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Best restaurants in Whitstable

With the ever-expanding population of towns and cities, any excuse to feel the freedom of the countryside is undoubtedly alluring. One of the most popular seaside towns of the south has to be Whitstable and no trip to the coast is complete without coming home feeling fiendishly full. It’s in this area Whitstable excels, with its selection of eateries. We’ve gathered together all of the best restaurants in Whitstable below, to help guide you next time you’re lucky enough to find yourself visiting this little slice of seaside heaven.

Updated on 25 September 2024

The best restaurants in Whitstable are a funny bunch, scattered out across the sandy pebble-dashed beach and peppered throughout the quaint town. They truly offer something for everyone, but no visit here would be complete without an oyster or two, with the town’s most famous and prized export being these delightful shellfish morsels. So passionate about these crustaceans are the residents of Whitstable, that they put on a festival dedicated to them each year. If you too like the savoury hit of these molluscs, then make sure to get your hands on half a dozen or so next time you’re visiting.

A bit like Marmite, oysters are a ‘love it or hate it’ food, and haters need not despair – there are plenty more options when it comes to the delicacies Whitstable restaurants serve up. Perhaps because of the lovely seafront views and top class produce, Whitstable is home to a surprising number of top class restaurants, not least The Sportsman at Seasalter, which is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the country.

Perhaps you’re a dedicated fish and chip fan, who sees no point in visiting the shores of the UK without tucking into a bag of salty, vinegar-drenched fried goods (we are of that ilk, if you’re wondering). Fear not, Whitstable’s best fish and chips can be found just a short hop, skip and a jump from the shore.

Okay, ready to choose a restaurant in Whitstable for your next visit? Scroll below for a quick overview of our pick of the best restaurants in Whitstable, then click through to find reviews, opening hours, menus and more.

The Old Neptune

The Old Neptune

Marine Terrace, Whitstable, CT5 1EJ

Set on the beach, this Whitstable institution draws hordes of tourists, but is still upheld as a local gem by residents. Dishes like fish and chips or pie and mash come accompanied by live music.
£30 - £49
Pubs
Fish
The Pearson

The Pearson's Arms

The Horsebridge, Sea Wall, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BT

A wooden-clad dining room gives this gastro pub a cosy, costal feel which is exaggerated by its position right on the harbourfront. Enjoy the striking views while tucking into plates of modern British pub food.
£30 - £49
Gastropub
Fish
The Lobster Shack Whitstable

The Lobster Shack Whitstable

The East Quay, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AB

This canteen-style beach shack is always bustling and turns out tasty plates of lobster and fish and chips at quite a pace. There is also an oyster bar, which offers different shellfish varieties and toppings.
Under £30
Fish and Chips
Fish
Samphire

Samphire

Samphire, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BQ

This cosy family-run bistro is one of Whitstable’s more luxurious experiences with its gold and black Art Deco decor, making it perfect for celebratory meals. French classic recipes are bolstered by ever-changing fresh, local ingredients.
£30 - £49
British
Harbour Street Tapas

Harbour Street Tapas

48 Harbour Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AQ

Vibrant dishes are the order of the day at Harbour Street Tapas. Classic tortillas come oozing and rich while plates of grilled chorizo, fried squid or baby artichokes with aioli add further reasons to visit.
£30 - £49
Pizza
Modern European
The Oyster and Chop House

The Oyster and Chop House

8 High Street, Herne Bay, CT6 5LH

This, we confess, isn’t in Whitstable itself but located a ten-minute drive away in Herne Bay. The menu of smoky barbequed meats and juicy lobster makes the journey worth it. Expect American style signature serves.
£30 - £49
Barbecue
Fish
Wheelers Oyster Bar

Wheelers Oyster Bar

8 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BQ

Potentially the most iconic of all Whitstable’s restaurants - and the oldest - this pastel pink-fronted townhouse serves up sparklingly fresh oysters in its miniature parlour as well as other deftly handled, regularly changing seafood classics.
£30 - £49
Fish
Blueprint Coffee & Books

Blueprint Coffee & Books

4 Oxford Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1DD

The owners of Blueprint take their coffee seriously, regularly travelling for inspiration and having trained as baristas in London. The results are a Scandi-cool café and bookshop that serves up impressively precise coffee and cakes.
Under £30
Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co

Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co

Horsebridge Beach, Whitstable, Unknown, Kent, CT5 1BU

Simple interiors reflect the pared back menu at Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co, which is famous for its straightforward cooking of beautiful ingredients: a ray wing with butter and capers or razor clams with garlic, say.
£30 - £49
Fish
Farm & Harper

Farm & Harper

25 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AP

Farm and Harper offer wholesome breakfast and lunches during the week, with opening extended to teatime come the weekend. Homemade soups, fish subs and generous pasta plates are all regulars on the ever-changing daily menu.
Under £30
British
Birdies

Birdies

41 Harbour Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AH

Birdies French menu offers respite from fish and chips, if you’ve happened to have your fill. This slightly old-fashioned bistro champions local produce in dishes like steamed saffron lobster, rich seafood bisque and beef Wellington.
£30 - £49
French
Fish
The Sportsman

The Sportsman

Faversham Road, Seasalter, Kent, CT5 4BP

This unlikely Michelin eatery serves up a thoughtful menu of market-fresh fish and seafood. Diners who are drawn in by the thought of some of Britain’s finest pub grub will need to book well in advance.
£50 - £79
British
Gastropub
One Michelin star
SquareMeal UK Top 100
JoJo’s

JoJo’s

2 Herne Bay Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2AT

Often touted as a locals’ favourite, JoJo’s serves up wholesome Mediterranean tapas dishes from its position on the beachfront. Eat inside or outside and enjoy sharing plates like patatas bravas, garlicky tzatziki or chargrilled mackerel.
Under £30
Mediterranean
The Forge

The Forge

1 Sea Wall, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BX

For no frills fun on the seashore, head to The Forge. This shack has a few picnic tables out front and deals in paper plates stacked up with plump oysters, fish and chips and doughnuts.
Under £30
Fish
The Twelve Taps

The Twelve Taps

102 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AZ

The Twelve Taps is a queer-run beer, gin and cocktail bar in Whitstable, with a small courtyard garden that gets busy in the summer. What's with the name? It keeps 12 lines of keg craft beer, including one dedicated gluten-free line, as well as a cocktail menu and its very own exclusive gin.

Under £30
Pubs
Bars
Sooshi Sushi Whitstable

Sooshi Sushi Whitstable

Unit 16, South Quay Shed, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AB

Giant sushi platters, rich hearty ramen and more, Sooshi Sushi is the fresh sushi spot that Whitstable has been crying out for. Owner Joanne makes classic maki rolls as well as some more inventive creations, like whole, unsliced maki rolls that are then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried, before adding toppings like crispy onions and burger sauce. 

Under £30
Sushi
Japanese

While you’re in Whitstable soaking up this seaside town’s best restaurants, make sure to carve out some time for the sweet independent shops in the area too. From handmade pottery and beautiful artworks through to delis and toy shops, this little corner of the Kent coast has it all. It's the perfect place to spend the day. Equally, if haven't found anything you like in this list, broaden your search and take a look at the best restaurants Kent has to offer. 

Looking to cast your net further around the area? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Canterbury for some seriously good food a little further inland.

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