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Best restaurants in Kent

As the closest county to Europe, Kent is home to fabulous international cuisines and some of Britain’s best-kept secrets. Discover all of Kent's best restaurants in this handy list.

Updated on 25 September 2024

Kent’s fantastic location makes it easily accessible from all around. It is a quick train ride away from London, or you could even take the coastal route and make the most of its beautiful beaches. More importantly, this well-connected county has some fantastic places to eat. Whether you're a local or from further afield, and fancy making the trip down to the sunny South, we have done the research for you and rounded up all of Kent’s best restaurants.

Also known as ‘The Garden of England’, Kent is home to some truly breathtaking spots, from its undulating hills and stunning scenery to its many fruit-filled orchards. Our list includes some fantastic places that take advantage of their naturally picturesque location, such as waterside gastropubs and private estates set in rolling hills with nothing but open land all around.

If the idea of scrolling through an endless list of restaurants near Kent sounds a bit daunting to you, then rest easy, because we've compiled some of our favourites in the area. Whether you're on the hunt for a fine dining restaurant with fantastic countryside views, or are after one of Kent's spectacular coastal restaurants, our round-up of the best restaurants in Kent includes all of the above (plus so much more!).

Although Kent is certainly partial to its fair share of British pubs, our list features a variety of restaurants serving a diverse range of cuisines. From authentic Indian spots to Texan-Korean fusion, you're sure to discover something new right here. We've even included a few places that accommodate dogs, so you can bring your furry friends along. Or, for those of you looking for a little fun while you dine, discover spots that play host to live music throughout the week.

The Small Holding

The Small Holding

Ranters Lane, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2SG

The Small Holding grows, rears and produces almost everything that it serves, and what it doesn't create itself, it sources from local producers. It's also the proud holder of a Michelin Green Star, for its commitment to sustainable practices. 

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Blue Pelican

The Blue Pelican

83 Beach Street, Deal, Kent, CT14 6JB

£50 - £79
Japanese
The Goods Shed

The Goods Shed

Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN

Simultaneously a restaurant, a farmer's market and a food hall, The Good Shed champions the best British produce via a compact, seasonal menu. If you're visiting in the summer, make sure to book a seat in its beautiful garden.

£30 - £49
British
Hide and Fox

Hide and Fox

The Green, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4PS

This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a five or eight-course menu, with vegetarian alternatives. The menus are served with specially selected wine pairings, chosen by in-house sommelier Alice Bussi. Expect modern, high-quality British cuisine, served in a relaxed environment.    

£50 - £79
British
One Michelin star
SARGASSO

SARGASSO

Margate Harbour Arm, Margate, Kent, CT9 1AP

Sargasso’s menu showcases the best of British food in accordance with the seasons. The venue is elegant yet relaxed, with outdoor seating to enjoy the spectacular sea views and a menu that focusses on fresh fish.

£30 - £49
Modern European
Fish
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Bromley Court Hotel

Bromley Court Hotel

Bromley Hill, Bromley, Kent, BR1 4JD

From lunch to afternoon tea, elegant dinners to Sunday roasts, Bromley Court Hotel is an elegant spot for every type of dining occasion. The dining space is flooded with natural light, and the design is stylish and luxurious.  

£30 - £49
Vegetarian
Vegan
Burgers
British
Bars
Afternoon tea
Hotel Bars
Halal
Bistro
The Sportsman

The Sportsman

Faversham Road, Seasalter, Kent, CT5 4BP

Having held a Michelin star since 2008, this pub specialises in traditional British food served in a relaxed, comfortable setting. The Sportsman’s rural location offers guests a serene escape, while upholding the atmosphere of a cosy country pub. 

£50 - £79
British
Gastropub
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Fordwich Arms

Fordwich Arms

King Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 0DB

Enclosed within a red brick 1930s building, The Fordwich Arms serves the smallest town in Britain with some truly fabulous food. More restaurant than pub, its seasonal menus focus on provenance and showcasing the best of Kent's bounty. 

Over £80
British
Gastropub
Updown Farmhouse

Updown Farmhouse

Updown Farm, Deal, Kent, CT14 OEF

A glorious paradise of a restaurant and hotel, Updown Farmhouse manicured gardens and renovated barn restaurant are something quite magical, especially in the summer. Food is simple, hyper-seasonal fare, with ingredients taken at their peak and dealt with in a very traditional way. A very special place.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Bowleys at The Plough

Bowleys at The Plough

Taylors Lane, West Malling, Kent, ME19 5DR

Bowleys at The Plough offers traditional British dishes with a fine dining twist. It caters for everything from brunch through to dinner and a roast on sundays, but for the full experience, opt for the tasting menu.

£50 - £79
Pubs
Vegetarian
Vegan
British
Wine Bars
Quince

Quince

39 Station Road, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, CT8 8QY

Quince is a welcoming neighbourhood bistro from chefs and co-owners Ben Hughes and Rafael Lopez. Dishes blend British and Mediterranean influences, and showcase the best produce that Kent has to offer.  

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
Bistro
SquareMeal UK Top 100
Tallow

Tallow

15A Church Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 0RX

Tallow sources its produce locally and shapes its menu around the seasons. The food is exceptional, in presentation and flavour, but whilst the menu suggests fine dining, the restaurant itself is relaxed and homely.

£50 - £79
British
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Dog at Wingham

The Dog at Wingham

Canterbury Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 1BB

This 13th-century inn is a historical masterpiece, with plenty of charm and the added bonus of being dog-friendly. Ingredients are sourced locally and seasonally, with dishes such as pork belly with pancetta creamed leeks, honey chipolata and Dijon mayo.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Gastropub
The Kentish Hare

The Kentish Hare

95 Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough, Kent, Kent, TN3 0XB

This Victorian building houses two lounge areas with bars, one of which serves local ales and small tapas-style food. The main dining area operates in a large conservatory space with an adjoining terrace for outdoor seating.  

Gastropub
The Bridge Arms

The Bridge Arms

53 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 5LA

Dan and Natasha Smith's second pub near Canterbury has become just as acclaimed as The Fordwich Arms, nabbing itself a Michelin star to match it's older sibling and serving the same classy gastropub food. Natasha's exceptional pastry talents shine through in a brilliant dessert menu too. 

£50 - £79
British
Gastropub
One Michelin star
Indian Essence

Indian Essence

176-178 Petts Wood Road, Petts Wood, Kent, BR5 1LG

Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar offers elevated Indian dining at this contemporary restaurant, from kaffir lime tandoori monkfish to Anglo-Indian lamb rump curry. Find it out in Petts Wood near Bromley.

£50 - £79
Indian
The Korean Cowgirl at Cave Hotel

The Korean Cowgirl at Cave Hotel

Brickfield Lane, Faversham, Kent, ME13 9AJ

The Korean Cowgirl is situated at Cave Hotel and is focused on uniting flavours from the East and West. The menu fuses East Asian cuisine with Texan cooking methods to create innovative and unique dishes.  

£50 - £79
Korean
Barbecue

If these restaurants have caught your attention and you would like to discover more places to eat in the area, you're in luck. The best restaurants in Canterbury are a very special bunch, and perfect for refuelling at after a day of sightseeing in this picturesque town. Or, take a trip to the coast and find all the best restaurants in Whitstable, while a little further up the shoreline you can find all of Margate's best restaurants. Kent is bursting with foodie hotspots, and we're here to help you navigate your way around them.

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