Kent has long been celebrated for its rich agricultural heritage, abundant coastline and thriving vineyards. In recent years, the county has also solidified itself as a gastronomic destination, home to some of the UK’s most acclaimed restaurants and gastropubs. From Michelin-starred fine dining establishments to innovative farm-to-table experiences and award-winning gastropubs, Kent offers a diverse array of culinary excellence. Here are insideKENT’s finest dining spots in the county for 2025…

hide and fox

hide and fox  

Saltwood, nr Hythe

Tucked away in the picturesque village of Saltwood, hide and fox has swiftly ascended the ranks of fine dining, achieving a coveted two Michelin stars in February 2025, a first for Kent! At the helm is executive chef Allister Barsby, whose precise and contemporary approach to British cuisine has captivated both critics and diners. According to Michelin, Allister and the team’s cooking, including dishes by his acclaimed head chef Josh Hughes, is: ‘packed full of delicious produce, cooked with due respect to deliver dishes that succeed on every level.’ Alongside intricate dishes, the inspectors especially loved the Brixham crab with crab jelly, tandoori and pickled vegetables, hide and fox’s showstopping and ever-evolving taster menu, which insideKENT’s editor Samantha Ready has described as ‘simply exquisite’ and ‘the best taster menu in Kent’, is complemented by a meticulously curated wine list that enhances each dish with expertly paired selections curated by sommelier extraordinaire and co-founder, Alice Bussi. Alice also leads front of house at this intimate, stylish and modern neighbourhood gem, which Michelin also noted for its service, describing it as: ‘equally endearing, helping to create an experience that is a true delight.’

The Sportsman

Seasalter, nr Whitstable 

Perched on the windswept shores of Seasalter, The Sportsman has long been synonymous with refined yet relaxed fine dining. This self-described ‘grotty little pub by the sea’ holds a Michelin star and a current No. 8 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub ranking under the stewardship of chef-patron Stephen Harris, who effortlessly bridges rustic charm with gastronomic excellence. The restaurant is deeply rooted in its surroundings, with a menu inspired by the local terroir – think oysters plucked from Whitstable’s waters, salt-marsh lamb from nearby pastures and housemade charcuterie. Signature dishes like slip sole in seaweed butter and the legendary tasting menu reflect its dedication to local ingredients and time-honoured cooking techniques.

Fordwich Arms

Fordwich Arms

Fordwich, nr Canterbury

Set within a charming 1930’s building in the country’s smallest town, the Fordwich Arms exudes warmth and sophistication. Gaining its Michelin star in 2019, just months after opening, the restaurant is led by chef-patrons Daniel and Natasha Smith, whose classical training and modern flair are evident in every dish. Voted the Observer’s Young Chef of the Year 2016 and named Estrella Damm’s Top 50 Chef of the Year in 2024, Dan has steered a meteoric rise of acclaim across not one but two Kentish culinary gems (see below). The seasonal tasting menu here is a work of art, featuring dishes such as aged beef with truffle and Madeira, or wild turbot with brown butter and capers; not to be missed is signature dessert, the Fordwich ‘Snickers’, that has everyone from returning locals, epicurean adventurers and Giles Coren himself raving about it. Not content with its cosy, oak-walled dining room complete with fireplaces and vintage bar, Fordwich Arm’s riverside terrace adds a quaint touch to seasonal dining experiences here, making it the perfect setting for a leisurely yet perfectly executed meal accompanied by an extensive and considered wine list.

Bridge Arms

Bridge, nr Canterbury 

Sister restaurant to the Fordwich Arms, the Bridge Arms in the village of Bridge offers a more relaxed take on Michelin-starred dining while maintaining the Smith duo’s impeccable standards. The open-fire cooking method is at the heart of the ethos here, giving dishes a rustic, smoky depth of flavour. Highlights include the bar snack mainstays of grilled flatbreads with caramelised onion and Parmesan, buttermilk fried chicken with coronation mayonnaise, Josper-grilled scallops, Scottish langoustine, and of course the flame-grilled aged beef, with locally foraged ingredients woven into each elegant plate. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, combining traditional Kentish charm with contemporary touches for unrivalled ambience.

Angela’s

Margate 

Sustainability is at the heart of Angela’s, a small yet mighty restaurant in the heart of Margate. Recognised with a Michelin Green Star, which it has retained since 2021, this seafood-focused eatery champions ethical sourcing, ensuring every dish is both delicious and environmentally responsible. 

The daily changing menu reflects the freshest catches from local fishermen, featuring simple yet expertly crafted dishes such as line-caught sea bass with samphire and butter sauce, and crab and heritage tomato salad. The minimalist interior enhances the focus on the food, making for an unpretentious and unforgettable dining experience.

Sargasso 

Margate

Housed inside a former boat shed on Margate’s harbour wall, Sargasso offers small-plate pared-back dishes in a picture-perfect seaside location. Its seasonally changing menu, just like its London-based sister restaurant, Brawn, puts quality produce at the forefront of its seasonal, fish-forward, designed-to-share menu with ample pairings from a clever wine list with a natural and biodynamic lean.

Kent’s current only Michelin Bib Gourmand accredited offering, which recognises good quality and  good value cooking, expect dishes such as brown crab remoulade with soft egg and chervil, squid with chickpeas and gremolata, and Torbay sole with brown butter and capers – all served unpretentiously and packed with flavour. 

The Small Holding

Kilndown, Goudhurst

A true farm-to-table gem, The Small Holding in Kilndown epitomises sustainability and self-sufficiency. Chef-owner Will Devlin has created a culinary haven where nearly all ingredients are grown, foraged or reared on-site. 

One of the first ever restaurants to be awarded a Michelin Green Star when introduced in 2021, which Devlin has retained ever since in testament to his culinary approach, the restaurant’s menu is a reflection of Kent’s natural bounty, changing frequently to showcase hyper-seasonal produce. Expect dishes such as wood-fired heritage carrots with goat’s curd and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with wild garlic eaten in an intimate setting for a fully immersive dining experience that makes this one of Kent’s most unique destinations.

The Dog at Wingham

Wingham, nr Canterbury

The Dog at Wingham is a celebrated gastropub that masterfully combines refined dining with a warm, traditional pub atmosphere. Under the leadership of head chef Robert Mantegna, the menu focuses on seasonality and local provenance, featuring dishes such as whole roasted lemon sole with brown shrimps and ratte potatoes, and confit of Kentish lamb shoulder with curried carrot, smoked feta, black garlic and redcurrant lamb sauce. 

The Dog has earned its place among the top gastropubs in the UK, currently ranking No. 48 in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list. The charming setting, tempting all-day menus, celebration menus, Sunday lunches, excellent wine list and dedication to quality all combine to make it a must-visit.

The Blue Pelican

The Blue Pelican 

Deal

Sitting resplendent in its seafront townhouse, The Blue Pelican offers inspired Japanese small plate and sharer dining from an open pass under the stewardship of head chef Luke Green. 

Intimate yet sociable, the neighbourhood restaurant is both classy and experimental. Against a backdrop of an incredible Hokusai-inspired mural by local artist Tom Maryniak, diners can delight in dishes such as enoki tempura with green mooli and tentsuyu; line-caught seabass with Tokyo turnips and bergamot; and pork katsu with bitter leaves and sesame dressing, all beautifully plated by Green who honed his culinary craft and inspired flavour combinations in Tokyo.

With its relaxed yet refined setting, The Blue Pelican is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan on the Kentish coastline. The restaurant’s strong commitment to sustainable sourcing and quality ingredients ensures a dining experience that is both delicious, authentic and worthy of its No. 82 Top 100 Restaurant ranking.

The Kentish Hare  

Bidborough, nr Tunbridge Wells  

Located in the picturesque village of Bidborough, The Kentish Hare is a refined yet welcoming gastropub owned by the acclaimed Tanner brothers, Chris and James. Consistently ranking in the Top 100 Estrella Damm Gastropub list (currently No. 59 for 2025), the renovated inn prides itself on using the finest local and seasonal ingredients to deliver creative British cuisine with an emphasis on flavour and presentation. The menu features standout dishes such as South Coast cod with St Austell Bay mussels, smoked leeks, agretti and horseradish, and a 60-day, dry-aged sirloin from Philip Warren Butchers served with short rib, celeriac, Brussels and classic Reform sauce. The warm and stylish interior, along with an inviting terrace for alfresco dining, adds to the relaxed yet sophisticated experience. 

Updown Farmhouse 

Deal

A beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse just outside Deal, Updown Farmhouse offers an intimate and rustic dining experience curated by executive chef patron Oliver Brown and wife Ruth Leigh. With a strong focus on hyper-seasonal produce, the restaurant – currently an impressive No. 12 in Squaremeal’s Top 100 Restaurant rankings – embraces a relaxed yet sophisticated approach to modern British dining. 

The ever-changing 3-3-3 choice menu features dishes such as grilled lobster with fennel butter and slow-cooked pork shoulder with garden greens, all cooked with aplomb in the open outdoor kitchen. With a cosy yet refined ambiance, Updown Farmhouse is a hidden gem that effortlessly blends countryside charm with high-end gastronomy.

Quince

Quince 

Westgate-on-Sea

Located in the charming seaside town of Westgate-on-Sea, Quince is a contemporary neighbourhood restaurant that champions local, seasonal produce with a creative twist. Led by chef-patrons Ben Hughes and Rafael Lopez, Quince offers an intimate and welcoming dining experience where guests can enjoy thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate the best of Kentish, British and European flavours.

The menu showcases a variety of innovative dishes with seasonality at their core. Alongside local Doddington lamb with Jerusalem artichoke and anchovy dressing, you’ll find wood pigeon, seabass and venison. The restaurant’s rustic yet modern decor, featuring an open kitchen, creates a warm and inviting ambience that perfectly complements the dining experience.

With its dedication to seasonality and sustainable sourcing, Quince has quickly gained a loyal following and a well-deserved No. 87 spot in the Square Meal Top 100 Restaurants list. Whether visiting for a casual lunch or dinner or a special occasion, Quince will deliver an unforgettable meal with a personalised touch.

Tallow 

Southborough, Nr Tunbridge Wells

Led by acclaimed chef Rob Taylor, Tallow in Southborough has quickly gained recognition as one of Kent’s finest dining establishments. The restaurant’s ethos revolves around refined simplicity, showcasing the best of local and seasonal ingredients in dishes that are both elegant and flavourful. 

Diners can expect beautifully crafted plates starting with showstopping and ever-changing breads and intricate dishes such as braised Roscoff onion with Lord of the Hundreds cheese, and roast rump of hogget with boulangère potatoes and black-garlic glazed shoulder. Alongside an intimate setting, exceptional wine pairings and outstanding service, diners also have the opportunity of snaring a sought-after seat at Taylor’s chef’s table, where he cooks tasting menus in front of guests at a custommade kitchen-come-pass dining counter, all of which make Tallow a must-visit destination for food lovers.

The Counter by Robin Read 

Tunbridge Wells

A hidden gem in Tunbridge Wells, The Counter is an elegant and contemporary restaurant that has quickly made its mark on the Kentish dining scene. Known for eponymous Read’s artful presentation and exquisite flavour combinations, the restaurant, which was awarded a Michelin Guide listing and claimed the No. 97 spot on Square Meal’s Top 100 Restaurant list in 2025, offers a choice of five-course, eight-course and a special ten-course taster menu, the latter of which is only available at the Chefs Counter, which overlooks the kitchen offering a unique dining experience as Read plates the dishes himself. With its refined atmosphere, intimate dining space and impeccable attention to detail, The Counter is definitely one to watch this year.

For more food and drink inspiration, click here to read our latest issue.