When the moon hit’s your eye like a big pizza pie… as summer draws to an end and the opportunity to eat alfresco will soon be over, we thought we’d do a quick run down of some of the best pizzerias the Island has to offer, because what’s better than a scummy handmade pizza and a crisp glass of wine or chilled beer? We can’t think of anything either.
Joe’s Bar, Niton
A traditional village post office turned bar is probably the last place you’d think for delicious handmade, stone baked pizzas, but the secret is out for this village jewel. There’s plenty of seating inside as well as outside in the pretty garden courtyard. Grab a menu and peruse the variety on offer from a hot and spicy to meatball and the ever popular garlic mushroom. Delicious! Loved by locals, and ranked by CAMRA during Beer & Buses in October, so word has now spread as far as visitors too, so booking is advisable!
Llamatree Pizzaria, Wellow
If you’re looking for an afternoon out and great pizza, try the Llamatree at West Wight Alpacas. Set in another quaint little village, the pizzas are worth the drive. With excellent kids and adults menus, you’ll be spoilt for choice – there’s a great veggie selection too. You can choose to eat inside or outside, with a canopy to keep the suns rays or the rain showers off you. Once you’ve had your fill, purchase a ticket to wander around alpacas, llamas, goats and other farmyard animals. Pick up some feed and feel like the pied piper of wellow as the herd follows you around. Great fun for big and small people.
Ristorante Michaelangelo, Ryde
For traditional, authentic Italian-made pizza you’d be hard pressed to find better than Michaelangelo in Ryde. Handmade by Italian chefs they use some of the best locally sourced and also provincial Italian ingredients – for that authentic taste. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Margherita, on a vegan diet (the Vegana is a vegetable delight) or after a Calzone (basically a pizza folded in half and stuffed with foodie treasure) you’ll not go hungry here. When weather permits top off your visit with a stroll along the beach towards Appley.
Stripped, Ventnor
Relatively new to the foodie scene, Stripped is set in one of the old banks along Ventnor’s main street. The restaurant has a select sample menu but they have an ever changing specials to keep things fresh, past ones have been gorgonzola and pear to an Isle of Wight garlic mushroom one. The team are always happy to cater for special dietary requirements, so just chat to the guys. Baked on handmade sourdough bases, the pizza comes out bubbly hot – just the thought of it makes our mouth water.
Mr T’s Pizza, Shanklin
Sometimes you just want to grab a pizza and chill at home or your holiday accommodation. Fear not, Mr T’s offer a takeaway and delivery service. For carnivores The Beefeater is a must, sausages, spicy beef and pepperoni – yum. If there isn’t anything that immediately tempts those taste buds you can design your own creation. So grab a bottle of wine, download your favourite movie and enjoy freshly made pizza in the comfort of your own home.
