Buoy & Oyster: The Perfect Place for Dinner with a View in Kent
- Josh Wood
- Jul 20
- 4 min read

There is something truly special about enjoying a delicious meal while looking out across the sea. If you are searching for the perfect place for dinner with a view in Kent, Buoy & Oyster in Margate offers an experience that combines exceptional seafood, expertly crafted drinks, and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Situated directly on Margate's seafront, this independent, family-run restaurant has been welcoming guests since 2015. With its relaxed atmosphere, seasonal menus, and uninterrupted views of Margate Main Sands, Buoy & Oyster has become one of Kent's favourite destinations for memorable seaside dining. The restaurant is open for all-day dining from 12 pm to 9 pm, seven days a week, making it an ideal choice whether you are planning a leisurely lunch or an evening meal by the sea.
A Stunning Seafront Setting
One of the biggest reasons diners choose Buoy & Oyster is its spectacular location. Overlooking Margate Main Sands, the restaurant offers panoramic sea views that create the perfect backdrop for dinner.
During the warmer months, guests can reserve a table on the beachfront terrace, where they can enjoy fresh coastal air while watching the sun set over the sea. The restaurant even provides cosy blankets for evening bookings, allowing diners to stay comfortable while making the most of the stunning surroundings. Inside, the stylish dining room and lively seafood bar provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the year.
Fresh Seafood and Seasonal Menus
At Buoy & Oyster, the focus is on showcasing the very best seafood from the Kent coast. Owner and chef Simon Morriss works closely with local suppliers and a Broadstairs-based fishmonger to ensure seafood is responsibly sourced and reflects the changing seasons.
Much of the fish and shellfish comes from day boats fishing the waters around Margate, Whitstable, Ramsgate, Folkestone, and Broadstairs, with local catches often arriving in the kitchen on the very same day. To make the most of seasonal produce, the menu changes four times each year, giving guests something new to discover throughout the seasons.
Popular dishes include:
Freshly shucked oysters
Seafood platters
Locally sourced fish dishes
Mussels and shellfish
Traditional fish and chips
Seasonal chef's specials
The restaurant also offers meat, vegetarian, and vegan options, making it an excellent choice for groups with different tastes.
The Seafood Bar Experience
A highlight of every visit is the lively seafood bar.
Positioned beside the open-plan kitchen, the seafood bar allows guests to enjoy freshly prepared oysters, seafood platters, and small plates while watching the chefs at work. Whether you are enjoying pre-dinner drinks, sharing seafood with friends, or beginning a special evening in Margate, the seafood bar adds energy and theatre to the dining experience.
For those visiting during the week, the restaurant also offers Happy Hour in the seafood bar every Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 5 pm, where guests can enjoy 2-for-1 oysters and 2-for-1 margaritas. It is a wonderful way to start an evening by the sea.
Drinks Designed for Coastal Dining
A memorable dinner deserves equally memorable drinks, and Buoy & Oyster has created a drinks menu that perfectly complements its seafood-focused cuisine.
Guests can enjoy:
Handcrafted cocktails made using premium spirits and fresh ingredients
Carefully selected wines to accompany seafood dishes
Local Kent spirits
Signature Bloody Marys, served alongside freshly shucked oysters and seafood platters
The seafood bar is also the ideal place to meet friends for cocktails before dinner or simply enjoy a relaxing drink overlooking the coast. Whether you choose a refreshing margarita, a crisp glass of wine, or one of the restaurant's famous Bloody Marys, the drinks menu has been carefully curated to enhance the overall dining experience.
Relaxed Dining for Every Occasion
Buoy & Oyster strikes the perfect balance between stylish dining and relaxed coastal hospitality.
The welcoming atmosphere makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, including:
Romantic dinners
Family celebrations
Meals with friends
Special occasions
Casual evenings after exploring Margate
Whether you are celebrating something special or simply enjoying a meal by the sea, the restaurant offers friendly service and a comfortable environment where every guest feels welcome.
Stay and Dine
Why let the evening end after dinner?
Buoy & Oyster also offers four unique, design-led apartments located above the restaurant, with two featuring direct sea views. Guests can enjoy an exceptional meal before relaxing in stylish accommodation just moments from the beach, making it an excellent choice for a weekend escape or a special celebration in Margate.
Why Choose Buoy & Oyster?
There are many restaurants across Kent, but Buoy & Oyster stands out because it offers:
Stunning seafront views across Margate Main Sands
Fresh, responsibly sourced seafood
Seasonal menus that change four times a year
A lively seafood bar
Handcrafted cocktails and carefully selected drinks
Oyster Happy Hour
Boutique accommodation
Relaxed, family-friendly hospitality
Every aspect of the restaurant has been designed to create a memorable coastal dining experience.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for the perfect place for dinner with a view in Kent, Buoy & Oyster offers everything you could wish for. From responsibly sourced seafood and seasonal menus to handcrafted cocktails, stunning sea views, and welcoming hospitality, every visit celebrates the very best of Margate's coastline.
Whether you are enjoying freshly shucked oysters at the seafood bar, sharing a seafood platter over a glass of wine, or watching the sunset from the beachfront terrace, Buoy & Oyster delivers an unforgettable dining experience where exceptional food and spectacular views come together perfectly.



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