Margate is one of my favourite days out in Kent. One main reason is the range of food on offer and their veggie/vegan friendliness. Find everything from cafes, traditional fish and chips and food stalls to Michelin star restaurants and restaurants with incredible seas views. Where possible, I’ve included links to their website for table bookings (most have a small number of tables and seats so booking is always recommended).
Best places to eat in Margate (map)
Bus Cafe
A double decker bus by the sea located near Dreamland, converted into dining space, the Bus Cafe serves award winning breakfast and lunch. The menu offers traditional English breakfasts (including vegan alternatives), crumpet sliders and sourdough toast. They also have a kids menu and gluten free options. If you’re lucky, you might find a space at the front which is perfect for people (and dog) watching.
Instagram | Website | Google (opening hours and reviews)
Forts Cafe
A 5 minute walk from the Turner Contemporary, Forts Cafe is locally renown for their packed focaccia sandwiches and stacked French toasts. There is no bookings at Forts Cafe, but it’s near the beach takeaway is always a good plan B. They’ve expanded to Broadstairs too.
Instagram | Google (opening hours and reviews)
Angela’s
If you’re looking for a fresh seafood restaurant in Margate, consider booking a table at Angela’s. The menu changes daily, based on what is caught locally by fisherman that day while the vegetables are organic or pesticide free. The menu varies from rock oysters and scallops for starters to lobster and turbot for mains. If Angela’s is fully booked, see their sister site Dory’s just around the corner which serves smaller plates (menu also changes daily based on what’s caught on the day).
Instagram | Website | Google (opening hours and reviews)
You might be interested in…
Dive/High Dive
Located on the Harbour Arm near the Turner Contemporary, Dive is one of my favourite places to eat outside in Margate when the sun in shining. While the menu is small, I’m confident it will satisfy everyone (I personally recommend the Steak Taco). Opening hours are dependent on the weather of course, but they have opened a new restaurant called High Dive on the high street (because Mexican food is great in the winter too).
Instagram | Website | Google (opening hours and reviews)
Beach Buoys/Buoy and Oyster
No best places to eat in a seaside town guide would be complete without fish and chips of course. There are popular options with the locals, but I’m recommending Beach Buoys. Outside of the traditional cod and haddock takeaways, the menu offers wraps, chicken wings, loaded fries and pies. There’s also a small vegan menu which includes battered banana blossom and chips. They also have a restaurant (Buoy and Oyster) above the fish and chips shop serving oysters and shellfish to seafood platters, a 5 course tasting menu and Sunday roast.
Instagram | Website | Buoy and Oyster website | Google (opening hours and reviews)
17 Marine Dr, Margate CT9 1DH
Daisy
Just around the corner from Fort’s Cafe and another great place to eat Mexican food if Dive is closed. Daisy also have an extensive cocktails menu too making it perfect for dinner. The food menu features tacos, burritos, tostadas and churros while the brunch menu serves waffles. I highly recommend booking at table for dinner where you can dine with the most incredible sunset views over the sea.
Instagram | Website | Google (opening hours and reviews)
19 Cliff Terrace, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 1RU
The Greedy Cow Cafe
Another great breakfast, brunch or lunch option is the Greedy Cow. Choose from a packed traditional English breakfast to toasties and burgers. The indoor seating area gets busy quickly, but there are seats outside too. Perfect for having cakes and drinks in warmer weather.
Instagram | Website | Google (opening hours and reviews)
3 Market Pl, Margate, CT9 1ER
Sargasso
There’s a reason why Sargasso is busy every time I walk past. Every plate looks stunning a delicious. This small wine bar specialises in European cuisine with seafood and vegetables. Being on Margate harbour arm, they are sometimes forced to cancel reservation if the weather takes a turn for the worse, but I think it’s still worth booking a table the food is that good. Plus, the view looking out on the beach is unrivalled.
Instagram | Website | Google (opening hours and reviews)
Stone Pier, Margate, CT9 1AP
For more fun days out in Kent, see my walk around Folkstone Harbour and visit to Botany Bay.
You might be interested in
