Perched right on the water’s edge in Whitstable, Land + Sea is a small, independent restaurant that puts local, seasonal produce at the forefront of its ever-evolving menu. Under the direction of head chef Ben Stead, the kitchen delivers a modern and experimental take on seafood dining, marrying ingredients from land and sea with bold, creative flair.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, serving lunch and dinner midweek, with weekend brunch available Friday to Sunday, the restaurant offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere paired with ambitious, flavour-driven cooking. It’s a favourite among locals and a worthy destination for food lovers visiting the Kent coast.
The daily changing menu at Land + Sea typically starts with ‘little bites’ such as sourdough with seaweed and smoked butter, battered pickles, fried prawns, and butterbean hummus with corn chips. Small plates include dishes like black pepper and parmesan croquettes with truffle aioli, seaweed bhaji with lime pickle, or Cornish sardines with salsa verde and onions. For mains, expect the likes of Cornish hake with January king cabbage and curried mussels, rye skate with brown shrimp and samphire, or venison rack served with beetroot, plum and chicory.
Desserts are just as exciting, featuring the likes of chocolate mousse with hazelnut, blood orange and brownie, and fried bread and butter pudding with custard. On select evenings, Land + Sea hosts sharing-style dinners or classical multi-course feasts, offering a deeper dive into Stead’s ingredient-led approach.
Thoughtfully curated and expertly executed, Land + Sea is a must-visit for anyone seeking innovative coastal dining in an intimate setting.