Buoy & Oyster: One of the Top Restaurants in Kent with a View
- Josh Wood
- May 30
- 4 min read

If you’re looking for restaurants in Kent with a view, few places capture the coastal charm quite like Buoy & Oyster in Margate. Sitting right by the seafront, this award-winning restaurant combines fresh local seafood, relaxed hospitality, and stunning views across the Kent coastline. It is the kind of place where the scenery and the food work together to create a memorable dining experience.
Whether you are visiting for a relaxed lunch, a sunset dinner, or drinks overlooking the sea, Buoy & Oyster offers one of the most complete seaside dining experiences in Kent.
A Seafront Restaurant Built Around the View
Location is everything at Buoy & Oyster. Positioned on Margate’s vibrant coastline, the restaurant offers guests beautiful sea views and sunsets, making it one of the most scenic dining spots in the region.
From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere reflects its coastal surroundings. Inside, the space feels lively yet relaxed, with an open kitchen and seafood bar adding energy to the dining experience. Outside, the sea creates a constantly changing backdrop, calm mornings, golden afternoons, and dramatic sunsets.
It is this connection to the sea that makes Buoy & Oyster stand out among restaurants in Kent with a view. The setting is not just a backdrop; it is part of the experience.
Fresh Seafood Inspired by the Kent Coast
At the heart of Buoy & Oyster is a strong focus on fresh, seasonal seafood. The restaurant works closely with local fishermen and suppliers across Kent, ensuring ingredients are as fresh as possible. Many of the fish and shellfish are landed locally and served shortly after arriving in the kitchen.
The menu changes seasonally, reflecting what is best available at different times of the year. This means every visit can feel slightly different, depending on the catch and the season.
Guests can expect dishes such as:
Fresh oysters and shellfish
Seafood platters and sharing boards
Locally sourced fish dishes
Coastal British classics like fish and chips
Seasonal chef specials
Alongside seafood, there are also vegetarian and meat options, making it a flexible choice for mixed groups.
The Seafood Bar: Dining with a View and Atmosphere
One of the most popular features of Buoy & Oyster is its seafood bar, a lively space where guests can sit close to the open kitchen and enjoy freshly prepared dishes and drinks.
This area is perfect for a more informal experience, ideal for oysters, small plates, or cocktails while enjoying the sea air. The atmosphere is social, energetic, and very much connected to the rhythm of the restaurant.
For many visitors, this is where the view becomes even more special. Sitting at the bar with a plate of oysters and a drink while looking out towards the coastline is one of the simplest pleasures of dining in Margate.
Drinks Designed for Coastal Dining
A big part of the Buoy & Oyster experience is its carefully curated drinks menu, created to complement the seafood-led dishes.
Guests can enjoy:
Handcrafted cocktails made by trained bartenders using premium spirits, fresh fruit, and quality ingredients
A selection of local Kent wines and spirits
Signature drinks, including the restaurant’s well-known Bloody Marys
The seafood bar is especially popular for cocktails and relaxed drinks with friends. It is designed as a space where guests can enjoy oysters, platters, and drinks together in a laid-back setting.
Whether you prefer a crisp white wine with seafood or a bold cocktail while watching the sea, the drinks menu enhances the overall coastal dining experience.
A Relaxed Yet Refined Dining Experience
Buoy & Oyster manages to balance casual seaside dining with a sense of quality and attention to detail. It is stylish without being formal, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions.
The restaurant is open for all-day dining, making it easy to visit at any time of day, from a relaxed lunch after a walk along the beach to a sunset dinner overlooking the water.
The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, but also ideal for couples, groups, and visitors celebrating special occasions.
Why It Stands Out Among Kent Restaurants with a View
There are many places to eat across Kent, but Buoy & Oyster stands out because it combines several key elements:
Direct seafront location with panoramic views
Fresh, locally sourced seafood
Seasonal menus that change throughout the year
Lively seafood bar experience
Carefully crafted cocktails and drinks
Relaxed yet stylish atmosphere
Consistent quality and strong local reputation
It is this combination that makes it more than just a restaurant; it is a full coastal dining experience.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for restaurants in Kent with a view, Buoy & Oyster in Margate is a standout choice. It brings together everything that makes seaside dining special: fresh seafood, great drinks, a relaxed atmosphere, and some of the best coastal views in the county.
Whether you are stopping by for oysters at the bar, enjoying a long seafood lunch, or watching the sunset over dinner, Buoy & Oyster offers a dining experience that feels perfectly connected to the Kent coast.



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