Updated on 03 July 2024
A town in Kent, just 30 miles from London, Rochester’s best restaurants have grasped much of the creativity of the nearby capital, whilst retaining plenty of old-school charm that you get when you travel further into the countryside. Because of its location, it's no surprise that Rochester has plenty to offer when it comes to dinky cafes and charismatic pubs, along with a real treat of more upscale eateries mixed in.
Rochester is popular with big-city commuters for its charming historical buildings and stunning ecclesiastical architecture. At the centre of Rochester, you’ll find the medieval Cathedral and Castle, the former is the second oldest in England second only to Canterbury. This technically makes Rochester a city rather than a town though not by modern standards.
The many restaurants in Rochester, however, would beg to differ. Throughout Rochester, you’ll find various chains and independent shops, along with plenty of quaint cafes, restaurants and bars. And for the literary folk among us, Rochester’s literary tours make it a great city break destination. This is the place where Charles Dickens spent his formative years, and later in life lived nearby at Gad’s Hill Place. If you’re lucky, you might even find some early editions at England’s largest second-hand rare bookshop, Baggins Book Bazaar which you’ll have to celebrate at one of the best restaurants in Rochester.
The Quills 30 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LD
Casual, contemporary, and centrally located, The Quills is a popular pocket-friendly restaurant and all-day cafe with an international menu of brunch favourites, salads, wraps, and pasta plates. Plus, the drinks menu is one of the most reasonable available.
81A High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LX
Whether you’re brunching, lunching, indulging in afternoon tea or simply stopping by for a slice of cake and a cup of tea, English tearoom Peggotty’s Parlour is bursting with vintage charm. We all deserve a sweet treat every now and then.
60 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1JY
This bar and restaurant serves cracking all-day menus, but its signature cheese boards are the real reason people love it. Choose between British, French and vegan boards, all laden with chutney, crackers and bread.
10 St. Margarets Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1TL
Built during the reign of Richard I, and later used to house ale brewing monks, The Coopers Arms is as traditional as a pub can get. Picture bare brick walls, red carpets, and quaint interior design with a menu of hearty pub favourites.
40 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LD
If you’re on the hunt for a properly dirty burger, Chuck and Blade in Rochester knows how to do them right. They’re also excellent purveyors of loaded fries and boozy shakes to wash everything down.
Berkeley House, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1EY
A local hotspot for lively evenings and modern European cuisine, Oliver’s Bar & restaurant is perfect for date night celebrations and get-togethers that require a belly full of good food. Think Sunday roasts meant for sharing, loaded fries, and delicious cocktails.
55 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1DA
As the name suggests, Fish at 55 specialises in fish and seafood dishes. Guests can anticipate a simple but classic menu of responsibly sourced seafood, modern chic interiors, and some excellent non-seafaring food too.
35 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LN
Located inside a former church, The George Vaults serves up a contemporary brasserie-style menu of pub favourites and seasonal specials. Why not pitch up at one of the Vault’s 3 bars to whet your appetite?
Still on the hunt for your next favourite restaurant? Cast the net a little wider and take a peak at some of our top picks for Kent’s best restaurants. Alternatively, why not take a trip down to oyster country and check out the best restaurants Whitstable has to offer?
And if you’re looking for city excitement, we’ve got that covered too with our comprehensive guide to all the fun places to eat in London from experimental dinners in the dark to live music and performances.
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