasks, running like clockwork. Our platter was utterly delicious, with everything cooked to perfection. Particular favourites for us were the scallops, squid, black bream and prawns. Each was perfectly seasoned with oriental spices. We had a choice of Japanese chopsticks or knife and fork with which to eat. A glass of Riesling went down very well with the meal. Staff were attentive without being intrusive. Dessert for us was the pandan doughnuts; so delicious, and with a lovely chocolate dipping sauce.The whole experience was well worth the money and we will definitely return

Booked the Smoking Lobster via Open Table based only on that site. The food was outstanding ! The scallop starter just melted in the mouth. The staff were attentive and helpful. Molly in particular looked after us so well and made sure that even our dog didn't feel left out. Not only is the food great and the staff excellent but the place has such a comfortable and welcoming vibe. We can't wait to visit again.

Came with great expectations. Went for the sharing plater for 2. £10 dearer than on website. 75 pounds!!. But it was our anniversary. £104 later left feeling hungry. Everything overpowered by sesame oil too. Not what we were hoping for.

Really great atmosphere. Fantastic food. Wish I had called ahead to reserve the lobster!! Cocktails were great too!!

Excellent service and the best steak I've had for a very long time. Staff are lovely, just a shame there wasnt any Lobster available for out visit. Quite simply the best restaurant in Ventnor. a little expensive but worth it.

I have eaten at Michelin starred restaurants that haven’t been as good as this place. Hidden in a little village on the Isle of White I did expect fish, but not with a delicious Asian twist. But there were plenty of non fish options as well. Tempura Belly of Pork was excellent as was the Tempura Cod. A ‘Bento Box’ for a vegetarian friend also got great reviews. Smashing cocktails and a decent wine list helped it all go down finished off with mango and passion fruit Eton Mess and a brûlée flavoured with the most delicate infusion. Very highly recommended.

Great Restaurant. Went there for lunch with the family.I had the Lobster, Shiso & Bonito Garlic Butter. Excellent! Perfect size for lunch. Beautifully prepared - moist, fresh & succulent; DELICIOUS!We also ordered the Seafood platter. Fabulous, great selection of differing kinds of seafood. Great presentation; and again DELICIOUS! Staff are attentive and friendly. Very accommodating.A must-try restaurant!!!!! Highly recommend.

One of the best meals we have had. Went there to celebrate my dads 60th. Staff were all lovely and accommodating and all courses were just perfection. Beautifully fresh fish.