This Kent seaside town’s such a popular spot with Londoners you’re bound to bump into someone you know between the beach and the oyster bar. It’s only a short distance along the north Kent coast to the foodie place of pilgrimage at Seasalter. Trains take about an hour and half to Whitstable from Victoria.
David Brown's Deli
Where: Wed-Sat at the Old Coal Yard, Belmont Road, Whitstable CT5 1QP
Given a rave review in The Sunday Times, David Brown’s van is the place for the best fish finger sandwiches in Whitstable, along with treats like devilled crab and pea tart or Bloody Mary prawn cocktail buns.
Follow them on Instagram: @davidbrowndeli.
Harbour Tapas
Where: 48 Harbour St, Whitstable CT5 1AQ
This popular tapas spot hopes that with a bit of sunshine, the sea and their Spanish menu that you'll be transported to the Med via Kent. They're serving up heavenly croquetas, impeccable tortilla and more.
Follow them on Instagram: @harbourstreettapas
Samphire
Where: 4 High St, Whitstable CT5 1BQ
This cosy bistro in the heart of Whitstable has an Irish chef Mark O'Brien who goes bit on nose to tail and live fire cooking (you may have seen him at Meatopia). Just metres from the sea this is a great place to come for a bite during the day or a more leisurely supper in the evenings.
Follow them on Instagram: @samphire_whitstable
Please Sir
Where: 41 High St, Whitstable CT5 1AP
If you're looking for an alternative to seafood while you're in Whitstable this popular smash burger spot is definitely worth considering. The most asked-for option is the Splash burger which comes with a pot of beef dripping gravy for dunking. They've also been a National Burger Award finalist.
Follow them on Instagram: @please_sir_one_bite
The Lobster Shack
Where: The East Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Whitstable CT5 1AB
Fresh local oysters and lobsters are the order of the day - you couldn’t be closer to the sea if you tried. They’re also the folk behind The Oyster Shed on the South Quay. Here you can also enjoy the food from their summer BBQ shack.
Follow them on Instagram: @thelobstershackwhitstable.
The Sportsman
Where: Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, Kent CT5 4BP
This ‘gastropub’ of legendary repute could be in the dullest of spots and would still be worth the trek from London, but its position by the seafront in Seasalter elevates it to most favoured seaside spot status. Your only problem will be getting a table.
Follow them on Instagram: @sportsmankent.
Wheelers Oyster Bar
Where: 8 High St, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1BH
Billed as 'the oldest restaurant in town' Wheelers is the place that most people think about when they're thinking of eating in Whitstable. Founded back in the 19th century it's still the spot to go for a plateful of the freshest oysters.
Follow them on Instagram: @wheelersoysterbar.
The Whitstable Oyster Company
Where: The Royal Native Oyster Stores, Horsebridge, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1BUQ
This atmospheric Dickensian oyster store is now one of the town’s most popular restaurants. On the ground floor it’s a slightly more formal affair with platters of oysters alongside pan fried Thornback Ray and grilled lemon sole. Upstairs there’s more of a laid back cafe vibe - with chowder and half pints of prawns on offer
Follow them on Instagram: @whitstableoystercompany.
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