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Best restaurants in Maidstone

Found yourself on the hunt for the best restaurants in Maidstone? This charming county town is home to an array of cosy gastropubs, quaint cafes and international eateries, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Discover our pick of the best places to eat in Maidstone, from fine dining offerings to casual spots.

Updated on 25 September 2024

Nestled in the heart of the Garden of England, Maidstone is Kent's largest town and home to a wealth of tourist attractions, stunning walks and fun things to do. Plan a visit to Leeds Castle, a centuries-old building that was once home to Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Elsewhere, Mote Park covers over 450 acres of parkland and is perfect for a lazy stroll at the weekend. While outdoorsy types are sure to find plenty to entertain by way of its traffic-free cycle lanes and scenic walking routes, many of which straddle the River Medway which runs through the centre of town.

Kent is, of course, known famously for its winemaking, with several vineyards in the area where you can book onto tours, sample English wines, and try some of the best local and seasonal produce in the county.

Whatever your reason for visiting this charming corner of the country, at some point, you need to eat! Luckily, there are a wealth of restaurants in Maidstone that cater for every style of occasion and budget. You’ll find plenty of gastropubs and cosy bistros serving classic British fare, which make for an excellent post-walk pitstop when you need to refuel. However, Maidstone’s dining scene is diverse and wide-ranging, and includes award-winning restaurants, trendy brunch spots, cute tea rooms and places serving an array of global cuisines. We’ve made sure to include a selection of restaurants in Maidstone town centre too, so you needn’t travel too far for some top-notch grub.

Ready to start your search? Discover our pick of the best restaurants in Maidstone, then go ahead and book your next date night, celebration or just-because dinner today.

Fish on the Green

Fish on the Green

Church Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 4EJ

Located on a converted stable block, Fish on the Green has undergone a major renovation to get to where it is today. Relax in its stylish dining room while enjoying locally sourced fish and seafood alongside Kentish wines and fine local ales.

£30 - £49
Fish
Wildwood Maidstone

Wildwood Maidstone

37-41 Earl Street, Maidstone, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PF

Wildwood might be a chain, but you can't knock it for serving up dishes that everyone is guaranteed to love. Classic pizzas, indulgent pasta dishes and hearty grills form the basis of its menu, and don't miss its astoundingly good-value set lunch deal throughout the week.

£30 - £49
International
The Horseshoes

The Horseshoes

Dean Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 0PR

The Horseshoes is a premium pub and restaurant that offers relaxed, country dining, from brunch through to dinner. Find local cask ales, cocktails and spirits at the bar, while summer visitors should head straight to its smart beer garden for a sun-drenched lunch or dinner. 

Under £30
Pubs
British
 Fifi’s Brasserie

Fifi’s Brasserie

108-110 Week Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1RH

Classic British fare with a focus on Kentish steaks are the name of the game at this traditional brasserie. Don’t miss its excellent-value set lunch menu for a swift midday meal at a snip of the cost. Or, round off the week with its signature Sunday roast.

£30 - £49
British
Brasserie
Bowleys at The Plough

Bowleys at The Plough

Taylors Lane, West Malling, Kent, ME19 5DR

Located up the road in West Malling, Bowleys at The Plough is a superb restaurant tucked inside a cosy local pub. A real hidden gem, diners can tuck into the likes of cep risotto with girolles and black truffle, and smoked halibut with Riesling cream and fennel. Choose between tasting menus, a la carte, a set lunch or even brunch!

£50 - £79
Pubs
Vegetarian
Vegan
British
Wine Bars
Frederic Bistro

Frederic Bistro

14-16 Market Buildings, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1HP

Maidstone certainly isn’t short of quaint bistros, but Frederic Bistro would be high up on our list if we had to pick just one. This rustic haunt nestled in the town’s Market Buildings offers a please-all combination of traditional French food, an extensive wine list and homemade patisseries.

£30 - £49
French
The Potting Shed Langley

The Potting Shed Langley

Horseshoes Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 3LZ

Located in Langley, southeast of Maidstone, The Potting Shed is a Scandi-inspired pub and restaurant with a beautiful garden and boutique bedrooms if you fancy making a weekend of it. Bring the whole family along and discover everything from traditional British dishes to artisan pizzas, epic brunches and a slap-up Sunday roast.

£30 - £49
Pubs
British
Afternoon tea
Market House

Market House

2 Broadway Market, Hackney, London, E8 4QJ

Market House offers relaxed, all-day dining in the centre of town, complete with a rooftop terrace, alfresco courtyard and live music every weekend. The menu includes everything from trendy small plates to traditional pub grub, while drinks include local ales, wines and cocktails.

British
Giggling Squid Maidstone

Giggling Squid Maidstone

31 – 33 Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PF

Punchy, spice-packed plates and photo-worthy interiors are a winning formula at this popular Thai chain. Its central location and flexible menus make it a reliable option at any time of day, with everything from impressive sharers to vegan and vegetarian options on offer.

Under £30
Thai
Chef

Chef's Table

46 King Street, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6QT

This intimate fine dining restaurant serves gastronomic tasting menus rooted in Kent’s finest local produce. Chef patron Brad Redding leads the charge, having spent time in Michelin kitchens across the UK, and training with the likes of Marcus Wareing and Simon Rogan.

Over £80
British
Vesuvias Restaurant

Vesuvias Restaurant

26 Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6LX

Everyone needs a friendly Italian spot in their back pocket, and Vesuvias is exactly that. Flavour and authenticity are favoured over unnecessary frills, which we think adds to the charm. Plonk yourself under one its gingham-clad tables and tuck into Italian classics alongside reasonably-priced wines.

Under £30
Pizza
Italian
The Romney Restaurant

The Romney Restaurant

Mote House, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 8NQ

Serving seasonal menus, afternoon tea and a proper Sunday roast, The Romney is particularly well-suited to special occasions and celebrations. Set in the stunning Mote Park and surrounded by lush countryside, you might want to book a seat by the window to make the most of those pretty views.  

£30 - £49
Buenos Aires Restaurant - Maidstone

Buenos Aires Restaurant - Maidstone

63 High Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1SR

Argentine steakhouse Buenos Aires serves responsibly sourced steaks and authentic Argentinian dishes in a friendly setting. From family-friendly dinners (there’s a kids’ menu!) to romantic date nights, it’s perfect for every sort of occasion.

£50 - £79
Steak
Argentinian
The Stile Bridge

The Stile Bridge

Staplehurst Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 9BH

A grill house with the cosy allure of a good pub, The Stile Bridge blends all sorts of international influences across a clever, inventive menu. You can't go wrong with the steak options, which are superbly cooked over a roaring open fire grill. 

£50 - £79
Barbecue

Haven't yet found what you're looking for? Widen your search and you'll find that the best restaurants in Kent are a broad and eclectic bunch. If beachside dining is more your thing, then check out our lists to the best restaurants in Whitstable and the best restaurants in Margate for our top picks in the area. These popular seaside towns are filled with quaint cafes, seafood restaurants and cosy pubs. 

Equally, if you're planning a day trip to Canterbury up the road and need somewhere for a spot of lunch, you'll find a host of places for lunch in Canterbury offering set menus and relaxed dining. Do your research and make sure to book ahead to save any disappointment on the day.

 

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