Kent Restaurant Guide

In a tiny village, Graham Garrett and his family's sixteenth-century cottage (complete with wattle and daub) has, since it opened in 2002, won fame thanks to its “consistently excellent” cuisine: more offbeat items like ceviche or tacos are mixed in with much more “classic” fare on its taster menu, while the à la carte is all a little more conventional. With the summer departure of chef Tony Parkin, Michelin removed its long-held star last year, but we’ve maintained our survey rating for the time being.

“The attractive village of Wye is not where you’d expect Spanish food”, but that’s precisely what’s on the cards at Rock Salt chef Mark Sargeant’s “light and airy” hotel-restaurant – in action since 1962, but turning out something “different” (tapas but also a “wonderful breakfast”) since he acquired it in 2016.

2019 Review: Despite some teething problems after chef Eddy Seys’ 2017 arrival, all is now well at this “sophisticated” hotel restaurant “brightening up the almost derelict” high street, and with “a grandstand view of the lovely beach and sunset”; readers will be happy to know that the lunch menu is “now reinstated”.

The Bridgen family’s “pleasant, well-decorated inn” opened three years ago, and sits just outside Canterbury, opposite the church of a cute village. All reports suggest it’s a “wonderful place to wine and dine” with “pleasant” service and “well-executed” cooking.

2019 Review: “Authentic seafood at a great price” inspires fans of this beachfront restaurant above the Seasport Centre.

2019 Review: “Spacious and modern seafront establishment” – part of a mini-chain of three – praised like its siblings for its “good-quality, well-priced food and decent wine”.

“Always very busy”, this “cosy little café/bistro” on Whitstable’s main drag has a “friendly owner and staff” and an “interesting menu using locally sourced products”. It’s “especially good – and good value – for lunch or brunch”.

“For those who like fish, this is the place with a lot locally caught” and featuring on an “extensive menu”; “you sit in the restaurant overlooking the bay with ships on the horizon” (make sure to get a “table in the conservatory for the views”). They also have outposts in Dover and Deal.