The Bandstand in Isle of Wight

We had the most amazing Sunday roast here today. The service was brilliant and the food was delicious - definitely up there with one of the best on the Island. Can’t wait to return!

Popped in for a drink after a dog walk, the staff were friendly and welcoming. We had the most amazing Pina Coladas and the food being served looked fantastic. The menu was varied and really exciting, I just wish we hadn't already eaten.

First time visit since it reopened, we had a brilliant birthday Lunch. The location is so lovely right by the sea, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere inside the restaurant. The food was excellent, I especially loved the fish and chips, cocktails and the Bucket and Spade dessert (which had the cutest presentation of being inside a bucket with a little spade for a spoon! The staff were very lovely, friendly and made the overall experience a 10/10. We have a few allergies on our table but our server talked us through all the options and made sure to check in with the kitchen. I highly recommend and we’ll definitely be returning.

We called at the Bandstand at 15:15 on Saturday afternoon for cocktails only to find it was closed even though it clearly said they were open on their website . Not an incentive to return I’m afraid

The food was adequate and the waiting staff were good.. But when I asked if my wife could have just one of the 2 4 1 cocktails at a time we were told that was at the owners “discretion” to “allow” that and although he was only about 10 feet away from us and it was not busy at that time, it was up to one of the servers to tell us she had to have them both at the same time and she couldn’t have different cocktails either! When I am paying premium prices i expect premium service especially from the owner and not rudeness and to be ignored! We will not go back..

I enjoyed an exquisite evening meal here with my partner to finish off a day celebrating my birthday. I selected this restaurant because I liked how unique it looked. I'm really pleased I did! Friendly service (and I was even handed a birthday card from staff) and delicious dishes 😀 I had pork belly bites, seafood risotto and their "bucket and spade" dessert, washed down with a tiramisu martini 😋

This place is amazing! Quirky and fun. Best burger and fish & chips we've ever had, so much flavour. This place is a must if you're in the area.

Probably the best Burger I've ever had. No joke. Food was amazing. The presentation was fantastic. The staff where lovely... Recommend to anyone and everyone... Go you will not be disappointed..

Terrible service, I came in for drinks and snacks with my 6 year old daughter and 5 year old nephew who were desperate for the toilet - one waiter outside said they were closing soon but it would be fine to get drinks and use the facilities, but when I went inside someone else had decided not, they refused to service us when they could see I had small children desperate for the toilet, there were even customers still sat at tables eating inside. Someone on a power trip without any remorse or kindness - if they really didn’t want to add 5 mins for us to get through drinks or clear another table then I think the kind thing would have been to offer the children use of the facilities anyway (the public toilets close by were closed). I won’t be returning to the Bandstand again.

I truly loved my meal here. Our waiter Ginge, was so friendly and inviting and was great at telling us all we needed to know. I had the special beef Bang Bang salad, which was extremely tasty. Two of our party had the most exquisite looking cocktails. Overall, the meal alone would have made for a delightful evening but when you factor in the music from the bandstand’s heyday and unbroken view of the sea, it all forms a magical night.

Had a family celebration for my 70th birthday. Cannot fault the food - all freshly cooked, and the staff were lovely. I even received a birthday card which was a nice touch. Beautiful view of the sea too. We are islanders, and will definitely be going again.

Cafe not a restaurant, good for kids. Plenty of burgers and fried food, not a patch on what it was with the previous owner; neither the atmosphere nor the food. Opening hours are limited, which may help it succeed as a business, so it may keep going longer than some in Sandown.

We visited this restaurant as a family of four two months ago, influenced by the positive online reviews. Service: Mostly good. Ambience: Decent. The environment was clean, and we were seated next to another family. Food: Unfortunately, it was not palatable. The chips tasted of stale oil and grease. The “vegan” burger was flavorless and had a plasticky texture, with no distinction between the buns, tomatoes, and the “burger.” The chicken was inconsistent—slightly raw in some places and overcooked in others, possibly due to overly hot oil. When the server asked how our food was, they noticed we had barely touched it. I mentioned that the food didn’t meet the standards we had expected, based on the reviews. However, they did not offer us an alternative or a discounted menu. As this is a small business, we decided to pay the full bill (~£70 for four people, despite not eating much). Overall, it was the most disappointing and underwhelming food experience we’ve had.

A Birthday Lunchtime treat for myself and we weren’t disappointed, the Fish & Chips, the risotto and chicken club, were all lovely and try the bread with sea salt and seaweed butter, delicious, squeezing in some first class desserts. Be back soon. Highly recommended.

Lovely food and cocktails. Nice place to watch the sun go down

Cozy little restaurant opposite the sea in sandown, food was good ( not the best ever. But well priced for the quality ) - the actual building looked like it could benefit from a slight update but if that’s the look then perhaps it’s just my taste lacking. Portions are big and the staff were very friendly.

We have eaten at this restaurant for years , but sadly it closed over a year ago The newly refurbished & reimagined eatery opened again this spring , so we decided to give it a try We only wanted a light snack so we ordered 3 starters to share. The chicken wings were lovely, but the sauce could have been thicker & punchier The pork belly bites were a triumph. Unctuous sticky sauce , melt in your mouth meat & a crispy top The star of the show was the monkfish scampi. They tasted divine and the salsa was spot on The bottle of Malbec was delicious Lovely decor, imaginative menu, beautiful views of the sea and a friendly & knowledgable staff make this restaurant head and shoulders above all other restaurants in this area Well done Pierre. We loved the new Bandstand and will be back again for sure

See view restaurant with good food and kindly staff. Very nice location.

Great place to watch the sea and get a tasty brunch

Lovely cup of latte and a good fishfinger bun and lovely views

This place is one to visit for good food experience from a professional team in an ideal location with panoramic views to enjoy whist eating. The staff are warm welcoming and friendly adding to the overall enjoyment of the dining experience 👍

We went here for a last-minute breakfast before Dinosaur Isle and were very impressed! Lovely little place with gorgeous sea views. I liked the menu, especially the unique coffee options and the design was fab. The food came quickly and was very tasty - my partner said it was the best bacon roll she's ever had which is saying something! Great atmosphere with fitting music and clean toilet facilities.

A little gem. Wonderful views, beach atmosphere, friendly staff, remarkably good and innovative menu.

First time since under new ownership, food was poor considering the prices, burger served in a wooden box needed a plate, fish and chips, fish was very very salty, very disappointed it used to be great, won't be returning. (locals)

Food was mediocre. Local beef burger tasted frozen Chicken wings also had an off putting taste We ordered 2 monkfish portions, both came completely different sizes. View was nice though.

My partner and I visited recently for breakfast. The service was impeccable, the food and drinks were beautifully presented and oh so delish (try the hot chocolate!!!), the venue is dog friendly and the owner is a fab guy. Really love the rebrand (including probably the coolest looking menu we've ever seen, obsessed!) and the whole vibe. We'll definitely be regulars here.

Fantastic breakfast… salmon symphony was delicious.

Great vegan options and staff were excellent. Only downside was the additional 50p charge for oat milk which is always disappointing hence the 4 stars.

Visited for breakfast 🍳 Top service, amazing coffees, good portion sizes. All with a fantastic view!

Lovely light venue overlooking sand and sea. Staff really nice and helpful and decor and atmosphere spot on. Small plates of ceasar salad and dirty fries well presented, very tasty and good value. The milk shakes are great! All the food served was fresh and good quality. Unfortunately our mains food portions were small and therefore overpriced at approx £19. Crab and smoked haddock risotto was definitely lacking the haddock. I was assured it was in there but I couldn't see it or taste it... just the brown crab meat, which was nice. Risotto rice nutty not creamy as it should be. Mussels generous in a delicious broth but once again a small side of fries and no baguette or roll for dipping in. At £19 bore no comparison to quality and quantity experienced at other restaurants on the Parade. Hope the chef sorts these problems out as, in all other aspects, the Bandstand has everything going for it.

Unfortunately we booked this as been when it was under the old ownership. Which was excellent This time very poor. Main meal was average and very small portions. Chips and burger served in a wooden box. Sorry would not be returning again. Over priced and very poor portions.

Delicious food, very friendly and attentive staff, and a superb location right in Sandown beach front

We enterd and got served amidiatly we were shown to a table and given menus there was plenty of choice wether you wanted a light snack of full meal then food was delicious I highly recommend the biscoff brownie

Lovely food and gorgeous location! Staff are lovely and very attentive and we loved the sea themed menu. Can’t beat somewhere like this on a hot day. Can’t wait to go back!

Such an amazing place! It felt like an old-timey diner, with fun music, cute decor, and a beautiful view of the beachfront. The employees were very polite, friendly, and helpful, and the food is second to none! Huge compliments to the chef for the best lunch I've had on the island :) Will definitely be eating here every time I visit!

Poor menu choice, surly waitress. I had a lamb dish which sounded nice on the menu but was basically undercooked lamb with ratatouille style veg in a sauce and a dollop of mint and yogurt on top. Such a shame as the setting is lovely.

Was asked to book online through their website which was quick & easy. Booked for a grooms party of 8. Staff were kind and attentive. They wrote a lovely card for the groom and even went to the trouble of sectioning off a part of the restaurant to make it feel like our little private slice of the morning. An amazing touch. Menu was fun to browse, and the food was fantastic. So glad to see this place back open as it's long been a favourite spot of mine. Thank you to the team for starting the wedding day perfectly.

Great find. To be honest the look of the menu slightly put me off but the reviews were good. The food arrived in a wooden lunchbox which added to my nerves! But it was delicious! Very drinkable house wine, tender and beautifully cooked burger with great relishes and spectacular chips. Just what I wanted. Good service without being too attentive. Can’t wait to visit again. Thank you. ps A place to lock my bike would be good.

Not a nice place to visit how can they justify 2 cups of teas £8 and I gave the waitress £10 and she said do I want my change .never set foot in there again very very expensive place 😡😡😡😡

Amazing location and food & staff to match … very welcoming

Over priced deep fried greasy garbage.

Refused service as just wanted a cup of tea and cake on a cold rainy day, space was available, disgusted by attitude.

Great location magnificent chef and staff and great prices so if you're in Sandown go...

Amazing restaurant with great views! Would definitely recommend!

Some of the waiting staff including a waitress and the manager are extremely rude. If you’re not a morning person don’t serve breakfast with a frown on your face scolding paying customers. Avoid!

Food is not satisfactory at all, can’t handle a proper breakfast menu in order. Try another spot.

This place has a huge ownership issue. Imagine a restaurant that is owned and managed by someone who lacks hospitality. Otherwise it is a nice cafe, food is tasty, the employees are friendly and polite. - Instead of ice cream could we have maple syrup with the pancake? - No (First time experiencing this and I cannot imagine how they'd expect ppl to eat pancakes without maple syrup) - Could I have the cherry tomatoes fresh instead of cooked? - No (How is this "more" trouble?) I would recommend the owner to transfer ownership to someone who understands the place and importance of hospitality in food industry. Being angry at customers for no reason cannot be good for his health, not that I care about it but there you go.

Incredibly rude management, they were visibly disappointed by our presence and verbally confirmed so when we asked. The food was also substandard.

Asked to leave because we had only ordered drinks. This was around 12pm on 07/04/2024, we were told that there we could not sit in to have drinks even though there were lots of tables available both inside and outside. We were told we could order our drinks to go but could not sit in if we were not eating. I recommend finding somewhere probably cheaper and with better customer service.

Best food we had on the Isle of Wight

Really disappointed with the attitude of staff, quite dismissive and pretentious. Didn’t feel it was family friendly, despite high chairs being available, possibly just for show! Maybe just a bad day, but won’t be visiting again.

Great first visit! We'll be back in the Summer. Visiting the IOW and heard about the fireworks in Sandown. We booked the bandstand for it's fantastic beach spot and views, and other than the windows needing a bit of a clean (from the sea elements) we weren't let down. The waitress who served us and "managed" to get us Marshmallows for the kids was excellent, and the food and general decor matched. Homemade burgers for the kids 👍🏻 We will return, and would recommend to others.

Given our bill and asked to leave as there were block bookings. Having spent nearly £180 in here, we weren't any trouble, weren't loud, just came for a quiet meal. Quite literally after finishing our mains, we were handed our bill. The waitress then came back to ask us if we asked for the bill. We hadn't, she walked off and then returned informing us that there is a rotation policy. There were people in there before us who were not asked to leave. I asked if we had time to order dessert for my children and a cocktail. The waitress disappeared again to see if we could order as she said we needed to leave in 20 minutes. Within that 20 minutes, she never returned so we were left feeling rushed and confused as to what is happening. We ended up leaving and grabbing an ice cream up the road. Service is slow, but everything else just feels rushed in The Bandstand. Food is fairly overpriced, and it's trying to be the upper marker of Sandown, it's fairly average too. I had catch of the day, which is not the days catch as it was tough round the edges having dried out. So definitely not fresh. The menus is a nightmare to navigate. Otherwise just an average restaurant, that rushes you out of the door like a conveyor belt.

Nice Restaraunt with amazing sea views. Recommend booking a table in advance as on holidays this place can get crowded. You wana sit by the window. Can have a romantic date here. Staff is nice. We got a dish which had eggs In it. My wife cannot eat eggs. But the staff happily replaced the dish with a different one. They didn’t charge us for the quiche - the one with eggs.

The Bandstand has been on my list of places to eat for a while. With it being under new ownership I thought it would time to try it out. I was slightly worried to start due to the menus. It was well designed but difficult to navigate. Once our food came I was blown away. Fresh and super tasty. I could tell that there’s been a lot of thought into the meals. For a restaurant that has just opened I was very impressed with the food and service.

Visited today Very good food . Service was excellent Wrll worth a visit

Lovely place, friendly staff and fabulous food.

Sadly sign on door says CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 😥

Lovely food every damn time ! We love the view you get whilst eating your meal, you do need to request specific tables for a view though or you get stuck in the middle trying to catch a glimpse through someone’s hair ahuh! Food is delicious , never misses - staff could be a little more helpful and friendlier but all okay other than that

Bumped into this cafe on a trip to the IOW, it was lunchtime and we just wanted a light bite, got the last table available, ordered Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Sandwich and Goats Cheese. Absolutely fantastic, very slightly expensive but great quality and content, staff and management polite and helpful. Will definitely return

Great restaurant with a fantastic sea view and really nice staff. Food was good but a few things, like the chips, was a little salty.

Fresh and fillings sandwiches served with fresh salad and crisp which is a lovely touch. My daughter loved her desert and even asked for more. The range of food offered her is incredible and they cater for all our families allergies with dignity

Delicious food..really lovely staff.

Great location, good food, very polite and attentive staff.

Delightful breakfast at the Bandstand. It was warm so the windows were open and stunning views of Sandown and Shanklin beaches.

Great food 😋 beautiful position 😀 right on the beach ⛱️🏖️ fab.

Beautiful views over beach. Food and service excellent. Mussels from specials board outstanding. Perfect will def return

It's a very popular place and all for good reason. Great service and staff and the hot chocolate was awesome 💯 Well worth a visit next time you are passing.

Haven't been there yet- just checking menu and prices.

A brilliant cafe and restaurant. We stopped for a late lunch and had brilliant service and delicious food. You can't beat the view!you could easily be on the Med.

Our 2nd visit for lunch on our weeks holiday Excellent service , the staff are so helpful, beautiful food . The fish and chips are amazing. Definitely worth a visit . Even the kids menu is really good .

Highly recommend confit duck leg ! So many layers of flavours ! And great side mushrooms and braised red cabbage . Will return for that dish . The sea bass was slightly overpowered by the tomato ragú. Very relaxing environment and great service . Parking available nearby. Book in advance!

The visit here was just delightful! Relaxed atmosphere. Lovely staff, fabulous view and the food was excellent, freshly cooked and so very tasty.

Lovely and clean with friendly staff. Lovely views over the sea. Toilets were immaculate

Absolutely fantastic experience..very friendly polite helpful staff. Beautiful food and amazing view of the sea.. prices are unbelievable on reflection of the amazing menu. Will definitely return and highly recommend. We returned for a Christmas meal and wasn't disappointed..again super tasty food ..lovely generous portion sizes...very reasonable prices and always friendly staff. ❤️

Just had the most amazing Christmas special at The Bandstand. Yes, we are regular customers, but we were not expecting such a creative festive menu - perhaps we should have, knowing the restauarant as we do. Anyway, if you want something slightly different, and superior, check out the Turkey or Vegan Stack. Exquisite. Lots more to choose from. Love this place !!

We come to the Isle of Wight 2 or 3 times a year to stay with relatives & always make a point of visiting this place. Had lunch there today & it was excellent. I had the confit duck leg & my partner had the blade of beef. Both were perfectly cooked, beautifully presented & full of favour. Call for a coffee & cake, a sandwich or a main meal. You won’t be disappointed. Oh, & the sea views from The Bandstand’s slightly elevated position are spectacular. Highly recommended.

The food is ok in terms of taste and portion. The view is awesome. Not for foodies

Shame our favourite dish had been taken off the new menu -chicken,bacon and monterey jack cheese panini but had something else similar which was ok. Love the skinny fries and lovely staff.

Visited this restaurant today to celebrate our daughter's special birthday, and we all had extremely enjoyable meals. We had the lamb, and it was wonderful. Excellent service and food, at a competitive price. We will definitely return here for a meal in the future.

Had a great Sunday lunch there, having two of the choices on the specials board. Good food, friendly staff and a terrific view over the beach and sea.

My elderly mother and I had a wonderful breakfast at the Bandstand. The breakfast was absolutely delicious, especially the home cooked beans and the bubble. The service is excellent as everyone is so attentive and polite. Great location, great view, and similar prices to anywhere else in the Isle of Wight. Terrific breakfast place, I highly recommend.

Very good food, friendly staff and wonderful views.

Visited in September 2022 when on holiday in Sandown. Very small restaurant and the staff were welcoming of our last minute booking. When I asked about dairy free, they were good to provide me with the allergen matrix. The food was good, if a little basic. I think some of the dishes were trying to be more than they were - this restaurant would have benefitted from picking either simple food or an elevated menu. The blend they have attempted does not work. The service, whilst at first was attentive, seemed to disappear when a large table came in half way through our meal. This was disappointing as we then spent a while trying to get the attention of the team and to order more drinks. We did not have dessert due to the wait for service. Overall, a good meal. Would rate 3.5 if I was able to. We would return, but I think the team needs to work on service and I would probably order a different dish.

Outstanding food, excellent friendly service

Popped into the Bandstand after wandering a sunny but very windswept beach in Sandown. I had the tagliatelle with spicy tomato sauce, prawns and red peppers. It was delicious - more prawns than I normally find you get with a pasta dish. The sauce had a little bit of a bang but not overpowering. Washed down with a delicious glass of Rose and too full for a dessert. Definitely worth dropping into - if you manage to get a table in high season. Family owned and run restaurant that really is special

Only popped in for a coffee but brilliant service and friendly helpful staff. Definitely be back!

Beautifully refurbed building w/ uninterrupted panoramic views of the beach/sea. You can also see the history/development of the building documented on the ground floor w/ images of it in it’s prime in the early 1900’s, we passed by for a coffee/breakfast sandwich. Also within a stones throw of gardens/children’s dinosaur park.

Great meal with a large table. All meals served together, generous portions, tasted great.

Love this restaurant, a great spot for a delightful brunch with amazing views. Definitely worth a visit

Location is good but food and ambience is just average.

Had great breakfast/brunch here. Small menu but something for everyone, very nice and tasty food, great service, and best flat white I've had in a very long time. Beautiful views of the seafront. Will definitely come back when ext on the Isle 😊

The excellent food and very good service!! Delicious, delicious and delicious!!

It was an amazing place, with great seaview, nice service and the food was fresh and delicious.

Excellent breakfast , had the eggs Benedict with a side of salmon was absolutely amazing 10/10 , fab service and food. Definitely be back :D

A space that has clearly had good investment and quality finish, but unfortunately the welcome was poor with chefs hanging out the back door and staff uninspiring as we entered. The latte was closer to hot milk than coffee and the teacake is no better than what you can buy in a supermarket. Potential isn't being realised.

We were late to for our resvervation due to a accident closing sevral roads, the restaurant phone to chck were were still comming and held our table untill we arrive, the staff were freidley and helpfull, the food was superb and the resaurant itseldf was quiry but great

Been coming to island for years, couldn’t decide where to eat today. I called the Bandstand and they had a table for lunch. I am so pleased we chose to eat here. The food was so good, warm artisan bread and trio of dips, duck...

Quality food in the best location, stunning views across the bay . The service at The Bandstand is first class and the menu offered is quality

Very nice cake and coffee with super Sea View. Friendly staff