With Cowes Week kicking off on August 2nd, the Isle of Wight sailing hotspot will be busier than at any other time of the year. There’s so much to see both on and off the water, so we’ve taken the stress out of finding something good to eat with this handy guide to the best places in Cowes. All the recommendations are based on local knowledge from our forum users – we hope you enjoy them and let us know what you think on Twitter or Facebook.

View Best places to eat at Cowes Week in a map.

Bistro food for grown-ups
Mojac’s

Voted best restaurant of the year in the Wight Good Food Guide 2014, Mojac’s offers classic restaurant fare with a focus on local, seasonal produce. The menu has a wealth of fresh seafood, lamb, chicken and vegetarian options, plus they specifically offer gluten and nut-free options
for those who can call ahead. The restaurant will also happily take bookings during Cowes Week with two sittings, a family friendly early slot at 5.30pm and one for the grown-ups at 8:30pm onwards, with a ‘no kids under 10′ policy after 7pm.

Award winning Brunch
The Coast, West Cowes

This elegant bar and kitchen was shortlisted by The Times as one of the best places to get brunch in the UK, and a quick look at the menu confirms it – all the eggs are present (Benedict, Royale, Florentine etc) plus unusual twists like Earl-grey soaked prunes with brioche and yoghurt.

Fish and chips on the beach
Corrie’s cabin

For the best fish and chips on the island everybody knows to head up the hill from the marina to Corrie’s Cabin. It can be busy during peak periods but the flaky fish, crispy batter and homemade tartar sauce is worth the wait. It’s £5 for a large cod or haddock, £1 for fishcakes and a chip butty is £2.15.

Lunch for the crew
Lugleys, The Parade, Cowes

Situated right next to the Royal Yacht Club on the parade in Cowes, Lugleys is set up perfectly for the hungry sailor. There’s a good value set menu at lunch, with two courses for £11.95 or three for £14.95 if you’ve really worked up an appetite, with plenty of steaks from the grill, salads and seafood. The restaurant also has a crew bar and great views over the Solent

Fish and wine
Murrays

The freshest fish and seafood is reason enough to visit the well-regarded Murrays on Cowes High Street, but their thoughtful wine list is the clincher. Weekly recommendations and easy-to-follow tasting notes help you choose the perfect drop for your dinner with a choice range selected by
independent wine growers from around the world.

Hangover cure
Tiffins Cafe

Locals’ favourite Tiffins is where to get your full English breakfast fix before another day on the water. Cheap and cheerful, the café serves sandwiches, bagels and baguettes with a huge choice of fillings and daily specials. The bacon baguettes and yoghurt shakes come highly recommended
as a fail-safe hangover cure.

Late night curry
The Bahar Tandoori

Known throughout Cowes for its pictures of Richard Branson decorating the walls as much for its excellent food, The Bahar Tandoori is a great spot to get a tasty curry after a long day. The staff are welcoming and you can take your own bottle of wine or beer to knock some money off the
bill.