The Bonchurch Inn in Isle of Wight

We rocked up for lunch only to discover that the pub is closed on Thursday lunchtimes. However, as we were discussing what to to the lovely owner came out and offered to open up just for us. Fabulous pizza and beers, all served with a smile. Thank you so much.

I’ve travelled the world, lived in Italy, and eaten pasta in places where they really know how to do it — but never in my life have I come across anything as disappointing as the “Spaghetti with King Prawns and Pork” from this place. Let’s start with the so-called king prawns — calling them that is a joke. They were clearly the cheapest frozen prawns you can buy, rubbery and tasteless. And then mixing pork with pasta and prawns? That’s not just a bad culinary idea, it’s borderline offensive. Pork with seafood in pasta is a combo that doesn’t work — for the taste buds or the stomach. It’s the kind of pairing that can leave you with serious abdominal discomfort. And to top it off, this bizarre creation is the most expensive item on their special menu? Almost £30 for something I wouldn’t even give to a dog. Honestly, I expected much better. This dish is a disaster — avoid at all costs.

This is the most special place!! Last night we followed the reviews and had an amazing experience ❤️ From the outside it doesn’t look like much, a small building with a really nice courtyard. But if you want sea views this place isn’t for you… but bear with me. It’s a diamond 💎 Inside is super-Cosby, lots of heritage and history. The staff were absolutely on point. From entering, we knew we had found something special!! From pictures on the wall, to an incredibly personalized service, if you’re celebrating (and even if you’re not) we couldn’t have been made to be more welcome. It’s a ‘locals’ spot, dog friendly and now let me start on the food… They only show their ‘core’ mainly Italian inspired dishes on their website, but the also have a daily specials board which we also picked from. The food was none other than incredible. Fresh crab cake starter and seafood bruschetta. Next, creamy chicken pasta and the filet steak. All tasty, but the filet was next-worldly. I have never tasted a filet like it!! We finished off with Tiramisu, again beautiful. We were exceptionally lucky that we’re here out of season, on season book in advance. We’re back there in two days and can’t wait!! Epic.

This was a gem of a find. Such an atmospheric, authentic location with a friendly welcome and great food. Recommended.

Lovely Meal & Service Went with friends to the Bonchurch Inn to celebrate our wedding anniversary. I had pre-booked a glutten free lasagne & I was not disappointed. My meal was absolutely delicious and I could not tell the difference as I remember the 'Life Changing Lasagne' pre celiac. My wife and friend had normal lasagne & our other friend had the Sea Bass special. Service was great and we had a really good evening. Can't fault the food and visiting the Bonchurch Inn is an experience in it's self.

AMAZING!!! When they say the lasagne will change your life, don’t call their bluff. I was speechless. It’s a MUST try. Will definitely be returning soon.

Nice place, nice atmosphere, charming staff, good beer. Just avoid the food, which seems to be an after thought and yet they say they serve good food. But it's not even average unless you want nothing but salt flavours. Only "life changing" thing about the lasagne is the need to re-write that phrase. It's ok lasagne, hardly remarkable. I so wanted to write a good review but this really is the best I can possibly give: beyond disappointing food. Just stick to the beer.

We were staying in Ventnor and this received great recommendations. A small family pub/restaurant with a menu that is good for all, with Italian influences. We received a very warm and friendly welcome , got to discuss the menu with the chef and good recommendations on wine. We had wonderful food, I had the life changing lasagne which was amazing. My wife enjoyed a surf and turf like pasta dish with prawns, local crab caught that day and pork tenderloin which she said was packed with favour and well cooked food. We had the very light tiramisu and wonderful lemon sorbet with a lemon cello on top. It was really buzzy, the other food looked great too prepared super fresh by the chefs team. If anyone is visiting Ventnor, it’s a short bus ride to nearby and a nice walk down hill back into town.

Small quirky place. Outstanding authentic Italian food. Great friendly service. Unappealing exterior conceals the treasure inside . Highly recommended

Friendly warm welcome. We both had pasta dishes which were delicious and freshly made plus a shared and very generous starter of crab and salmon bruschetta. We would definitely recommend eating here.

The Lasagne is billed as life changing, which is a bold claim, but it really did live up to the hype and was delicious. My partner had the crab salad which was loaded with crab and went down very well. We finished with a shared Tiramisu, which was equal to the mains in its deliciousness, and left feeling very well fed and contented! Highly recommended.

Booked a table on Saturday 22nd February so refreshing to enter a real pub without all gimmicks. We were made to feel extremely welcomed. It's was nice that we could talk without loud music or anyoing television screens. Service was first class food exceptional. Thank you to all the staff for making us feel welcomed and for a wonderful evening. We live on the island so will definitely be back . Thanks again Paul Harwood

Lovely atmosphere and great Italian food. Also love the team there - always friendly and accommodating. Our usual midweek go to!

Very good food, tasty, service with a smile, lovely decor ,homely. Good range of beers and wines. My place to go for pasta and Italian home cooking. If I could give 6*, it would be .

Absolutely delicious Valentine night meal, beautiful food in a lovely atmosphere. Wonderful service, so personal. The perfect evening.

Went here for valentines with my girlfriend The food was unbelievable and the lasagna really was life changing We had 3 courses each and a drink and the bill came out to £72, it’s great value as it’s food you just wouldn’t experience anywhere else She had the salmon and crab bruschetta as a starter then we both had the lasagna and a sticky toffee pudding and tiramisu to top it off You feel like you could walk out after and be stepping into the Italian countryside I’ve lived in Ventnor for 12 years and never been but better late than never If you’re on the island it’s worth a try! The staff were so friendly and amazing they just topped off a perfect dinner

We visited here for my parents diamond wedding anniversary. The staff were very helpful with organising us to drop off flowers and balloon before the meal. We had a really nice evening with some excellent food.

What a place! From the warm welcome, excellent service and sublime food, our evening was perfect. We had a mixture of starters, all of which were a very good size, freshly prepared and very tasty. For the main course, three of us had the life-changing lasagne which was, without a doubt, the best any of us have ever had. The other person had the shin of beef in red wine with spaghetti which was also superb. How we managed to squeeze in apple pie and tiramisu is astonishing. Our only criticism would be to offer custard with the apple pie, not just cream or ice cream. We will definitely be back to this marvellous pub.

A quintessential pub with hone cooked food and local staff. Nothing fancy, just wholesome and welcoming.

We arrived unannounced from our coastal walk to this beautiful traditional inn. Out of hours the staff kept the kitchen open and prepared our accommodation for us. The lasagne and garlic bread in all honesty was the best I’ve ever had. The accommodation was a beautiful traditional stone built apartment with all the amenities. Thank you for having us and going out of your way to make us feel welcome. Everything was perfect!!!

We had a lovely meal here whilst holidaying nearby in Ventnor. My partner had the famous ‘life changing lasagne’ and I had the fillet steak - that was perfectly cooked! We only wish we’d had room for dessert. The staff were very warm and welcoming and we’d definitely visit again if in the area.

Great, full of character... Local Yates beer excellent!

Fab lasagne, as always. Really friendly staff.

What a fantastic local find. The place has a long and chequered history. The Italianate courtyard and patio are particularly pleasing. The food was amazing and has a penchant for the Italian seen the ownership link to Italy. A very pleasant and welcome place in Bonchurch.

Wonderful place. Excellent beer and food. Very pleasant team. Don't miss it if you're in the area.

On holiday in Ventnor. Fantastic food and very friendly service. The lasagne was indeed life changing! Really enjoyed our evening and would definitely go back.

Very accommodating staff who helped us even though we had no reservations. Lovely food

Outstanding food and lots of it.Staff so welcoming,a little gem. Thank you. Colin & Sandra

This is a fantastic pub tucked away in Bonchurch it has a great menu and prides itself on good food and generous portions. Really friendly service and very welcoming.

We arrived late (thanks to the ferry) but the staff still managed to produce some food for us. We had 'life changing' lasagne, which was very good. Friendly folk. Hidden gem.

Visited while on a holiday in ventnor. Casual relaxed pub type restaurant but with amazing, tasty home cooked food. We had the lasagne and some lovely soft cheesy garlic bread. Not posh and fancy if that’s what you are looking for. But comfortable and quaint. Would definitely return to try something else on the menu if we could resist having the lasagne again.

Pretty building on the outside. Pub feel inside. If you want posh and fancy this isn’t it but a relaxed atmosphere and amazing good home cooked food we had the lasagne and some gorgeous cheesy garlic bread. Staff were friendly. Would definitely return

Birthday celebration with extended family we were all very impressed. Delicious tasty fresh ingredients, attentive staff. Thought out interior created a fab vibe

We ate on consecutive evenings at The Bonchurch Inn, as we were staying nearby. It is a traditional pub, with decor to match, which we loved. The staff were friendly and the food was amazing with very generous portions. Can nightly recommend the tiramisu!

We didn’t stay as we only live down the road. But we have finally been for the life changing lasagna! We meet up with friends and they looked after us from the moment we walked the rough the door. Definitely book a table in advance as a few people came and were turned away as no space. Would definitely recommend and will be back again!

Good food depressing interior. Husband and I booked on basis of food reviews. The food was really good but the back room we were in was so depressing. Like my granny’s old dining room with gloomy lighting bulbs out, and slightly sticky tables - zero atmosphere even on a sunny evening. Nice staff, lovely food but didn’t go back due to surroundings- seriously Bonchurch Inn- you need a decor refresh.

Really lovely family dinner. 6 of us and a dog. We were sat in the snug which was nice cosy and we got chatting to other diners. The staff were friendly and the food very good and decent value for money- very filling

Definitely not to be missed if you are visiting the Ventnor area. Really enjoyed our evening meal. We had Lasagne, Carbonara and Spinach Cannelloni, which were all delicious. The staff were really welcoming and friendly which helped to make a relaxed evening for us. Real ale was also a bonus. We would highly recommend a visit.

Definitely not to be missed if you are visiting the Ventnor area. Really enjoyed our evening meal. We had Lasagne, Carbonara and Spinach Cannelloni, which were all delicious. The staff were really welcoming and friendly which helped to make a relaxed evening for us. Real ale was also a bonus. We would highly recommend a visit.

Excellent lasagne and steak! Great knowledgeable staff and good recommendations. Really lovely pub with character hidden away in a quaint part of the island. Cannot wait to return.

I love this place! Superb Italian food cooked properly. The “life changing lasagna” really is, honestly. Let’s make it clear, this is not a posh restaurant it’s a charming old world family run pub serving up fantastic home cooked Italian food. I’ve travelled throughout Italy and this is as good as anything I’ve had out there and I can’t think of anything I’ve had better. Park on the road outside, don’t try and drive down the driveway!

Just went for dinner...WOW wot a gem of a place... food, service atmosphere is what it's all about...thank u

A tucked away treasure. We struck lucky on a quieter night. A very excellent lasagna.

Another year, another holiday on the Isle of Wight and another couple of visits to The Bonchurch Inn. Wonderful food, great service and a friendly atmosphere in a charming old inn. In all the years visiting we have NEVER been disappointed with any of the meals. Do yourself a favour though, and have the Life Changing Lasagne. Easily the best lasagne I've ever had!

Lovely friendly pub with a lovely courtyard if you are lucky with the weather. A bit quirky inside but we love it. Great Italian food. Definitely not the place if you are looking for posh though.

Amazing food, and friendly staff. Best lasagna!

Great place, excellent food, beer and service.

We went to Bonchurch Inn last night after giving up at the very busy Spyglass in Ventnor (where the food looked very mediocre to be honest). Although we arrived after 8 which is when they usually finish food orders they kindly agreed to serve us. The food was absolutely beautiful, the 'lifechanging' lasagne did not disappoint, best lasagne I've ever had. My son had a pizza which was thin & crispy, just like a true Italian restaurant. Garluc bread was fab too. The barmaid was lovely and very friendly. You don't get the views here but the food more than makesbup for it. Excellent service, excellent food, would highly recommend!

A wonderful Island Pub that serves surburb meals. Quality friendly, efficient service and fantastic quality meals and desserts. A lovely place with a huge history. Only just over 10 min walk from the main road and bus stops. Service 3 every 30 mins. Pure Island, Pure Quality. 😀👍

Didnt stay in the hotel, but it is an amazing pub, and food to die for, anyone in the area, this is a must.

Just a fantastic place. A historic local pub and restaurant owned and run by a local Italian family. We just had Besozzi's Life Changing Vegan Lasagne and it is truly the finest Lasagne we have ever tasted.

Stopped here and had lunch,lovely welcome and friendly landlady.Ordered the 4 cheese pizza to share it was really lovely, highly recommended give it a try.

Excellent meal, staff and atmosphere.

Fantastic, home cooked food, the homemade lasagne was as expected, meaty ragú bolognaise, very tasty. The scampi and chips were good. The rioja red wine was nice. Would highly recommend. The staff were extremely friendly

We dined at the Bonchurch Inn on a midweek night after it was recommended by our host in Ventnor. The bruschetta, vegetarian pizza and vegan lasagne were incredible! Delicious, big portions and great value for money. The staff were also super attentive. Would absolutely go back again. Thank you team!

We first found The Bonchurch Inn - a complete jewel of a place - in 1994, and it is on our 'must do' list every time that we visit the Isle of Wight. We did not stay at the Inn, so can't comment on the rooms/letting asoects - although I imagine they will also be excellent. This time, we had lunch there on Friday 26th June with our very dear friends G and J. As always, superb food - the four of us shared lasagne, spaghetti, salads, and garlic bread after walking over the bump from Wroxall - and as always, superb condition beer straight from the barrel. It doesn't get any better. When our children were younger and had to come with us on holiday (lol), they used to love seeing Nino. It is so beautiful to see the family build on all the good work of the past, and not lose anything along the way. The most awesome place and people.

Great evening at the Inn, as always. Always a special place to be 😊😊

A country pub in the idyllic village of Bonchurch on the outskirts of Ventnor. Well worth an evening walk. The staff are welcoming and the pub is small, traditional and timeless. The menu offers a selection of home-made italian dishes which are well-presented, generous and deliciously satisfying. Good wines and good atmosphere complete the experience.

We can't speak for the rest of the menu as we both had the steak - it was awesome. Perfectly cooked with the juices on the plate, a generous portion of chips and a really nice salad. Definitely worth tracking the place down.

The Bonchurch Inn was recommended to us and we were so pleased it was. We dined there 2 nights and both nights the food was really good and the staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. The interior takes you back in time, in a nice way! We would certainly recommend and hope to revisit when we return to IOW.

Home of the life changing lasagne and so quirky and a true one off. Very, very special in every way

Fantastic Food and service. Little gem.

This is a hidden gem and reminded us of being in the French countryside outside a rural farm. So pretty and it doesn’t end there. We arrived without a booking and fortunately they accommodated us with a lovely seat outside under the passion flower trellis and next to the banana trees. We could not fault the food which was exceptional, portion size large! The service and the ambience, helped along by some fantastic chill music from Ibiza, it really was a magical experience. I do however highly recommend you book to eat here, you will not be disappointed . We will definitely be back and probably on our current trip!!

Best hospitality and service you’ll find on the island. Beautiful courtyard and staff wil make you feel right at home!

We had an amazing family meal here. The food was brilliant and generous in portion size. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. I only wish we lived closer so could return more frequently!

Excellent Italian style food. The chef serves the food himself, all piping hot and freshly made. Yummy! Their ale was well balanced and not too hoppy.

Oh my goodness. Life changing lasagna isn’t even close. Pizza is superb, specials are great and the lasagna lives up to its name. Worth a visit.

Return visit and exceeded expectations Great food **** Exceptional service ***** Food close to ***** Steak was close to perfection but the king prawn spaghetti if only the sauce was tomato based I would have given *****+ Amazing ambience and experience, thank you 🤩

Lovely old pub in a very quiet setting, outside courtyard and plenty of tables. Staff very pleasant, particularly the young girls serving. The mature lady was nice to begin with, but became a bit impatient with us as the evening went on as it was busy and she seemed flustered. Overall a lovely family evening and room for our little one to run around on the cobbles. No play area for children, but food was very good.

Always visit for the life changing lasagna, but get tempted by all the excellent specials.

WOW. What an absolute gem of a place! My husband and I got told to visit here by the hosts of The Garlic Farm. They mentioned "we don't want to let in our secret" and "they sell life changing lasagne". When we arrived we were confused by the parking situation, but we managed to manoeuvre and park in the courtyard. The first night we both wanted to try this lasagne, with some garlic bread of course and loved it. We ended up booking another table whilst we were there for a night later in the week. This time we both tried their Mac and Cheese, which was also phenomenal. Both nights we were hosted by some fabulous ladies, I don't know there names, but they were very attentive! Oh, and this little village pub, is an Italian pub, like, who would imagine it!? But it's one of the best restaurants I've visited. Its added to my "Best Food UK" list, and it'll be on my review blog! 100% go here!

Had lunch here, it's somewhat small but cosy and the menu had plenty of variety. Pizza was lovely and seafood we had on the specials menu tasted fresh. Great friendly service too.

This is our happy place! The food, service and welcome are out of this world. There is nowhere else like this on the island , it’s a hidden treasure and comes highly recommended, enjoy!

Impressive food, outstanding service and overall an amazing experience

Scrummy very generous lunch, with great service in a cosy setting, loved it😍

Following a few disappointing meals around the island i was beginning to think my expectations were just too high until I found the Bonchurch Inn. Wow, what an experience!!! The Inn is nestled in a leafy quiet area between Ventnor and Bonchurch, down a cobbled lane. It was like stepping back in time. The staff were so friendly. The food was sensational. I had the fillet steak, thick, tender, juicy. Well seasoned and probably the best steak I've had EVER!!!!!. This came with an impressive Mediterranean salad which was packed with olives, sundried tomatoes, rocket leaves, peppers, tomatoes and of course chunky chips which were homemade. The Bonchurch Inn is going to be my place to go from now on.

Found by chance when looking for somewhere for lunch. Lovely place with a small, but varied menu. Beer on tap. We'll def be back!

Life changing lasagna may not actually be life changing, but it is delicious and very tasty. Cosy and comfortable small pub with great wine selection and it is also dog friendly. In the summer there is a good outside seating area too. Just been there for dinner today and it is still as good as always. I had shin of beef stew which was delicious. Also very filling, I could not eat it all! Lovely family run pub and also completely dog friendly.

Absolutely lovely place and an amazing lasagne..yum yum!!! lovely staff, highly recommend

My wife Julie and I Really enjoyed our meal We had the Bass And Filet Steak

Great food…. Must book beforehand.

Superb food and a really good find. It is nestled between Ventnor and Bonchurch and it is well worth visiting. Their “Life changing Lasagna” was awesome and I cleaned out my plate completely. The house red wine was a perfect pairing. If you get the chance, eat there ! It is dog-friendly too

Fantastic Italian with a down to earth atmosphere and all super tasty home cooked food

Just a drink. Traditional no fuss place.

Lovely food. Lasagne, garlic bread, and sticky toffee pudding. All delicious!

Very restful relaxing ambiance. Lasagne was as stated brilliantly "life changing". Pizza was crazy good Was absolutely lovely

This place is a hidden gem and definitely worth a visit. This cosy place offers so much character and amazing food. The staff were warm and welcoming and offered great insights into the food and drinks on offer. The food was unbelievable and some of the best we have had. The lasagna was delicious and perfectly cooked and the garlic bread was a proper baguette with rich garlic butter. 10/10 would visit again

Tried to book a table here, called, nobody answered, filled the form on website, nobody called, went there to find out that no booking made. Lady from reception was rude and said that she answered to all enquiries. I didn’t mind mind to pay for a table if 5, considering that a steak cost £30+, same as london city prices. Avoid!

Lovely food, atmosphere and amazing staff, who couldn’t help enough. Life Changing Lasagne is just that but rest of the menu is outstanding too. Most try if you’re in the area - book to avoid disappointment.

Great food , an amazing service.

Just had an amazing dinner at the Bonchurch Inn, it exceeded our expectations. Friendly, helpful bar staff and superb food, what more can you ask for. The life changing lasagne was 10/10, as was the vegan lasagne. Wanted to book for the next evening but sadly fully booked. Will definitely be back when we are next over to the island!

Would like to give it a higher rating as the food was nice & massive portions, but service was incredibly slow (both drinks and food - mains served 2 hours after arriving) and the place had an unusual, uncomfortable atmosphere. To eat we had sweet potato fish cakes / salmon & crab bruschetta (both lovely) then king prawn linguini which was also decent

We love this place, our go to place to eat. My partner has had the life changing lasagna every time. Great food lovely place and brilliant staff and owners.

Went to the Bonchurch Inn a few weeks ago. The food was amazing with big portions which was great for how much it was priced. The staff were very friendly and it was a nice and comfortable place to be. The life changing lasagne was life changing and overall the experience was great!!

Absolutely lovely food and exceptional service. Definitely worth booking, just park in the street and wander in.

We popped in for some food. Had the 'life changing' lasagne, which was very creamy, although possibly not life changing. A nice little pub, tucked away with its own courtyard. Not overly full with many regulars. Three stars as service was slow and had to go to the bar to pay for the meal, otherwise we would have been there all night waiting for the bill.

All I can say is just go a try the inn for yourselves. You won't be disappointed

Didn't stay in the accommodation but the bar and staff were wonderful all round. Nice little sun trap with plenty of seating too.

Great family run pub with excellent Italian food.

Amazing food. Very fresh and catered to my awkward veganess. Thank you