Best restaurants in Folkestone

When we talk about a seaside town, we often think about fish and chips, and ice creams on the sea front. You can expect that in quaint Folkestone, but the town's best restaurants are innovative and exciting, drawing on freshest daily catches and local Kentish ingredients.

Updated on 25 September 2024

This Kentish port town of Folkestone has plenty of history, a mild climate and lovely views, as well as a blooming food scene. If you're looking for the best restaurants in Folkestone, we've got you covered with this list of all the eateries that are truly worth your time - and it’s not all seafood. A busy part of Kent, Folkestone has pretty much everything you need when it comes to a variety of restaurants. Just get looking through our list of the very best and you could be enjoying a delicious meal in no time at all.

A harbour town on the southern fringe of the North Downs, Folkestone's restaurants show surprising diversity and exceptional quality. It’s considered a creative town, which might explain it. Whether you’re ambling around the many Creative Quarter shops and galleries, or walking along the Harbour Arm to a background of live music - Folkestone makes for a lively weekend away. However, there’s still plenty of time for rest and relaxation on the beach or with a picnic in the Lower Leas Coastal Park. Not too far away you’ll find the famous Folkestone White Horse hillside carving, the Port Lumpne wildlife reserve, and hiking routes across the White Cliffs. And of course, in the summertime, there are plenty of ice cream trucks too to keep the kids happy.

Hide and Fox

The Green, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4PS

Aside from having a lovely pebble beach, nearby Hythe also hides a superb restaurant. Michelin-starred Hide and Fox is run by an all-star team that have spent time in some top European restaurants, making the most of Kent's bounty of produce across five and eight-course tasting menus that roll with the seasons. An exceptional restaurant.

£50 - £79

British

Two Michelin stars

Vegan friendly

Vegetarian friendly

Book now

Radnor Arms

Christ Church Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2SX

Settled in the Old Bouverie district, The Radnir Arms is a popular pub with a Victorian legacy and a lively atmosphere. Recently renovated and achingly on-trend, this is a go-to spot for colourful modern European dishes, burgers, and flatbreads.

£30 - £49

British

Vegan friendly

Vegetarian friendly

Book now

Luben Folkestone

24 Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1EY

The team at Luben is passionate about pizza and has been serving the people of Folkestone with top-quality, wood-fired pizza since 2016. Choose between thin Neapolitan style or larger sourdough Romana pizzas.

Under £30

Pizza

Vegan friendly

Vegetarian friendly

Book now

El Cortador

41 The Old High Street, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1RL

Cute and quirky El Cortador brings a little slice of Spain to the Creative Quarter in Folkestone. Browse its selection of tasty tapas plates, all of which are made using local and Spanish produce, alongside Spanish wines and beers.

£30 - £49

Spanish

Vegetarian friendly

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The Bouverie Tap

45 Bouverie Road West, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2SZ

Dog-friendly pub The Bouverie Tap offers a please-all trio of local beers, fine wines and British food. This small but mighty venue boasts indoor and outdoor seating, while vintage memorabilia covers the walls for a fun and quirky feel.

£30 - £49

British

Vegan friendly

Vegetarian friendly

Book now

Rocksalt

4-5 Fishmarket, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 6AA

One of the best Folkestone restaurants with sweeping sea views, Rocksalt is a favourite for seafood lunches and romantic dinners. Following an ethos of locality, seasonality, and simplicity, expect Rye Bay scallops, cornish mussels in Kentish cider cream, and Folkestone-caught cod.

£30 - £49

Seafood

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Marley's Folkestone

2-4 South Street, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1RW

Marley’s is known for its epic brunch dishes, but you’ll often find locals and influencers alike snapping photos of its Instagrammable, art deco interiors. Colourful florals and vibrant mood lighting make it a must-visit if you find yourself in Folkestone.

£30 - £49

Modern European

Vegan friendly

Book now

Still on the hunt for the best restaurants in the area? We’ve got plenty of options just outside Folkestone in our round-up of Kent’s best restaurants, including some we rate so highly they’ve made the cut on Top 100 Restaurants in the UK list. And if you’re a seafood lover, simply hop on a train or take a drive up the coast to check out our best restaurants in Margate.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a spot to mark a very special occasion why not consider spending an evening in one of the most romantic restaurants in London?