If you’re searching for the best places to dine in Hythe, your search ends here. This beautiful coastal town boasts a fantastic selection of places to eat. From hidden gems to popular pop-ups, Hythe’s food scene is a dream for culinary explorers.

We’re here to guide you to the culinary jewels of Hythe. These offer a unique and lively choice for food lovers. From cozy cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Hythe.

KentLive recently highlighted the top 50 restaurants in Kent, revealing some amazing spots for delicious meals like these¹. The best places celebrate high quality and locally sourced ingredients. This ensures an unforgettable eating experience every time.

Stay with us as we delve into more Hythe food recommendations. We will share the best and most unique parts of well-known places. Get ready for a culinary adventure that offers not just taste but also an experience to remember.

Introduction to Hythe’s Culinary Scene

Hythe invites food lovers to explore its varied culinary world. It offers an engaging dining guide for visitors. Less than three miles from the New Forest, it’s ideal for meals after outdoor fun².

Hythe’s dining scene mixes elegance with country charm. You’ll find everything from cosy pubs to Michelin-starred spots here. The West House in Biddenden, just a drive away, is one such Michelin-starred place with many awards³.

Hythe is near historic sites like Beaulieu Abbey. It’s great for a day trip. Afterwards, Hythe’s eateries offer a welcome break². Places like The Compasses Inn are famous for their Sunday Roasts³.

For those who love the outdoors, there’s a scenic 3-mile walk along West Parade. The Hythe Bay Bar & Grill is perfectly placed for a bite before or after this walk⁴. Exploring Hythe’s dining scene brings together great tastes, views, and the charm of the local area.

Waterfront Restaurant and Bar

The Waterfront Restaurant and Bar is a jewel in Hythe for great dining. It’s been highlighted in the Kent Restaurant of the Year Awards. Just 10ft from the beach, it’s known for fresh, local ingredients and memorable meals.

Exquisite Coastal Dining

It’s renowned for wonderful Hythe food, holding an impressive 4.5-star rating from 1687 OpenTable diners⁵. The menu includes English, Contemporary British, and Seafood dishes. Prices range from £26 to £40⁵. Every day, from noon to 11 pm, they offer an unmatched dining experience⁵.

Guests appreciate the relaxed dining style and casual dress code. Free parking is also available for diners⁵.

Live Music and Alfresco Options

Live music sets the tone on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at lunchtime⁶. You can dine on the sun terrace, which is also wheelchair friendly. It’s perfect for alfresco meals⁶. This setting, along with live music, makes dining here an unforgettable experience.

To book a table, call 01303 233844. Remember, it’s a popular spot. On 12th July 2024, it was booked 17 times⁵.

Best Restaurants in Hythe

Finding a place to eat in Hythe is now easy with our detailed dining guide. The town has many outstanding restaurants. Each one provides unique flavours that suit anyone’s taste. Whether you want an elegant meal or a casual eatery, you’ll find something impressive in Hythe.

The Hythe Imperial is a great choice, thanks to its big makeover. It changed from an old hotel to a fancy retreat with a champagne bar11. Here, you can explore different menus. They offer Sunday Lunch, Afternoon Tea, and Fine Dining at the Coast Restaurant, along with the Moet and Chandon Bar and Martello Bar Menu⁷.

La Salamandre, a lovely French patisserie and cafe, stands out too. Run by Jasmine and Alain Ronez, it has been in the Good Food Guide for two years⁸. It’s the perfect spot for a tasty brunch or a fabulous dessert in Hythe.

If you like the sea, the Dungeness Snack Shack is for you. They serve fresh fish dishes, such as dabs, whiting, and crab, from Thursday to Sunday⁸. This place is ideal for a relaxing weekend, offering delicious food with a view of Dungeness beach.

Hythe is also good for those with special dietary needs. Many places have vegetarian choices and menus for kids, making it great for families. Notably, at the Hythe Imperial, kids are allowed everywhere except the Moet and Chandon Champagne Bar⁷.

Here is a table of Hythe’s best restaurants and what makes them special:

Restaurant	Cuisine	Special Features
Hythe Imperial	British, Seafood	Champagne Bar, Family-friendly, Seasonal Menus
La Salamandre	French, Patisserie	Featured in Good Food Guide, Operated by Jasmine and Alain Ronez
Dungeness Snack Shack	Seafood	Freshly Caught Fish, Thursday to Sunday Service

Hide and Fox

In Saltwood near Hythe, Hide and Fox is known for fine dining and its Michelin Star⁹. The restaurant mixes British and Mediterranean dishes, impressing everyone¹⁰. This acclaim acknowledges their dedication to top quality cooking.

A Michelin-Star Experience

Holding a Michelin Star and three AA Rosettes shows its high standards¹¹. It also won the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Traveller’s Choice, ranking in the top 1% of listings⁹. Opening in 2019, it quickly won many awards, standing out in Hythe¹¹.

Seasonal Menus

Hide and Fox focuses on seasonal menus. They use fresh ingredients, crafting dishes that change with the seasons. This method boosts flavour, helps local producers, and promotes sustainability.

It combines British flavours with Mediterranean hints. This keeps it as a top dining spot in Hythe.

Rocksalt in Folkestone

Rocksalt in Folkestone is a top culinary spot on Fishmarket Road, Folkestone, Kent¹². It’s famous not just for amazing food but also for stunning views of the harbour. Diners can watch fishing boats while enjoying a meal¹³. It is one of Hythe’s best restaurants, known for quality and using local ingredients¹².

The restaurant offers a great Happy Hour deal. From Monday to Friday, 5pm to 7pm, you can get two cocktails for £13¹². This deal adds to the lively scene at the Harbour Arm, filled with cafes and eateries¹³. The mix of fine dining and coastal views puts Rocksalt on The Times and The Sunday Times Best Hotel in Kent list¹².

Rocksalt also has four unique bedrooms. Guests enjoy breakfast in a hamper delivered to their room¹². This special touch makes Rocksalt a standout in Hythe¹². It’s praised in The Good Food Guide and attracts food lovers to its unique offerings¹².

The restaurant focuses on using the best local ingredients from Kent¹². To book, call 01303 212070 or email reservations@therocksaltgroup.com¹². Rocksalt is part of Hythe’s vibrant food scene and continues to impress guests with its authentic flavours.

The Duke William Ickham

The Duke William Ickham is a true gem in Kent. It stands out for its classic dishes that use local and seasonal products from the South of England. Known for its deep-rooted charm, this pub is among the top places to eat.

Quintessential Kentish Pub

The Duke William Ickham is a top-rated pub in Canterbury, boasting a 4.5-star rating on OpenTable¹⁴. It’s up for the “Best Pub” award in the Kent Life Food and Drink Awards¹⁵. This shows its fame and quality in the Hythe dining scene¹⁶.

Garden Dining

The Duke William’s summer garden is perfect for outdoor meals in Hythe. They offer a great selection of beers, ales, and wines. It’s celebrated as one of the top 100 outdoor dining spots by OpenTable¹⁴. For places to stay in Whitstable, check out Whitstable accommodations.

The Captain Digby

The Captain Digby is near Broadstairs, known for its beautiful beach scenes. It offers home-cooked meals daily until 9pm, and until 9.30pm on Saturdays¹⁷. With its outdoor tables and pirate-themed play areas, it’s great for dining outside¹⁷.

Guests can enjoy local beers like Adnams Ghost Ship and Gadds No 7. Many prefer the former¹⁷. The pub has a classic look, with dark wood and flower baskets at its side door¹⁷.

This place loves welcoming families. It has special toilets and dining areas near the play zone for kids¹⁷. Also, it’s among the best in Hythe because of its location and sea views.

What’s more, The Captain Digby is part of the rare 9% of food spots that welcome vegetarians. It partners with local farms to deliver fresh, tasty dishes¹⁸. Favorites include cheesy garlic bread and a filling jacket potato with tuna and sweetcorn¹⁸. It’s highly rated in Hythe.

Looking for a great meal by the sea? The Captain Digby in Hythe is perfect. It offers incredible views and a family-friendly vibe. You’ll love the experience and the stunning view of Kingsgate Bay.

The Boat House in Rochester

The Boat House in Rochester is a top dining spot that has won a lot of praise. It’s located in Strood, near the River Medway. Here, award-winning meals meet top-notch event hosting, perfect for special moments.

Diners’ Choice Award

The Boat House has bagged the prestigious OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice award in both 2021 and 2022. This honour highlights its steady offer of excellent dining experiences and its dedication to top quality⁶. Its spot by the river and its brilliant menu make it a key destination in the Hythe dining guide.

Guests can expect an unforgettable visit, marked by the beautiful setting and delicious food. For those seeking outstanding dining in Hythe or a unique spot for a special event, The Boat House in Rochester is a fantastic choice.

Perfect for Events

But it’s not just about food. The Boat House is also set up for events and special moments. It can host everything from cosy dinners to big parties. Its fine dining and ability to host events make it a standout option for anyone looking for great food and a memorable spot. Its beautiful riverside location adds to the charm and appeal of any event there.

Little Rock in Folkestone

Little Rock is a breath of fresh air in Folkestone’s dining scene. It’s a standout among Hythe’s best restaurants. The place has a cool vibe, set up in a revamped shipping container. It’s got a modern, laid-back dining style. With top marks of 4.8 from 852 reviews on OpenTable, it’s a hit in Hythe and nearby¹⁹.

Little Rock is all about fresh, local seafood. It comes directly from The Folkestone Trawlers, right from Folkestone Harbour and Hythe Bay²⁰. You can try amazing seafood like mackerel and butterbean or crispy cod cheeks. And don’t forget their legendary knickerbocker glory for dessert¹⁹. Chef Marcin Szelag makes sure every plate is full of flavour and coastal vibe¹⁹.

It’s right next to the Harbour Arm, adding charm to Folkestone. Little Rock boosts the area’s look and feels by providing lots of outdoor seating²⁰. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, it serves lunch and dinner. You can choose from the A La Carte, Kids, Brunch, and Cocktail Menus¹⁹²⁰. For a fantastic coastal dining experience, Little Rock is a must-visit. It combines great seafood with a relaxed, friendly setting.

Source Links

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Enjoy a gorgeous spring walk around Kent’s historic Hythe – https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/kent/22565745.enjoy-gorgeous-spring-walk-around-kents-historic-hythe/
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Dining at the Hythe Imperial Hotel, Kent – https://www.hytheimperial.co.uk/dining/
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Kent’s award-winning restaurants – https://www.visitkent.co.uk/visit-kent-blog/kents-award-winning-restaurants/
The secret behind success of Kent restaurant named third best in the UK – https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/secret-behind-success-hythe-restaurant-7644245
Rocksalt Restaurant Folkestone, Fish Restaurant Folkestone – Fishmarket Road, Folkestone, Kent – https://www.rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk/
Food and Drink – https://www.visitfolkestoneandhythe.co.uk/stay-and-eat/food-and-drink/
3 Kent outdoor dining restaurants named among most popular in UK – https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/food-drink/3-kent-outdoor-dining-restaurants-8639829
Voting open for the Kent Life Food and Drink Awards 2024 – https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/kent/24325882.kent-life-food-drink-awards-2024-place-votes/
The Best Restaurants in dover, gbr – Trip Canvas – https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/Dover-GBR/category/restaurants
I’ll drink to that! Secret Drinker finds a pub with a view that wows – https://www.kentonline.co.uk/secret-drinker/ill-drink-to-that-secret-drinker-finds-a-pub-with-a-view-that-wows-212459/
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Little Rock Fish Restaurant – Folkestone, Kent – https://www.littlerockfolkestone.co.uk/