Our Three Favourite Places to Dine in Margate Kent
Oh, Margate. Creative, quirky and full of flavour, this seaside town has quietly become one of Kent’s most exciting food destinations. If you’re looking for a place to eat in Margate Kent, you’ll find everything from seaside brunch spots to harbourside fine dining, all blending beachy charm with seriously good cooking.
Here are our three favourite restaurants in Margate Kent, each with its own delicious personality.
1. Sargasso Restaurant, Margate Kent: Seafood, Sea Views and Serious Style
If Margate had a signature restaurant, it would be Sargasso. Perched right on the Harbour Arm, this effortlessly cool spot feels like a slice of the Med with a Kentish soul. The stripped-back space is small but perfectly formed, with huge windows framing the sea and that golden evening light.
The menu changes daily but always celebrates what’s fresh from local boats. Think Whitstable oysters, grilled monkfish and sharing plates that make you want one of everything. Pair it with a glass of natural wine and you’ll quickly see why locals and Londoners alike make a beeline for this spot. Read all about why we love Sargasso in our Sargasso Feature.
2. Bottega Caruso, Margate Kent: Homemade Pasta with Heart
Hidden in the cobbled lanes of Margate Old Town, Bottega Caruso is pure charm. Run by a husband-and-wife team, it’s part Italian deli, part intimate restaurant, and entirely irresistible. The pasta is handmade daily, and the sauces taste like nonna’s Sunday kitchen, rich, slow-cooked and full of love.
Their pici cacio e pepe is a thing of beauty, and if there’s tiramisu on the menu, you know what to do. With its candlelit corners and warm welcome, this is one of those places that feels like a secret, even when it’s buzzing with locals.
3. The Bus Café, Margate Kent: Breakfast with a View
For something more relaxed (and delightfully quirky), The Bus Café is a must. Parked right on Margate Main Sands, this double-decker diner serves local, sustainable breakfasts that are as cheerful as the seaside view.
Grab a seat upstairs, sip a fresh juice, and tuck into a full Kentish breakfast or a vibrant vegan feast. It’s one of those places where sandy feet and coffee cups collide in the best possible way.
Make It a Coastal Day Out
If you fancy stretching your day a little further, Margate is home to one of the best sandy beaches in Kent, perfect for a post-lunch stroll or a quick paddle before heading home. You can explore more stunning local beaches in our guide to the Best Sandy Beaches in Kent. You may also want to dive into our Turner Contemporary feature, all about bold art, sea-gazing architecture and those mood-boosting coastal views. Or take a peek at our Dreamland guide, packed with vintage rides, live music and all the retro Margate magic you can handle.