Saltwood Restaurant Guide

“Third return to this venue… from its opening one Michelin star, then now with two stars in 2025! – the food sophistication has developed brilliantly” – regulars say that the dazzling recognition by the tyre men is “well deserved” for chef Allister Barsby and manager Alice Bussi’s “exceptional venue”, which is celebrating its sixth year. Set in a former village shop, it is spectacularly humbly situated for somewhere with such an accolade. The choice is of a five-course or eight-course tasting menu for £100 or £130 per person respectively, providing dishes that are “beautifully presented and with superb flavour profiles”. “Huge waiting list! But worth it every time!”.

2022 Review: Former Sportsman chef David Hart earns rave reviews from reporters who ‘get’ his modest 26-seater with a simple menu and an enthusiast’s list of wines (fans include the Guardian’s Grace Dent).

“Lovely coffee in a series of book-lined rooms” makes this brightly painted venue “a real social hub” of Folkestone’s ‘Creative Quarter’. Inspired by the book cafés of Paris, it offers a ‘no-menu’ spread of freshly baked goodies, including its well-known cakes, and guests are encouraged to browse the shelves while they graze – with the option to buy the second-hand books.

“Great seafood (much of it local)” and “an ideal position overlooking Folkestone’s old harbour" make this sleek glass-fronted restaurant “a perfect spot for lunch by the sea” (“the upstairs wine terrace is lovely when the sun is out”). Launched 15 years ago as part of Saga billionaire Sir Roger De Haan’s regeneration of Folkestone, it enjoys a “loyal following” under head chef Akos Mate.

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”.

In Summer 2025, Ryan Jacovides launched a sibling to his Margate yearling with this takeover of the old Brewery Tap pub site on Tontine Street – incorporating 50 covers inside and a further 30 on outside terrace. Open seven days a week, it offers a list of bar snacks and sharing plates, akin to its older Margate sibling, with a day-time sandwich and deli counter. Reports please!

A Hispanic fixture in the “Creative Quarter” for more than 10 years – this “decent tapas bar” is “just perfect” when you’re looking for “small plates with lots of flavour” served in a “really good atmosphere”. The mostly Spanish wine list stretches as far as South America (and as near as the North Downs of Kent); beers and ciders are also available.

2023 Review: This “very buzzy spot in a pink container on the harbour arm” serves “very fresh fish and seafood”, and is the “sister restaurant to Rocksalt”. “Spilling out onto a terrace, it makes a delightful spot for lunch in the sun, with engaging service and all that one wants from a decent fish restaurant”.