In Food

When planning any visit, arguably one of the most essential parts of the itinerary is finding the best places to eat, drink and have fun.

Fortunately, whether you plan to visit Maidstone for a day, week, or even longer, the range of restaurants, cafes, gastropubs, diners and takeaways covers every taste sensation and every budget. Using the best of Kent produce, and continental and international cuisine to ignite the tastebuds, there is the opportunity to savour a different dining experience every day of your visit. Whether it’s vegetarian or vegan delights, good old English pub grub, or something that looks like it came straight from the menu of a Masterchef finalist, eating out in Maidstone is a great affair.

But don’t just take our word for it - get out and about to some of the very best places to eat in Maidstone! Below are ten of the best places to eat in Maidstone, so why not give them a go?

1. Vesuvius Restaurant 

On first impressions, Vesuvius Restaurant appears somewhat unadorned compared to the latest elaborate gastropub, but don’t be fooled by its simple appearance, for inside transports you to straight to Naples for the most authentic Italian experience. This family-fun trattoria-style restaurant will delight your senses, offering a charming atmosphere, warm and welcoming service and tantalising Italian delicacies. Lovingly prepared dishes of fresh pasta, pizza, meat and fish dishes capture the essence of true Italian history, culture and provenance.   

2. La Villetta

Awarded with a certificate of excellence on TripAdvisor, it’s not hard to see why at this exclusive Italian restaurant in the heart of Maidstone, this family run, independent establishment brings the soul of Italian dining to your plate without you having to leave the table! Traditional Italian dishes provide indulgence and mouth-watering flavour with skilfully crafted fresh pasta, a delightful selection of fresh fish and meats, organic vegetables and rich, creamy desserts. The cosy, welcoming atmosphere inside this charismatic little restaurant will leave you feeling uplifted and wanting to return again and again.  

3. Gem of Kent

Falafel, Shish or Moussaka your thing? Then this chic Turkish inspired restaurant lavishly furnished with Moroccan lanterns, decadent tapestry and sea-blue accents, will fulfil your cravings! Using the finest ingredients, the Gem of Kent brings a taste of the East Mediterranean to Maidstone with traditional Turkish and Kurdish cuisines. There’s something for everyone to enjoy from hot and cold mezze platters for sharing, vegetarian and vegan dishes, and many plates featuring succulent lamb or chicken. Compliment your meal with a tipple of your choice from the Turkish inspired bar hosting a selection of authentic wines and spirits from the province.

It’s Friday! 🤙🍺🍖

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4. Frederic Bistro

You will be transported straight to the South of France when you dine at this authentic bistro. French chef-patron and owner, Ulric and his wife Sarah, provide a charming dining experience together with their authentic cooking and delicate hand-made patisserie, your taste buds will be tantalised. Your visit will be taken at a relaxed pace as food is cooked to order by the head chef himself, all crafted using local ingredients. Of course, no French bistro would be complete without a divine selection of wine and Frederic’s wine and cheese bar satisfies just that, with over 350 French wines and 30 different cheese to be sampled.

5. Castle View Restaurant

No review of dining opportunities in Maidstone would be complete with mention of the Castle View Restaurant. Offering an exceptional dining experience in full view of the ‘Loveliest Castle in the World’, the restaurant prides itself on enabling the quality of the locally sourced produce used to shine through in every meal prepared. From the tender lamb of the South Downs, to the crisp, fresh vegetables, Kentish ice cream, and local cheeses of the surrounding regions, you can be assured that the only thing more enchanting than the castle views will be the gastronomic delights in front of you.

6.  La Taberna 

Taberna, in Spain, is where you meet friends and eat delicious Tapas whilst sipping on Sangria. This stunning Spanish hideaway inside an old English church in the heart of Maidstone provides an authentic Taberna experience. Originating from Marbella, this family run restaurant flaunts authentic Spanish cuisine and wine, in the warm and welcoming environment of the hosts. Pick from freshly cooked Paella for two or share a selection of hot and cold traditional tapas dishes, including a personal favourite… Patatas Bravioli (potatoes with garlic Alioli and spicy tomato sauce!).

7. The Curious Eatery 

Opened by two sisters passionate about food, The Curious Eatery provides fun, unconventional and seasonal dishes bursting with flavour and unique combinations. Classic dishes of steak and the traditional Sunday roast are complimented with unique flavour combinations enhanced by organic local ingredients and fresh aromatic herbs. Perhaps enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon soaking up the sunshine in the charming beer garden sipping on some of the region’s best fizzy numbers… cheers!

8. MuMu

For an altogether different dining experience, a visit to Mu Mu on Week Street provides a sense of theatre to any meal. Imaginative in presentation, unique in style, and adopting a ‘molecular’ approach to the development of dishes, the food served at Mu Mu is as opulent and creative as the surroundings in which you dine. What’s more, the magnificent selection of cocktails to be enjoyed alongside your food ensures that each and every meal served promises to be an experience to remember.

9.Cote Brasserie

Bringing style and elegance straight from the streets of France, Cote Brasserie offers an exquisite dining experience inspired by the brasseries of Paris. While part of a successful chain of restaurants, the attentive staff, intimate ambience and mouthwatering French dishes will give you all the vibes of an exclusive French bistro. The menu, contrived of sustainably sourced, fresh ingredients features tender steaks, seafood and other contemporary French dishes. Compliment your meal by pairing it with something light and aromatic or smooth and full-bodied selected from their comprehensive list of authentic French wines. 

10. Fish on the Green

Located on one of the ‘prettiest village greens in England’, this former stable block is now a sophisticated restaurant offering some of the best seafood gastronomy in Kent. Listed in the renowned Michelin Guide and holder of two AA Rosettes, this simple yet stylish restaurant in Bearsted offers a fine-dining experience with a menu that boasts contemporary seafood dishes, expertly crafted with the freshest ingredients. This is a tantalising taste experience that all seafood lovers must try!

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Frederic Bistro
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We are a rustic café-bistro serving French provincial peasant food – everything is cooked from scratch using fresh seasonal produce and ingredients.

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The Curious Eatery
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The Curious Eatery
Fish on the Green
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