Buoy & Oyster: A Top Spot for Seafood in Margate
- Josh Wood
- May 25
- 4 min read

When it comes to enjoying exceptional seafood in Margate, few places capture the spirit of the Kent coast quite like Buoy & Oyster. Located on Margate’s beautiful seafront, this award-winning seafood restaurant has become one of the town’s standout dining destinations, known for its fresh local produce, relaxed atmosphere and impressive seafood bar.
Whether you’re visiting for oysters and cocktails, a seafood platter by the sea, or a full evening meal with friends and family, Buoy & Oyster delivers a true coastal dining experience that celebrates the very best of British seafood.
Fresh Seafood at the Heart of the Menu
Seafood is at the centre of everything Buoy & Oyster does. The restaurant works closely with trusted local fishermen and suppliers across Kent to ensure the freshest ingredients possible. Much of the seafood is landed locally and delivered fresh to the kitchen, allowing the chefs to create dishes that highlight the natural quality and flavour of the produce.
Menus change seasonally throughout the year, reflecting the best seafood available at different times of the season. This focus on freshness and seasonality is a key reason why the restaurant has become so popular with both locals and visitors to Margate.
Guests can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, including:
Fresh oysters and shellfish
Seafood platters and fruits de mer
Locally sourced fish dishes
Classic fish and chips
Seasonal chef specials inspired by the coast
Each dish is prepared with care, allowing the seafood itself to remain the star of the experience.
The Famous Seafood Bar
One of the biggest highlights of Buoy & Oyster is its lively seafood bar, located beside the open kitchen. This relaxed and social space allows guests to enjoy fresh oysters, shellfish and small plates while watching chefs prepare dishes in front of them.
The seafood bar has become one of Margate’s most popular places for casual dining and drinks by the sea. It offers a more informal experience while still delivering the same level of quality found throughout the restaurant.
The bar is especially well known for its oysters and seafood platters, making it ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying as part of a relaxed afternoon or evening by the coast.
Oyster Happy Hour
For seafood lovers, one of the most popular times to visit is during Oyster Happy Hour, available Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 5 pm. During this time, guests can enjoy 2-for-1 oysters and 2-for-1 margaritas.
This offer has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike, creating a lively atmosphere in the seafood bar where guests gather to enjoy fresh oysters and cocktails together.
It’s a great introduction to the restaurant and a perfect excuse to experience the freshest seafood Margate has to offer.
Handcrafted Drinks and Coastal Cocktails
A major part of the Buoy & Oyster experience is its carefully curated drinks menu, designed to complement the seafood-focused dishes.
The restaurant serves:
Handcrafted cocktails created by trained bartenders using premium spirits, fresh fruit and quality ingredients
A selection of local Kent wines and spirits
Signature drinks, including our well-known Bloody Marys
The seafood bar is described as the perfect place to enjoy cocktails with friends or Bloody Marys alongside freshly shucked oysters and seafood platters.
These drinks add another layer to the dining experience, pairing beautifully with the fresh coastal flavours served throughout the menu.
Whether you prefer a crisp glass of wine with seafood, a refreshing margarita during happy hour or a bold Bloody Mary by the sea, the drinks offering helps create a relaxed and memorable atmosphere.
A Stunning Seafront Setting
Location plays a huge part in why Buoy & Oyster is considered one of the top seafood spots in Margate. Positioned directly on the seafront, the restaurant offers guests beautiful coastal views and an atmosphere that perfectly suits seafood dining.
The interiors combine modern seaside style with comfort and warmth, creating a space that feels both refined and welcoming. The open kitchen and seafood bar add energy to the restaurant, while the sea views bring a calm and relaxing backdrop to every meal.
Whether you visit during the daytime or for an evening dinner at sunset, the setting makes every experience feel special.
More Than Just Seafood
Although seafood is the main focus, Buoy & Oyster also caters to a wide range of diners with vegetarian, vegan and meat dishes available on the menu. This makes it a great choice for mixed groups where everyone wants something different.
The restaurant is also family-friendly, offering a relaxed environment suitable for everything from casual lunches to celebrations and special occasions.
Open for all-day dining from 12 pm to 9 pm, seven days a week, it’s easy to fit a visit into any Margate itinerary.
Why Buoy & Oyster Stands Out in Margate
There are many places to eat seafood in Kent, but Buoy & Oyster stands out because of its complete experience:
Fresh, locally sourced seafood
Seasonal menus inspired by the coast
Vibrant seafood bar atmosphere
Oyster Happy Hour specials
High-quality cocktails and drinks
Beautiful seafront location
Relaxed yet stylish dining environment
This combination of quality, freshness and atmosphere is what keeps guests returning again and again.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the best place to enjoy seafood in Margate, Buoy & Oyster offers everything you could want from a coastal dining experience. From freshly shucked oysters and seafood platters to handcrafted cocktails and sea views, every detail reflects the restaurant’s passion for great food and relaxed seaside hospitality.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick oyster stop, a long seafood lunch or cocktails by the coast, Buoy & Oyster remains one of Margate’s must-visit seafood destinations.



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