From Michelin-starred restaurants to grab-and-go oyster bars, Kent is the ‘plaice’ to be for seafood eateries with the freshest fare around
Fish on the Green, Bearsted
Nestled in the pretty village of Bearsted is the Michelen Guide approved, double AA Rosette holding seafood restaurant Fish on the Green. Serving fresh, high quality dishes in a beautifully refurbished barn, this is a hit with seafood lovers. Try the grilled lemon sole for main before tucking into a tasty peanut butter parfait.
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The Tartar Frigate, Broadstairs
With stunning views over Viking Bay in Broadstairs, The Tartar Frigate along with Head Chef Trevor Webb creates inventive dishes with influences from all over the world. Try a delicious monkfish curry or oysters topped with chorizo and indulge your seafood obsession with the sea just a stone’s throw away.
Wheelers Oyster Bar, Whitstable
Strolling down Whitstable High Street it’s hard to miss the pink façade of Wheelers Oyster Bar. Order from the oyster bar or enjoy some delicious seafood in the small restaurant. With delicious dishes like lobster lasagne, roasted scallops with parma ham and a soufflé of Kentish raspberries for dessert there’s plenty of fresh fare to enjoy. Wheelers also have preorder and takeaway services so you can enjoy some beer battered oysters by the sea.
Chapman’s Seafood Bar & Brasserie, Canterbury
Only the best locally sourced, fresh fish is on the menu at Chapman’s Seafood Bar & Brasserie in Canterbury. Support from other local businesses means that it isn’t long before fish caught from the sea is served on your plate! Why not start with crab paté on toasted sour dough bread before a fresh smoked salmon salad? Check out our full restaurant review here.
The Sportsman, Seasalter
In the village of Seasalter is The Sportsman, a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant that has stayed true to its roots by selecting food from the surrounding land and growing its own ingredients resulting in fresh, picked-to-order fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Buoy and Oyster, Margate
Housed in a gorgeous Grade II listed building opposite the sea on Margate High Street is Buoy and Oyster serving fish caught and cooked on the same day. Start with a platter of oysters to share before tucking into a delectable seafood linguine. Soak in the sea air outside to perfectly complement your meal or enjoy the stylish interiors.
Papa’s Barn, Ditton nr Maidstone
Think elevated fish and chips at Papa’s Barn in the village of Ditton. Plaice, halibut, skate, whatever your choice, you can be sure of a fresh piece of your favourite fish to go alongside tasty chips or a side order of calamari. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere just adds to the experience.
Birdies, Whitstable
The family run Birdies restaurant on Harbour Street in Whitstable is a restaurant serving Kent seafood from local fishermen so freshness is guaranteed. Flavours are simple yet delicious with dishes such as crispy seabass with soy and ginger or Dover sole with herb butter. Why not walk off your meal with a stroll down to the harbour afterwards?
Whits of Walmer, Walmer
The interior of Whits of Walmer is homely with a fun, nautical twist. With delicious seafood dishes on the menu you’ll be spoilt for choice. We recommend the lobster salad, which makes the perfect lunch, or cod fillet with mushrooms and onions in a red wine jus that makes a sophisticated dinner.
The Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant, Dover / Hythe
With the menu changing depending on the catch of the day from local fishermen, The Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurants in Dover and Hythe serve delicious fresh fish and shellfish. The restaurant at Hythe is located on the promenade and has gorgeous views over the bay and the Dover restaurant has practically panoramic views of the white cliffs from the bright, contemporary designed interior.
The Old Fishmarket by Sankey’s, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Sankey’s is a champagne and seafood bar located in the Old Fishmarket in the Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Serving a range of fresh seafood that’s perfectly complemented by a wide range of sparkling wines, Sankey’s particularly specialises in shellfish and oysters. You can’t get much fresher than live crab and lobsters from Cornwall that are prepared to order.
Brunch on the Beach, Griggs of Hythe, Hythe
Fresh seafood is given a fast food twist at Brunch on the Beach by Griggs of Hythe located right on the seafront. Grab a dressed crab salad, a scallop and bacon roll or some salt and pepper squid before finding a spot on the beach to enjoy.
Frank’s Restaurant and Mussel Bar, West Malling
Frank’s Restaurant and Mussel Bar in the historic town of West Malling specialises in serving fresh mussels with 21 different types to choose from. Monday and Thursday are mussels nights with inventive flavour combinations such as Pirri Pirri tomato, blue cheese or goat’s cheese and honey.
Posillipo, Broadstairs / Faversham / Canterbury
With three restaurants across Kent in Broadstairs, Faversham and Canterbury, Posillipo is an authentic Italian restaurant with an extensive fish menu. The food is complemented perfectly by a selection of high quality Italian wines.
Hantverk & Found, Margate
For a trendy seafood experience, try out Hantverk & Found in Margate. With daily specials written in chalk on a huge blackboard wall, you’re sure to find a delicious fish dish to tuck in to. There is also an art gallery on site showcasing local artists.
Le Petit Poisson, Herne Bay
Sit at the seafront at Herne Bay and watch the world go by at Le Petit Poisson, the seafood restaurant using fresh fish from the Kent coast to create a seasonally changing menu of tasty dishes. With tempting concoctions such as fillet of seabream with a spiced crab cake and roasted tomatoes or mussels in Kentish cider with creamy leeks, you can spend an evening with good food and conversation at Le Petit Poisson.
Green Cross Inn, Goudhurst
Being a pub, the Green Cross Inn in Goudhurst has a large selection of wine, spirits and real ale to go along with the fresh seafood on offer. Proud to be serving ‘unpretentious’ food, you are guaranteed simple but tasty flavours. Why not indulge in a whole dressed crab or a warm smoked haddock salade nicoise?
The Whitstable Oyster Company, Whitstable
With shabby-chic farmhouse style interiors, The Whitstable Oyster Company is the perfect spot to enjoy some traditionally reared and prepared oysters. With a rich history that dates back over 500 years, this charming restaurant has been called one of the best seafood restaurants in the country and is one of the oldest companies on the continent.
