On the Water

On The Water sits right on Marine Parade West, opposite Osbourne Road, where the promenade meets the shingle beach. The place makes the most of its position with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Isle of Wight, passing ships from Portsmouth and Southampton, and those classic south coast sunsets that turn the water golden on clear evenings.

It’s a straightforward setup, modern inside with wooden floors, pendant lights, and booths that keep things comfortable without fuss.

The menu leans on fresh, local produce for all-day options. Breakfast runs from 9am to 11.30am daily, with choices like full English or smashed avocado on sourdough.

Lunch and dinner feature an autumn selection from noon onwards, including Thai curries or simpler plates, while Sundays bring traditional roasts with beef, chicken, pork, or nut roast, all piled with veg, Yorkshires, and gravy.

Drinks cover freshly ground Roasted Esprada coffee, a solid lineup of gins, beers, wines, and cocktails.

For those on the move, there’s a seaside takeaway kiosk open Fridays from 8.30am to 4pm, and weekends to 5pm, dishing out savouries, sweets, and ice creams.

Opening hours suit most schedules: 9am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, closing at 7pm on Sundays, with the bar staying open later. Dogs get a warm welcome, so it’s handy for walks along the front, and the venue handles groups well, from family gatherings to quick stops. Call for bookings, especially on busier weekends when the views pull in crowds.

Summary of reviews: On TripAdvisor, On The Water scores 3.5 out of 5 from 550 reviews, ranking 13th of 33 local spots. Praise often focuses on the stunning waterfront setting, friendly service, and solid food like breakfasts and roasts, with many noting it’s great for families and dog owners.

Some older feedback mentions inconsistencies, but recent comments highlight smooth coffee, varied menus, and the joy of dining with uninterrupted sea views. Overall, it’s seen as a reliable choice for casual outings, though busier times might mean waits.