Best Places To Eat In Margate

Right, let’s talk Margate. Not the fried-chicken-and-beach-holidays version your nan remembers (though, bless her, she was onto something). No, we’re talking about the new Margate—the one that smells of sea salt, sourdough, and serious ambition. I’ve been doing the hard work of eating my way around this seaside gem so you don’t have to. You’re welcome. Here’s where to fuel your salt-sprayed adventures.

Start your morning at Greedy Cow. This isn’t just a café; it’s a vibe. The bacon brioche is the kind of breakfast that makes you want to high-five a stranger. Save room for their salted caramel brownie—it’s the sort of sweet that makes you wonder if the baker sells their soul for butter. (Spoiler: they probably do, and it’s worth it.)

For lunch, you’re heading to Hantverk & Friends on the seafront. Picture this: a cabinet of Nordic-inspired smørrebrød stacked so high, they look like edible Jenga towers. The pickled herring with dill is a revelation, even if you think you hate pickled herring. Trust me, you don’t hate it; you’ve just never had it done right. Pair it with a cloudy, tangy kombucha and pretend you’re in Copenhagen—just with more seagulls and fewer bicycles.

Now, for dinner. You can’t miss SARGASSO. This isn’t a restaurant; it’s a movement on the old harbour arm. They do small plates with big, shouty personalities. The cod cheek in a dashi broth will make you go quiet—which, if you know me, is saying something. And the burnt leek with hazelnut? It’s the kind of dish that makes vegetables feel like rock stars. Book ahead, because everyone and their seagull wants a table.

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If you’re after something more old-school cosy, slip into Bottega Caruso on King Street. This is Italian done with the heart of a nonna and the swagger of a Sicilian prince. The cacio e pepe is so creamy, it should be illegal. And the tiramisu? Let’s just say I’ve considered moving to Margate purely for a longer commute to that pudding.

Don’t forget the sweet stuff. PANESCHI ice cream is the seaside essential. Go for the “brown bread” flavour—it sounds weird, tastes like heaven, and makes you feel very sophisticated while licking a cone. Or grab a pastel de nata from Fort’s, the bakery that makes everything from croissants to custard tarts that shatter like glass when you bite in. Absolute artistry.

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And when you’re feeling peckish after midnight? The Peter’s Fish Factory chippy is your greasy, glorious knight in shining batter. Their cod is flaky, their chips are chunky, and the proper dollop of mushy peas will cure what ails you. Just don’t wear white.

So there you have it: a tour of Margate’s best bites. A place where you can eat like a king on a budget, and where the sky is grey but the food is golden. Go, eat, laugh, and remember: the best souvenir is a full belly and a happy heart. Now, go on—get your napkin ready. Margate’s waiting.