Amazing. Do NOT miss it. Delicious breakfast sandwiches, salad, coffee, donuts and cookies. Sandwiches and salads are made fresh to order. Not too many tables for dining in but so cute cozy and coastal. Staff was polite and prompt - great customer focused attitude. Will definitely return.
Overview
Nestled on the scenic coast of New Castle, NH, The Islander Cafe offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for those craving a laid-back dining experience with a view. Situated at 52 Main St, this charming spot captures the essence of coastal dining, blending casual vibes with mouthwatering dishes that will leave you coming back for more. Whether you're a local or a visitor, stepping inside this cozy cafe feels like discovering a hidden gem where both the food and the atmosphere shine.
From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the rich scent of freshly prepared meals and the sound of friendly chatter from fellow patrons. The decor is simple yet elegant, with a nautical theme that complements its waterfront location. Large windows frame picturesque views of the surrounding scenery, creating a relaxed ambiance that’s perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
The menu at The Islander Cafe is a delightful mix of comfort food and local specialties. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, the cafe's offerings range from hearty breakfasts to savory lunches and refreshing salads. Popular dishes include their famous lobster rolls, a must-try for any seafood lover, as well as their perfectly grilled burgers that never fail to impress. Vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions are also well-catered for, with several plant-based options available, such as the grilled vegetable wrap and the flavorful quinoa salad.
One of the standout features of this cafe is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. The seafood is often caught nearby, and the produce is sourced from nearby farms, ensuring that every dish is as fresh as possible. This emphasis on local flavors adds an authentic touch to the menu, making it a favorite among both tourists and long-time residents. Whether you’re enjoying a light lunch or indulging in a decadent dessert, you can rest assured that you're getting the best of what the area has to offer.
In addition to the great food, the service at The Islander Cafe is worth noting. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, often offering recommendations based on your preferences. Whether you're a regular or a first-time guest, the service makes you feel right at home. They’re happy to accommodate special requests, and their cheerful demeanor adds a personal touch that enhances the overall dining experience.
Reviews from locals and visitors alike consistently praise the cafe’s casual yet refined atmosphere, great food, and exceptional service. Many mention the outdoor seating area, which is ideal for enjoying a meal while taking in the beautiful views of the coastline. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a longer meal, the outdoor seating allows for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, especially during the warmer months.
For those interested in takeout, The Islander Cafe also offers a convenient option for grabbing a meal on the go. Their takeout service is quick and efficient, making it easy for you to enjoy a delicious meal at home or at the nearby beach. Whether you’re ordering a classic fish and chips or something more adventurous like the pulled pork sandwich, you can be sure that your meal will be just as satisfying as if you were dining in.
If you’re visiting New Castle, The Islander Cafe should definitely be on your list. With its blend of friendly service, fresh ingredients, and the charming ambiance of a coastal cafe, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. From breakfast through to dinner, the menu offers a little something for everyone, making it a perfect spot for families, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy a casual meal with a stunning view.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great tea selection âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Solo dining âś“ Good for working on laptopAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Organic dishes âś“ Prepared foods âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Vegetarian optionsDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dessert âś“ SeatingAmenities
âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Tourists âś“ Transgender safe spacePlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lotPets
âś“ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 157 reviews
What a Hidden Gem! Tucked away off the beaten path, this place is truly worth the detour. The drive there offers stunning views, setting the tone for a great experience. There was a bit of a line, but it moved quickly, and we even scored a table despite limited seating. Everything exceeded expectations: the bagel was fresh and perfectly chewy, the donut had me drooling, and the coffee was incredibly smooth and flavorful. A must-visit!
What a perfect cafe! The hospitality is spot on from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. We were visiting this quaint little town and walked intro this cute cafe, ordered what is now one of the best tuna sandwiches I’ve ever had, on the freshest bread. The pastries…their cruller was lights out good! She offered one on the house just because she wanted us to try it, and she was right. It was so good, we bought another. We came back day 2, because of course we needed sandwiches for the road and more pastries! I also got to try the avocado toast which was just as spectacular. I don’t write reviews much but this place definitely deserved it for their kind presence and excellent food!
Best coffee on our trip. The Dutch baby is so delicious-the perfect mix of eggy, soft and bits of crispy dough. And the breakfast sandwich on a bagel was amazing. Get there early-the biscuits sell out. Also the cinnamon sugar cruller doughnut was perfection!
The best breakfast sandwiches we have ever had and the croissants equally amazing light fluffy and just sweet enough made with great care and just phenomenal. Coffee is also great we cannot wait to come back!!
Now on their third week, a pleasant atmosphere cafe with a great window view, outdoor seating and relaxing music playing over the speakers. I ordered the egg sandwich on a biscuit with tomato. Tasted good, though it fell apart. I then had a coffee with a big blueberry muffin and a read of the Sunday newspaper. A good breakfast! I was invited back , thx! The pancake was WOW! It smelled soo good! A fellow customer commented positively on it! Served in a hot skillet with fruit and whipped cream, it was a pleasure to eat! No "Hom nom nom!" The chef told me he added a little nutmeg and lemon zest for flavor. Bathroom was in good shape. People commented positively on the interior. AC inside. Food is pricey, but, it's a small business in New Castle dealing with inflation. They have a good size drink selection and I hope they can add orange or cranberry juice . Large candy selection. Sandwiches for sale as well. Korean BBQ Mushroom sandwich was good! I recommend a visit, though go early. You are a stone's throw from New Castle attractions. Get the email alerts. Brioche French Toast, a special not on the regular menu. Yum! Update: January 2024; Islander Dutch Baby! is very good ! Classic crullers from Lil's Cafe are available here. Update: June -September 2025; Yummy ! The Strawberry Bar is good . Great service! Our food was brought to our table! I brought my daughter here and she likes the oatmeal with nuts and fruit!
To reach the Islander by vélo is already a small joy. From Portsmouth or Rye, the road undulates with pleasing variety—turns, rises, glimpses of the sea—while the village itself offers the tableau of New England: weathered fishermen’s cottages pressed up against the nouveaux riches of modern taste. On arrival, the cyclist finds a mixed welcome. No rack for a fine machine, only a wooden fence or, across the street, the indignity of laying one’s vélo on the ground. The entry is crowded, the interior tight as a peloton on a climb. Yet service is swift, brusque, efficient—exactly as it should be. A water urn at the rear refills the bidon without ceremony, and the bathroom, spacious and spotless. The café itself is correct: an Americano pulled with competence, if not poetry. But the pâtisserie—ah!—here lies the true décadence. Lil’s signature cruller, eggy and ethereal, vanishes faster than a tailwind. The lemon quick bread sparkles, the blueberry muffin (toasted on the skillet, s’il vous plaît) sings of simple pleasures. And the egg sandwich? Superior even to Lil’s itself, a surprise worthy of applause. Only the chocolate chip cookie betrays the cause, limp and uninspired. The Islander is less crowded than its Kittery cousin, more local in its rhythm, and quietly rewarding to the cyclist who makes the stop. It is not a true cycling hub, but with free water, quick service, and a clean restroom, it provides exactly what a rider needs before the next stretch of road. Café: 3.5 / 5 Pâtisserie: 4.5 / 5 À Vélo: 3 / 5
A beautiful breakfast/coffee spot in the middle of a gorgeous New England neighborhood. Walking distance from the water, it was nice to have coffee and a walk! Enjoyed the breakfast options and the mocha latte was made perfectly and had great presentation.