City dining guide

Best restaurants in Margate

6 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Bib Gourmand 1

Sargasso

Bib Gourmand££Modern Cuisine

Housed inside a former boat shed on the harbour wall, Sargasso really does have the perfect seaside location. Watch the tide come in as you sit back and enjoy the seasonally changing menu, which – just like sister restaurant Brawn in London – puts quality produce front and centre. In this case, that means a bounty of delicious fresh seafood, offering clean, powerful flavours in each smartly pared-back dish. The menu is designed for sharing, allowing you to try as much as possible, while the wine list leans towards natural and biodynamic options.

TripAdvisor review sample · 3.6/5 · 80 reviews

Sargasso, located on Margate’s harbour, offers modern small plates with scenic views. Food quality receives mixed feedback: while many praise the flavour of dishes like chickpeas and seafood, others criticize small portions and limited menu choices, leading to dissatisfaction with value. Service is generally friendly and skilled, though pacing can be rushed during busy periods, and some staff interactions are described as less warm. The atmosphere features lovely outdoor seating, but indoor high stools are noted as uncomfortable for extended stays, and noise levels can be an issue. Overall, the dining experience is defined by excellent views and creative cuisine, balanced against concerns regarding portion sizes, comfort, and consistency in service.

Suitable for visitors seeking harbour views and modern small plates, with attention to seating comfort.

🕐 Mo-Sa 12:00-21:30; Su 12:00-16:30

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Other guide picks 5

Bottega Caruso

££coffee_shop

A former pub plays host to this sweet little osteria offering southern Italian fare, often using ingredients from the chef-owner's home region of Campania. There's a homespun charm to the place, so it's only right the hand-made pastas form the core of the menu. The rest of the simple, rustic cooking consists of small plates and snacks; look out for the 'polpette di pane al sugo', where bread has been used to fashion a 'meatball' of sorts. The same team run a deli a few doors down, which transforms into a wine bar at weekends that's ideal for a drink before or after dinner.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Margate's old town, Bottega Caruso serves authentic Campanian cuisine. Reviews highlight fresh, tasty dishes like tuna salad, pork and beef ragu, and bean stew, set in a cozy, farmhouse-like atmosphere. However, inconsistencies exist: some guests report slow pacing, dismissive or rude service, and poor handling of complaints. Others find portions small and prices high, questioning the value. While most praise the food quality, negative experiences cite bland pasta and unhelpful staff. Overall, it offers genuine Italian flavors but with variable service standards.

Suitable for diners seeking authentic Campanian cuisine who can tolerate inconsistent service.

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Angela's

££seafood

Set just off the esplanade is this understated little bistro with a fiercely local, responsible ethos – even the tables are made of compressed recycled plastic. With no meat on the menu, dishes are centred around well-sourced seafood, be it Dover sole with 'green sauce' or hake with tomatoes and capers. Simplicity is the key to the cooking, with the quality central ingredients allowed to shine thanks to just a few, well-judged accompaniments. The friendly service creates a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews

Angela's in Margate specializes in seafood with strong overall ratings. Food quality is frequently praised for fresh ingredients and bold flavors, particularly mussels and skate, though some find preparations overly complex or salty. Service is generally warm and attentive, but issues with meal pacing and booking mishaps occur. The atmosphere is cozy yet intimate; however, the rear dining area is criticized for being dilapidated and lacking views. Value is mixed: while some enjoy the experience, others feel portions are small relative to the price, suggesting it may not offer good cost-performance for budget-conscious diners.

Ideal for seafood enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors in an intimate setting; booking ahead and requesting the main dining area is recommended.

🕐 Tu-Sa 12:00-14:30,17:45-22:00

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Sète

££Modern British

A characterful, bow-windowed former sweet shop is the home for this lovingly run restaurant located on the road between Margate and Broadstairs. In a fairly small space, the passionate team have managed to combine a restaurant, a wine bar and a bottle shop. The kitchen fuses some classical French techniques with a distinctly British, produce-driven approach, where nothing is overworked and the natural flavours of a few key ingredients are the driving force. The blackboard-written menu is ever-changing, but expect the likes of sea bass with creamy leeks, almonds and soy-pickled chilli.

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Quince

££British Contemporary

Two alumni of The Goods Shed in Canterbury are behind this unfussy modern bistro, which is a hit with locals and tourists alike. The simple dish descriptions on the concise seasonal menu belie the depth of the dishes, which are made with high quality ingredients and come with distinct flavours and textures. Smooth service adds to the experience.

TripAdvisor review sample · 5.0/5 · 80 reviews

Located near Westgate-on-Sea station, Quince offers modern British cuisine with consistently high praise for food quality and flavor. Guests appreciate the attentive, friendly service and elegant atmosphere. While some noted minor issues with meal pacing, the overall experience is exceptional. The restaurant accommodates dietary needs well and is highly recommended for special occasions or Sunday roasts. Most reviewers find the value reasonable given the superb food and service, making it a destination worth revisiting.

Ideal for diners seeking high-quality modern British cuisine and attentive service, particularly for special occasions or travelers valuing convenient transport links.

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Kebbells

££Seafood

Located right on the coast, in an area known as the jewel in Thanet's crown, this is the perfect spot for a seafood restaurant. The dining room is bedecked with a multitude of mirrors, a large open counter and shelves filled with jars of preserved goods and house-made chilli sauce. As with all good seafood eateries, the menu changes with the daily catch; all the prime ingredients are well-cooked and delivered in carefully balanced combinations. The cheery, relaxed staff run the place wonderfully, giving everything a personal touch.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews

Kebbells in Broadstairs is highly rated (4.8/5) for its seafood and small-plate sharing concept. Food quality is consistently praised for freshness and European-inspired cooking. Service is generally friendly and attentive, though isolated complaints exist regarding last-minute cancellations and seating issues. The atmosphere is lively and convivial, suitable for groups, but the dog-friendly policy may detract from the experience for some guests. While many find the value good relative to quality, others note mixed opinions on pricing. It is a popular destination where advance booking is advisable to secure a table.

Ideal for diners seeking shared seafood experiences in a lively setting, with advance booking recommended.

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