The Isle of Man’s gastronomy might not be what attracts visitors to the island but I don’t think any visit to the land of my birth is complete without sampling the local produce, particularly in some of the best restaurants in Douglas, the island’s ‘capital’.
As the first island nation to be named as an UNESCO biosphere region, the Isle of Man is a special place where the small population coexist with the natural landscape in perfect harmony.
This strong relationship between (wo)Mann and nature has given rise to a thriving local food scene, an emphasis on ‘shopping local’ when it comes to groceries (Asda who?), and some truly excellent restaurants on the Isle of Man.
Check out these Isle of Man tours and activities
There are foodie delights to be found all over the Isle of Man and nowadays, even beyond Manx waters. Our cheese is sold all over the world (I once ate Manx cheddar on an Emirates Business Class flight) and aromatic smoked herring pairs, known as ‘kippers’, are one of the more unique souvenirs of a trip to Isle of Man.
Based on my 18 years growing up on the island and frequent visits ‘back home’ that centre first around family, and second around food, I’ve put together a guide to the best restaurants in Douglas to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In this list of Douglas’ best restaurants and cafes, I’ve included recommendations for everything your belly may crave during a visit: from quick bites and slow brunches to slap-up meals and post-pub stooge, Manx-style.
There are plenty of cheap or free things to do on Isle of Man and while most eateries’ menu prices are on par with those in any UK capital city, I’ve tried to include a few cheaper options that don’t compromise on quality.
I love encouraging tourists to visit my little diamond isle so I wouldn’t disappoint you by sending you anywhere I wouldn’t eat myself, promise!
Best places to eat in Douglas, Isle of Man
Restaurants in Douglas for breakfast and brunch
The best breakfast spot in Douglas has to be NOA Market Hall. This edgy artisan bakery in the old Quayside market hall embraces local products and yes – they have avo on sourdough.
For brunch in Douglas, The Eatery on Duke Street cook with local ingredients and serve an extensive brunch menu until 12pm. The all-day-breakfast is available, you guessed it, all day. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available, and there’s outdoor seating if you’re visiting on a warm day.
If you prefer a greasy spoon over an artsy hangout, The Caff is the antithesis to NOA. It’s not far away from the Sea Terminal, on Lord Street, and serves a decent fry-up that will fuel you up for the day. Don’t pass up the thick ‘doorstop’ toast, dripping in butter!
Alternatively, Gourmet Shakes N Snacks on Castle Street serves a tasty breakfast menu alongside their milkshakes, loaded fries and cakes.
Douglas’ best lunch restaurants
The Alpine on Regent Street in the town centre serves nutritious soups, chunky sandwiches and superfood salads at lunchtime. It’s a great option for a healthy lunch in Douglas.
For a more upscale lunch in Douglas, my favourite place is Coast on the Promenade. They do a weekday lunchtime menu that changes each week, with two courses for £17.50 or three courses for £19.50.
Try to get a window table for views over the bay!
Terminus Tavern on the promenade does some of the best pub grub in Douglas, and in the summer months you can sit outside and watch the horse trams.
For huge portions of carbs, Just Pizza and Pasta is a good spot for lunch and the prices are reasonable.
With so much water surrounding you, you really have to sample some of the local seafood when you visit Isle of Man.
Little Fish Cafe on North Quay does Manx seafood justice and has an ever-changing specials menu. If you taste one thing, let it be the Queenies (Queen scallops) with garlic and bacon. They also do a decent brunch, if you wake up craving eggs benny in Douglas town…
Another upmarket restaurant for lunch in Douglas is 14 North, also on the Quayside. Full disclosure: haven’t eaten there yet, but I intend to on my next trip home.
If you’re eating out with kids in Douglas, Barbary Coast is a crowd-pleaser. They have a DIY ice cream station.
Coffee shops and casual restaurants in Douglas for light bites
There are plenty of places in Douglas for a quick coffee and a snack. You won’t find this one on the usual lists of best places to eat in Isle of Man, but Pat-a-Cake Bakery in Douglas town centre is a local favourite.
At lunchtime on weekdays, office workers form a hungry queue for their meat and potato pasties.
Isle of Man is famous for its ice cream (if you don’t know, now you know) and Cafe Villa in the Villa Marina Arcade has a wide variety of flavours in addition to a decent hot food menu. It’s also a great place for people-watching with a cuppa and a cake.
Need a caffeine fix? Skip the big chains (Douglas got its first Starbucks not long ago and we were all very excited) and give a local coffee shop your money.
Spill The Beans on Market Hill has good coffee and creative cakes on rotation. My dad sometimes drops a haul in from his allotment as a thank-you for the leftover coffee grounds they save for him!
Where to get afternoon tea in Douglas
Afternoon tea is an official daily meal, right? Tea Junction on Castle Street will delight those who love all things whimsical.
Choose from the vast selection of teas, which are served with a sand timer (they take their brewing times seriously) or indulge in a glass of fizz or local gin. Yep, they have a license.
The Empress on the promenade also serves afternoon tea.
Best Douglas restaurants for dinner
If you’re dining out as a family in Douglas, there are two Italian restaurants that leave everyone happy: Paparazzi and La Piazza.
I personally like Titan, an intimate restaurant on Broadway. Their hanging kebabs are to die for.
For dinner with drinks before a night on the tiles in Douglas, The Courthouse is a fun place to get your night started.
For special occasions, Coast, and 14 North all get rave reviews. I can personally vouch for Coast – I had a delicious meal there on my last birthday and it’s a favourite for our family.
1886 in Douglas’ old post office is also garnering attention as a place to be and be seen, and the food lives up to the hype. Their risotto is beautiful.
If you’re craving Indian food in Douglas, Flavours or Taste of Bengal are my family’s go-tos. Taste of Bengal is BYOB, which saves money on the bill.
Late night feasts (aka where to get food when you’re drunk in Douglas)
It wouldn’t be fair to send you to the fanciest restaurants in Douglas and not point you in the direction of the casual dining options, would it?
No trip to Isle of Man would be complete without sampling the unofficial Manx national dish: chips, cheese and gravy. It’s a bit like Canada’s poutine, but with Manx cheddar instead of curds. Best inhaled after a few pints of Okells, eaten leaning against the window of MoJo’s. You’re welcome.
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One of the best things about eating in Douglas? You can get to all of these places on foot! I know I usually write about far-flung destinations but as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to appreciate the place I grew up so much more, and I’m always happy to help anyone planning a visit to Isle of Man.
I’ll keep updating this post as and when I try out new places, but these are definitely some of the most popular restaurants and cafes on Isle of Man, never mind Douglas.
Would a foodie guide to the whole island be useful? It’s only small, but there’s plenty to do, see and eat. Let me know! I might write a drinking guide too, because if there’s one thing I know how to do on my home turf, it’s drink…
Locals, did I miss anywhere? Let me know in the comments!
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