Because sometimes, only something seriously special will do.
From polished plates in country pubs to tasting menus in smart village hideaways, Kent’s foodie scene is on fire. Whether you’re celebrating something, wooing someone, or just fancy a delicious detour from the day-to-day, this is your definitive guide to Michelin star restaurants Kent.
We’ve split the list into two sections: first, the best Michelin star restaurants near Deal, Kent (ideal if you’re staying along the coast), followed by those worth the road trip across the wider Garden of England.
Michelin Star Restaurants Near Deal, Kent
For fine dining without straying too far from the sea, these Michelin star restaurants in East Kent are all within easy reach of Deal.
This corner of Kent is not just about charming seafronts and coastal walks—it’s fast becoming one of the county’s top destinations for serious food lovers. Whether you’re planning a celebratory dinner, a long weekend escape, or a spontaneous treat while staying locally, these award-winning spots combine style, substance, and that unmistakable East Kent charm.
The Fordwich Arms – Michelin Star Restaurant by the River
Fordwich | One Michelin Star | Approx. 40 mins from Deal
Set in Britain’s smallest town, The Fordwich Arms is a true hidden gem. With wood-panelled charm, stained glass windows, and a riverside terrace that’s positively swoon-worthy, this Michelin star restaurant in Kent delivers on every front.
The menu leans modern British, with a focus on local and seasonal produce—think smoked chalk stream trout, Kentish venison, and standout desserts. It’s quietly luxurious without being stuffy. The wine list is equally impressive, with thoughtful pairings that elevate the entire dining experience.
It’s a place that feels special without trying too hard—perfect for lazy lunches that stretch into the afternoon or slow, candlelit dinners.
Perfect for: A romantic lunch, special celebration, or impressing out-of-towners.
Top tip: Book early and bag a table outside when the sun’s out.
Website: Fordwich Arms
The Sportsman – Michelin Star Restaurant with Coastal Cool
Seasalter, near Whitstable | One Michelin Star | Approx. 45 mins from Deal
Don’t let the low-key exterior fool you—The Sportsman is a coastal pub with a cult following and a well-earned Michelin star. It’s the sort of place where dishes depend on the tide and the local farms, and where the cooking is thoughtful, flavour-packed, and proudly Kentish.
Slip sole in seaweed butter, house-cured charcuterie, and just-plucked-from-the-sea seafood are regulars on the rotating menu. The setting is delightfully understated—wooden floors, seaside views, and the kind of atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savour every bite.
This isn’t fine dining with white gloves; it’s flavour-first food that just happens to be world class.
Perfect for: Long, lazy lunches with sea views.
Top tip: It’s a hot ticket—book well in advance.
Website: The Sportsman
Hide and Fox – Two Michelin Stars and Fine Dining Finesse
Saltwood, near Hythe | Two Michelin Stars | Approx. 45 mins from Deal
Small but mighty, Hide and Fox is a sleek and stylish destination tucked away in Saltwood. With two Michelin stars in Kent, it’s one of the region’s most ambitious kitchens. Inside, it’s all clean lines and soft lighting—outside, it’s the kind of menu that makes foodies go weak at the knees.
Expect elegant tasting menus full of local produce, clever pairings, and thoughtful plating. You’ll want to linger. The front-of-house team is polished but warm, and the whole experience is a masterclass in how to do modern fine dining without a shred of pretension.
Perfect for: Celebratory dinners or tasting menu bucket-list moments.
Top tip: Let the kitchen take the reins—opt for wine pairings.
Website: Hide & Fox
Michelin Star Restaurants Across Kent
These stars shine a little further afield—but trust us, they’re worth the miles.
While Deal and East Kent are home to some exceptional dining spots, the rest of the county offers its own share of Michelin-starred magic. Whether you’re venturing into the Weald, discovering hidden gems in charming villages, or making a foodie pilgrimage across rolling countryside, these Michelin star restaurants in Kent promise something special at every stop. From rustic-chic hideaways to boundary-pushing tasting menus, it’s a culinary journey that’s worth the petrol—and then some.
The Bridge Arms – Michelin Star Restaurant in a Country Pub
Bridge, near Canterbury | One Michelin Star
From the team behind The Fordwich Arms, this relaxed but refined restaurant has a strong following and a well-deserved spot in the Michelin guide Kent. Think top-quality British fare, warm service, and the kind of food that makes you want to book again before dessert’s even cleared.
Menus are seasonal, playful, and rooted in British traditions, while the setting—inside a traditional village pub—keeps things grounded and inviting.
The West House – Rustic Charm and a Michelin Star
Biddenden | One Michelin Star
Housed in a beautiful 16th-century cottage, this is Kent’s answer to countryside chic. It’s intimate, relaxed, and effortlessly impressive—a must-visit if you love elegant food in cosy surrounds. Another standout on the list of Michelin star restaurants Kent.
Chef Graham Garrett leads the kitchen with a flair for modern British cuisine that never loses touch with its roots. It’s a proper foodie escape with old beams, candlelight, and faultless flavours.
The Small Holding – A Michelin Star for Farm-to-Table Brilliance
Kilndown | One Michelin Star
You don’t get more local than this. The Small Holding grows much of what it serves, making for fresh, fuss-free but incredibly smart food. Menus evolve with the land, offering seasonal tastings in a warm, rustic setting. A proper Kent Michelin star experience.
The vibe is down-to-earth, but the cooking is technically brilliant—proof that sustainability and sophistication can go hand-in-hand.
Bowleys at The Plough – Bold British Flavours and a Michelin Star
Trottiscliffe | One Michelin Star
Part of the new guard of Michelin star in Kent, Bowleys is set in a village pub and brings flair to traditional British ingredients. Expect playful touches, seasonal flavours, and a warm welcome.
Head chef Alex Yates offers bold plates full of personality—this is food with confidence, and the setting is full of charm. Smart but never stuffy.
The Old Bank – Contemporary Cuisine and a Michelin Star
Westerham | One Michelin Star
Bright, modern, and full of surprises, The Old Bank has earned its place in the Michelin restaurant Kent guide with inventive menus and clean, contemporary style. A great excuse to explore west Kent if you haven’t already.
The cooking here is refined but not fussy—expect seasonal produce, fresh ideas, and a wine list worth browsing twice.
Coaste Verdict
Whether you’re looking for riverside romance, coastal calm, or a countryside escape, the Michelin star restaurants Kent list has you covered. And with so many within easy reach of Deal, there’s no need to travel far to eat exceptionally well.
Planning a foodie break? Let our Coaste Concierge help with bookings, transport, and those little extras that turn a great meal into a truly memorable evening.