True Food Kitchen

Run by locals for locals, this Ventnor institution is a community asset with its own unique style. Inside, it's very intimate and has a casual vibe (stripped wood, lush plants, fully open kitchen), yet it feels smart enough for a special night out. The food is ambitious with East and Southeast Asian flavours blending into European roots, and though the à la carte is on the pricier side (mains are around £40), we found the generous multi-course tasting menu (£70-£85) to be good value. Note that opening times can be inconsistent. A second, open-air outpost in Castlehaven is about a 20-minute drive away.