There’s a surprising number of incredible restaurants on the Isle of Man for such a small island. And that’s what I’m going to be covering in this article. Allow me to take you on a journey of gastronomic delight as I share the best IOM restaurants in Douglas and all other corners of the island.
Eating out is one of my favourite things to do in the Isle of Man. When I moved here two years ago, I’ll admit, I was slightly concerned about the culinary scene. Coming from London, I have always been spoilt when it comes to the choices on offer. And while I’d only consider myself a moderate foodie, my palette does have relatively high standards.
With this in mind, I had to make it my mission to find all the best places to eat on the Isle of Man to avoid the dreaded FOMO. Thankfully, this small, unassuming island has surprised me as it continues to do with many things. In fact, I’ve found plenty of gems on the island that would satisfy even the most sophisticated of taste buds.
So let’s get into it; here are my 30 top restaurants on the Isle of Man.
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Restaurants in Douglas, Isle of Man
Douglas is the islands bustling capital, so it makes sense that most IOM restaurants, pubs, and nightlife concentrate in this area. Most people who visit the island stay in Douglas for this reason.
1. Barbary Coast
Barbary Coast is the island’s answer to Nando’s, TGI Fridays, and Five Guys, all wrapped up into one. Other than McDonald’s, we don’t have any of the UK chain restaurants on the IOM. So naturally, local restaurant entrepreneurs look to create a copycat.
If you’re at all familiar with the restaurants I have mentioned, you’ll have an idea of what to expect from the menu. There’s a diverse selection of chicken, burgers, salads, and other mainstream dishes that never fail to disappoint.
If you’re travelling with the kids, this budget-friendly eatery will go down well with the entire family.
2. Jaks Bar & Smokehouse
Owned by the same people as Barbary Coast, Jaks focuses primarily on high-quality steaks and other meat dishes. It’s a firm favourite of mine, as the steaks are excellent, and cost just half of the price they would in London or other major cities.
Jaks is also one of the most celebrated bars here on the island; therefore, it can get quite rowdy of a weekend. Thankfully the restaurant has a separate area upstairs, so you can enjoy a peaceful meal before indulging in a few cocktails at the bar if you fancy.
3. Coast Bar & Brasserie
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There are only a handful of fine dining experiences here on the Isle of Man, and Coast is one of them. Located on the Douglas promenade, you can experience some of the highest quality food the island offers while enjoying stunning sea views.
The executive chef of the restaurant has previous experience at some of London’s top Michelin star restaurants. His talents are an asset to the island, and every meal I’ve had has been exceptional.
With this kind of reputation, you’d expect to pay above the odds to eat here; however, the food is actually quite reasonable. All things considered, Coast is the perfect spot for a romantic meal or to celebrate a special occasion.
4. Gandhi Restaurant
Hands up if you love Indian food. OK, so that would be everyone then. If you don’t love Indian food, well, let’s just say you’re missing out and leave it there.
For those that do, you’ll be pleased to know that Gandhi’s is an exceptional Indian restaurant in Douglas IOM. Not only serving some exquisite food, but providing unrivalled sea views from its clifftop location.
It’s worth noting that they don’t serve alcohol here; however, you can bring your own for a small corkage fee.
5. The Tea Junction
While there are plenty of cafes and coffee shops in Douglas, the Tea Junction is the islands first ever tea room. Naturally, tea is their speciality, with over 20 strains to choose from. They range from your traditional black and green teas to more adventurous flavours such as masala chai and chocolate and coconut.
To complement the delicious beverages, this unique venue serves some delectable food dishes. If you’re anything like me, you’ll dive straight into the cake selection. But you can also get some lovely lunches such as salads, quiches, and paninis.
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6. Rio’s BBQ & Rodizio
This next Douglas restaurant is one for the meat-lovers. Rio’s is the islands’ first-ever Brazilian Rodizio – A unique dining experience that is basically an all-you-can-eat restaurant style.
If you’re new to this kind of experience, you can expect waiters to come around with various cuts of different meats. You can sample as many and as much as you like while helping yourself to the abundant buffet. It’s a dream for large appetites like mine.
It comes at a reasonable price as well. I’ve paid more for a single steak in London. Situated just minutes away from where I live, Rios is a regular of ours, and I’m confident you will love it too.
7. Little Fish Cafe
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Being an island and all, it would be unusual if we didn’t have some decent seafood on offer. To be honest, I’m not a huge lover of it. I don’t mind it occasionally, but it wouldn’t be my number one choice.
If I were to have it, though, I would go to Little Fish Cafe. They are notorious for having some of the best seafood on the island, and I can confirm that the salmon, which is about as adventurous as I get when it comes to fish, is delicious.
One of their specialities that customers tend to rave about is their Manx Queenies. Queenies are queen scallops that are abundant in Manx waters. They are that much of a local favourite that they are often regarded as the national dish of the Isle of Man.
8. Just Pizza & Pasta
One thing we aren’t short of in the Isle of Man is Italian restaurants and takeaways. Unfortunately, not many even come close to Italian quality pizza and pasta; however, Just Pizza & Pasta are an exception.
My go-to is always the pizza when I visit. Stonebaked to perfection in speciality wood ovens, with a generous helping of toppings and cheese. Wow, I’m salivating just thinking about it.
That said, the pasta is just as good if that’s what you fancy. And I have to insist that you save space for dessert – The Oreo cheesecake is *chefs kiss*.
9. Bonzai Pan Asian Kitchen @ Seven Kingdom Distillery
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After travelling Asia extensively, it takes a lot for me to be impressed by Asian food. Of course, while you can’t expect to find entirely authentic food in the Isle of Man, Bonzai Pan Asian Kitchen do a pretty good job.
Alongside the extensive menu and tasty food, it’s a really unusual (in a good way) vibe at this venue. It feels like one of those trendy Asian fusion bars that you’d find in a large city and wouldn’t be out of place in the likes of London or Berlin.
We always rely on this place for an enjoyable date night. Complete with a wide range of Asian branded beers, it never fails to satisfy our cravings for authentic Asian cuisine.
10. Capone’s Diner
If you’re looking for somewhere cheap and cheerful to eat in the Isle of Man, you can’t go wrong with Capone’s Diner. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but trust me, the food is excellent.
Admittedly, eating a meal here is a no-frills experience, but you get what you pay for. You can get a full English for as little as £6.45, and there’s nothing on the menu that exceeds £8-9. It’s a bargain and a real hidden gem.
11. Noa Bakehouse
Noa Bakehouse is the ‘in’ place to go in Douglas for breakfast, lunch, coffee, or cake. Again, Noa’s stands out from other more conservative cafes on the island, with its rustic & modern image. Though, that doesn’t stop it from being a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.
Undoubtedly the food and coffee are great here – I LOVE the pancakes – but the venue itself is a significant drawcard. Firstly it’s located in the Douglas Market hall, which alone makes for an unusual setting. But it’s also set alongside Douglas quay, one of the most picturesque spots in Douglas.
12. Isle of Gelato
Our final restaurant in Douglas isn’t a restaurant at all. But it is one of my favourite places to eat on the island; therefore, I decided it deserved a spot on this list.
You’ll thank me later once you’ve had one of the most incredible ice creams of your life. And no, I’m not exaggerating. It is genuinely one of the most sensational ice creams I’ve ever had.
I especially love Isle of Gelato because every time you visit, there are different flavours to choose from. They’ll take popular chocolate bars such as snickers or kinder bueno and make ice creams out of them. They even do ice cream for dogs which my Ronnie loves!
Restaurants in Port Erin, Isle of Man
Port Erin is located in the South of the island. It’s relatively small but undeniably charming, and it’s home to one of the best beaches on the Isle of Man.
I highly recommend making the trip to Port Erin during your time here, and for when you do, here are some of my favourite places to eat in the area.
13. Port Erin Chippy & Diner
For the same reasons I mentioned earlier, it’s unsurprising that we have no shortage of great fish and chip shops on the island. Up there with the best of them is Port Erin Chippy & Diner.
Supplying fish & chips since the 1980s, Port Erin Chippy & Diner is a solid local favourite, earning a well-deserved reputation as ‘the best chippy on the island.
If you’re like me and don’t like seafood, here’s your opportunity to try chips, cheese, and gravy – another local delicacy. It’s similar to the Canadian dish, poutine, but a million times better!
14. La Gusto Pizza
Another of my favourite pizza restaurants on the Isle of Man is La Gusto in Port Erin. Located at the far end of the Port Erin promenade, it’s one of my favourite spots on the island.
There’s a small and cosy restaurant area where you can eat; however, if the weather is suitable, I suggest getting a takeaway and eating it on the beachfront.
With its golden-white sand and dramatic tall cliffs, it’s a breathtaking view from the beach. You can also catch some of the best sunsets on the island from here.
15. Foraging Vintners
Another exceptional venue on Port Erin bay is Foraging Vintners. Admittedly, they are more of a winery/bar than a restaurant; however, they do serve small plates to compliment the drinks.
What’s alluring about this place is, first of all, the view. They have a glass balcony area that overlooks Port Erin bay, which is utterly spectacular. Although, it gets hectic on warmer days.
Not only that, though, all of the local wines that they produce are made without grapes. Instead, they use other exciting ingredients such as rhubarb to create unique yet delightful concoctions.
16. The Bay Hotel
For the best Sunday roast on the island, apart from mine, head to the Bay Hotel. Not to blow my own trumpet or anything, but I cook a k!ller roast dinner. You won’t often find me attempting one at a restaurant.
After hearing some great reviews about The Bay Hotel, I decided to try it out. And I have to say; it was one of the best Sunday roast dinners I’ve had that’s not been cooked at home. Not only was it tasty, but the presentation was impeccable. They probably beat mine in that department!
If you’re wondering if you can try my famous roast dinner, of course, you can, my friend! Give me a shout when you’re on the island, and I’ll get the apron on.
17. Cafe Red
Natalie and I spent the night in Port Erin in our camper van on Friday, and we stumbled upon Cafe Red when hunting down a nice breakfast. Obviously, we were not disappointed, as it landed itself a place on this list.
I opted for a veggie breakfast that came with a generous helping of beans, mushrooms, avocado, tomato, eggs & toast, and Natalie had a sausage bap. Both were delicious, but out of the two, mine was the winner.
The coffee was also great, and they had a lovely selection of cakes & sweet treats. But sadly, we were both too full to try them.
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Best Restaurants in Peel, Isle of Man
Peel is one of the most fascinating parts of the Isle of Man. Mainly due to the impressive ruins of the Medieval Peel Castle of which dominate the landscape.
You don’t want to miss this extraordinary historical IOM attraction, and after reading this, you won’t want to miss these incredible places to eat either.
18. The Boatyard
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Located on Peel’s picturesque quayside, the Boatyard is one of the most affirmed restaurants on the island. They pride themselves on serving only the best fresh and local produce, putting together a unique and creative menu catering to all dietary requirements.
During the Summer especially, Peel is an atmospheric place to be. I love that you can enjoy views of the marina and castle ruins from this restaurant, whilst being in the heart of all the action.
19. Harbour Lights Cafe and Restaurant
Expect a bit of posh nosh at this next Isle of Man restaurant. Harbour Lights serves meals from breakfast right through to dinner. And whilst you’ll find nothing out of the ordinary on the menu, everything’s cooked and presented to a premium standard, which is why I always say ‘it’s a bit posh’.
With that, you can expect to pay a few quid over the odds for some things. However, the portions are large, and the food is good. They also don’t have an alcohol license, so that you can bring your own. It’s incredible how much money you save when you don’t have to pay for wine!
20. The Creek Inn
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Who doesn’t love a bit of pub grub? Great stodgy food plus cold draft beer is a winning combination!
Unfortunately, since the local brewery took over most of the pubs on the island, it’s getting harder to find decent pub grub. Fortunately, however, we still have The Creek Inn.
The Creek Inn is one of the best pubs in Peel and one of the best places to eat on the Isle of Man. Everything from the burgers and wraps to the traditional English classics always go down a treat.
21. Davisons Ice Cream
Davisons Ice Cream is a local treasure on the Isle of Man, and it all started here in Peel back in 1988. Founded by a local, it began as a small family-run business selling Belgian chocolates. Today it is one of the most well-known local businesses on the island.
Rain or shine, I never miss visiting the Davisons Ice Cream parlour when visiting Peel. With dozens of flavours to choose from, it may take me a solid 20 minutes to make my mind up on what flavour to get. But that’s beside the point.
Restaurants in Ramsey, Isle of Man
Living in Douglas, I don’t tend to venture to Ramsey much. When I lived in London, a 40-minute journey was just half of my commute to work. However, living on the Isle of Man, a 40-minute journey is incomprehensible unless you’re going on holiday.
That said, I have ventured to those distant pastures on more than a few occasions. It’s a gorgeous town and well worth visiting. And here are some restaurant recommendations for when you do.
22. Harbour View Bistro
Harbour View Bistro provides a fine dining experience in the north of the island. Their speciality is seafood, although they have a comprehensive menu that includes meat and vegetarian options.
Set in a historic 19th-century building and overlooking the scenic Ramsey Harbour, it’s not just the food but the setting that makes this one of the most outstanding restaurants on the Isle of Man.
23. Vellika’s
After finding an Indian restaurant as good as Ghandi’s on the Isle of Man, I thought it was unlikely that I’d come across another. Then comes along Vellika’s, and it totally proves me wrong.
I wound up here by accident after a rare night out in Ramsey, and it isn’t just the beers talking, but the food was exquisite. My chicken curry was the perfect ratio of meat and vegetables, and the heat was just as I like it – SPICY!
It’s a slightly different offering to your typical Indian as they specialise in South Indian dishes, but you’ll undoubtedly know some of them. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
24. Bourne Plaice
While the southerners claim Port Erin chippy is the best on the island, the northerners insist that it’s Bourne Plaice.
Me, I couldn’t possibly comment, as I could land myself in a battle with my own people. You’re just going to have to try it for yourself!
25. Gophers Coffee Shop
Gophers is a small and cosy coffee shop overlooking Ramsey Harbour. I’ve only ever been in here for a coffee in the past, and strangely, I didn’t even try a cake. I couldn’t have been feeling right that day!
But as you do, I did have a little nose at the food coming out. It looked lovely, and I know the locals speak very highly of this place. While there is a Costa nearby, we would love it if you could support our small local cafes such as this one instead.
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Other Places to Eat in the Isle of Man
OK, now I’ve covered the best Isle of Man restaurants in the bigger towns; let’s look at some other of my favourite spots in random locations around the island.
26. The Shed, Laxey
If there were an award for the cutest cafe in the Isle of Man, The Shed would win it hands down. As the name suggests, the venue itself is really no bigger than a shed, but it is living proof that size doesn’t matter.
What’s so endearing about The Shed is its warm and welcoming vibe. In the Summer, they have outdoor seating areas that span across the Laxey promenade. And during the winter, they provide shelter, blankets, and hot water bottles.
Rain or shine, I never miss out on an opportunity to go to the shed. It’s my go-to place when I’m feeling a bit ‘meh’. After all, there’s not much that coffee, cake, a hot water bottle, and a sea view can’t solve.
27. The Cafe at the Sound
I absolutely love this next spot, not only for the cafe but for the location. The Sound is a small stretch of water that separates the Isle of Man from the Calf of Man. You can read more about the Calf of Man here, but it’s an extraordinary place.
This area of the island is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, stunning coastal walks, and plentiful wildlife. It’s extremely common to see herds of seals at this spot, and it’s not unheard of to see dolphins and sharks as well.
The cafe at the sounds allows you the opportunity to revel in the wonders of our natural world while enjoying some excellent food. Its panoramic windows allow for unrivalled views regardless of the weather.
28. Secret Pizza, Castletown
You’ve probably guessed by now, but pizza is my spirit food. I suppose it’s lucky that there are so many great pizza restaurants here on the Isle of Man.
Secret Pizza is a breath of fresh air on the Isle of Man culinary scene. It’s quirky and trendy yet still manages to appeal to a diverse customer base of all ages.
The food is nothing short of amazing. It’s also a great venue with some epic artwork by a local artist. Look out for band nights and themed nights when the place comes alive. I can’t recommend it enough!
29. Victory Cafe, Snaefell
Located at the foot of Snaefell mountain, the islands highest point, this is the perfect spot to refuel after hiking the mountain. Walking to the peak of Snaefell is one of the top things you can do on the Isle of Man, so I highly suggest you do that.
You know what they say, we can do hard things if there’s the promise of a reward at the end. And I pinky promise that Victory Cafe is that reward.
Located at the heart of the TT course, it’s a relatively new venue with a biker type theme which is very cool. The food is fantastic with generous portions, so I know you won’t be disappointed.
30. Cornerhouse Coffee, Port St Mary
I stumbled on this coffee shop by accident on a recent trip to the vets with my dog. Wow, what a find! It’s a modest-looking place and might easily be missed if you weren’t looking, but it sure did impress us.
Natalie ordered a tea, and I had a chai latte, plus we had a panini and a chocolate brownie to share. Honestly, I couldn’t fault anything – I thoroughly enjoyed every last bite and sip. And as for the view over the bay, that’s just the icing on the cake.
Enjoy These Places to Eat in the Isle of Man
Well, that concludes our list of the best restaurants on the Isle of Man. I hope I’ve helped convince you that the IOM culinary scene has a lot to offer. What place are you looking forward to visiting the most? Do you have any other questions or feedback?
Let us know! We love hearing from you. You can reach out to us in the comment section below.
Stay adventurous and happy travels.
Planning a trip to the Isle of Man? Check out our Isle of Man series to help with inspiration.
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