Canterbury is a historical cathedral city that wears its legacy and heritage on its sleeve with pride. If there is one thing the city will deliver on in addition to a great time exploring ancient architecture, soaring spires, and medieval walls, it is the food. There is always a collection of places to eat all over the city, featuring beautiful dining spaces, great ambiance, and even better food.
The region is known for its award-winning restaurants, from afternoon tea cafes to fine dining establishments. Many of which are made with the freshest local produce gotten from all around the Garden of England.
Best Restaurants in Canterbury
1. The Corner House, Canterbury
2. The Old Weavers Restaurant
3. The Refectory Kitchen
4. Café du Soleil
5. The Ivy Canterbury
5 Best Restaurants in Canterbury
A little confused about which ones to try out. Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in Canterbury.
1. The Corner House, Canterbury
For a bit of a fine dining experience, the Corner House at Canterbury is one of the best places to start. The restaurant is located inside a restored 16th-century coach house, and there’s just a feeling to it, enjoying dinner inside a historical building. The interior is a combination of wooden beams, exposed brickwork, simple decor, and a cosy ambience just sets the perfect mood for a romantic dinner. When you are just about to conclude that the restaurant is a simple dinner house, the sleek bar and contemporary furnishings signal that the place is actually a gastropub. A lot of comfort, good service, community, and no fuss, but still somehow refined.
The highlight of dining at the Corner House, though, is the kitchen’s ethos. A philosophy that is grounded in simplicity and seasons, with a focus on farm-to-table. The restaurant makes use of largely produce and ingredients from the surrounding Kent region. Head chef Matt Sworder transforms these simple offerings into a menu that is very British in cooking and style, with a bit of flair here and there. Starters might include hand-dived scallops with black pudding and cauliflower purée, or a rich pork terrine. Mains are usually more filling, like the signature crispy confit pork belly with creamy mash and apple jus. Or you can try the local steak paired with crispy, golden triple-cooked chips. Simple but classy.
If there is something you don’t want to miss, though, it is without a doubt the Sunday roasts. The menu is often booked out weeks ahead, because everyone wants a taste of tender meats, crisp roast potatoes, and seasonal vegetables done just right. You can pair your meal with a local drink, such as the Kentish ales and ciders, or choose from the selection of wines.
Corner House also has a dedicated children’s menu complete with ice cream, all for under 12 pounds. So, you can bring your kids along for a family dinner without thinking too much.
Location: 1, Dover Street, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
Price Range: £35 – £85
2. The Old Weavers Restaurant
Another restaurant set inside a 16th-century house (there seem to be a lot of those in Canterbury) is the Old Weavers restaurant. The timber-framed building used to house French Huguenot weavers who settled in Canterbury centuries ago. Today, it serves as a quirky diner that is whimsical with its creaky floors, low ceilings, and old photographs lining the walls.
The menu is hearty and satisfying, leaning into the classic English comfort food with a few international twists. Slow-roasted lamb shank, sirloin steak, burger and chicken, and fresh seafood from the Kent coast. For something a little lighter, the seabass fillet, bacon and cheese, and beef stir fry set a welcome change of pace. Top it all up with a piece of the weaver’s pie_beef steak and Guinness pie, or the chicken and bacon pie are a must try. The drink list is also a dream. Old Weaver serves everything from wines and cocktails to milkshakes and beverages.
The portions are very generous, and on a sunny day, few things compare to snagging a riverside table. The Old Weavers is also a popular choice for afternoon tea, complete with whole, delicate sandwiches, scones, sweets, and tea. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a relaxing family meal, or a day out nursing a classic afternoon tea, Old Weavers works for every event.
Location: Old Weavers House, 1 – 3, St Peter’s Street, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
Price Range: £20 – £35
3. The Refectory Kitchen
In between exploring and shopping in Canterbury, you’ll need fuel, and that’s when you go to the Refectory Kitchen. The restaurant is easily one of the best brunch restaurants in the whole city.
Its menu largely sticks to clean, basic cooking, nothing overdone. A full English breakfast here, a simple avocado toast there. Meanwhile, the lunch menu features things like spiced shawarma, crisp seasonal salads, and club sandwiches. Add to your menu the Buttermilk pancake layered with strawberries and whipped cream, and you are basically in heaven.
Other than the great food, what really sets the Refectory apart from other brunch spots is its setting. The restaurant is tucked within the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral and housed inside the old monastery’s refectory. The space is bright with high ceilings and large windows that let in streams of natural light. It absolutely gives the place a tranquil, almost meditative energy that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. It is also a great spot for families: relaxed, spacious, and welcoming to all.
Location: 16, St Dunstans Street, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
Price Range: £10 – £30
4. Café du Soleil
On the banks of the River Stour lies Cafe du Soleil, a ray of Mediterranean sunshine in the middle of Canterbury. Housed in a converted wool mill, the bold decor, the open kitchen, and the glow of the wood-fired oven all combine to create a space that is warm and lighthearted.
Although everything on the menu is created in-house, the menu takes its cues from France and Italy. Basic, simple, but packed with a lot of flavour. From their pizzas, baked inside a real wood-fired oven, to the steak frites, duck confit, or the fresh, hand-made pasta. The seafood’s another strong contender on the menu; often served with a touch of lemon, herbs, or olive oil to bring out the flavour. You can pair your meal with wines (red or white), champagne, cocktails, and the odd beer. And you can be sure every offering complements the dish it accompanies.
In the summer, the riverside terrace is where the real experience is. The view is unmatched, and the service is actually upbeat, adding to the lively, communal feel of the restaurant.
Location: 4 – 5 Pound Lane, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
Price Range: £15 -£30
5. The Ivy Canterbury Brasserie
A part of the renowned Ivy Collection, Ivy Canterbury is a polished, elegant dining room just steps from the iconic Westgate Towers. Like its sister restaurant in other cities, the interiors are stunning. Art-deco _velvet banquettes, brass accents, and beautiful artwork that give the space a high-end and inviting feel.
The menu is broad and timeless, filled with British classics and international staples served from breakfast through dinner. You can have a plate of eggs Benedict and a full English breakfast, or sit down for their rich Shepherd’s Pie, crisp fish and chips, or a perfectly grilled steak. As much as the taste and flavor are divine, everything is presented and consistently well-executed. Comfort food with just a little flair.
The cocktail menu adds another layer of creative concoctions, ideal for a pre-dinner toast or a leisurely evening drink, to the whole feel
Location: 16, Parade, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
Price Range: £20 – £60
Conclusion
Canterbury’s dining scene is varied, rich, and filled with so much taste. If there is one thing they all have in common, though, it is their rich history, a heritage that they are not afraid to share and live by.
