Smoking Lobster Cowes - Cowes

Si M. (. S.

My family and I went to The Smoking Lobster, and the food was exquisite. My wife and I had the sharing roast. Everything was cooked to perfection. I'm not a fan of carrots, but their roast carrot was incredible. When a restaurant can make something, u don't usually enjoy taste that good, you know it's good a great team in in the kitchen working behind the scenes.

Laura P.

Excellent decor and interesting menu let down by rowdy diners beside us and getting lost between two waiting staff. On arrival we had high hopes; friendly service and prompt seating for our reservation and kindly moved into the main restaurant as the open kitchen space was hot and smokey.
Excellent cocktails and the food came together and all served hot.
Then it went downhill… I had to chase for my wine twice. And then the same for the bill. In the meantime a large table of your girls were downing rose wine and becoming increasingly loud. The volume and behaviour took over the dining space and really if it were me I’d have asked them to remember it was a restaurant and not a pub.
Good food but overpriced when you experience the service. Some dishes lack depth of flavour so for me it is a little too much a case of style over substance. Very well presented though and a warm welcome. It was just frustrating that the excuse for service falling apart was they were busy. In my mind, don’t take bookings if you can’t manage the volume for service.
Probably spoilt as we are from London.

Paul C.

The food here is incredibly unique and tasty. On my first visit, I thought this was going to be my new favourite restaurant!

However, unfortunately on my second visit we ordered the seafood platter and left the best to last, the lobster. This was undoubtedly the highlight of the first visit having ordered a selection of dishes as well as the seafood platter.

Unfortunately, on this second visit, just a few weeks after the first visit during Cowes week 2024, the lobster was foul. The second time we had the lobster here it tasted rancid and made us feel sick...unfortunately with bathroom visits following shortly thereafter.

We mentioned this to the manager who only gave us a slight discount discount and didn't really seem to take it seriously. She said the kitchen would investigate, but never got back to us.

The food, aside from the food poisoning is amazing, but the front of house service is pretty terrible. This includes being forgotten about for both ordering and drinks. Then being dismissed when we've had rancid lobster.

I have posted photos from both my visits below.

Mahish M.

Food is decent although the portions are rather small for their prices. The dishes tend to be overly salty and take a very long time to arrive to the table.
We order a variety of items from the menu and the monk fish tempura was delicious. As for the other dishes, the shrimp were a bit chewy so questionably fresh, and everything is tiny portions.
If you’re in the area I would recommend to try some of the other local cafes and restaurants instead as they provide better value for money food, fresh and faster service.

Christian S.

Spectacular. Came here for dinner and was not disappointed. Lovely range of cocktails, whiskies and extensive wine menu, and the seafood platter for two was stunning. Great range of very fresh and impeccably cooked seafood with some very nuanced flavours (and some bolder ones!). Would absolutely recommend. Good service, friendly staff, nice atmosphere - buzzy but not too loud - and for the quality, very well priced. Had a lovely evening.

Anil J.

A superb lunch enjoyed by my family. The Asian theme is a welcome twist and tingles the tastebuds with a superb selection of dishes. The chefs make tapas styled creations to be savoured and the ingredients are fresh and tasty. Service is attentive and courteous and the accompanying drinks well thought through and our highlight was the delicious Rosè that was chilled and went perfect with the seafood dishes. We loved the “Specials” as today Bao Buns were Lobster! The Asian slaw and Edamame delicious and there’s lots of Vegan choices too. A booking on the usual peak times essential. We would happily return

Alistair G.

A really great experience and place to eat delicious Asian style cuisine with a modern twist. Super friendly staff and dogs are also welcome. Thanks!

David L.

Fantastic. Great off season combination deals, will be back for the tasting menu. Nice to see somewhere so busy before the season, food came out excellently cooked and presented despite a busy service. Great front of house staff. Mocktails not too expensive and tasted great. Shame I was driving 🤣