Buoy & Oyster: The Best Place for Oysters in Margate

If you are searching for the finest oysters in Margate, Buoy & Oyster is a destination that should be at the top of your list. Situated on Margate's picturesque seafront, this independent, family-run restaurant has built an outstanding reputation for serving fresh, responsibly sourced seafood in a relaxed coastal setting.

Since opening in 2015, Buoy & Oyster has welcomed locals and visitors alike with seasonal menus, exceptional hospitality, and a true passion for showcasing the very best of Kent's coastline.

Whether you are a lifelong oyster lover or trying them for the first time, Buoy & Oyster offers the perfect place to enjoy this coastal delicacy while taking in stunning sea views.

Fresh Oysters from the Kent Coast

At Buoy & Oyster, quality always comes first. The restaurant works closely with local suppliers and a Broadstairs-based fishmonger to ensure its seafood is responsibly sourced and reflects the changing seasons. Much of the local fish and shellfish comes from day boats fishing the waters around Margate, Whitstable, Ramsgate, Folkestone, and Broadstairs, with catches often arriving at the restaurant the very same day. The menu changes four times a year to make the most of the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Freshly shucked oysters are one of the highlights of the menu, offering guests an authentic taste of the Kent coast. They are carefully prepared and served with the same attention to quality that defines every dish at Buoy & Oyster.

A Seafood Bar Designed for Oyster Lovers

One of the standout features of Buoy & Oyster is its vibrant seafood bar. Located beside the open-plan kitchen, it provides a lively yet relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy oysters, seafood platters, and small plates while watching the chefs prepare each dish.

The seafood bar is perfect for every occasion. Whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch, meeting friends for drinks, or beginning a special evening in Margate, it offers an enjoyable and welcoming experience. Alongside fresh oysters, guests can choose from seafood platters loaded with the freshest daily catch and British seafood, making it an ideal destination for anyone who appreciates high-quality coastal cuisine.

Oyster Happy Hour

For oyster enthusiasts, Buoy & Oyster offers one of Margate's most popular dining experiences.

From Monday to Friday between 4 pm and 5 pm, the seafood bar hosts Happy Hour, where guests can enjoy 2-for-1 oysters and 2-for-1 margaritas. This offer has become a favourite among locals and visitors, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy freshly shucked oysters alongside expertly prepared drinks before an evening out or dinner by the sea.

It is a wonderful way to experience the restaurant's relaxed atmosphere while enjoying outstanding value.

Drinks That Complement Every Oyster

An exceptional oyster experience deserves equally exceptional drinks, and Buoy & Oyster has created a drinks menu that perfectly complements its seafood-focused cuisine.

Guests can enjoy:

• Handcrafted cocktails prepared using premium spirits and fresh ingredients

• A carefully selected wine list chosen to pair beautifully with seafood

• Local Kent spirits

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

The seafood bar is also the perfect place to meet friends for cocktails, whether you are enjoying a leisurely afternoon by the sea or beginning an evening in Margate. The carefully curated drinks menu has been designed to enhance the natural flavours of the seafood while offering something for every taste.

More Than Just Oysters

Although oysters are one of the restaurant's biggest attractions, Buoy & Oyster offers far more than shellfish alone.

The seasonal menu includes:

• Seafood platters

• Fresh local fish

• Shellfish dishes

• Traditional fish and chips

• Meat, vegetarian, and vegan options

This variety means everyone can enjoy a memorable meal, whether they are devoted seafood lovers or dining with family and friends who prefer different dishes. The restaurant's commitment to seasonal ingredients ensures every visit offers something fresh and exciting.

Beautiful Views and Relaxed Dining

One of the many reasons guests return to Buoy & Oyster is its exceptional location. Overlooking Margate Main Sands, the restaurant offers uninterrupted sea views that perfectly complement its coastal menu.

During the warmer months, guests can dine on the beachfront terrace while enjoying spectacular sunsets across the bay. Inside, the stylish dining room and lively seafood bar create a welcoming atmosphere that is equally suited to romantic dinners, family meals, celebrations, or casual lunches by the sea.

Stay and Dine

To make your visit even more memorable, Buoy & Oyster also offers four unique, design-led apartments located above the restaurant, with two featuring direct sea views.

This allows guests to enjoy outstanding seafood before relaxing in boutique accommodation just moments from the beach, creating the perfect stay-and-dine experience in Margate.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for the best place for oysters in Margate, Buoy & Oyster offers everything you could hope for. Freshly shucked oysters, responsibly sourced seafood, a lively seafood bar, handcrafted cocktails, carefully selected wines, and breathtaking sea views all come together to create a truly memorable dining experience.

Whether you visit during Oyster Happy Hour, enjoy a seafood platter with friends, or relax with a signature Bloody Mary overlooking the coast, Buoy & Oyster showcases the very best of Margate's seafood scene and is a must-visit destination for oyster lovers.