Whitstable beach huts

Whitstable best restaurants: where to eat and drink

Published: August 4, 2026 at 2:08 PM

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The seaside town of Whitstable has plenty to offer foodies, from Michelin-starred gastropubs and the best fish and chips to tapas and the best bakery

Looking for the best Whitstable restaurants? We've found the best places to eat in Whitstable in Kent and there's something for everyone: try Whitstable oysters, Michelin-starred dining, traditional tapas and much more. For more like this, discover more of our foodie day trips from London by train or for more seaside inspiration, check out our guides to the best restaurants in Deal and the best restaurants in Margate..

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A popular choice for day-trippers in the southeast looking for a foodie day out by the sea, Whitstable deserves a little more lingering. In the summer, especially, this quaint little fishing town comes alive with the sound of fish and chip papers rustling, prosecco bottles being popped on the beach and oyster shells being cracked open. And each July it even hosts a whole festival dedicated to local Whitstable oysters.

Best restaurants in Whitstable

Keller

For oysters, seafood and wine

This intimate wine bar and restaurant heralds from chef-owner Dan Smith of Canterbury's Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms, along with his former head sommelier, Elliott Ashton-Konig. Once a deli, the space has been transformed into a contemporary dining space that’s as inviting as it is chic. The menu of small plates are cooked over charcoal with a spotlight on locally caught seafood.

Think Whitstable rock oysters with mignonette dressing; roasted scallop with vadouvan spices; sea bass, fennel lyonnaise and vermouth sauce; and dry aged rib of beef to share with Isle of Wight tomatoes and charred romaine caesar. The wine list is proudly diverse, celebrating both the new and old world, with a strong emphasis on English and Kentish wines in particular. Desserts are intentionally minimalist, also honouring regional ingredients, like the Kentish strawberry and cardamom choux bun, and lemon meringue with toasted oats. kellerwhitstable.co.uk

Keller interiors: wine cupboard on display, smart wooden chairs and warm orange walls

Samphire

For Kentish produce

The best Kentish produce is on offer at chef and owner George Begg’s cosy all-day dining high street bistro. Opened in 2006 a pebble’s throw from Whitstable beach, Samphire has been consistently popular with locals and visitors, including Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, for seasonal dishes such as asparagus, ricotta and potato pithivier and brunch dishes such as sugar pit bacon loin with fried eggs and hash brown. samphirewhitstable.co.uk

Samphire Whitstable

Harbour Street Tapas

For tapas

You’ll find this intimate tapas restaurant set among the boutique shops of Harbour Street. The simple decor of white-washed walls and wooden tables and chairs puts the spotlight squarely on the menu of classic Spanish dishes and more modern creations made with local produce. Choose from a plate of Jamón Ibérico, patatas bravas or tortilla or try pork belly with red cabbage and PX sauce, all paired with a glass of something from the short list of mainly Spanish wines. harbourstreettapas.com

Grain & Hearth

Best bakery in Whitstable

Baker Adam Pagor relocated what was a micro-bakery in London to this bakery and cafe in Whitstable in 2019 and now has an outlet in nearby Faversham. Specialising in sourdough, this family-run neighbourhood spot on the edge of the town centre is renowned for its friendly welcoming atmosphere as well as its breakfast shakshuka and lunchtime sourdough sandwiches. In good weather enjoy a coffee and pastry in the charming courtyard garden. grainandhearth.co.uk

Grain & Hearth

Pearsons Arms

Best pub for food in Whitstable

Stroll along Whitstable’s pebble beach, then head to this whitewashed clapboard pub just yards from the sea for a cask ale and some seriously good Kentish food in the rustic first-floor dining room. Start with oysters with a compressed rhubarb and gin mignonette dressing or deep-fried with harissa mayonnaise, followed by locally caught lobster with garlic butter. pearsonsarmswhitstable.co.uk

The Sportsman

For Michelin-starred dining

Probably the most well-known restaurant in the area, The Sportsman is a Michelin-starred gastropub in Seasalter but isn’t half as pretentious as that sounds. Take a taxi out to it for lunch then enjoy a leisurely walk back along the coast to walk off any excess. Bookings need to be made quite far in advance but it's worth it.

The menu changes frequently but there are always local meat and fish dishes (think Monkshill lamb, Thornback ray or Whitstable native oysters - at their best in July). Puddings are outstanding; we liked the apple soufflé with salted caramel ice cream. thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk

Rock oysters, pickled cucumber and avruga caviar at The Sportsman, Seasalter

The menu at The Sportsman changes frequently but there are always local meat and fish dishes

Wheelers

Best oysters in Whitstable

Oysters are must-try whilst you're in Whitstable. Candyfloss-pink-fronted Wheelers has been dishing up oysters in its parlour-sized dining room since 1856. wheelersoysterbar.com

A woman uses her phone to photograph the famous Wheelers Oyster Bar established in 1856, Whitstable, Kent, UK

Candyfloss- pink-fronted Wheelers has been dishing up oysters in its parlour-sized dining room since 1856

The Cheese Box

Best cheese shop in Whitstable

Head to The Cheese Box on Harbour Street for all manner of local cheeses from Dark Horse Ancient Ashmore to Kentish Blue. It also sells cheeses from further afield. Order a cheeseboard to eat in, with a glass of wine. Or, if you’re after something more substantial, stock up here then head next door to its new sister restaurant headed up by local chef Michelle Booth. Wednesday nights are all about pies. thecheesebox.co.uk

Head to The Cheese Box for all manner of local cheeses from Dark Horse Ancient Ashmore to Kentish Blue

The Twelve Taps

Best bar in Whitstable

The vibe at this Whitstable bar is chilled and dogs are welcome. Try artisan gins such as Silent Pool, from Surrey, or Blackwoods, from the Shetlands (there are around 13 gins on the drinks menu), or order a Blueprint coffee or one of a regularly changing line-up of craft beers. thetwelvetaps.co.uk

Jojo’s

Best café in Whitstable

It’s not strictly in Whitstable (happily if you want to escape the crowds it’s in neighbouring Tankerton, where the beach is quieter) but Jojo’s is a local institution. Renowned for its casual vibe and vibrant tapas-style menu (firm favourites include excellent cured meats, lamb cannon and calamari but there are always a few daily specials) bookings need to be made in advance, especially for dinner at weekends.

The café at the front is a good spot for a coffee or a freshly squeezed juice. If the weather is nice, sit out at the front and watch kite-surfers riding past. jojosrestaurant.co.uk

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Authors

Charlotte MorganSub-editor and travel writer

Gurdeep Loyal

Gurdeep Loyal

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