Harden's survey result
Summary
For a “Californian beach vibe in Ventnor” [??? Ed] head to this restaurant with a “bouncing atmosphere” on the esplanade; “they own their own fishing boat so the fish is wonderfully fresh” and “consistently interesting” (being “cooked with a Japanese accent”), not least the seafood platter with miso-grilled lobster, which got a shout-out in Grace Dent & Ainsley Harriot’s ‘Best of Britain by The Sea’ series. This is the first link in a mini-empire that now extends to local wine, sake and cocktail bar the ‘Drunken Lobster’, and a spin-off directly across the Isle of Wight in Cowes.
Summary
“A great location on the seafront at Ventnor” further boosts the appeal of GC Giancovich’s “bustling” five-year-old venue, which – “in a town where the eating choices are distinctly limited – stands out for its interesting and well prepared food”. On the menu, “fantastic, fresh and varied seafood” prepared in an “Asian-fusion” style, including some sushi, all washed down with cocktails. In September 2022, fire crews were called to the restaurant and it remains closed as of October 2022.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Smoking Lobster?
Esplanade, Ventnor, PO38 1JT
Smoking Lobster Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The wonderful location on the waterfront in Ventnor always makes a visit to this restaurant feel special, especially if the weather is warm enough to dine on one of the outside tables with the sound of the waves accompanying your meal. Food is very good quality and the service is always friendly if sometimes a little slow"
Esplanade, Ventnor, PO38 1JT
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm |
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