Wondering where you can still find a bit of proper Manx cuisine? You’re not alone.
Whether you’ve lived here all your life or just stepped off the ferry, the Isle of Man has a food culture that quietly speaks volumes — if you know where to look.
Manx food isn’t always shouted about. You won’t see it plastered across big marketing campaigns or made into “foodie destination” reels. But it’s here — quietly woven into the menus of cafés, restaurants and chippies all across the Island. And thanks to the likes of Dazzler, it’s easier than ever to track it all down, from local legends like The Fish Bar in Peel to fresh-baked bonnag at B&M in Ramsey.
So, here’s your crash course — a little Manx food 101. What to look out for, what to order, and where you can get it right now.
Priddhas an’ Herrin’ — Our Traditional National Dish
If we’re starting anywhere, it has to be Priddhas an’ Herrin’ — that’s potatoes and herring, if you’re translating. This is what you’d call the traditional national dish. Boiled spuds, smoked herring (preferably fresh off a Peel boat), a bit of onion on top. Simple. No frills. But packed with island identity.
It’s the kind of thing your granny might have served, or you’d find at a community meal back in the day. You won’t see it on menus everywhere anymore, but it does pop up now and then — especially at Cregneash Café, where they honour the old ways properly.
Chips, Cheese & Gravy — The Self-Appointed Champion
If Priddhas an’ Herrin’ is the historical favourite, Chips, Cheese & Gravy is the modern-day crowd-pleaser. It’s greasy, comforting, and loved by just about everyone. So much so, we now dedicate a full day to it each year — Chips, Cheese & Gravy Day lands on the last Monday of January.
Thirteen chippies across the Island do their own twist — from rich beef gravy to thick Manx cheddar melt. You’ll find every option listed on Dazzler under Takeaways.
Bonnag — Manx Baking at Its Best
Then we’ve got bonnag — part fruit loaf, part soda bread, and 100% Manx. You’ll usually see it sliced, buttered, sometimes warmed, and occasionally with jam or honey. The texture’s dense and cakey, and when it’s fresh, it’s unbeatable.
B&M Catering in Ramsey bake one of the most consistent versions going — available most Saturdays at the Ramsey Farmers Market.
Or if you’re grabbing lunch, you’ll often spot bonnag on the menu at Dougie Butties in Douglas.
Seafood — The Backbone of Manx Cuisine
If there’s one part of the Manx food story that still thrives today, it’s seafood. You can’t live on an island surrounded by clean waters and not end up with excellent fish.
Kippers, queenies, crab, scallops, mackerel — you name it, we’ve been landing it, cooking it, and selling it for centuries. And the best bit? You don’t have to look far.
Here are a few places doing it right:
• The Fish Bar, Peel – No-nonsense and ultra fresh. Grab a queenie bap or go full kipper-and-crab combo.
• Little Fish Café, Douglas – A bit more refined but still very local. Their fish specials rotate depending on the catch.
• The Sound Café – Easily one of the best views on the Island and the menu isn’t far behind. Their queenie dishes are especially strong.
Other Manx Produce to Look For
Beyond the headline dishes, there’s an entire larder of Manx produce that quietly shows up in your food — even if it’s not labelled.
Isle of Man Creamery Dairy – Possibly the most under-celebrated hero in Manx food. Award-winning cheeses, rich butter, and proper milk. You’ll find it used all over the Island — in cafés, shops and restaurants.
Manx Honey, Veg, and Eggs – Keep an eye out at places like Noa Bakehouse or The Alpine for local eggs, greens, or preserves. More often than not, they’re on the menu — even if they’re not shouting about it.
Use Dazzler to Find it All
Every single place mentioned in this post is on Dazzler. From Peel to Port Erin, we’re mapping the Island’s food scene — not just where to eat, but what makes it special.
Filter by region, cuisine, or just scroll until something jumps out. It’s all there, and it’s all up to date — opening hours, links to menus, online ordering, and maps to get you there.
Start here: dazzler.app
Final Word: Eat Local. Eat Proper.
Manx food isn’t about big declarations. It’s about sustaining, not performing. Whether it’s a slice of bonnag, a steaming box of chips and cheese, or a bowl of queenies in garlic butter, these dishes aren’t just meals — they’re markers of where we’re from.
So next time you’re deciding where to eat, don’t just look for what’s new — look for what’s true. That’s where the best stories are.
And you’ll find them all — bonnag and all — on Dazzler.