foodie break: the isle of wight’s three buoys

Despite the fact that we had already inhaled the Seaview’s famed crab ramekin, we ended our first day of Twixtmas pretty ravenous. Enter: the Isle of Wight’s Three Buoys.

The pug was, again, fully welcomed, if not revered. I’m telling you, if you DON’T bring a dog to the Isle of Wight, they might not actually let you onto the island.

Anyway! Dinner!

It was, unsurprisingly, delish. You know how sometimes you can just look at a website and know a restaurant is gonna be good? Three Buoys has one of those websites.

Owned by a born & bred local, the restaurant is named for the owners’ three sons (three buoys, three boys, you get it?) and the menu is almost entirely locally sourced. We took our time narrowing down our choices over a glass of prosecco for me and… a cocktail for the hubs? More prosecco? I seriously can’t remember, I was too involved in the menu.

In the end, we started with the scallops and the brie bonbons because duh. Eventually, Jeff moved onto pork belly. This has been his major obsession since moving to London, much to my chagrin. I opted for the catch of the day. It paired perfectly with root veggies and a disagreement on who picked the better dish.

(I still maintain I was the winner. And I want more of those brie bonbons right this instant.)

We took our time finishing our bottle of wine, enjoying the cozy ambiance and twinkling lights off in the distance. It was a nice, slow paced meal… but even so, by the end, I still couldn’t even think of dessert! I know, I know. I really should have — for research, obviously! But alas, I stay a savory girl at heart, and as such, dessert took a backseat once again. Instead, the hubs enjoyed an espresso, and the pug continue to enjoy a long nap.

Though I snapped a pic of the near-empty restaurant when we arrived, it was pretty full by the time we left — with most of the guests seated by the windows and a glimmering, far off view of Portsmouth.

Three buoys is a decidedly perfect local stop, with waterfront views if you’re so lucky to be there when it’s still light out. Although, it’s not too shabby on a blustery winter night, either. Even so, bundled in our sweaters and scarves, I had visions of the perfect waterfront wedding happening down on the beach and moving up into the restaurant. The owner confirmed that it is a popular event venue, on & off peak.

For now, I can only imagine what it must be like during the summer, with a panoramic view and warm breeze. But if you find yourself on the Isle of Wight anytime of year, keep Three Buoys in mind. Pups allowed!

xo,

the romantic

– We were guests of Three Buoys, Tourism South East and Visit Isle of Wight, but, as always, all opinions are my own.