Fish Out of Water: Sea Food Dining in Kent
Anchored in the county’s long-celebrated fishing heritage, Kent is rightfully prided on its thriving tide-to-table partnership, resulting in triumphant coastal cuisine packed with the freshest of singing sea flavours.
With a breathtaking swathe of coast stretching across an extraordinary 350 miles and decorated with ample working harbours and many a picturesque pebbled shore, Kent has forever been shaped by its evocative coast and the generations of local fishermen who haul in a rich variety of seafood from it every day.
Lending further to our reputation for coastal excellence is an exquisite array of superb local species, with heritage-rich Whitstable producing the most delicious native oysters, both Folkestone and Ramsgate supplying the most delectable whelks and crabs, and our across-the-border neighbour Rye renowned for its scallops. Not to mention the popular flatfish, Dover sole which, while it’s widely fished from waters of the Atlantic, was named after the town’s port where it was regularly landed and exported during the 19th century.
Playing a key role in not only our bountiful county’s history and economy, but also our vibrant cultural identity throughout the ages, the working coastal towns of Ramsgate, Folkestone, Whitstable, Deal, Hythe and Dungeness, some known for their beautifully historic harbours, still thrive to this day with fervent fishing communities who send out their day or beach-launched boats to supply Kent and beyond with the finest, flavour-packed catches of the season.
Making the very most of those fresh flavours and celebrating this colourful maritime heritage is a proud array of seafood restaurants, quirky pop-ups and innovative eateries who, inspired by the waters and driven by sustainability and seasonality, create vibrant, produce-led menus that truly bring to life the plentiful delights of the Kentish coast. With that in mind, we have put together a helpful guide to just some of Kent’s most-loved seafood experiences, from hearty beach shacks that highlight tasty natural flavours to utterly outstanding fine-dining establishments famed for their sea-to-plate strides. As the sun shines and the sea glistens, there is no better time than now to indulge in a little seafood splendour.
This rightfully revered seaside duo just around the corner from one another is built upon an uncomplicated yet admirable philosophy that states: “We will always consider our people and our planet first, working directly with growers, fishermen and suppliers who understand how to make the most of their produce and at the same time, minimise the impact on our environment.”
Over at Angela’s – a small seafood restaurant with rooms – diners are treated to truly marvellous fish and vegetable-based dishes from a daily changing menu based on the best pick from the morning boats. Within the intimate dining and bar space of Dory’s overlooking the Margate Main Sands, equally beautiful dishes of raw, pickled, cured and baked seafood and vegetables await you, as well as a wine shop of English and European organic, biodynamic and low-intervention wines.
Fish Union Bar & Grill, Chislehurst
First a fishmonger with a mission to supply the county and beyond with the finest seafood around, then an innovative fishmonger and restaurant pairing striving for sustainable dining, before landing anew this year with a refreshed and refueled identity as Fish Union Bar & Grill – a superb restaurant and bar ready to set the coastal cuisine stage alight.
Helmed by renowned chefs Richard Kirkwood and Andy Roberts, and nestled amongst the thriving indies of Chislehurst’s Royal Parade, Fish Union is dedicated to putting sustainability at the forefront of their all-day menus with a curated cocktail lineup that’s just as tempting as its vibrant food offerings. The result of a wonderfully skilled team as devoted to excellence as ever, dishes here are brimming with artistry and passion, and are sure to leave you longing for your next visit.
Elegantly positioned above Folkestone Harbour and offering front-row seats to panoramic views of the English Channel from its sleek, glass-fronted dining room, Rocksalt is a highly-acclaimed restaurant with an ethos rooted in seasonality, provenance and simplicity.
Showcasing an exceptional kitchen team deeply committed to crafting dishes that allow for the finest Kentish produce to take centre stage, the restaurant presents a varied menu of high-quality meat and vegetarian options alongside an impressive array of fish and seafood dishes including varieties sourced direct from the local day boats from the South East coastline. With the likes of Folkestone scallops, Rye Bay mackerel, Maldon oysters, local cured or smoked fish and a catch of the day served with fresh coastal greens all on the cards, seafood aficionados are certainly spoilt for choice. Not forgetting the art of harmonious wine pairings that both elevate and balance kitchen creations, the restaurant’s eclectic wine list has been meticulously designed to sit splendidly beside each dish – with the knowledgeable Rocksalt team always on hand to advise on your perfect match.
A relaxed yet sociable dining experience that beckons diners to relish the timeless pairing of great food and good company, Kebbells’ celebrated seafood-focused menu is all about keeping things as fresh and local as possible. Guests can take a seat at the bar to watch upon the expert chefs in action or soak up the sunshine on the terrace before savouring delicious Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates – from fresh oysters topped with a perfectly complementing dressing of the day to tasty tuna tartare infused with fragrant Asian flavours.
Sankey’s The Old Fishmarket, Tunbridge Wells
A gloriously suave Champagne and seafood bar set within the characterful Old Fishmarket building in The Pantiles that regularly tops the list when it comes to seafood destinations with a true sense of occasion. With sublime oysters and shellfish their speciality, expect exclusive cut-above-the-rest varieties including Carlingford, Colchester, Lindisfarn and Duchy of Cornwall alongside fresh crabs and lobsters that are dressed spectacularly by the chefs once they arrive direct from Cadgwith Cove. While a traditional starter and main format is available, menus also offer diners the unique opportunity to create their own platters and come complete with a delightful selection of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world.
This year, the team at Sankey’s are celebrating a momentous milestone of 45 years since they opened their very first restaurant, as well as their subsequent journey with a buzzing Seafood Kitchen at Mount Ephraim, the transformation of The Old Fishmarket, and as a burgeoning fishmongers supplying top-quality seafood countywide.
Since opening their doors in 2015, husband and wife Nadine and Simon Morriss have lovingly poured their hearts into creating a fun and family-friendly dining environment that leaves each and every guest with a lasting sense of joy. Holding honesty and responsible sourcing in top stead and joined by the equally driven head chef Craig Edgell, the Buoy & Oyster team work closely alongside Kent-based fishermen covering the waters of Margate, Whitstable, Ramsgate, Folkestone and Broadstairs, meaning most of their fish and shellfish is usually landed and on your plate the very same day
Championed by their vibrant Margate location, the restaurant is fully equipped for families of all ages with a delicious Little Sailors menu of fresh and tasty classics. For the grown-ups however, the options are endless. Whether you are swayed by the simple yet ever-pleasing fish and chips, are itching to sample Craig’s famed Sunday roast, or opt for something refined at the Seafood Bar, Buoy & Oyster promise an unforgettable feast for the senses that tastes just as good as it looks.
Wheelers Oyster Bar, Whitstable
Steeped in over 165 years of history and nestled proudly on Whitstable’s colourful high street, Wheelers Oyster Bar is owned by the wonderful Delia, who learnt the art of seafood while working alongside her parents. With charming daily offerings, an expertly composed evening tasting menu and unique ready-to-eat picnic boxes – perfect to enjoy on the beach – sourcing is of paramount importance to the team here. So much so that Wheelers have developed a local organic garden to grow salad, herbs and fresh fruit for their dishes and work directly with local fishermen to source Kentish lobsters, cockles and whelks, and of course Whitstable’s very own native oysters. Also producing everything from scratch, from fresh bread to ice cream, menus here are as proudly local as it gets.
Dungeness Snack Shack, Dungeness
For over 11 years upon the shingle beach of Dungeness, this hearty, family-run Snack Shack and adjoining fishmongers has caught fish from the neighbouring sea on their very own boats for the locals and coastal explorers alike to enjoy. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and traceability of each and every catch, and in an unpretentious manner that always allows for the natural sea flavours to shine, top catches of the day such as fillets, scallops, whelks and prawns are cooked and served up either on their own or in freshly baked rolls and flatbreads, complete with salad and generous dollops of a flavoursome homemade slaw or tartar sauce.
Image by: @frankiejulianphotos
A Michelin-listed and two AA Rosette-awarded seafood star set on the picturesque Bearsted Green that values both terrific dishes and high-quality service in equal measure, Fish on the Green is housed within a former stable block that has been stylishly converted to offer guests a sumptuous dining space in which to taste crowdpleasing classics and contemporary curations. Locally loved, the restaurant excels in satisfying every palate with a varied menu of freshly prepared servings bursting with standout ingredients. An intimate pre-dinner drinks bar also welcomes guests to sip and savour a selection of their favourite Shepherd Neame tipples before their meal.
SONA, meaning ‘gold’ in several languages and a symbol of the warmth, value and timelessness that the restaurant intends to capture, is a much-anticipated sparkling new addition to Kent’s ever-evolving seafood scene, found on a gorgeous rooftop location with captivating historic city views shared with trendy bar and terrace, Socialite.
Inspired by a love of explorative global flavours and a vision to create something lasting and deeply rooted in connection, SONA is committed to a meticulous attention to detail, unwavering hospitality and serving up impeccably polished cuisine. Among an elegant, fish-led menu that also prides-itself on its vegan, vegetarian and meat offerings, the SONA seafood sharer of lobster, tuna, langoustines, wild prawns, scallops, brown crab claws and Bloody Mary dipping sauce shines bright, also rivalled however by a stunning selection of oysters, caviar, tuna, sophisticated snacks and showstopping desserts.
Showcasing a sumptuous dining space of rich colourings and stylish furnishings that makes an evening meal here all the more special, Fish at 55 is renowned for its sophisticated takes on classic meat and fish dishes that feature the very best produce of both land and sea, as well as for its unique sushi offerings, each beautifully handcrafted by master sushi chef Thiago Krobath.
With an inviting, laid-back vibe and Mediterranean-inspired decor that is enough to transport you to those very shores, Little Rock, from the same group as the iconic Rocksalt, takes shape within a converted shipping container on Folkestone’s Harbour. Boasting plenty of personality, outdoor seating and the place to be on a warm summer’s day for a thirst-quenching tipple with a view, this bright and brilliant restaurant sources its fish straight from the Folkestone trawlers operating out of the harbour and handpicks ingredients from esteemed nearby suppliers. Earning a well-deserved place on The Good Food Guide 2025, Little Rock’s a la carte menu is made up of punchy snacks such as chilli and garlic prawns and dressed crab, and delectable larger plates including the local’s favourite, pale ale battered cod cheeks with salty skin-on fries.
Striving for their menus to be a true celebration of all Kentish coast has to offer, 81 Beach Street has unsurprisingly earned themselves pride of place on the local foodie map thanks to its prime seafront location, imaginative ingredient pairings, picture-perfect plating and commitment to support nearby suppliers.
Boasting a wonderful, light-filled dining room complete with dreamy sea vistas and the warmest of service, 81’s lovely menus considerately echo the seasons with this summer’s curations highlighting a beautiful oven-baked monkfish with a red lentil dahl and a perfectly grilled seabream fillet with saffron mash. For those seeking a light yet satisfying weekday lunch, the restaurant’s daily set menu is certain to deliver.
Frank’s Restaurant & Mussel Bar, West Malling
Known for their designated mussel menu showcasing the distinctive seafood cooked 22 ways, from fiery dressings to delicate drizzles, this market town gem is housed within a 14th-century inn and is abound with character, complete with an open fireplace and beautiful exposed beams. If mussels aren’t to your taste, choose from a wide range of great meat, vegetarian and seafood dishes such as halibut, prawns and sea trout, pairing with fresh vegetables of the day or a light side salad.
A Date For Your Diary
Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival, Whitstable // 12 – 14 September
Join the celebrations of Whitstable’s historic and cultural connection to oysters at this family-friendly festival of tradition, fun and flavour. Taking place at The Grading Shed, a working part of the town’s vibrant oyster industry, and The Long Beach which becomes a hive of activity with lighthearted competitions and games, the festival gathers families to taste an array of seaside bites and oyster varieties, catch brilliant music performances from local artists and if you are feeling adventurous, take part in the legendary oyster eating competition!
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