Whether you fancy Michelin Star cooking or some wholesome pub grub, you can find it all in Kent
There is so much good food to be found around Kent.(Image: Boys Hall)
A new year has begun, and if one of your resolutions is to expand your taste pallet, then you are absolutely spoilt for choice here in Kent. Throughout our humble county, you can find everything from Michelin-grade dishes served in some of the nation’s most celebrated establishments, to wholesome home-style pub grub to enjoy within cosy inns.
No matter what your preferences, you’re sure to find something that tantalises your taste buds in the Garden of England. With so much variety on offer, it can be tricky settling on the spots that are right for you.
So, to celebrate the start of 2026 and to make your life a little easier, KentLive has rounded up our picks for the must-visit spots this year. Using our own experiences and reviews from customers, we have compiled 21 restaurants we think you simply need to try for yourself before the year is through.
The Goods Shed, Canterbury
Where: Station Road West, Canterbury, CT2 8AN.
The Goods Shed in Canterbury is a farmers market, food hall and restaurant that has been showcasing local produce and fine foods since 2002. Housed in a beautiful Victorian building right beside Canterbury West Station, it is every foodie’s dream.
The restaurant is in a raised area overlooking the market, there is also the option to sit outside in the rambling garden. The seasonal menu is compact and constantly changes, making use of the freshest local ingredients on offer.
John Dory, Sandgate
Where: 102 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone, CT20 3BY.
The wine shop and tasting room offers wines from around the world with a focus on Burgundy, the Rhône, Germany, Piemonte, Tuscany, the Loire, grower Champagne, and a smattering from everywhere else. With regular options for dining available within its relaxed environment, the Sandgate business has even earned itself a spot in The Good Food Guide.
The publication described John Dory as: “Laid-back, casual and with a utilitarian vibe you don’t expect in a coastal village on the edge of Folkestone”. It continued: “It’s worth keeping an eye on Instagram for details of regular evenings from well-known local (and not so local) restaurants and chefs, as well as the latest food drops. Service, led by wine experts Louisa Walls and Zeren Wilson, is just right – enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly.”
Whitstable Oyster Company, Whitstable
Where: Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, CT5 1BU.
A true staple of the Kent dining scene, this world-renowned seafood restaurant attracts customers from far and wide to taste Whitstable’s iconic oysters. Overlooking the town’s beautiful shingle beach, the restaurant offers a full a la carte menu available from Monday to Sunday, priding itself on dishes that utilise the freshest fish cooked simply.
The Sportsman, Seasalter
Where: Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, CT5 4BP.
It would be impossible to list Kent’s must-visit restaurants without mentioning The Sportsman in Seasalter, one of the county’s most famous and highly decorated establishments. This Michelin-starred establishment in Faversham Road has earned countless awards, most recently having been named among Estrella Damm’s Top 50 Gastropubs.
Learn all about The Sportsman and its secret to success here.
Fifteen Square Meters
Where: 15 Oscar Road, Broadstairs, CT10 1QJ.
The restaurant is named after the size of the dining room – a mere 15 square metres. Described as ‘cosy and intimate’, the venue offers a great selection of wine from around the world.
It offers seasonal, gluten-free, frequently changing small plates designed to be shared. Previous customers have praised the spot for offering exceptional value, providing delicious, high-quality dishes in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Updown Farmhouse, Deal
Where: Updown Farmhouse, Updown Road, Betteshanger, Deal, CT14 0EF.
Recently named among the nation’s top boutique hotels, Updown is a stunning restaurant and retreat situated within a converted 17th century former farmstead. A passion project for owners Ruth Leigh and Oliver Brown, the pair have worked tirelessly to create the inviting accommodation and highly regarded restaurant.
Oli heads the food offering at Updown, putting into practice his wealth of experience from founding Brixton’s acclaimed Duck Duck Goose, time in Hong Kong running the kitchens of Swire Hotel’s first stand-alone restaurant, and with Rowley Leigh at Le Café Anglais in Bayswater. The chef crafts hyper-seasonal menus to enjoy within the conservatory restaurant, making the most of fresh, local produce.
Fed on the Green, Bearsted
Where: The Green, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4EA.
Dubbed Kent’s top café in last year’s annual Muddy Stiletto Awards, this cosy space is a real hub for the Bearsted community. Known for its specialty coffees and scrumptious bites, including cakes, pastries, breakfasts, picnic hampers and brunches, Fed has seen a great deal of praise online.
One TripAdvisor user said: “Been here a few times and always been lovely. The staff are so friendly and so helpful. Will definitely go back and definitely recommend it.”
Gurkha Fire, Chatham
Where: New Cut, Chatham, ME4 6AD.
Despite only relatively recently emerging into the area’s dining scene, Gurkha Fire has impressively risen among the ranks of Medway’s restaurants and has even been rated the district’s second best restaurant on TripAdvisor. Nestled within the former Chatham fire station, the Nepalese curry house has seen praise for its “authentic and flavourful dishes”.
Take a quick virtual tour of the stunning restaurant here.
Sandy’s Fish and Chips, Folkestone
Where: 2/3 Back Street, Folkestone, CT19 6NN.
Time for some more casual dining now, and there’s no denying that we Brits love a bit of fish and chips. If you want to enjoy a bite on the beach in the summer sun, or need something to warm you up after a winter walk along the seafront, Sandy’s in Folkestone is the place to go.
Receiving high praise from previous visitors and regularly hailed among the county’s top spots for a chippy tea, this is without a doubt a must-visit for 2026, no matter the time of year. See what KentLive made of the spot when we tried it for ourselves here.
Cafe du Soleil, Canterbury
Where: 4-5 Pound Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2BZ.
Heading over to Kent’s one and only city, Canterbury is a true foodies paradise with lovely cafes, restaurants, take-outs and pubs around every corner. Even amongst so many incredible eateries, Cafe du Soleil is a real standout, and is the sister restaurant of the popular Cafe Des Amis.
Specialising in woodfire cuisine, the restaurant sits right on the Stour River and serves up fresh pasta dishes, cured meats and fish, pizzas and much more. These dishes are joined by a selection of cocktails and wines that change with the season.
Please Sir! – Broadstairs, Whitstable, Canterbury
Where:
- 36 High Street, Broadstairs, CT10 1LH.
- 41 High Street, Whitstable, CT5 1AP.
- 11 Butchery Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2JR.
Jumping from fine dining to some more relaxed comfort food, Please Sir! has also netted itself a number of awards thanks to its signature smash burgers and delectable shakes. The owners proudly boast, alongside their 2,000+ five-star reviews: “Consistency is key and regardless of the location, our product uses only the best of the best when it comes to ingredients.”
With three locations to choose from, no matter where you are in Kent, delicious burgers are never far away. See what KentLive made of Please Sir! when we tried it ourselves here.
Boys Hall, Ashford
Where: Boys Hall Road, Willesborough, Ashford, TN24 0LA.
Boys Hall, nestled within the village of Willesborough in the borough of Ashford, is a gorgeous hotel and restaurant set within a Grade-II listed manor house. Having opened in 2022, the establishment has already made quite the name for itself, earning a Michelin Key in 2025 after previously being added to the Michelin Guide thanks to its exceptional food offering.
The guide remarked: “Local ingredients and Kentish wines help contribute to a firm sense of place in the restaurant.” Boys Hall also serves up a hearty Sunday roast during the winter period, and a light roast option during the summer.
The Cook’s Tale, Canterbury
Where: 14-15 Beer Cart Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2NY.
Returning to Canterbury, The Cook’s Tale has certainly made a name for itself under the careful leadership of esteemed chef-owner Dev Biswal. Dev is an award-winning chef, having previously been named Asian Chef of the Year at the Asian Restaurant Awards.
Meanwhile, The Cook’s Tale has been recognised in the Michelin Guide and the Harden’s 2025 food guide, as well as picking up a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award. Alongside its refined menu that highlights the authentic flavours of India, the restaurant has received high praise thanks to its culinary tours, known as The Cook’s Adventures, which invites enthusiasts on in-bound and international gastronomic food tours.
Dev has recently launched Cafe Marrakech nearby in Rosemary Lane as well, bringing authentic Moroccan cooking to Kent.
Mori Mori, Margate
Where: 80 Northdown Road, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2RE.
If Japanese cuisine is your taste, then a trip to Mori Mori in Margate should absolutely be on your 2026 bucket list. Offering Izakaya-style dining, the menu consists of sushi, noodles, gyozas, sandos, soups and spring rolls, served up alongside a range of soft and alcoholic drinks in this cosy restaurant.
Plus, the seaside venue is taking part in the first-ever Restaurant Month organised by The Good Food Guide, providing special offers on meals between January and February. Find out more here.
Tallow, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells
Where: 15A Church Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 0RX.
This restaurant is in Southborough, just outside of Tunbridge Wells and its menu changes each month. Tallow offers both an a la carte and tasting menu, lunch and dinner, alongside a set-price lunch menu Tuesday to Friday lunchtime.
It was opened by Rob and Donna Taylor in November 2021. Expect fresh, rustic plates crafted with seasonal ingredients.
The Michelin Guide remarks: “Time and care is poured into every well-constructed dish, with each one showcasing the kitchen’s strong knowledge of culinary techniques while delivering bold, hearty flavours.”
Harbour Arm, Folkestone
Where: Harbour Approach Road, Folkestone, CT20 1QH.
Folkestone Harbour Arm has quickly risen to be one of Kent’s leading foodie hotspots. And with so many incredible places to grab a bite to eat, it would be impossible to pick just one.
Barney and The Pizza offers scrumptious woodfire pizzas, Cluck and Cow is the place to visit for smash burgers, check out Mexicorn for mouth-watering Mexican street food, meanwhile Cavells is run by the team behind the popular Big Greek Bus and serves delicious Mediterranean flavours. Plus there are cosy coffee houses and bars to enjoy throughout the year.
With so many different choices on offer, this is a spot you can visit time and time again, but have completely different experiences.
SiamRadhuny, Dartford
Where: 83-89 Lowfield Street, Dartford, DA1 1HP.
“Excellent food”, “outstanding service”, “gorgeous restaurant”. These are just some of the reviews on TripAdvisor describing SiamRadhuny, which tops the website’s ranking of the best Indian restaurants in Dartford.
What is so special about this place is that it serves both Indian and Thai, offering a wide range of dishes to its customers. See why KentLive sung its praises here.
The Cheese Room Botanicals, Rochester
Where: 60 High Street, The Precinct, Rochester, ME1 1JY.
One for the lovers of all things dairy now, The Cheese Room Botanicals is your one-stop shop for all things cheesy – as the name would suggest. Offering create-your-own cheeseboards, scrumptious lunch toasties, mouth-watering sweet treats and a wonderful selection of wines and cocktails, this charming establishment is sure to leave everyone satisfied.
Nearby, just a few doors down, on Rochester High Street you can find The Cheese Room Deli and Cafe, perfect for a quick midday bite. One recent reviewer said: “A wonderful cosy little place.
“Food is divine and service is exceptional. Kyra and Ted ensured our visit was a great one.
“The pistachio martini was one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. Can’t wait to go back.”
The Small Holding, Cranbrook
Where: Ranters Lane, Kilndown, Cranbrook, TN17 2SG.
Holding a Green Michelin Star, the charming restaurant and farm serves a set menu “celebrating the best ingredients available” in Kent. It opened in 2018 by brothers Will and Matt Devlin, with a key focus on sustainability with “growing and foraging” at the heart of what they do.
It has even previously been crowned Kent Restaurant of the Year at the Taste of Kent Awards – see why here.
The Hopbine Inn, Tonbridge
Where: Petteridge Lane, Matfield, Tonbridge, TN12 7NE.
Tucked away between two cosy villages, The Hopbine Inn is a freehouse in a stunning building, with red brick and hung tiles and it’s right when it says it’s “all that a country pub should be”. If you love home-cooked comfort food, you’ve come to the right place.
It serves a Sunday Roast which punters can’t praise enough, alongside woodfire pizzas, steaks and Spanish-style food, with tapas dishes. Find out more here.
Jojo’s, Whitstable
Where: 2 Herne Bay Road, Whitstable, CT5 2LQ.
Here you will find “freshly cooked homemade food” with a Mediterranean influence such as traditional Greek salads, mixed mezes, grilled sardines with lemon and black pepper and many more. It reads on the restaurant’s website: “Most of our dishes are made for sharing and all are freshly cooked to order.
“We only use high-quality ingredients and trusted local suppliers, all our meat and eggs are free-range, and our fish, of course, comes only from sustainable stocks.”
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