There’s nothing like the taste of good food on holiday. Perhaps it’s the fresh sea air, or the appetite you get from exploring, but something about a freshly cooked plate of grub is hard to resist, whether you consider yourself a foodie or not.
If your stomach is already rumbling at the idea of the food on your Isle of Man holiday, then this guide is for you. We’ll take you through the best places to eat on the Isle of Man, giving you plenty of options, no matter what sort of food you’re in the mood for.
What food is the Isle of Man famous for?
Unsurprisingly, for an island, the Isle of Man (sometimes known as “Manx”) produces fantastic seafood. “Manx queenies” – queen scallops – are a particular favourite, thanks to their light, sweet taste. Smoked and salted kippers are also another popular choice, and have been cured in Peel using the same method since 1884.
Away from the sea, the unofficial dish of the island is chips, cheese and gravy. You might be familiar with chips and gravy already, but the addition of cheese adds another level that the locals love. Manx cheddar is particularly creamy, creating a gooey, delicious meal that’s the perfect treat after a day exploring the island. There’s even a national day to celebrate this dish, typically the last Monday in January.
Manx Loaghtan lamb is also another speciality. These sheep have four curved horns, and are native to the island, taking 15-18 months to mature. The meat is dark, has a gamey flavour and their wool is prized by knitters.
Best places to eat in the Isle of Man
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, let’s look at some of the best Isle of Man restaurants. We’ve grouped them by location to make it easier for you to find ones near where you’re staying – choosing a favourite is up to you.
In Douglas
1. Aura Bar & Bistro
Address: Queens Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 4NH
Launched in 2020, this delicious spot has become a local favourite, known for the friendly and welcoming staff. The cuisine focuses on Indian fusion, with dishes such as spice fried chicken wings, manx queenies tossed in a chilli garlic sauce, and Moroccan inspired Manx lamb chops.
All of their ‘authentic curry’ options can be made with meat, fish, paneer, or artichoke hearts and vegetables, giving plenty of choice for vegetarian diners, in addition to a specific vegetarian and vegan section of the menu. You can also choose your spice level – so there’s no need to worry about heat levels if you have a sensitive palate.
2. Jak’s Bar & Smokehouse
Address: 3 Loch Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2LZ
If you’re looking for stunning scenery while you eat, then Jak’s should definitely make your shortlist. Overlooking Douglas Bay, this family friendly restaurant has live music and sport on show (in the bar area only), so the atmosphere is lively without being too overwhelming. All the meat is sourced from a local butcher, with popular dishes such as burgers, pulled pork, mixed grill and chicken skewers. There’s also a Sunday carvery menu if you’re looking for a roast dinner, and a kids menu for under-12s if you’ve got younger travellers in your party.
3. The Fig & Olive
Address: 13-15 Castle Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2EX
Bringing a dose of Mediterranean sunshine to the Isle of Man, The Fig & Olive combines seasonal ingredients to create wholesome dishes that lift your mood and delight your taste buds. Try baked goat’s cheese with a fresh berry salad, queenie risotto, sea bass niçoise salad or even a piping hot pizza. Complete your plate with delicious sides such as feta fries, a heirloom tomato salad or roasted asparagus. Gluten-free and vegan diners can enjoy choosing from their own menus, ensuring that everyone is catered for without difficulty.
If you’ve got room afterwards, then there’s a delectable selection of desserts and ice cream sundaes, as well as a cheeseboard. Too full? Skip dessert and opt for an after dinner cocktail instead.
4. Enzo’s Restaurant
Address: 52 Bucks Rd, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 3AD
With a 4.7 star rating on Google, Enzo’s easily makes the list of the best places to eat in the Isle of Man. This small and intimate restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or to celebrate a special occasion – we think that being on holiday is reason enough to go celebrate. The small number of customers means that you’ll get attentive service without being bothered too often, and the staff are happy to recommend both food and wine pairings to go with your meal. It’s popular, so call ahead to book a table.
5. Titan Broadway
Address: 42 Broadway, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 4EW
Previously based in Port Erin, before moving to Douglas in 2016, Titan has been around for over ten years and remains a firm favourite. It’s primarily a steak restaurant, although there are a few fish and vegetarian options scattered throughout the menu.
Start with an appetiser of slow cooked pork belly, complete with maple and bourbon glaze, before moving on to your choice of steak, beef wellington or chicken supreme. Add sides such as fries and pigs in blankets, and then finish your meal off with a delectable dessert, cheeseboard or coffee. With reasonable prices and generous portions, you certainly won’t leave hungry. Ring ahead to book, as this spot does get busy.
6. Little Fish Cafe
Address: 30 N Quay, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 4LB
What better place to try out a fish dish than on an island? You really can’t get much fresher than this, with the Little Fish cafe serving up the latest catch in the form of fish tacos, fish and chips, seafood curry and of course, queenies.
Located on the quayside in Douglas, you can enjoy a delicious dinner, brunch or even a cocktail or two while taking in the view. Aside from classics such as a Dark & Stormy, you can try local cocktails containing ingredients such as Rye Hill Farm beetroot juice and Fynoderee Glashtyn spiced rum. Food portions are generous, so bear this in mind – don’t forget to leave plenty of room for dessert.
7. Refuge Bar & Bistro
Address: 52 Athol St, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1JB
Located a few streets back from the quayside, Refuge is an upmarket, elegant choice if you’re looking for somewhere a bit special on your trip to the Isle of Man. Expect hearty,
warming food that is plated beautifully, without being fussy; chic table settings and a classy drinks menu that comes with a full explanation of the flavour profiles. You definitely don’t want to rush a meal here – make sure to leave time to simply sit and enjoy the ambience.
If your evenings are already booked up, then you can still squeeze in for brunch. Eggs Benedict is given the special treatment thanks to the addition of chorizo and paprika hollandaise, or you can take a trip to Asia with the King Oyster mushroom ramen.
8. Flavours Indian Cuisine
Address: 1 Sherwood Terrace Broadway Douglas, IM2 4EN
This restaurant has proven so popular that they’ve actually got two locations on the Isle of Man – one in Douglas, and one in Peel. Serving authentic Indian cuisine that’s been whipped up by Head Chef Kunal, you can be sure of a warm welcome and delicious food with a personal twist on traditional recipes.
There’s plenty of choice on the menu for vegetarians, with starters such as curry leaf and black pepper crispy cauliflower, curry mains that can be made with vegetables instead of meat, and mouthwatering sides like dal makhini – slow cooked black lentils with tomato, manx butter and cream. This is definitely a great place to add to your list if you’re travelling as part of a group, or for something really warming after a winter walk.
9. HQ Bar & Restaurant
Address: Mereside, 1 Empire Terrace, Douglas, IM2 4LE
Our next stop has a historic background: it used to be a World War Two internment camp and mail office. Fortunately, it bears no resemblance to this now, with the old building benefiting from a modern makeover, creating an open, light space without disregarding the period features. Pull up a chair in the dining room, or on sunny days, make the most of the weather on the terrace.
The menu is ‘bistro’ style, with classics such as fish and chips and burgers, but also delicious small plates like a queenie tostado (tortilla) and ham hock croquettes. There’s even a dedicated plant-based menu. All ingredients are sourced locally, so you can be sure of a fresh meal.
10. Liberties Restaurant & Lounge
Address: Mannin Hotel, 8-16 Broadway, Douglas, IM2 4EL
Located in the Mannin Hotel, overlooking the marina, Liberties is tastefully decorated with décor inspired by Archibald Knox, who most famously was the principal designer for Liberty’s department store in London. The Art Nouveau style creates an airy, sophisticated space that draws you in and makes you feel like you’re somewhere special.
Great for a relaxed lunch or weeknight dinner, as well as a hearty roast lunch, hotel residents and non-residents alike are all welcome here. Dine in style (but without fuss) and let yourself be looked after by the friendly staff.
Elsewhere on the Isle of Man
11. La Mona Lisa Restaurant (Laxey)
Address: 10 Glen Road, Laxey, IM4 7AB
Sometimes, nothing but a good pizza can hit the spot – so if you’re in the mood for a slice, head to La Mona Lisa in Laxey. This family-run eatery has been open since 1994, and everything is cooked to order. It’s not just pizza, either: the extensive menu boasts antipasti, pasta, risottos, meat and fish dishes as well as sides. All the meat is sourced locally and even the pizza flour is created on the Isle of Man.
If you’ve got enough room afterwards, you can dive into one of their desserts, all of which are handmade onsite by the chef.
12. Rum Baba’s (Ramsey)
Address: 66 Parliament St, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 1AJ
If you’re looking for somewhere relaxed to eat while you’re on holiday, Rum Baba’s should certainly be on your list. A casual dining spot that is inspired by the Caribbean, it’s best known for its surf and turf menu, tapas and cocktails (especially the rum ones). You can also tuck into brunch specials such as a Baba’s bagel (bacon and cheese) or Caribbean avocado smash with focaccia.
Kids under 10 eat for free at Rum Baba’s on a Wednesday, so if that ties in with your visiting days, then make the most of this deal. They’ll also get an activity pack to keep them entertained, meaning everyone will be happy.
13. The Boatyard Restaurant (Peel)
Address: Mariners Wharf Peel, E Quay, Peel, IM5 1AR
It’s a family affair at The Boatyard, with the restaurant being run by Robin Mowfat, his mother Joan, and sister Laura. Winning the Manx Menu award in 2024, the team offers a whole range of seasonal fish and meat dishes, as well as plant-based options. In fact, if you’re a plant-based eater, you may also want to check out Laura’s restaurant, Vibe, which is located on the other side of the island – it’s the only fully plant-based restaurant on the Isle of Man.
If you do eat fish, then you’re in for a treat. Start with a crab toastie or queenie pancake, before moving onto cod loin paella or local haddock fish fingers. Round off the whole experience with one of their decadent ice cream sundaes. This is a really special spot, not to be missed.
14. Byron’s (Port Erin)
Address: Shore Road, Port Erin, IM9 6HL
Serving freshly made pizzas with views of the beach, Byron’s is a relaxed pizzeria where the dough is slowly fermented for up to 72 hours before baking, giving it a lighter taste than other more doughy pizzas. As well as classic flavours like margherita, there’s more unusual choices such as “fiocco” – double cream, roast ham, chips, provolone and secret spices.
It’s the same pizza as you can get from La Gusto (located next door), but Byrons’s gives you the option to sit in the restaurant, while La Gusto only does takeaway.
15. The Abbey (Ballasalla)
Address: Rushen Abbey, Mill Rd, Ballasalla, Isle of Man IM9 3DB
The country house setting of The Abbey gives it a grandeur that really makes a meal here special. Surrounded by trees, a stream and even an ancient monastery, the building was built in the 18th century as a private home, before becoming a boarding school, then a jam factory, and then finally a hotel. Thanks to its size, the dining room can seat 140 guests, with children welcome too.
As well as dinners and lunches, you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea, complete with sandwiches, scones and homemade cakes. Booking is essential for this, so plan ahead.
Sail to the Isle of Man with Steam Packet
Ready to tuck into a delicious meal? Then book your ferry trip with Steam Packet today and you can soon be on your way to the stunning Isle of Man. Whether you’re visiting for just a few days or are staying for a week, we’ve got a crossing time and date to suit you.
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