Best Restaurant in Kent – Discover Buoy & Oyster

Kent is home to a fantastic food scene, with everything from traditional country pubs to stylish coastal restaurants. If you are searching for the best restaurant in Kent, Buoy & Oyster in Margate is a destination that deserves your attention. Combining award-winning seafood, seasonal menus, handcrafted drinks, and breathtaking sea views, this independent family-run restaurant has become one of Kent's leading dining destinations.

Located directly on Margate's seafront, Buoy & Oyster has welcomed guests since 2015 with a simple philosophy: serve exceptional food and drinks in a relaxed yet stylish seaside setting. Its commitment to quality, local suppliers, and outstanding hospitality has made it a favourite with both locals and visitors alike.

Award-Winning Coastal Dining

Buoy & Oyster has earned an outstanding reputation for its dedication to quality. The restaurant has held 2 AA Rosettes since 2019, has been featured in Harden's UK Top-Rated Restaurants, and was named Muddy Stilettos' Best Restaurant in Kent 2022. These achievements reflect its passion for delivering an exceptional dining experience from start to finish.

Whether you are planning a relaxed lunch, a romantic dinner, or a family celebration, Buoy & Oyster offers an atmosphere that is both welcoming and memorable.

Fresh Seafood and Seasonal Menus

The heart of Buoy & Oyster is its seafood-focused menu. Works closely with local suppliers and a Broadstairs-based fishmonger to ensure the restaurant serves responsibly sourced seafood at its very best. Much of the local fish and shellfish comes from day boats fishing the waters around Margate, Whitstable, Ramsgate, Folkestone, and Broadstairs, with catches often reaching guests' plates the very same day.

The menu changes throughout the year to celebrate the seasons and make the most of fresh local ingredients.

Guests can enjoy a wide selection of dishes, including:

• Freshly shucked oysters

• Seafood platters

• Locally sourced fish dishes

• Mussels and shellfish

• Traditional fish and chips

• Seasonal chef's specials

Alongside its seafood specialities, the restaurant also offers meat, vegetarian, and vegan options, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Experience the Seafood Bar

A visit to Buoy & Oyster is not complete without experiencing its lively seafood bar.

Located beside the open-plan kitchen, the seafood bar allows guests to enjoy freshly prepared oysters, shellfish, seafood platters, and small plates while watching the chefs at work. It creates a relaxed and sociable atmosphere that is perfect for everything from casual lunches to evening gatherings with friends.

The seafood bar also hosts a popular Happy Hour from Monday to Friday, 4 pm–5 pm, offering 2-for-1 oysters and 2-for-1 margaritas, making it an excellent choice for pre-dinner drinks or a relaxed afternoon by the sea.

Exceptional Drinks to Match the Food

Outstanding food deserves equally impressive drinks, and Buoy & Oyster delivers with a carefully curated drinks menu.

Guests can enjoy:

• Handcrafted cocktails prepared using premium spirits, fresh fruit, and quality ingredients

• A carefully selected range of wines and local Kent spirits

• Seasonal cocktails expertly mixed by the bar team

• Signature Bloody Marys, served alongside freshly shucked oysters and seafood platters

The seafood bar is the ideal place to enjoy cocktails with friends, while the drinks list has been designed to complement the restaurant's seafood-focused menu perfectly. Whether you prefer a refreshing margarita, a crisp white wine with fresh fish, or one of the restaurant's famous Bloody Marys, there is something to suit every occasion.

Beautiful Views and Relaxed Atmosphere

One of Buoy & Oyster's greatest attractions is its location. Positioned directly on Margate's seafront, the restaurant offers uninterrupted views across Margate Main Sands, creating a spectacular backdrop for every meal.

During the warmer months, guests can dine on the beachfront terrace, enjoying sea views, fresh coastal air, and unforgettable sunsets. The restaurant even provides cosy blankets for evening bookings, helping guests make the most of the seaside setting.

Inside, the atmosphere remains relaxed, stylish, and family-friendly, making it equally suitable for romantic evenings, family meals, celebrations, or casual dining.

Stay and Dine

For guests wishing to extend their visit, Buoy & Oyster also offers four unique, design-led apartments located above the restaurant, with two featuring direct sea views.

The opportunity to enjoy an award-winning meal before retreating to stylish accommodation upstairs creates a complete stay-and-dine experience that perfectly complements a visit to Margate.

Why Buoy & Oyster Stands Out

There are many excellent restaurants across Kent, but Buoy & Oyster offers a combination that is difficult to match:

• Award-winning dining

• Fresh, responsibly sourced seafood

• Menus that change with the seasons

• A vibrant seafood bar

• Expertly crafted cocktails and local drinks

• Stunning seafront views

• Boutique accommodation

• Friendly, family-run hospitality

Every visit reflects the restaurant's commitment to quality, local produce, and memorable experiences.

Final Thoughts

If you are searching for the best restaurant in Kent, Buoy & Oyster in Margate is an exceptional choice. From responsibly sourced seafood and seasonal menus to handcrafted cocktails, beautiful sea views, and stylish accommodation, every detail has been carefully considered.

Whether you are visiting for a leisurely lunch, sunset dinner, seafood feast, or weekend coastal escape, Buoy & Oyster offers an unforgettable dining experience that showcases the very best of Kent's coastline.