For such a tiny gem in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is home to some exceptional places to eat. It’s no surprise, really – this incredible island boasts some of the tastiest, most carefully grown produce to be found in the British Isles.
Whether it’s the incredible seafood, artisanal breads being baked every day, grass-fed meat or super-fresh fruit and veg, the island offers a smorgasbord of delights for the adventurous chef to develop and build a menu fit for a Manx king. We’ve taken a peek at the best eateries to be found on the Isle of Man to make your island holiday that bit extra special.
The Shed, Laxey
Founded in 2017, The Shed is a beautiful spot situated on Laxey Promenade with gorgeous views over the water and nestled underneath the picturesque cliffs at the far end of Laxey Bay. Owners Bev and Richard love the Danish tradition of Hygge and keep everything cosy, so you’ll find hot water bottles, blankets, and beanbags for cold days and blissfully shady umbrellas for hot days, alongside the beautifully crafted artisan food, excellent coffees, and famous juices.
After a meander along the waterfront, head here for rib-stickingly good pies, hefty doorstep sandwiches, wholesome soups and devilishly naughty cakes. They also provide a great breakfast menu and cater to all dietary requirements. If you want a dash of something healthy, do try one of their award-winning cold-pressed juices, which also come in lolly form.
Victory Café, Snaefell
A must for food lovers and bike enthusiasts, the Victory Café is set in a former Cold War radar station and overlooks the 31st milestone of the TT Racecourse. With a bustling atmosphere and great staff, this cosy biker café is a must-stop for filling, wholesome fare such as ploughman’s, ham, egg and chips, chunky sandwiches, hearty pies and huge cooked breakfasts, all washed down with large pots of tea to keep you going, whether you’re planning on climbing Snaefell (there’s a path leading to the summit behind the café) or settling in to watch the TT.
As you would expect, this spot gets extremely busy, especially during the races, so be prepared for lots of hustle and bustle. As well as the café, there’s a shop selling motorbike merchandise and a small cinema showing TT films. It’s dog-friendly too, making it perfect for walkers and their four-legged friends.
The Sound Café, Port Erin
Set at the southernmost point of the Isle of Man, The Sound Café boasts panoramic views over the Calf of Man (a 600-acre nature reserve) and the surrounding countryside, and is an ideal stop-off if you’ve been out and about walking the coastal path. As you sit and keep an eye out for marine birdlife, such as the Manx shearwater, kittiwake, chough and razorbill, and watch the sea for sightings of seals, dolphins and basking sharks.
Open for breakfast and lunch, set yourself up for the day with a big cooked breakfast, kippers and eggs, breakfast burrito or a trio of homemade pancakes slathered in smoked bacon and syrup. Or pop in mid-adventure to fuel up on crab sandwiches, fish and chips, burgers or a tofu katsu curry. Alternatively, it’s a great stop off for a morning coffee or afternoon tea to whet the whistle. Opening times vary depending on the season, so do check out their website in advance.
Little Fish Café, Douglas
As the name suggests, this little beauty is an informal, warm and welcoming spot very much focused on seafood. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, they also make a mean cocktail and brew excellent coffee. With pretty quayside views over the sparkling waters and just a short stroll from the centre of Douglas, Little Fish Café is a fab spot to imbibe in the freshest of denizens from the deep.
If you’re heading there for lunch or dinner, you simply must try their Queenies (a kind of Scallop native to the Isle of Man) with bacon and Noa sourdough, or their roasted cod, pea and pancetta fricassee with tarragon beurre blanc. Fancy brunch instead? Eggs royale, ‘Little Fish’ tacos, and crispy cod burgers are bound to set you up for the day ahead. Little Fish Café is a busy spot, so it's worth booking ahead of your visit. For warmer days, there’s seating outdoors to soak up the sun.
The Square, Ramsey
Small and unassuming from the outside, The Square is a fantastic restaurant that’s a must when visiting Ramsey. Bistro-style and casual, the welcome is warm and the food is simple but done very well indeed. With seafood a highlight, there’s something for everyone on the menu from the much-lauded cheese soufflé and smoked duck breast to monkfish and prawn curry and chicken schnitzel.
They’re also famed for their Sunday roasts (not served every week, so do check ahead of your visit) and excellent specials menu. A firm favourite with Islanders, it’s always busy here due to its exceptional food, great value, and fantastic staff and service, so it’s a must that you book ahead.
The Boathouse Eatery, Ramsey
Set within a park, this beautiful spot has lovely views over a lake and a covered outdoor seating area for sun-soaked dining. The menu at The Boathouse Eatery is superb and reflective of the chef’s expert knowledge of seafood, with plenty of options from beef carpaccio and braised short rib to Queenie scallops, crab claws, and pan-fried hake.
With attentive staff and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, it’s a super-friendly place that has lured people back again and again, and perfect for families, couples and party celebrations alike – definitely not one to be missed! Open Wednesday through to Sunday, with occasional pop-up bistro nights (check out their socials for further information).
Noa Bakehouse, Douglas
If you want the perfect start to your day, head to Noa Bakehouse situated in the North Quay of Douglas. Part bakery, part café, this family-run business is integral to Douglas and is a must-visit for their sourdough goods, house-roasted coffee beans, and excellent breakfasts, brunches, lunches, coffee and cakes.
Focussed on using only local suppliers, Noa Bakehouse offers a fantastic glimpse into the Isle of Man’s exceptional produce on offer, creating such delights as pecan nut and salted caramel sticky buns, doughnuts on a Friday, chicken shawarma and onion bhaji burgers, and of course, freshly brewed coffee to kick start your morning. Noa Bakehouse opens on occasion in the evening and hosts other events, so check out their socials to keep up to date with this community-led eatery.
The Shore Hotel Restaurant, Laxey
For something a little special, head to The Shore Hotel Restaurant for gorgeous food overlooking the famous Laxey River. With a contemporary à la carte menu carefully curated by South African-born chef Charl Coetzee, starters include tiger prawn thermidor on sesame sourdough bread and salmon tartare with twice-cooked egg. For mains, you’ll have the hard choice of deciding between umami-glazed rib eye, pan-fried cod fillet with roast parsnip puree and hazelnut beurre noisette, or pumpkin, vegetable and chickpea curry.
Desserts lure you in with caramelised banana and dulce de leche mousse, date and sticky toffee pud or locally made gelato. Their Sunday lunches are fabulous too, with roast beef sirloin, chicken and pan-roasted salmon on the menu with all the trimmings. This is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike, so make sure to book a table ahead of your visit.
The Creek Inn, Peel
Overlooking Peel Hill and the marina, The Creek Inn is a fantastic family-run pub serving quality food and a great selection of drinks. Expect excellent pub grub, from steak pie and seafood platters to lamb shank, fish and chips and lasagne to satisfy even the hungriest of tums, plus the ever-present Queenies and bacon.
Serving Okell’s Ales along with eight guest beers, there are drinks aplenty to choose from, and with regular live music throughout the year, the atmosphere here is super friendly, and it’s a great spot to mingle with the locals. Open seven days a week, set yourself up cosily inside the characterful bar on colder days, or head outside into the sunny beer garden during the summer months and soak up the sea air.
Refuge, Douglas
This oh-so-popular and incredibly welcoming bistro and bar offers laid-back lunches and dinners with dishes that reflect the owners' travels around Australia, who wanted to bring back and share their experiences with the island. A lunch at Refuge sees such delights as smoked haddock chowder, braised beef ragu, and lamb gyros, while dinners (served Thursday to Saturday) tickle tastebuds with smoked salmon roulade, miso honey-glazed pork belly, and seabass.
On Saturdays, you can enjoy a leisurely brunch with chorizo eggs Benedict, burrata bruschetta, and king oyster ramen. The drinks menu is top-notch too, with a small but beautifully curated selection of wines and an exceptional cocktail menu.
Porters Kitchen, Douglas
Head to the famous Porters Kitchen for lip-smackingly good burgers, crispy wings, and tender ribs, all washed down with an unctuous milkshake. All of the burgers are made with Manx beef, and there’s plenty of choice from the Porter (with Manx cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion) to the Mexican that comes with tortilla chips, guacamole, and chilli cheddar. There's chicken, halloumi, and vegan options too.
Ribs are cooked low and slow with house BBQ sauce, while the wings are either BBQ, hot sauce or buffalo. There’s a kids’ menu, and for the shakes, you can choose from vanilla, double chocolate, and Biscoff, with changing specials every day. Porters is open every day except Sunday, and there are a few tables should you decide to stay and eat. Otherwise, select to have takeaway and find yourself a sweet spot on the waterfront, or take your bags of deliciousness back to your holiday home for the evening.
The Boatyard Restaurant, Peel
With wonderful views over the marina, Peel Castle, and the surrounding countryside, The Boatyard Restaurant is a wonderful place to eat, with its menu brimming with local produce and an open-view kitchen to watch the chefs at work. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the extensive a la carte menu features such delights as locally smoked kipper chowder, fish gratin, BBQ pork ribs and Korean Bulgogi, Udon noodles with mushroom and tofu ragu. A must-try is the award-winning Manx Queenie Pancake.
For little ones, there’s a great children’s menu with handmade fish fingers, pirates pasta and ice ‘berg ahead’ cream. If you’re in the area on a Sunday, do check out their Sunday roasts too. The drinks list is huge – whether you’re after a citrussy Sauvignon Blanc, a juicy Malbec, a champagne cocktail with rhubarb, or an oh-so-grown-up summer gin, there’s a huge choice in the wine and locally-produced spirits department, while there’s a good selection of beers, ales, and ciders to choose from too.
Feeling hungry? Take a look at our gorgeous holiday cottages on the Isle of Man and start planning your foodie getaway today.
