Bounding along endless stretches of golden sands, chasing balls through wide-open countryside, and seeking out the best sticks in ancient forests; dog-friendly holidays on the Isle of Wight certainly work up an appetite! So where are the best places to refuel where doggie diners are as welcome as you?
We’ve searched high and low across the island to find a selection of the best dog-friendly pubs on the Isle of Wight where pups can warm their paws by crackling open fires, as well as dog-friendly cafes and restaurants, some with special menus just for four-legged customers.
Read on to discover some great places to eat near our dog-friendly holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight.
1. Best dog-friendly places to eat after a country walk
The Pointer Inn credit: Instagram @edlene1158
Tails will certainly be wagging at the sight of this award-winning pub’s huge beer garden which leads onto a field for off-the-lead frolics. After invigorating rambles along the nearby Bembridge Trail, this is the perfect spot to lap up a refreshing bowl of water and soak up some sunshine. Humans, meanwhile, can quench their thirst with a pint of real ale accompanied by an array of comforting pub classics created using the freshest local and homegrown ingredients.
Where to stay: Squire Thatchers Barn | Sleeps 2 dogs and 6 humans
The Cow Co. Restaurant & Bar credit: Instagram @thecowtapnellfarm
One of the most unique dog-friendly places to eat on the Isle of Wight, this bar and restaurant is set within a converted Swiss barn at the heart of Tapnell Farm in Yarmouth. Perfect for a post-walkie treat after exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside, pups can settle down on a blanket with a brimming bowl of water and delight in lots of fuss from the friendly staff. Home-cooked gastropub favourites, mouth-watering steaks and award-winning burgers all feature on the menu, as well as a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Why not sit outside amongst the farm’s ‘Wight Herd’ – a colourful sight which needs to be seen to be believed!
Where to stay: Field Cottage | Sleeps 2 dogs and 8 humans
2. Best dog-friendly places to eat after a day on the beach
Met-Italia credit: Instagram @metitalia_ventnor
After racing along the sands of beautiful Ventnor Beach, salty sea dogs can enjoy a well-deserved snooze in this Isle of Wight dog-friendly restaurant. Choose between comfy leather seating inside or make the most of the incredible seafront location with one of the tables outside on the pavement. Tuck into some tasty tapas, a steaming bowl of pasta, or a slice of homemade cake and rich Italian coffee, and you’ll soon feel like you’ve stepped into the Mediterranean as you and your pup pal watch the waves crashing on the beach across the road.
Where to stay: Bonchurch Waterfront Bliss | Sleeps 2 dogs and 6 humans
Highdown Inn credit: Instagram @studiowolgers
Whether you’ve spent the day splashing in the waves of Freshwater, Colwell or Alum Bay, or felt the wind in your fur admiring the famous Needles landmark, this dog-friendly Isle of Wight coastal pub offers a warm welcome for all. Hiding out on the Tennyson Down, you can mingle with the locals of the two and four-legged variety whilst selecting your meal from the daily blackboard specials (we particularly recommend the seafood and shellfish), and helping yourselves to some complimentary water and dog treats. A roaring log fire inside will soon dry off damp paws, while a glorious garden and patio area awaits canine explorers wanting to soak up the last of the sunshine outside.
Where to stay: Tennyson Wing Cottage | Sleeps 2 dogs and 4 humans
3. Best dog-friendly places to eat with multiple dogs
The Taverners credit: Instagram @skinnyfoodvintageplates
After sniffing out the best scenic walks surrounding the pretty chocolate-box village of Godshill, this relaxed dog-friendly country pub awaits weary paws and hungry tums. Let the pack stretch out by the fire while you peruse a tempting seasonal menu featuring traditional pub favourites alongside the likes of salt-roasted Godshill pig face with homemade pork faggot, red cabbage, and celeriac puree. Much of the fruit and veg is sourced from the pub’s own garden and vegetable patch, and the meat and fish are all local. They even have a shop at the back of the pub where you can pick up some local Island-made products to take home with you.
Where to stay: Bridgecourt Manor Cottage | Sleeps 4 dogs and 5 humans
Off the Rails credit: Instagram @offtherailsyarmouth
When it comes to dog-friendly cafes on the Isle of Wight, this has got to be one of our favourites. Bring the whole pack to enjoy the extensive dog menu, which includes a range of dry meals, treats and even doggie ice cream to keep pups cool during the summer months. Set along the old railway line in Yarmouth’s former train station, this is a brilliant pit-stop during walkies along the Causeway from Freshwater. Dine alfresco on the station platform or head indoors to sample their delectable menu of British and European cuisine.
Where to stay: Lodore | Sleeps 2 dogs and 6 humans
4. Best dog-friendly places to eat which cater to families
The Buddle Inn credit: Instagram @character_inns
Nestled on the cliff-tops, this popular pet-friendly Island inn is a big hit with families, offering a great children’s menu and a free goodie bag with every child’s main meal ordered. Happy hounds are welcome inside and out, and will go barking mad for their own treat menu! Humans can delight in homemade dishes and seafood specialities, while soaking up the incredible views across the English Channel. And there’s no better way to walk off your dinner than by grabbing Fido’s collar and lead and following the scenic path opposite down to St Catherine’s Lighthouse.
Where to stay: St Catherine's Cottage | Sleeps 1 dog and 6 humans
The Fleming Arms, Ryde
The Fleming Arms credit: Instagram @theflemingarms
This family dining pub in Ryde is a dog’s dream, boasting a doggie photo gallery where diners can display pictures of their prized pooch. Treat Buster to a bottle of dog beer as he enjoys a tickle behind the ear from one of the pup-loving staff, and let the kids have fun in the playground outside. A host of pub favourites feature on the human menu, including The Fleming Arms Belly Buster – we won’t be blamed for the consequences when your four-pawed pal sees this arrive on the table…
Where to stay: Bay View Cottage - Seaview Beach | Sleeps 2 dogs and 8 humans
5. Best dog-friendly places to eat for one man and his dog
The Red Lion credit: Instagram @wightlinkferry
Packed with old-world charm, doggy diners and their hungry owners will adore this cosy village pub in Freshwater. Located in prime dog-walking country, muddy paws and wellies are happily welcomed after wonderful countryside rambles. Sink into one of the leather armchairs, warm yourselves by the roaring open fire, and sip on a frothy real ale as your faithful hound dozes at your feet. Bliss!
Where to stay: The Wendy House – Freshwater | Sleeps 2 dogs and 2 humans
The Hideaway credit: Instagram @frankiebluefrenchbulldog
Perched atop the cliff at Shanklin, with some of the best sea views of any of the dog-friendly restaurants on the Isle of Wight, this is the perfect pooch pit-stop whilst out on a walk along the coast. On fine days, dine outside watching the boats bob on the sea while waggy-tailed ones play in the garden. Or dive inside and enjoy a laid-back vibe, dining on homemade freshly cooked local fare as your happy hound receives lots of fuss from the staff.
Where to stay: Kiely Cottage | Sleeps 2 dogs and6 humans
Dog-friendly places to stay on the Isle of Wight
If these dog-friendly gastropubs and eateries on the Isle of Wight have whetted your appetite and your pup is now drooling over your keyboard or phone, then why not have a browse of our dog-friendly cottages on the Isle of Wight and start planning a tail-wagging treat of a getaway with your pack.
Carpenters Cottage St Helens | Sleeps 2 dogs and 3 humans
For more paw-friendly things to do, including attractions, walks and beaches, check out our ultimate dog-friendly Isle of Wight guide.
For even more great places to chow down with your pooch, why not go out for a dog's dinner at the UK's most dog-friendly pubs or the UK's most dog-friendly cafes?
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.