Kent’s food scene is growing, attracting food lovers from everywhere. This area is rich in fresh local produce like hops, apples, and wine. Because of this, Kent’s eateries provide a range of tasty options for everyone. These places ensure visitors get to enjoy the very best meals Kent has on offer.

Kent is famed for its five Michelin-starred restaurants, marking its spot in the food world. Six Kent restaurants made SquareMeal’s 2024 top 100 UK restaurant list. The Sportsman in Seasalter was 28th, and Tallow in Tunbridge Wells was 29th¹. Quince in Westgate-on-Sea got the 69th place. The Small Holding in Cranbrook was 88th, and Margate’s Sargasso was 92nd¹. This shows the high quality of dining places in Kent.

Kent is celebrated for more than its Michelin stars. It boasts eateries with AA Rosettes and pubs recognised by the National Restaurant Awards. Chapter One near Orpington has been led by Chef Andy McLeish for over 20 years. It offers quality equal to the West End but at lower prices. The decor is elegant, and the cuisine is top-notch². These honours prove Kent’s dedication to food excellence, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

The King’s Head in Elham Valley

In the beautiful Elham Valley sits The King’s Head, a historic pub known for its majestic refurbishment. It’s a top spot in Kent for gourmet dining, blending classic British meals and innovative cooking.

Location and Atmosphere

The King’s Head enjoys a scenic spot in Elham Valley. Its historical look and stylish decor welcome both locals and tourists. The pub has a large garden, perfect for enjoying meals in the open air.

Menu Highlights

Award-winning chefs craft the pub’s menu with local ingredients. Diners can enjoy British favourites with a new twist. There’s also a wide range of local ales, craft beers, and fine wines to choose from.

Awards and Accolades

The King’s Head has won several awards. It was voted the best pub in Kent for three years running at the National Pub & Bar Awards³. It also won Kent’s ‘pub of the year’ in the 2024 awards⁴. These honours came after it was bought and renovated by the Stonegate Group in September³.

The pub’s dedication to excellence has earned it an average rating of 4.7. This showcases its commitment to top-quality food and service⁵.

Boys Hall in Ashford

Boys Hall in Ashford is a jewel in Kent’s crown, mixing historical beauty with modern sustainable dining. It is located in Ashford, Kent, earning praise for its elegant vibe and standout meals⁶.

Historic Setting

Boys Hall, from the 17th century, ranks high among Kent’s historic eateries. It boasts a restaurant that merges old-world charm with modern design, thanks to its glass and green oak⁷. A walk through its gardens and sunken lawn takes you back in time, amidst a lush green escape⁸.

Local and Sustainable Ingredients

Chef Charlie Dilworth leads Boys Hall with a focus on sustainable and local dining in Kent. The menu is filled with dishes made from Weald’s freshest produce, including Hythe’s sourdough bread and fish from Hastings⁷. They use their own honey and garden herbs, adding a unique touch to every dish⁶. They also do their part for the planet with a biomass boiler and waste reduction efforts⁸.

Recent Awards

Boys Hall’s dedication to top-notch dining has earned it significant recognition. It won at the Taste of Kent Awards as ‘Kent Casual Dining Experience of the Year’. This award reflects their culinary skill and commitment to sustainability. Their value for money score is 9 out of 10, showcasing both excellence and customer satisfaction⁶.

The Cook’s Tale in Canterbury

The Cook’s Tale in Canterbury is known as the Ambrette. It offers an amazing dinner experience with a modern Asian spin on local food⁹. A short ten-minute stroll from the Marlowe Theatre and the high street places it perfectly. It’s ideal for both locals and visitors wanting to try new dining in Kent¹⁰.

Modern Asian Twist

This restaurant celebrates Canterbury’s top local farms and food makers. It focuses on being sustainable and using organic stuff⁹. Dining here means you get to try unique Kent culinary experiences. Dishes are made with local ingredients found within half an hour’s drive⁹. Plus, their support for the local community means every meal is fresh and real⁹.

Chef Dev Biswal’s Creations

Award-winning chef Dev Biswal leads The Cook’s Tale. It’s recognised by The Times and The Sunday Times as a top curry spot in Britain¹⁰. Dev Biswal’s expertise means each dish is an artwork. They excite with a mix of tastes and textures⁹. Happy customers on Tripadvisor praise the service, quick meal delivery, and vegan/vegetarian choices¹⁰.

The restaurant has fixed-price lunches and an exotic afternoon tea. It suits various times and tastes⁹. Looking for a quick bite or a big dinner, you’ll have a memorable innovative dining experience in Kent. It leaves you impressed by its quality and creativity⁹.

Hythe Imperial: Fine Dining with a View

The Hythe Imperial, situated in the lovely town of Hythe, Kent, offers elegant dining against the backdrop of stunning seaside views. This spot is known for its Coast Restaurant, which has been awarded its first AA Rosette after 15 years. This achievement highlights its top status among restaurants Hythe Imperial Kent¹¹. The focus on local and seasonal produce ensures dishes reflect Kent’s rich culinary heritage.

With a score of 4.1 out of 5 from 267 OpenTable reviews, the restaurant is praised for its scenery and modern British menu¹¹. It’s open daily for breakfast and dinner, including a popular Sunday lunch in a relaxed, elegant setting¹². The menu offers tasty dishes like pan-fried scallops with Serrano ham, rolled pork belly, and beetroot and chocolate cake for dessert¹².

The commitment to quality and service at the Hythe Imperial is evident. It boasts a four-star AA hotel rating, recently increased by 2% to 82%¹². Executive Chef Adam Lidster leads the team, maintaining their esteemed AA Rosette¹². The restaurant also boasts a lounge bar, a wide wine selection, and offers gluten-free choices, while keeping a smart-casual dress code¹¹.

Apart from dining, the Hythe Imperial features 92 distinctive rooms for guests wishing to stay longer¹². They work with top suppliers like T&L Coopers for meat and Chapmans for fish to ensure high-quality ingredients¹².

A visit to the Coast Restaurant offers more than just dining. It’s a chance to enjoy AA Rosette level food with a view of the Hythe coastline. This place combines great food, excellent service, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a key destination in Kent¹¹¹²¹³.

The Culpeper Restaurant, Chilston Park Hotel

The Culpeper Restaurant at Chilston Park Hotel in Kent is famous for its amazing food. It is known for using seasonal ingredients to create British dishes. Because of this, it has won two AA Rosettes¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶.

Seasonal Dishes

The Culpeper focuses on dishes that change with the seasons. Chef Ali Altuntas is known for mixing unique flavours, like miso chicken with baby leeks. By using local ingredients, the food is fresh and tasty. This also supports local farmers¹⁶.

Elegant Dining Experience

The Culpeper offers a beautiful setting for dining. Its located inside Chilston Park Hotel. Guests can enjoy views of gardens and a lake while eating. This adds to a special dining experience¹⁴.

Since 2002, Chef Ali Altuntas has been impressing diners. He aims to earn three AA Rosettes in five years. His vision keeps The Culpeper at the top of the dining scene in Kent¹⁶.

Fish on the Green in Bearsted

Fish on the Green is a standout among Michelin guide restaurants in Kent. It boasts exceptional seafood and has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide. The restaurant also holds two AA Rosettes¹⁷. It is known for its superior seafood dining in Bearsted, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.

Seafood Specialties

Offering everything from delicate oysters to succulent lobster priced at £40¹⁷, Fish on the Green has a wide range of seafood options. Guests can enjoy comforting seafood pies and exquisite fish dishes. Everything is made from the freshest ingredients. The lunch menu is priced at £25.95 for two courses and £28.95 for three courses¹⁷.

Starters are priced from £7.95 to £15.95. Main courses begin at £20.95 for pork. This showcases the restaurant’s diverse and tempting menu¹⁷.

Michelin Guide Recognition

This Bearsted restaurant is celebrated among Michelin guide restaurants in Kent for its consistent quality. The Michelin Guide listing and two AA Rosettes show the restaurant’s high standards. It’s dedicated to offering the best seafood dining in Kent. Currently, there’s no main vegetarian course, but there is a comprehensive drinks menu. This includes English wines from local estates¹⁷.

Best restaurants in County Of Kent

Kent’s dining scene brilliantly combines old and new, simple and sophisticated. The Fordwich Arms quickly earned a Michelin star within a year of opening¹⁸. Another gem, The Sportsman, is known for its excellent Michelin-starred food at great value¹⁸. These leading venues in Kent update their menus monthly, featuring the best seasonal and local produce.

Not only Michelin winners, Kent is home to award-winning gastro pubs. The Dog at Wingham grabbed a Great British Pub award in 2019¹⁸. The Wife of Bath shows off Northern Spanish vibes after its revamp in 2016¹⁸. In Maidstone, Frederick Bistro was recently awarded for its mouth-watering dishes with a Good Food Blue Ribbon for 2023/24¹⁹.

Even names like Read’s in Faversham remain celebrated, despite losing its Michelin star over a decade ago¹⁸. The Hythe Imperial’s dining rooms attract with their quality, confirmed by AA Rosettes and customer awards¹⁹.

Kent’s fine dining spots host special events too. Chapter One’s Lebanese Wine Club event is a highlight²⁰. Local produce stars at Fish on the Green, with two AA Rosettes and a Michelin Guide mention¹⁹. The Terrace at Chapter One offers cosy dining for any special moment²⁰.

Frédéric Bistro in Maidstone

Frédéric Bistro in Maidstone is a top spot for true French food in Kent. Its popularity comes from using fresh, seasonal goods and a French-style menu. The bistro has earned a spot among the best spots in Maidstone. It also got the Good Food Blue Ribbon for Delicious Dishes 2023/24.

French-Inspired Menu

Frédéric Bistro’s menu features French classics like Beef Bourguignon and Duck Breast. You’ll also find Croque Monsieur and tasty homemade patisseries. You can choose from vibrant salads, traditional Bouillabaisse with Garlic Bread, or the luscious Tarte Du Citron. Every dish offers a genuine French taste. The bistro caters to everyone with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Frédéric Bistro has earned great reviews. Google rates it at 4.6 out of 5 from 1145 reviews. Threebestrated.co.uk gives it 4.8 out of 5 from 116 reviews. Trip has it at 4.5 out of 5 from 1590 reviews. Facebook shows 4.6 out of 5 from 524 reviews. Favouritetable rates it 4.7 out of 5 from 11 reviews. The overall score is an impressive 94 out of 100 based on 6404 ratings and reviews²¹. This shows ongoing customer satisfaction and the bistro’s dedication to great food.

Seasonal Produce

The menu at Frédéric Bistro shines with seasonal produce. Expect dishes like Smoked Salmon, Dressed Crab, and Lamb Shank. Happy customers praise the use of local, fresh ingredients. These not only taste better but also support local farmers. The bistro is open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. It has longer hours on Wednesdays to Saturdays and is closed on Sundays²¹.

The atmosphere, food quality, and service at Frédéric Bistro set it apart in Maidstone. For more info and reviews from diners, check out their detailed review.

Hide and Fox in Saltwood

In the pretty village of Saltwood, Hide and Fox stands out for top-notch dining. It’s won three AA Rosettes and a Michin Star, showing off its incredible local dishes and unmatched dining joy²².

Michelin-Starred Excellence

The dining space at Hide and Fox mixes modern style with a cosy feel. Here, guests enjoy five or eight-course menus. They feature tasty options like raw scallop with apple and Elham duck, all using the best local produce²³.

This effort puts Hide and Fox among the top places to eat in Kent. The County of Kent shines with five Michelin Stars¹⁹.

Exquisite Wine Pairings

Alice, the co-owner and sommelier, picks fine wines to go with each meal²². The wines come from various parts of the world like Germany and South Africa. This makes the dining experience even better²³. Every wine chosen matches the food’s rich tastes perfectly.

Hide and Fox quickly became a must-visit for extraordinary dining in Kent, showing off Saltwood’s culinary greatness with every dish and wine choice²². Winning a Michelin Star proves its high standards and commitment²².

The Sportsman, Seasalter

The Sportsman in Seasalter effortlessly blends the charm of Kent’s gastro pubs with the finesse of Michelin-starred spots. It’s run by chef-patron Stephen Harris since 1999 and has held a Michelin star since 2008²⁴. Close to the sea, it offers a cozy mix of rustic and elegant dining. It’s a top choice for food lovers visiting Seasalter.

The place has a long history, dating back to 1642. Its grounds were once part of Canterbury Cathedral’s kitchens, according to the Domesday Book²⁴. Chef Harris uses this heritage to create a menu filled with local produce. The kitchen uses fresh ingredients from nearby areas and its own garden²⁴.

At The Sportsman, the menu highlights its focus on quality and seasonality. Guests can select from a Five Course Tasting Menu for £80 or a Three Course Midweek Menu at £55²⁴. Its commitment to reflecting the local environment in its dishes has placed it among the top 20 in the Good Food Guide for 2022, at number five²⁵.

Its dedication to local ingredients and simple British cooking has made it incredibly popular²⁴²⁵. The ambiance is warm and lively. It promises a dining experience that is both humble and memorable²⁵.

The Sportsman also provides cozy accommodations. They offer four cabins that can host two guests each. A stay costs £160 for the first night and £140 for the following nights²⁴. This allows visitors to fully enjoy The Sportsman’s culinary journey.

Looking for exceptional dining in Kent? The Sportsman perfectly melds the old with the new, simplicity with elegance. It’s a shining example of fine dining and hospitality.

The Sportsman is celebrated for merging tradition with modernity and using local produce. This commitment to excellence makes it a standout among Kent’s dining scene.

To find out more about what makes The Sportsman special, you can read the complete article on award-winning Kent pubs²⁴.

Angela’s of Margate

Angela’s of Margate shines as a leader in eco-friendly dining in Kent. It is known for using local ingredients and caring for the environment. This lovely bistro has won a Michelin Green Star for its efforts toward environmental sustainability and top-quality food²⁶. It’s a key player in Margate’s effort to offer eco-friendly dining, making it stand out in Kent’s food scene²⁶.

Sustainable Ethos

Angela’s of Margate is big on sustainability. It aims to waste little and support the local area as much as possible. Supporting local businesses boosts the freshness and taste of the food. Although it lost its AA Rosette and was removed from the AA Guide in June 2022, its commitment to the environment keeps winning hearts²⁷. Customers love it, giving it an average rating of 4.8²⁷.

Locally Caught Fish

Angela’s offers a menu full of the best locally caught fish. The dishes, prepared by head chef Rob Cooper, showcase what’s in season and available locally. This emphasis on local sourcing bolsters its reputation for sustainable dining in Kent²⁷. Some might find the portions small for their price, but the quality and taste of the food leave a memorable impact²⁷. The Michelin Guide now recognises Angela’s commitment to sustainability, even though it wasn’t listed in October 2019²⁷.

The Fordwich Arms in Fordwich

The Fordwich Arms, a gem in historic Fordwich, boasts Michelin Star dining in Kent. It’s in Britain’s smallest town, right by the River Stour. Its mix of old-world hospitality and modern cooking makes it unforgettable. Just ten months after opening in 2018, it earned a Michelin Star and has kept it ever since²⁸²⁹.

Here, you can enjoy a five-course tasting menu with the best of Kent’s produce. Expect delights like Duck liver parfait and Roast Orkney scallop. There’s also Blackface lamb rack and South Coast turbot for main courses. For dessert, try the Fordwich tiramisu or the Cherry, burnt vanilla & yoghurt tart³⁰. They also offer a wine pairing to complement your meal. Its focus on quality and local ingredients has consistently put it on the Top 50 Gastropubs list³⁰.

Critics love The Fordwich Arms, placing it top twenty in the National Restaurant Awards. It was also named Restaurant of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards and best pub by GQ Magazine’s Food and Drink Awards²⁹. The owners’ daily presence for almost six years ensures the highest standards²⁸.

Combining a beautiful riverside spot, Michelin Star excellence, and innovative cuisine, The Fordwich Arms is a treasure for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re from the area or visiting, you’ll find the essence of remarkable gastronomy here²⁸²⁹.

Source Links

Six phenomenal Kent restaurants named in UK’s top 100 – https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/food-drink/six-phenomenal-kent-restaurants-named-9082050
Reviews Chapter One Legendary Top Restaurant in Kent Orpington – https://chapteronerestaurant.co.uk/restaurant-kent-fine-dining-reviews/
Pub named best in Kent just six months after opening – https://www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/news/pub-named-best-in-kent-just-six-months-after-opening-304781/
The King’s Arms in Elham, near Folkestone, named as Kent’s pub of the year – https://uk.news.yahoo.com/king-arms-elham-near-folkestone-162210905.html
TOP 10 Yelp-Approved Restaurants near Elham, Kent, United Kingdom – Updated 2024 – https://m.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Restaurants&find_loc=Elham, Kent, UK
Boys Hall – a luxury, foodie getaway in the heart of Kent – https://girlabouttravel.co.uk/review/boys-hall-foodie-getaway-in-kent/
Boys Hall review: a Kent restaurant with rooms with beautiful design – https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/england/boys-hall-hotel-tjbhm2rbf
Boys Hall, Kent, United Kingdom – https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/boys-hall
The Cooks Tale formerly The Ambrette | Indian Restaurant | Best Canterbury Restaurants – https://www.thecookstale.co.uk/menus
The Cook’s Tale Restaurant formerly The Ambrette | Indian Restaurant | Contemporary Asian Cuisine | Lunch and Dinner – https://www.thecookstale.co.uk/
Coast Restaurant – Hythe, Kent on OpenTable – https://www.opentable.co.uk/coast-restaurant
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The Best 10 Food near Hythe Imperial Hotel & Spa in Hythe, Kent – Yelp – https://m.yelp.com/search?cflt=food&find_near=hythe-imperial-hotel-and-spa-hythe
Good Housekeeping – Britain’s best foodie destinations – https://www.homesitters.co.uk/good-housekeeping-britain’s-best-foodie-destinations/
Ten Vegan Friendly Restaurants in Kent – https://tanriverditravels.com/2021/06/07/ten-vegan-friendly-restaurants-in-kent/
Meet the Chef: Ali Altuntas, Culpeper’s Restaurant, Chilston Park Hotel – insideKENT – https://www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/meet-the-chef-ali-altuntas-culpepers-restaurant-chilston-park-hotel/
Restaurant Review: Fish On The Green – Kings Hill Directory – https://kingshilldirectory.co.uk/restaurant-review-fish-on-the-green/
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Chapter One Restaurant Locksbottom Orpington, Best in Kent – https://chapteronerestaurant.co.uk/
Frederic Cafe Bistro, Maidstone – Menu, prices, restaurant rating – https://www.sluurpy.co.uk/maidstone/restaurant/1686267/frederic-cafe-bistro
Top Dining Spots: Best Places to Eat in Kent – https://www.hukins-hops.co.uk/our-story/news-press/best-places-to-eat-in-kent/
Places To Eat In Kent: Hide & Fox, Saltwood | Rachel Phipps – https://www.rachelphipps.com/2021/06/hide-fox-review-saltwood-kent.html
The Sportsman – Home – http://thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk/
Elizabeth Carter on The Sportsman, Whitstable’s true dining destination | Feature | The Good Food Guide – https://www.thegoodfoodguide.co.uk/editorial/features/elizabeth-carter-on-the-sportsman-whitstables-true-dining-destination
The best restaurants in Margate – https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-restaurants-in-margate
Angela’s Restaurant, Margate – https://www.leadingrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/angelas-ct9-1ex/
The Kent pub that people travel from across the world to visit – https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/food-drink/kent-pub-named-among-best-8522525
FORDWICH ARMS Pubs of Fordwich – http://www.dover-kent.com/Fordwich-Arms-Fordwich.html
The Fordwich Arms review – a waterside inn that’s 100% worth the trek – https://www.hot-dinners.com/Gastroblog/Test-drive/the-fordwich-arms-pub-restaurant-review-kent