Buoy & Oyster: One of the Best Lunch Spots in Margate

If you’re searching for the best lunch spots in Margate, few places deliver the perfect balance of quality food, seaside atmosphere and relaxed dining quite like Buoy & Oyster. Located on Margate’s High Street with sweeping views of the coast, this independent, family-run seafood restaurant has become a favourite for locals and visitors looking for a memorable midday meal.

Whether you’re stopping by after a morning on the beach or planning a leisurely lunch with friends, Buoy & Oyster offers a dining experience that celebrates the best of the Kent coastline.

A Perfect Setting for a Relaxed Lunch

One of the biggest reasons Buoy & Oyster stands out as a lunch destination is its location. Overlooking Margate’s seafront, the restaurant offers a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere where guests can enjoy stunning sea views and a welcoming coastal vibe.

The space is designed for all-day dining, open seven days a week from 12–9 pm, making it ideal for both early lunches and late-afternoon meals.

Whether you choose a table inside or enjoy the vibrant seafood bar area, the setting creates the perfect backdrop for a long, leisurely lunch by the sea.

Fresh, Seasonal Seafood at Its Best

At the heart of Buoy & Oyster’s appeal is its commitment to fresh, locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant works closely with Kent-based fishermen and trusted suppliers, ensuring that much of the seafood is landed and served on the same day.

This dedication to freshness is reflected in every dish, from oysters and shellfish to beautifully prepared seafood platters and classic fish dishes.

The menu changes throughout the year to reflect the best seasonal produce, meaning there’s always something new to try.

For lunch, this translates into a variety of options, whether you want something light and fresh or a more indulgent seafood feast.

A Lunch Menu with Something for Everyone

Buoy & Oyster is best known for its seafood, but the lunch offering is designed to cater to all tastes. While seafood takes centre stage, the menu also includes meat, vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring everyone in your group is well looked after.

Guests can enjoy everything from classic British seaside dishes to creative seasonal plates, all served in generous portions that are perfect for a satisfying midday meal.

The restaurant’s philosophy is simple: high-quality food in a relaxed seaside setting, making it an easy choice for casual lunches, catch-ups and special occasions alike.

Seafood Bar: A Lively Lunch Experience

For those who prefer a more informal setting, the seafood bar offers a vibrant and social lunch experience. Located near the open kitchen, it provides a front-row view of the chefs at work and is perfect for guests who enjoy a lively atmosphere.

Here, you can enjoy freshly prepared seafood plates while soaking up the energy of the restaurant. It’s an ideal option for a spontaneous lunch or a relaxed meal with friends.

The seafood bar also hosts Oyster Happy Hour (Monday–Friday, 4–5 pm, 2-for-1 oysters), making it a popular late lunch or early evening stop.

Drinks That Complete the Experience

No great lunch is complete without the right drink, and Buoy & Oyster excels in offering a well-curated selection to complement its seafood-led menu.

Guests can enjoy:

• Handcrafted cocktails made by trained bartenders using premium spirits, fresh fruit and quality ingredients

• A wide selection of local Kent wines and spirits

• Signature drinks such as the restaurant’s showstopping Bloody Marys

The seafood bar is also described as the perfect place for cocktails with friends or Bloody Marys alongside freshly shucked oysters and seafood platters, making it a standout spot for drinks as part of your lunch experience.

Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or bold and indulgent, the drinks menu is designed to elevate your meal without overpowering the flavours of the food.

Weekly Specials That Make Lunch Even Better

Buoy & Oyster also adds variety to its lunch offering with several weekly highlights:

• Mussel Wednesdays – unlimited mussel refills all day

• Thanet Thursdays – 20% off food for selected postcodes (with reservation)

• Sunday roasts (September–April) alongside the à la carte menu

These specials make it worth returning again and again, offering something different depending on the day of your visit.

A True Margate Lunch Destination

What makes Buoy & Oyster one of the best lunch spots in Margate is its ability to combine everything that defines coastal dining:

• Fresh, locally sourced seafood

• Seasonal and carefully crafted menus

• Relaxed yet stylish seaside atmosphere

• Exceptional drinks and cocktails

• Stunning sea views

It’s a place where lunch isn’t rushed, it’s enjoyed, savoured and shared.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a visit to Margate and want a lunch that feels special without being formal, Buoy & Oyster is the perfect choice. Whether you’re enjoying oysters at the seafood bar, a fresh seafood platter with friends, or simply sipping a cocktail while looking out to sea, every detail is designed to make your lunchtime experience memorable.

For anyone looking to enjoy the best lunch spots in Margate, Buoy & Oyster truly delivers a coastal dining experience that captures the very best of Kent’s seaside charm.