Herne Bay, Mediterranean - Restaurant Guide

Nikki Billington and FOH Paul Watson launched this relaxed outfit (‘we don’t do now’t fancy’ is their tagline) in their home in 2000, relocating to larger seafront premises in Tankerton, not far from Whitstable, a decade on. Their “tapas-style food” takes its inspiration from the Med: it’s a “great place to go for fish dishes” (there are also koftas, meze and Greek salads on the menu) in a “lively atmosphere with views over the estuary”.

Long-established, lively Canterbury Mexican – despite the Gallic name – which “never disappoints (must have eaten here over 100 times since it opened in 1988 and it hasn’t lost its sizzling, upbeat vibe: you can’t fail to leave feeling well fed and happy”). Well-travelled founders Bill & Emmanuelle Beetham also own Café du Soleil on the opposite side of the river – and a restaurant in Hawaii!

2022 Review: In a “great” harbourside setting, chef Craig Mather’s collaboration with hotelier James Thomas namechecks the heroic homespun flotilla of the Dunkirk evacuation, also echoed in the decor. The food, mostly sourced within 30 miles of the restaurant, is reliably “solid”, not least the “lovely fresh catch of the day with interesting saucing”.

A “lovely little gem overlooking Broadstairs harbour” which “may not look much from the outside but is a revelation once indoors” (namely a “surprisingly serious restaurant amidst the seafront pubs, cafes and ice-cream shops”). The “innovative” small and large plates, overseen by Richard Kebbells, who runs the place with wife Sarah, nod to the Med and “it’s the seafood that really shines, especially the daily specials”. It’s now also “really good for brunch” (“the kedgeree Scotch eggs are amazing”), but make sure to “book ahead for weekends”, when it’s offered.