Flavour-packed day out itineraries for your next Kent gastronomic adventure.

From morning coffee hubs, breakfast go-tos and light lunch locations to cocktail hotspots and special evening dining experiences not to be missed, Kent is positively brimming with food and drink destinations flying the flag for local flavours and feel-good feasting. Best enjoyed when one carves out a full day to savour them, join us on an indulgent journey across Kent’s most food-loving towns one bite – and sip! – at a time…

On the Foodie Trail in… Margate

Set against a sparkling coastline and dreamy golden sands, Margate pulses with a creative energy that makes every visit here feel like a new discovery. Between exploring its renowned arts scene and soaking up the joy of the seaside, there are countless food and drink spots – many among Kent’s most acclaimed – to delve into with gusto. 

The Good Egg

Breakfast and brunch is something Margate truly excels at. For a top-notch morning coffee right on the seafront, start at funky diner Big Shot. Their all-day breakfast menu is simple yet a triumph: scrambled eggs on sourdough, breakfast burritos and sweet waffles. In nearby Cliftonville, café, record shop and hair salon Cliffs also boasts a great breakfast lineup, serving everything from granola and vegan bites to scrumptious crumpet sliders. Locally raved-about neighbourhood hotspot The Good Egg is another on the hitlist for fabulous brunch plates such as shakshuka, French toast and fish hash. 

After a morning spent perusing the wonderful seafront gallery, Turner Contemporary, lunch is next on the agenda. For something light yet full of flavour, Mori Mori is an excellent choice for izakaya-style food and drinks, Chirashi sushi boxes and comforting bowls of ramen. Alternatively, Billy Stock and Ellie Topham’s The Wellington offers a classic pub setting with a focus on thoughtfully crafted food to retreat to. Tuck into seasonal British dishes with a French touch, or their must-try Sunday lunch should your Margate foodie escapade fall at the weekend.   

The Wellington, ©Mike Sim

When an afternoon treat beckons, Lulu’s Gelato offers the perfect excuse for a refreshing reset. This charming seaside gelateria handcrafts its traditional Italian small-batch gelato right on the premises for unparalleled freshness and flavour, offering a selection of 18 daily flavours including vegan-friendly gelato and sweet sorbets. A more recent addition to Margate’s bakery scene, Rise & Bun’s in-demand speciality buns come in a wealth of unique flavours that are playful and utterly moreish. 

From seafood stars to global influences, Margate is awash with options for a memorable evening meal. The family-friendly Buoy and Oyster is a firm favourite for its ever-changing seafood menu and unwavering commitment to sourcing fine ingredients from local suppliers. Diners can also indulge in fresh oysters and handcrafted cocktails at the restaurant’s Seafood Bar. Michelin-listed Italian restaurant and shop Bottega Caruso pays homage to rustic Italian cooking with heaps of heart, serving beautifully simple, ingredient-led dishes, while steak and seafood grill, Pearly Cow is all about flame-kissed flavours paired with a suitably swish dining room in which to settle in for the evening. 

Buoy & Oyster

Toast to the day’s adventures at Little Swift, a marvellous natural wine, cocktail bar and wine shop overlooking Margate Main Sands. The cocktail menu showcases the best of what’s in season, including herbs grown on their very own roof garden, while a wide selection of wines, spirits and craft beers cater to all tastes. Much-loved when they make their return during the warmer months, the bar’s frozen slushy cocktails are a highlight – best enjoyed outside while soaking up the sea views.