St Martin's, Mediterranean Restaurant Guide

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!

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”.

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 ‘Wine Shop & Tasting Room’ whose interesting selection of vintages matched with punchy, interesting food options helps create a “fantastic convivial and amiable atmosphere”. Top Tip – “top notch Sunday lunches”.