If you're not sure where to eat in Canterbury, here's a list of the most interesting and best restaurants in the area. To be honest, if you're a gourmand, Canterbury doesn't have a lot of very good restaurants compared to London (there are 2-3) but it does have many interesting ones! (I've distinguished between the 2 in my reviews below.)
City Centre
These are the restaurants we tried/ shortlisted for our (multiple) trips to Canterbury (click through for the best things to do in the city), including one in which we stayed at The Pig at Bridge.
Cafe des Amis
Address: 95 St. Dunstans St, Canterbury CT2 8AA
This Mexican restaurant must have the best location in Canterbury, facing the banks of the river flowing through Westgate Gardens, with punters setting off just outside.
In spring and summer, the riverbanks are strewn with colourful flowers and one of the most beautiful sights in England!
Some people find the dishes on the saltier side, but everyone loves the paella!
The Goods Shed
Address: Station Road W, Canterbury CT2 8AN
If you're like my Mom and love to be at the train station early, then the Goods Shed is for you! It's located just next to Canterbury East train station: so close you can see it from the platform!
Housed in a Victorian railway storage shed originally used for coal, it's one of my favorite places to dine in Canterbury because it's just, well, cool. (And the food is not bad- not as good as The Pig or Bridge Arms which I review below, but more conveniently located- it's definitely the best railway eatery that I've dined at.)
In addition to serving meals, it also has a farmers’ market where you can buy local produce, such as fresh fish. (Note that if you enter from the side that's closest to the station, there's a seafood store by the door, so there's a bit of a fishy smell when you walk in.)
Note: The Goods Shed is not cheap- we paid London prices for the food.
Old Weavers House
Address: 1-3 St Peter’s St Canterbury CT1 2AT
This lovely and charming 16th century building with a small riverside garden at the back has a very wide menu but its specialty is the pies.
Sitting al fresco in the beer garden, one can see the boats go by from time to time. Despite birds flying over the river, none came into the dining space (and we sat there for hours.)
The team is amazing (in particular, Ali and Hina): service was amongst the best I've ever experience! (Unfortunately, I can't say quite the same for the food, though portions are certainly hearty.)
Note: we paid about £60 for a 2-course meal for 2.
The Refectory Kitchen
Address: 16 St Dunstans St Canterbury CT2 8AF
The Refractory Kitchen serves homemade and locally sourced food for breakfast and brunch.
Parrot
Address: 1-9 Church Ln, St Radigunds St, Canterbury CT1 2AG
This is the oldest pub in Canterbury, housed in a 14th century building.
Steeped in history, it was originally known as St. Radigunds Hall and is built on Roman foundations with a roaring fireplace.
Marlowe’s Restaurant
Address : 55 St Peter’s St, Canterbury, CT1 2BE
You'll find classic British cuisine in a cozy atmosphere at this restaurant in the middle of Canterbury.
They do an affordable lunch set- the food is decent for the price but don't expect too much.
The Dolphin
Address : St Radigunds St, Canterbury, CT1 2AA
The Dolphin is a traditional English pub, where you can find great ales, food, and a beautiful garden in which there are often live performances.
The Veg Box Cafe
Address: 17A Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HG
This cafe is very popular with vegan diners and serves locally sourced food.
Outside of the City Centre
These 2 restaurants are in Bridge, a little village outside of Canterbury city centre but you can get there by direct bus (about 20 minutes) or cab (about 10 minutes.)
The Pig at Bridge
The food at the Pig at Bridge was the 2nd best meal we had in Canterbury (the ultimate was at Bridge Arms, which I review below)- it was even better than the food at the original Pig at Brockenhurst in fact!
Even better, all their produce comes from no further than 25 miles, including from their extensive kitchen gardens!
Bridge Arms
53 High St, Bridge, Canterbury CT4 5LA
The food at the Bridge Arms was SO good I ate there twice in 2 days! When I visited, it had a Michelin star and a very good lunch set deal.
Since then, the owners have sold up and the gastropub has lost its star but the reviews on Google are still good.
How to get to Canterbury?
Canterbury is easily accessible from London, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
By train
The easiest way is by direct train from London Bridge, London Victoria, or St Pancras International. Note that there are 2 train stations in Canterbury so don't get confused:
- Canterbury East
- Canterbury West (next to The Goods Shed)
Depending on which London train station you leave from, you can reach:
- Canterbury West (55 minutes, from London St. Pancras International Station)
- Canterbury East (1.5 hours, from London Victoria)
- Canterbury East (1 hour 40 minutes, from London Bridge)
Tip: Booking in advance and for off-peak timings may help you get lower fares.
By coach
Take the National Express bus from Victoria Station to Canterbury Bus Station- the journey takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Any questions about where to eat in Canterbury? Let me know in the comments!
