Exactly Where You NEED to Eat in Whitstable, Kent 🍽️
If you’re looking for the best restaurants to eat at in Whitstable you’ve come to the right place! This charming coastal town was my stomping ground for many years, having lived just around the corner from this delightful part of Kent.
If you’re not too familiar with Whitstable, it’s renowned for its picturesque beaches, quaint charm, and, of course, its incredible seafood.
Although Whistable is famous for its oysters, the town’s culinary offerings extend far beyond mollusks. This special destination has a reputation as a food lover’s destination, offering a diverse range of dining options that cater to just about everyone.
From traditional fish and chip shops to pubs with Michelin stars, Whitstable has quietly evolved into a town with an epic culinary scene, steadily gaining recognition in the world of food. So, trust me when I say that you’ll be spoilt for delicious things to do in Whitstable.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best restaurants in Whitstable, each offering a unique culinary experience that will undoubtedly delight your taste buds!
#1. Eat World Famous Whitstable Oysters
The whole essence of this coastal town revolves around Oysters, with Whitstable being world famous for its exceptional native oysters, which reach their peak season between September and April.
Few places are quite as defined by a single ingredient as Whitstable. The Romans loved the local oysters so much that they continuously sent shipments of them back to Rome!
As you wander through the town and its charming historic harbour, you’ll encounter several oyster shacks and seafood vendors. So, when visiting Whitstable, make sure not to miss the opportunity to purchase half a dozen oysters or more 😋
Tip for Foodies: Consider dining at The Forge (located near the Fisherman’s Huts) or the Whitstable Oyster Company by the harbour for a memorable seafood experience.
#2. Buy Fresh Fish From Whitstable Fish Market
The quaint Fish Market can be found within Whitstable’s picturesque historic harbour, situated where the former goods sheds for The Crab and Winkle railway line once stood.
Here, you’ll have the opportunity to witness fishing boats arriving with their daily haul, ensuring that your seafood experience couldn’t be any more fresh!
#3. Enjoy Michelin-Starred Dining in Whitstable
If you’re looking for a Michelin-starred dining experience in Whitstable, The Sportsman is a must-visit. This gastropub, overlooking the sea, specialises in seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that celebrate the essence of this coastal town. The chef behind the Sportsman (Stephen Harris) even collects buckets of water from the beach to make his own salt!
This award-winning Michelin-starred pub lies between salt marshes where sheep graze and the Thames Estuary, leading to the North Sea. It was even voted the Best Restaurant in the UK in 2016, so you don’t just need to take my word for it when I say this is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Whitstable!
There are two tasting menus here including a shorter 5-course one for £55 per person.
#4. Eat The Best Fish & Chips in Whitstable
A trip to Whitstable of course wouldn’t be complete without eating some fish & chips!
There are a couple of amazing food options when it comes to sampling fish & chips in Whitstable.
My personal recommendation is Ossie’s Fish Bar, which sells some of the tastiest fish & chips you’ll find in the country. Wrapped in paper they’re perfect for taking to the beach! Or, you could try V.C. Jones on Harbour Street, with its red and white fish & chips sign that always has a queue outside it!
#5. Stroll Along the Whitstable Seafront
One of the most enjoyable activities in Whitstable is taking a leisurely stroll along the seaside promenade, where you’ll encounter tons of wholesome sights, from colourful beach huts to piles of glistening oyster shells and groynes.
Along the harbour area, there’s a delightful range of seafood shacks, restaurants, and quaint wooden huts offering local arts and crafts.
Tip: Don’t forget to explore Tankerton Slopes, where a 750-meter long stretch of shingle, known locally as The Street, becomes visible during low tide. Taking a leisurely walk along its length offers a magnificent view of Whitstable during sunset. This stretch of coastline is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, and it’s worth noting that the famous painter Turner found inspiration for his works just down the coast.
#6. Go Crabbing!
Not quite one of the best restaurants in Whitstable but well worth spending a Sunday afternoon doing!
Simply purchase a crabbing line and a bucket from one of the beach front stores, attach a piece of bacon and sit on a groyne while you lower your line into the water!
Tip: One of the top places to go crabbing in Whitstable is on West Beach.
#7. Afternoon Tea at Whitstable Castle
The Orangery Tea Rooms situated within Whitstable Castle’s beautiful gardens provide the perfect setting for indulging in cake and having a tea break!
You can opt for the Castle Afternoon Tea, which includes the classic English afternoon tea experience featuring finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes at just £20 per person. Alternatively, you can enjoy a cream tea for just £4.95!
This has to be one of the best value restaurants in all of Whitstable, as well as a cultural classic!
#8. Treat yourself to an Ice Cream
You’ll notice a line extending beyond the entrance of Morelli’s Gelato.
This nostalgic establishment, will transport you back to your youth with its selection of flavours (made fresh each day), to eat in or to take away.
#9. Stop for Tea & Cake
The unmistakable Tudor Tea Rooms on Harbour Street, with their distinctive mullioned windows and wooden frontage, are a notable landmark and the perfect setting to spend an afternoon in Whitstable.
This charming establishment is one of the best restaurants in Whitstable, renowned for serving delicious and truly authentic English scones and pots of tea!
Interestingly, the Tea Rooms used to be a beloved meeting place for the late actor Peter Cushing, who resided in Whitstable until his passing in 1994. The town held such affection for the Sherlock Holmes actor that they dedicated a local scenic spot, located near the lower end of the High Street, as “Cushing’s View.”
#10. The Iconic Old Neptune
This historic pub, fondly known as ‘The Neppy,‘ is one of the best restaurants in Whitstable that offers traditional pub grub, seafood, and a wide range of drinks.
It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Sip a pint while looking out to sea towards the Isle of Sheppey.
#11. Picnic on Whitstable Beach
If you’re not into planing ahead, the good news is that you can grab some takeaway seafood from Wheelers – ordering a seafood platter is a fabulous option if you want a ready-made picnic for the beach.
Fun fact: This is one of the great British seafood institutions and the oldest restaurant in Whitstable.
Also, since Kent is one of the major wine producing regions in the country, you could also grab a bottle of English sparkling wine from The Offy and bring it to the beach to watch the sunset.
#12. Holiday Vibes at the Lobster Shack
Nestled to the east of the harbour, lies a picturesque scene reminiscent of New England. Here stands the Lobster Shack, with its distinctive black clapboard exterior. It offers breathtaking views of its private beach and extends to a jetty that provides glimpses of the Redsand World War II sea forts.
This establishment places a strong emphasis on local seafood. You can savour amazing dishes here like lobster prepared in four different ways, a seafood platter that changes with the seasons, and scampi and chips.
What truly sets this place apart is its exceptional location. Whether you’re watching the sunset from the picnic tables on the jetty or taking a refreshing post-lunch swim, the experience feels like a holiday escape, making this one of the top restaurants in Whitstable.
#13. Experience Samphire
While many of Whitstable’s best restaurants adopt a rustic and maritime aesthetic, Samphire stands out as a self-proclaimed “modern Kentish bistro.”
Its interior features wooden flooring and a menu displayed on a chalkboard, and it pays homage to the best of Kent, not just its coastal surroundings (though it must be noted that dishes like skate wing with Kentish tomato Panzanella are exceptional!).
Samphire places a strong emphasis on the origin of its ingredients, with George Begg, who opened the place in 2006, totally dedicated to sourcing game from Chilham, asparagus from Sandwich, and organic vegetables from Chatham.
The recently appointed head chef, Mark O’Brien from Dublin, brings his experience from renowned London meat-focused restaurants like Barbecoa and Smokestak to Samphire. This expertise is evident in dishes such as the slow-braised aged Kentish lamb racks and Porterhouse steaks served with bone sauce and a vibrant salsa verde.
Open every day, offering brunches and a £20 set lunch menu, Samphire is a genuine local eatery that takes its commitment to quality seriously while maintaining a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. So, it’s no wonder that this established has developed a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Whitstable.
#14. The Vibrant Farm and Harper
When it comes to the best restaurants in Whitstable, Farm and Harper stands out with its vibrant pastel murals, offerings like Tsuki matcha lattes, and thoughtful toy sets for young diners. These charming features may divert attention momentarily from the restaurant’s commitment to sourcing quality ingredients.
Phill Macgregor, who co-owns the establishment with his wife Sarah, brings a wealth of culinary experience, having worked at esteemed places like The Lanesborough and alongside Barry Tonks at Bonds. Tonks was previously the proprietor of the award-winning Dove Inn just outside Faversham.
At Farm and Harper, the primary focus is on breakfast and lunch, with offerings ranging from the hearty Famous Farmer big breakfast to enticing options like fish curry or king prawns served on sourdough for lunch. Additionally, the couple hosts special monthly Saturday “Food + Friends” dinners, featuring unique menus that might highlight dishes like bouillabaisse or small plates inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine.
#15 Sample Authentic Tapas
Sitting down for tapas may not be your first choice when holidaying on the Kent coast, but it turns out that Whitstable and the concept of tapas complement each other harmoniously! While much of the ingredients are sourced locally, the primary focus at Harbour Street Tapas is on authentic Spanish tapas.
Here, you can indulge in perfectly prepared dishes like tortillas, ham croqueta balls, and grilled octopus served with spicy Canarian mojo picon. Additionally, the menu boasts some delightful house specialties, such as spiced lamb cutlets paired with tabbouleh or glazed Duroc pork ribs featuring chilli and coriander accents (I HIGHLY recommend sampling both of these delicious dishes!)
For me, this is easily one of the best restaurants in Whitstable – I’m already planning my return!
#16 Timeless French-style Dining
While Samphire epitomises the trendy locavore bistro, Birdies is one of the best restaurants in Whitstable that offers a timeless French-style dining experience.
The restaurant is adorned with classic red-and-white checkered tablecloths and an interior reminiscent of the 1990s. Birdies is particularly known for its hearty dishes presented in a serif-font style and its warm and friendly service.
The menu boasts rich and comforting classics like bouillabaisse, steamed saffron lobster, beef Wellington, and Dover sole. These beloved, homestyle favourites are the reason why locals continue to return to this superb Whitstable restaurant time and time again.
#17 Sample Conscious Cooking
JoJo’s is an amazing Whistable restaurant that went viral during the pandemic when developers tried to buy the Mediterranean-style restaurant on Tankerton beach. However, their efforts were thwarted by a crowdfunding campaign supported by notable figures such as Tom Kerridge, Jay Rayner, and the renowned photographer Rankin.
Background: This family-operated restaurant has earned widespread affection and is often described as one of the best restaurants in Whitstable, partly due to the warm welcome offered by its proprietors, Nikki Billington and Paul Watson. They made Tankerton their home in 2010 after initially launching a restaurant within their own residence. On the restaurant’s website, they humbly state, “We don’t do anything too fancy,” although this description doesn’t do justice to the quality of their robust mezze platters, fish and chips, or delicious mutton and feta koftas. Most of their ingredients are sourced locally and sustainably, adding to the restaurant’s appeal.
#18 Head to Pearson’s Arms
Whitstable boasts a selection of charming pubs with a salty seaside atmosphere, including the Old Neptune right on the beach. However, the equally pristine white-weatherboard establishment known as Pearson’s Arms stands out as one of the best restaurants in Whitstable and a top choice for food lovers.
The menu emphasises classics like moules mariniere cooked in Kentish white wine. Other enticing options include a 32-day-aged Scottish ribeye served with triple-cooked chips, followed by a cheeseboard featuring Kent’s finest selections or the house specialty, Eton mess.
Despite the appearance of weathered wood walls and a roaring fire, which may suggest a preference for a pint of Seafarers or the house ale, Pearson’s Arms takes its cocktails quite seriously as well. The offerings include sophisticated choices like a peach liqueur Old Fashioned or a refreshing Whitstable Fizz made with Prosecco, mint, and elderflower.
# 19 Explore a Scandi inspired Coffee Shop
Exuding Scandinavian flair and serving conscientiously sourced coffee along with delicious food like Swedish pastries, Blueprint Coffee and Books stands as Whitstable’s trendiest gathering spot. It’s an ideal spot to relax while perusing their collection of independent books and magazines.
# 20 Discover a Hidden Gem
Exploring a beloved and enduring local gem is highly recommended. David Brown Deli, a hidden treasure in Whitstable, is discreetly located in portable cabins at the entrance of the South East Caravan Centre on Belmont Road.
Their menu undergoes daily changes, featuring amazing food options like smoked haddock chowder, coq au vin, or ham hock paired with lentils, offering a great choice for a takeaway meal.
Conclusion: Best Restaurants in Whitstable 😋
Whitstable’s culinary scene is a testament to the town’s rich maritime heritage and commitment to locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
Whether you’re craving the finest seafood, contemporary British cuisine, or a cozy pub meal, Whitstable has a restaurant to suit every palate.
So, as you explore this charming coastal gem, be sure to indulge in the superb food offerings of these amazing Whitstable restaurants.
Your taste buds will thank you for it!
I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best restaurants in Whitstable – if you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments below! 🍽️
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