Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Kent

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Kent? 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!

Pierluigi's

4.7

4.7 (245)

£41 and over

Italian

Beckenham

About the restaurant

For nearly three decades, Pierluigi’s has been a culinary cornerstone, serving up the finest Italian cuisine. Overtime, the restaurant has undergone an evolution, maintaining its menu of superb freshly prepared dishes from traditional Italy, now with a modern sophisticated charm.

Top review

Rob

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

It had been an inexplicably long time since my previous visit and from booking through to walking in and being welcomed I immediately remembered how wonderful this place is. It's a gem in Beckenham. The staff are always available to assist but never too intrusive to disturb your conversations and dining experience. The food choices are plenty and you cannot go wrong, no matter what you order regarding portion size, presentation and taste. I visited mid-week early afternoon on this occasion but have previously been there on a Fri & Sat evening. In my experience the service, etc has the same quality & attention to detail regardless of how busy it is. I'll not leave it so long next time.

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Experience

The Party Dinner

The Korean Cowgirl at Canterbury Riverside with Cheeky Ramen

4.7

4.7 (687)

£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

Mark

Dined 3 days ago

Food was excellent , the service was also excellent, will definitely be returning.

Bleù Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (143)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Staplehurst

About the restaurant

BEST NEW RESTAURANT 2023 - British Restaurant Awards

Your culinary adventure begins.

Top review

Jade

Dined 6 days ago

Overall experience was fantastic. Staff really friendly and food was delicious! Just a bit overpriced, but would happily go back again.

Sekkoya

4.6

4.6 (182)

£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

Graham

Dined 2 days ago

The small storefront reveals a gorgeously designed, modern Indian restaurant. The main dining room, looking twice as big using a wall of mirrors, is the opposite of the traditional Indian. Specially designed light fixtures and wall wood sculptures are not just pet but functional, avoiding the annoying echo in many modern restaurants. There are plenty of little playful details referencing India. The cool music bed is never too loud, allowing for easy conversation. And then, there is the food. Everything was authentic and utterly delicious. And all this came at an astonishingly reasonable price. We absolutely recommend this restaurant

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4.6

4.6 (115)

£25 and under

Meat

Margate

About the restaurant

Nestled along the vibrant Margate seafront, Smoke & Co. enjoys a prime location that blends culinary excellence with breathtaking coastal views. This local favorite is renowned for serving up some of the finest smoked meats in the region - think tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and rich flavorful pulled pork— all prepared with expert care and a signature blend of seasonings and smoke. Whether you’re stopping by for a laid-back lunch or a hearty evening meal, you’re in for a feast that satisfies both meat lovers and foodies alike.

But it’s not just about the food—Smoke & Co. also boasts front-row seats to one of Margate’s most iconic natural spectacles: the sunset. As the sky transforms into a canvas of warm oranges, pinks, and purples over the water, diners can enjoy their meal with an unforgettable view that adds a touch of magic to the experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Smoke & Co. is where great food and stunning scenery meet in perfect harmony.

Top review

Chris

Dined 2 days ago

Really relaxed, meat lovers paradise. Food well presented.

Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Canterbury

4.4

4.4 (888)

£25 and under

British

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Take a trip down memory lane as you stroll along cobbled streets, peer into period shop frontages and gaze up at the majestic Canterbury Cathedral. End your journey at Bill's, where a delightful array of breakfast, lunch and brunch menus await. Our restaurant offers an enticing selection, from sharing plates and hearty mains to gluten-free delicacies and delicious desserts. Whatever your Canterbury tale entails (go crazy - we won't judge!), you'll always find good food and great vibes here.

Top review

Robin

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Booked Bills for 7 of us for lunch. Greeted by friendly staff and immediately escorted to our table. Attentive and friendly staff with delicious food from the hippie bowl to the chicken schnitzel. Served quickly with drinks and then food. Brilliant service and would definitely book again. 5 stars. It’s a shame the Bills in Brighton is the complete opposite of Canterbury.

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Experience

Small Group Dining Menu

Experience

Group Dining Menu

Experience

Set Menu for Celebrations

The Waterfront Restaurant and Bar

4.4

4.4 (1916)

£26 to £40

English

Hythe

About the restaurant

For Christmas bookings from 24th Nov - 25th Dec, please visit www.the-waterfront.co.uk/Christmas

Come and see why The Waterfront was a finalist in the Kent Restaurant of the Year Awards!

10ft from the Beach, The Waterfront is a swanky Restaurant & Cocktail Bar specialising in fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Whether you are dining in with stunning sea views, sitting out on the sun terrace, enjoying cocktails at the bar, or a classic family Sunday roast, the Waterfront provides the ultimate fine-dining experience.

Live Music every Wednesday & Friday nights & Sunday Lunchtimes.

View all our events on the website https://www.the-waterfront.co.uk
Follow us in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewaterfronthythe

To enquire about group bookings please email reservations@the-waterfront.co.uk

Inside the restaurant is accessible via stairs and the toilets are on the ground floor.
Our outside terrace is wheelchair accessible and the adjacent public toilet has wheelchair access.

Top review

Matthew

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent service, food and a great location. Could not fault a single part of their offering. Highly recommend!

Citi Terrace

4.1

4.1 (543)

£25 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Welcome to Citi Terrace!

We are a unique and trendy restaurant, bar and lounge located in Canterbury, High Street. Our talented chefs have created a fusion menu with a twist, bringing you different tastes from around the world in every dish and for those with a sweet tooth, we bring you delicious desserts including cakes and ice cream.

Our executive drinks menu includes illy coffee and an array of cocktails prepared by our talented bartenders. To add to your experience, our outdoor Terrace is captivating and relaxing place to lounge and enjoy a shisha customised by you from our exclusive range of flavours. Join us at Citi Terrace for a truly memorable experience in Kent.

For bookings of groups larger than 15, you will be required to call the venue and also to confirm whether you will be dining with us and provide us with your pre-order.

Top review

Louise

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Lovely meal and drinks which kept coming.Friendly helpful staff.

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The Korean Cowgirl Ashford

4.1

4.1 (116)

£26 to £40

Barbecue

Ashford

About the restaurant

The Korean Cowgirl Ashford 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

Andrew

Dined 3 days ago

Lovely Dinner, Really Impressed & just Love the Concept!

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The Greek Meze - Sidcup

4.0

4 (384)

£25 and under

Greek

Sidcup

About the restaurant

At the Greek Meze 2, we pride ourselves on serving delicious home-style and traditional Greek cooked food with the finest ingredients by outstanding chefs bringing a slice of the Mediterranean. Embellished with vibrant traditional Greek decor and colours, with soothing music guaranteeing an exceptional experience and a taste of our real Greek culture.

Top review

Samantha

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

1st time to this place and I loved it dj brilliant lady singing was so good and the fire lady was amazing I wish I could of stayed longer the food was 10 put of 10 stagg lovely friendly and very attentive atmosphere was perfect

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Experience

2 Course Brunch with Bottomless Drinks £49pp

Experience

2 Course Drunch with Bottomless Cocktails £59pp

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