Updated on 02 October 2023
The best restaurants in Whitstable are a funny bunch, scattered out across the sandy pebble-dashed beach and peppered throughout the quaint town. They truly offer something for everyone, but no visit here would be complete without an oyster or two, with the town’s most famous and prized export being these delightful shellfish morsels. So passionate about these crustaceans are the residents of Whitstable, that they put on a festival dedicated to them each year. If you too like the savoury hit of these molluscs, then make sure to get your hands on half a dozen or so next time you’re visiting; favourite spots to seek them out are Wheelers Oyster Bar and The Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co.
A bit like Marmite, oysters are a ‘love it or hate it’ food, and haters need not despair – there are plenty more options when it comes to the delicacies Whitstable restaurants serve up. Grab a quick cuppa and cake in achingly cool Blueprint Coffee or tuck into Michelin Star pub grub at The Sportsman, for instance. Perhaps you’re a dedicated fish and chip fan, who sees no point in visiting the shores of the UK without tucking into a bag of salty, vinegar-drenched fried goods (we are of that ilk, if you’re wondering). Fear not, Whitstable’s best fish and chips can be found just a short hop, skip and a jump from the shore, at VC Jones. These guys know a thing or two about what their customers want, having been crafting and perfecting their trade since 1962.
Okay, ready to choose a restaurant in Whitstable for your next visit? Scroll below for a quick overview of our pick of the best restaurants in Whitstable, then click through to find reviews, opening hours, menus and more.
The Horsebridge, Sea Wall, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BT
4 Oxford Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1DD
Horsebridge Beach, Whitstable, Unknown, Kent, CT5 1BU
Samphire, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BQ
102 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AZ
The Twelve Taps is a queer-run beer, gin and cocktail bar in Whitstable, with a small courtyard garden that gets busy in the summer. What's with the name? It keeps 12 lines of keg craft beer, including one dedicated gluten-free line, as well as a cocktail menu and its very own exclusive gin.
48 Harbour Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AQ
The East Quay, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AB
Marine Terrace, Whitstable, CT5 1EJ
Faversham Road, Seasalter, Kent, CT5 4BP
8 High Street, Herne Bay, CT6 5LH
8 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BQ
25 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AP
1 Sea Wall, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BX
41 Harbour Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AH
2 Herne Bay Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2AT
While you’re in Whitstable soaking up this seaside town’s best restaurants, make sure to carve out some time for the sweet independent shops in the area too. From handmade pottery and beautiful artworks through to delis and toy shops, this little corner of the Kent coast has it all. It's the perfect place to spend the day. Equally, if haven't found anything you like in this list, broaden your search and take a look at the best restaurants Kent has to offer.
Looking to cast your net further around the area? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Canterbury for some seriously good food a little further inland.
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