Buoy & Oyster: One of the Top Places to Eat in Margate

If you’re exploring the Kent coast and searching for the best places to eat in Margate, Buoy & Oyster stands out as a must-visit destination. Overlooking the sea and located right on Margate’s High Street, this independent, family-run restaurant offers a dining experience that blends fresh seafood, seasonal cooking and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Whether you’re visiting for a casual lunch, a special dinner or simply drinks by the coast, Buoy & Oyster captures everything that makes Margate such a vibrant food destination.

A Standout Spot in Margate’s Food Scene

Since opening in 2015, Buoy & Oyster has become a key part of Margate’s culinary landscape. Known for its focus on top-quality seafood and seasonal ingredients, the restaurant has built a strong reputation among locals and visitors alike.

Its ethos is simple yet effective: to serve great quality food and drinks in a relaxed and stylish seaside setting, creating an experience that feels both refined and welcoming.

With its beachfront location and consistently high standards, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the top places to eat in Margate.

Fresh Seafood from the Kent Coast

At the heart of Buoy & Oyster is its commitment to freshness. The restaurant works closely with local Kent fishermen and suppliers, ensuring that seafood is often sourced directly from nearby waters.

Much of the fish and shellfish comes from day boats operating off Margate, Whitstable and Ramsgate, meaning it can be landed and served on the same day.

The menu changes regularly to reflect the best seasonal produce available. This ensures that every visit offers something fresh, whether you’re enjoying oysters, mussels, seafood platters or classic fish dishes.

Popular menu highlights include:

• Beer-battered fish and chips with hand-cut chips and tartare sauce

• Fresh oysters and shellfish

• Seafood platters and sharing dishes

• Seasonal mains such as halibut

There are also meat, vegetarian and vegan options, making it a versatile choice for groups with different preferences.

A Dining Experience by the Sea

Location is a big part of what makes Buoy & Oyster so special. The restaurant offers stunning sea views and sunsets, allowing guests to enjoy their meal while taking in the beauty of Margate’s coastline.

Inside, the atmosphere is lively yet comfortable, with an open-plan kitchen that adds energy and interaction to the dining experience. The seafood bar provides a more casual setting, perfect for those who want to enjoy a quick bite or drinks with friends.

For a more laid-back option, the restaurant also operates a beachfront takeaway, allowing you to enjoy high-quality seafood just steps from the sand.

Drinks That Elevate Every Meal

A key reason Buoy & Oyster is considered one of the top places to eat in Margate is its excellent drinks offering.

The restaurant features:

• 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 showstopping Bloody Marys

The seafood bar is also described as the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail with friends or a Bloody Mary alongside freshly shucked oysters and platters, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere.

Whether you’re pairing a crisp wine with seafood or enjoying a cocktail at sunset, the drinks menu is designed to complement the food and enhance the overall experience.

All-Day Dining for Every Occasion

Buoy & Oyster offers all-day dining from 12–9 pm, seven days a week, making it a convenient choice no matter your plans.

It’s ideal for:

• Relaxed seaside lunches

• Dinner with friends or family

• Special occasions and celebrations

• Casual drinks and small plates at the bar

The restaurant also features weekly highlights such as Mussel Wednesdays with unlimited refills and Oyster Happy Hour (2-for-1 oysters, Monday–Friday 4–5 pm), adding even more reasons to visit.

A True Margate Experience

Dining at Buoy & Oyster is about more than just food; it’s about experiencing Margate itself. From the fresh sea air to the vibrant atmosphere and stunning views, every detail reflects the charm of this coastal town.

The restaurant also offers four design-led apartments above the venue, two with direct sea views, making it possible to turn your meal into a full “dine and stay” experience.

Why Buoy & Oyster Is One of the Top Places to Eat in Margate

There are many great restaurants in Margate, but Buoy & Oyster stands out for its combination of:

• Fresh, locally sourced seafood

• Seasonal and evolving menus

• A stylish yet relaxed seaside setting

• High-quality cocktails and drinks

• Stunning views of the coast

• Friendly, welcoming atmosphere

Final Thoughts

If you’re deciding where to eat in Margate, Buoy & Oyster is a destination that delivers on every level. From the freshness of its seafood to the creativity of its drinks and the beauty of its location, it offers a dining experience that feels both special and effortless.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another meal by the sea, Buoy & Oyster remains one of the top places in Margate to enjoy great food, great drinks and unforgettable coastal views.