Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Canterbury

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Canterbury? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Bridge Arms

4.7

4.7 (89)

£41 and over

Modern European

Canterbury

About the restaurant

The Bridge Arms is nestled within the beautiful rural village of Bridge situated within the Nailbourne Valley 2.5km South of the cathedral city of Canterbury. Originally a coaching inn, The Bridge Arms dates back to the 16th century, once a baiting house the grade II listed pub boasts large original fireplaces for the winter months and sparse outside garden with outside bar for the warmer summer months.

This iconic pub has undergone a transformation under the new ownership of Daniel and Natasha Smith (owners of The Michelin Starred Fordwich Arms) in 2021, restoring the pub to its former glory.

The menu concept created by Daniel & Natasha uses seasonal produce to support our local suppliers and to accommodate guests looking for a family friendly pub while highlighting the best British produce.

Within 9 months of opening The Bridge Arms was also awarded a Michelin Star as well as being listed in the top 100 restaurant awards.

Top review

Shelley

Dined 7 days ago

The Bridge Arms is a delightful restaurant with amazing staff. The food was beautifully presented and tasted divine. Would definitely recommend.

The Fordwich Arms Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (163)

£41 and over

Gastro Pub

Canterbury

About the restaurant

The Michelin Starred, Fordwich Arms, located in the smallest town in England, dates as far back as 1828. Draped in ivory and wisteria in the most picturesque location over looking the Great River Stour, the perfect setting for an idyllic summers lunch. Boasting open fireplaces for the colder winter months, creating a cosy and welcoming ambiance.
Daniel and Natasha Smith took over The Fordwich Arms in 2017 and were awarded a Michelin Star within the first year, as well as being in the top 100 gastro pubs in the UK, multiple culinary awards, notable wine awards and various other accredits, a testament to their hair work and talent.
The seasonal menus focus on provenance, showcasing the best of local Kentish ingredients, sourced directly from local farms and producers. Dan's cooking is accomplished yet approachable, served in a relaxed pub environment with a choice of a la carte or tasting menus.

Top review

Anastasia

Dined 2 days ago

Very quiet and relaxing lunch with an informal vibe . Food was very good and the staff very efficient. It seemed wasp season was evident inside and out , hence why we chose to sit indoors as there weren’t as many. Would return again !

The Corner House - Canterbury

4.8

4.8 (46)

£26 to £40

British

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Dining in our Restaurant
The Corner House Canterbury is an independently owned restaurant situated on the outskirts of Canterbury city walls, serving British produce, locally sourced.
The restaurant opened in July 2016 and is a one of Canterbury’s most popular venues to visit. The 16th Century former coach house, overlooks the city walls and its beautiful refurbishment retains lots of its original character.

Our main restaurant seats up to 40 guests where you can watch our chefs at work in our open kitchen. We have recently opened our second dining room which looks out onto our beautiful garden, ideal for large gathering and available for private dining which seats up to 26 guests.

With 5 beautiful and characterful en suite guest rooms, it is the perfect place to stay when visiting Canterbury. Just a minute’s walk from Holman’s Meadow car park and a short walk from Canterbury East train station and the city’s the main bus station, it is so easily accessible for your visit.

Top review

Donald

Dined 1 day ago

Our waitstaff was attentive and sharp. Eden was fantastic. Food was great—grazing board for two, beef Wellington for two—excellent as well, especially paired with suggested wine. Bread was house made. Brown bread ice cream? Yes, please! Great experience. RIP Daisey. You were a fine cow.

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Experience

Pre-Theatre

The Korean Cowgirl at Canterbury Riverside with Cheeky Ramen

4.7

4.7 (694)

£26 to £40

Barbecue

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Our Korean Cowgirl comes back to Canterbury bigger and better than ever...

The Korean Cowgirl Riverside Canterbury Restaurant provides a unique blend of Texas and Asian culture and cuisine. Here at the Cowgirl we mean true low and slow smoked BBQ, cooked for hours over only real wood, no short cuts. Our Amazing wings and boneless bites are double fried for that crisp sensation. Come and experience western dining for yourself.

Top review

Angel

Dined on Jul 14, 2025

Always love going to the Korean Cowgirl, great food and friendly staff.

Sekkoya

4.6

4.6 (188)

£25 and under

Indian

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sekkoya! We are a casual Indian restaurant and bar located on Canterbury High Street serving dishes that tell a story of our heritage, cities and family.

From street dishes like Keema Pau and Samosa Chaat found all over Indian cities to curries made from recipes that have been in our family for generations which we have enjoyed around our Mums dinner table growing up like her amazing Butter Chicken and Dum Biryani.

John, our in-house bar guru, has created a cocktail menu that takes you back to the hotel bars of colonial India, perfectly complimenting our food.

For bookings of groups larger than 8, please call the restaurant on 01227 286221 to make your booking.

Parking available close by

Top review

Shaun

Dined 2 days ago

All of the staff were helpful, polite and professional.

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4.5

4.5 (357)

£25 and under

British

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Located at the corner of The Parade & Rose Lane, just a stone's throw from the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral in the heart of the historic city centre, The Ivy Canterbury will feature a stylish bar, an inviting outdoor terrace, and an elegant private dining room. Discover menus featuring modern British cuisine to brasserie classics and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, with something for everyone to love. From breakfast through to dinner seven days a week, the restaurant offers a luxurious haven in a stunning and elegant setting.

Top review

Farshad

Dined 2 days ago

The atmosphere is wonderful and the food delicious!

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Experience

Summer At The Ivy Set Menu

Experience

Breakfast with the Naughty Elves

Experience

New Year's Eve: A Sparkling Affair

The Duke William Ickham

4.7

4.7 (1801)

£25 and under

Pub

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Quintessential Kentish Pub set in the heart of the Garden of England serving beautiful, classic dishes created using the best local and seasonal produce the South of England has to offer. With Real Ales, Craft Beers, beautiful wines, a roaring fire and a beautiful garden in the summer, this is the perfect destination for traditional pub dining.
To get in touch with us by email, please contact us at info@thedukewilliamickham.com or you can contact our Central Reservations Team at reservations@therocksaltgroup.com

Top review

Ria

Dined on Jul 15, 2025

Great service and great food. We had a lovely time celebrating my husband’s birthday yesterday. Thank you!

The Red Lion

4.8

4.8 (75)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Leaveland

About the restaurant

Free house. Open every day. Gluten free kitchen (Coeliac UK accredited). Large patio and garden. Open fires in the winter. Dog friendly . Families welcome

Top review

Trevor

Dined on Jul 15, 2025

Outstanding service, very friendly host and very accommodating for our dog . Really nice atmosphere will definitely be going back soon

Côte Brasserie - Canterbury

4.5

4.5 (91)

£25 and under

French

Canterbury

About the restaurant

At Côte Canterbury we offer a truly memorable dining experience, blending French culinary tradition with the rich history of our surroundings. Just minutes from Canterbury Cathedral and adjacent to the Roman Museum, it's ideal for locals and visitors alike. Our private dining area is perfect for intimate gatherings, while our outdoor seating lets you enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere. Our menu features a variety of classic French dishes, like Duck À L'Orange and Crème Caramel, ensuring something for every palate making Côte Canterbury the perfect place.

Top review

Lisa

Dined on May 10, 2025

We had the set 3 course meal which was value for money and the food was really yummy and tasty and the manager very helpful

Pho Canterbury

4.4

4.4 (277)

£25 and under

Vietnamese

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Pho Canterbury is a healthy Vietnamese restaurant with loads of vegan and gluten free options.

We specialise in phở, the Vietnamese noodle soup and also serve delicious curries, rice dishes, wok-fried noodles, and fresh salads too. Our starters such as summer rolls and spring rolls are perfect for sharing with friends and family. We also offer an entirely gluten free dessert menu with dishes like Pandan waffles, condensed milk ice cream and a Vietnamese affogato.

Over a third of our menu is vegan, and nearly all of it is gluten-free, so we are a great destination for people who follow those particular dietary restrictions. We are also accredited by Coeliac UK.

Aside from our lovely food we offer a brilliant range of healthy juices, as well as delicious wine and beer, and a fantastic cocktail menu too.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Ps, we are dog friendly so your 4-legged friends are always welcome.

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined on Jul 19, 2025

My only query is about the rice. I have frequently received dry, quite hard rice! One portion was replaced on this occasion.

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