Isle of Man Restaurants Guide - Best Castletown Restaurants
(Updated December 29, 2024) Castletown, the ancient capital of the Isle of Man, offers a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes, from traditional Manx fare to international cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxing meal after exploring historical sites like Castle Rushen, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, pubs, and cafés to suit your needs. Continuing our Isle of Man Restaurants Guide, we now journey to the island’s southern coast to highlight the best Castletown restaurants as well as those in the surrounding areas.
Local Taste
When visiting the Isle of Man, sampling local cuisine made with fresh Manx ingredients is a must, and Castletown offers plenty of opportunities. Situated near the sea, Salt & Swing Clubhouse Café (previously Bay Green Restaurant) is an ideal spot to enjoy delicious local dishes while taking in sweeping views of Derbyhaven Bay. Nestled within the Castletown Golf Links Clubhouse, this restaurant welcomes both members and non-members and offers seasonal alfresco dining in the summer. Known for its diverse menu, high-quality food, and attentive service, Salt & Swing has become a local favorite and is often considered among the best Castletown restaurants. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, it’s the perfect choice for a scenic, satisfying meal.
Google Maps: 4.7 (28 Reviews)
"A hidden gem. Non golfers welcome. Lovely views, good food, fab service, nice vibe."
"Really lovely fresh food with a vast array of options. Service was quick and staff were very polite and attentive. Fairly expensive but in my opinion, definitely worth the price."
No visit to Castletown would be complete without experiencing one of its classic British pubs. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, The Viking Hotel stands out for its warm, family-run atmosphere and focus on traditional, home-cooked meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. In addition to the quality of the food and friendly service, diners appreciate the generous portions, making it a top choice of Castletown restaurants for those seeking both flavor and value. Open daily for lunch and dinner, The Viking Hotel is a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the authentic pub experience in this historic town.
Trip Advisor: 3.5 (50 Reviews)
Google Maps: 4.4 (124 Reviews)
"Excellent food, great portion sizes."
"Food was just - ok, nothing unusual."
"Really lovely meal. Staff brilliant. Value for money."
Directly across from the Viking Hotel near Castletown Railway Station, you'll find the Sidings, a well-loved local pub steeped in history. Located in the former train ticket office, this vibrant spot features three unique lounges and an inviting outdoor beer garden. While the menu is concise, patrons appreciate the high-quality food and the warm, attentive service provided by the staff. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the pub is also popular for its hearty Sunday roasts. Another highlight is the impressive selection of beers, which are not only diverse but also reasonably priced, making it a favorite among visitors and locals alike, hence our inclusion of it in our list of the best Castletown restaurants.
Trip Advisor: 4.0 (91 Reviews)
Google Maps: 4.5 (374 Reviews)
Facebook: 88% (316 Reviews)
"Good busy pub close to the steam train Station offering a selection of well-cooked and presented pub food. Good lively atmosphere with locals and tourists and a nice friendly service."
Another popular pub-style spot is the George Hotel, located in the bustling Market Square, just steps from Castle Rushen. The George Hotel is known for its home-cooked, locally sourced dishes paired with a great selection of cask ales, boutique spirits, and wines. Alongside classic English fare, the menu also features a few South African specialties, adding a unique twist to its offerings. Guests rave about the quality and variety of both food and drinks, as well as the warm, welcoming service provided by the staff, making it a beloved choice and certainly one of the best Castletown restaurants.
Trip Advisor: 3.5 (113 Reviews)
Google Maps: 4.5 (478 Reviews)
Facebook: 86% (230 Reviews)
"Really good tavern, pleasant service."
"Good food, friendly service!"
Garrison is another popular bar and restaurant, conveniently located right across from Castle Rushen. Open daily from breakfast through dinner, it offers a selection of cask ales alongside a frequently updated menu featuring seasonal Manx ingredients. Guests especially appreciate the variety of homemade dishes, generous portions, and outstanding value, making it a favorite spot among all Castletown restaurants for locals and visitors alike.
Trip Advisor: 5.0 (8 Reviews)
Google Maps: 4.4 (94 Reviews)
Facebook: 100% (5 Reviews)
"Lovely fresh homemade food, generous portions, piping hot and excellent value."
"Fish and chips were good."
For those willing to venture a bit beyond Castletown, the Abbey Restaurant in Ballasalla is a must-visit destination. Set in an 18th-century building near the historic Rushen Abbey, this charming spot is often regarded as a hidden gem on the island. The restaurant focuses on dishes made with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, and it also serves a delightful afternoon tea. Guests are drawn not only to the high quality and variety of local fare but also to the welcoming service and unique ambiance enriched by its historic setting. The Abbey Restaurant is also a popular choice for hosting events. For anyone looking for the best Castletown restaurants, this place is a must go.
Trip Advisor: 4.0 (236 Reviews)
Google Maps: 4.6 (144 Reviews)
Facebook: 94% (247 Reviews)
"Nice food. Good service."
"Good choice, good food, excellent service, great atmosphere."
International Cuisine
Our quest to find the best Castletown restaurants goes beyond just exploring spots that serve traditional British cuisine. For lovers of international cuisine, Castletown boasts one of the island’s only Japanese fine-dining experiences: Kizuna. Led by a Tokyo-trained chef with over 30 years of experience as a Head Chef and Operations Manager in London, Kizuna stands out for its authentic approach. The restaurant uses genuine Japanese ingredients, with all sauces and marinades made in-house from Japanese produce. Guests consistently praise Kizuna’s authenticity, often likening it to the quality of Japanese establishments in cities like London. Open only a few days a week with limited hours, early booking is highly recommended for this sought-after, premium dining experience. The Kizuna is among our favorites and certainly among the top in the list of best Castletown restaurants.
Trip Advisor: 4.5 (36 Reviews)
Google Maps: 4.8 (70 Reviews)
Facebook: 100% (8 Reviews)
"Excellent. Pricy."
"Food and service are always impeccable. Highly recommend. Book in advance."
"One of the best Japanese restaurants anywhere."
If Japanese cuisine isn’t your preference, perhaps Mediterranean flavors might tempt you. Leonardo's Restaurant, originally Italian-focused, has recently shifted its menu toward Spanish and Moroccan dishes, with promising results. Some patrons even claim it offers the best tapas on the Isle of Man—comparable to those in Spain itself. While there have been recent remarks about a decline in service, likely due to industry-wide staffing challenges, Leonardo's remains a great option for those seeking a unique and flavorful dining experience, hence our inclusion in the list of best Castletown restaurants.
Trip Advisor: 3.5 (418 Reviews)
Google Maps: 4.1 (204 Reviews)
"Fabulous food, great surroundings, lovely staff."
"Best tapas on the Isle of Man if not outside of Spain."
Budgetary Options
So far we have focused only on Castletown restaurants and dine-in establishments which tend to occupy the upper echelon of the pricing scale. But if all you need is some decent food in a casual environment or even a takeaway that you can enjoy in your own Manx holiday cottages, then the following places are for you.
Coffee Craft, a popular café in Castletown’s Market Square, is open for breakfast and lunch, offering a menu that includes traditional English breakfast in two sizes, as well as baps, toasts, and a vegan option. For lunch, the café serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, and rolls, along with a kids’ menu and daily specials posted on the board. While customer reviews are mixed, with some noting issues with service, Coffee Craft remains a favorite spot among locals, hence its inclusion in our list of best Castletown restaurants.
Trip Advisor: 3.5 (10 Reviews)
Google Maps: 4.1 (56 Reviews)
"Great coffee and snacks and cheaper than Costa."
"Really nice food, great service nice and quiet on a Saturday morning proper cafe."
A rising favorite in Castletown's fast-food scene is Time Out, an Asian-style noodle bar offering takeaway service only. Customers can choose from four base options (such as noodles, Udon, and rice) and a wide range of toppings, including chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetarian options, all prepared in various Asian flavors like satay, teriyaki, sweet and sour, and pepper. Available in different sizes and portions, each order is conveniently packed in a paper cup for easy takeaway. It serves both lunch and dinner.
Google Maps: 4.5 (48 Reviews)
Facebook: 92% (75 Reviews)
"Very friendly service, foods tasty and generous portions."
"Great food if you get it fresh."
Rush Inn is a well-loved takeaway spot in Castletown, specializing in classic Chinese dishes with a Western twist. This dinner-only restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its fresh ingredients, delicious flavors, and generous portions. Excellent customer service also sets it apart; friendly staff and one of the area’s few delivery options make it a standout choice.
Trip Advisor: 3.0 (5 Reviews)
Google Maps: 4.1 (18 Reviews)
Facebook: 100% (15 Reviews)
"The food is fresh, tasty and generous portions. The best I have ever had."
"Very good , friendly staff."
Conclusion
In this edition of our restaurants guide, we explored Castletown and its surrounding areas to find the best restaurants. While Castletown is smaller than Douglas and lacks the same variety, its dining scene is diverse and full of character. This is great news for those who prefer staying in the island’s southern region to enjoy its natural beauty, tranquility, and historic charm. And, of course, our journey doesn’t end here—our next article will dive into other parts of the island.
If you have missed any of our articles on the Isle of Man Restaurants Guide, here are the quick links to them:
The Ultimate Guide On Restaurants In Douglas IOM (Part 1)
The Ultimate Guide On Restaurants In Douglas IOM (Part 2)
Best Restaurants Isle of Man Guide - The South
A Culinary Guide to the Best Restaurants in Peel
Top 20 Best Cafes in the Isle of Man
Visitors who reserve a stay in any of our IOM holiday cottages will receive a complimentary copy of our comprehensive Restaurants Guide, featuring valuable details including contact information, operating hours, and customer ratings.
Many of the best Castletown restaurants covered in the above article are within walking distance from the Witches Mill, the latest addition to our list of boutique IOM holiday cottages. Why wait to book a stay today?