Margate has truly blossomed into a culinary hotspot, moving far beyond its traditional seaside charm to offer an exciting array of dining experiences. Whether you’re a serious foodie, a family looking for a hearty meal, or a group of friends celebrating a special occasion, you will find something incredible here.
And the best part? Dream Land Cottage Airbnb is perfectly positioned as your base. Most of these fantastic eateries are just a short walk away, meaning you can leave the car safely tucked away in our secure, three-car driveway and truly immerse yourselves in Margate’s vibrant food scene. Our spacious four-bedroom cottage, sleeping up to ten, is ideal for large families or groups of friends eager to explore every flavour Margate has to offer.
Here is our ultimate local’s guide to the best restaurants in Margate:
Contents
- For fish lovers: Angela’s & Dory’s
- For Meat Lovers: Smoke & Co & Aspendos
- For Foodies: Lilie’s & Sargasso
- For Fish & Chips: Peter’s Fish Factory & Beach Buoys
- Cheap & Cheerful: Charlie’s & The Princess of Wales
- Best Pizza: GB Pizza Co & The Old Kent Market Pizzeria
- Best for Food & Cocktails: Pomus & Pearly Cow
For fish lovers: Angela’s & Dory’s
Angela’s is a masterclass in sustainable, hyper-local cooking and has become an icon of the Margate food scene. Carrying a Michelin green star, it is quite intimate, so we always advise our guests to book well in advance. If you haven’t managed to snag a table, head to their sister restaurant, Dory’s. They only do walk-ins and the seafood bar atmosphere is electric.
Both restaurants are just a 15-minute stroll from the cottage. If you are staying as a large group, Dory’s is a great spot to gather for a few small plates before heading back to relax in our private garden.
Dream Land Cottage Favourite: The Crab Tart in Dory’s.
Best for Meat Lovers: Smoke & Co and Aspendos
For those who prefer the deep flavours of fire and smoke, Margate has some incredible options that go far beyond the standard grill. Smoke & Co offers modern, high-quality BBQ that is designed for a social, relaxed meal. For a more traditional but equally impressive vibe, Aspendos is our go-to for authentic Turkish dining. They serve up some of the best kebabs and mixed platters you will find outside of London, with a focus on quality ingredients and charcoal grilling.
These spots are fantastic for large families or groups of friends because the menus are so well-suited to sharing. If you find yourself inspired by that smoky flavour, remember that Dream Land Cottage features a large Gas BBQ and outdoor dining area in the private garden. It is the perfect setup for your own private cookout after a day exploring the town.
Dream Land Cottage Favourite: The Meat Platter in Smoke & Co. A bit of everything; 12 hour smoked brisket, cherry cola pulled pork, smoked chorizo sausage, smoked ribs, smoked pulled brisket, smoked chicken, mac & cheese. And if that isn’t enough, your choice of sides & sauces!
Best Restaurants for Foodies: Lilie’s & Sargasso
If you are looking for creative, seasonal menus, head towards the Lido for Lilie’s. It is a true hidden gem with an imaginative kitchen. Meanwhile, Sargasso on the Harbour Arm offers that “London-by-the-sea” cool, focusing on coastal ingredients and an exceptional wine list.
Lilie’s is located near the Lido, providing a scenic coastal walk from the cottage. After a long, indulgent “foodie” lunch or dinner, the 25-minute walk back to the house is the perfect way to see the sights.
Dream Land Cottage Favourite: The tortilla at Lilie’s and the Parmesan croquettes at Sargasso.
Best Fish & Chips in Margate: Peter’s Fish Factory & Beach Buoys
A trip to Margate isn’t complete without fish & chips on the beach. Peter’s Fish Factory is the local legend with the queues to prove it (it’s worth it!). For those with dietary requirements, Beach Buoys is a fantastic choice as they offer brilliant Gluten-Free fish and chips, ensuring nobody in your group misses out.
Dream Land Cottage Favourite: Haddock and Chips from Peter’s. Take it to the sea wall to eat while the sun goes down. At Beach Buoys, their Battered Halloumi is a great alternative if you fancy something a bit different.
Best Cheap & Cheerful Eats: Charlie’s & The Princess of Wales
Eating out in Margate doesn’t have to be expensive. Charlie’s is a local staple for honest, friendly service and great value. You can sit outside on the Parade in the sun enjoying your food and drink. If you are a football fan, The Princess of Wales often has great pre and post match offers for those attending Margate FC matches, making it a lively and affordable spot for a pre-match pint and a bite before your trip to Hartsdown Road.
The Princess of Wales is a 1 minute walk from Dream Land Cottage. Sleeping up to 10 people, staying with us is already a cost-effective way to holiday. These cheap and cheerful spots mean you can feed the whole group without breaking the bank.
Dream Land Cottage Favourite: The Ploughman’s Platter in the Princess of Wales. For Charlie’s we love the homemade lasagne, chips and salad.
Best Pizza in Margate: GB Pizza Co & The Old Kent Market Pizzeria
For the best pizza in Margate, you have two very different but equally brilliant choices. GB Pizza Co on the seafront offers thin, crispy bases and stunning views of the Main Sands. For a quirkier experience, the pizzeria inside The Old Kent Market Pizzeria is a must-visit while you browse the local stalls, and home to one of the smallest pubs in the UK The Little Prince.
Dream Land Cottage Favourite: The pizzas in GB Pizza Co change seasonally, but you cannot go wrong with a good old-fashioned margarita.
Best for Cocktails & Dining: Pomus & Pearly Cow
If you are planning a celebratory dinner or a girls’ weekend, these are the spots for you. Pomus in The Centre offers a sophisticated menu with an incredible cocktail list. Pearly Cow is famous for its fire-cooked meats and seafood, paired with high-end mixology and a view of the sunset.
Pomus is just an 12-minute walk from Dream Land Cottage. Since you can leave the cars parked securely behind our electric gate, everyone in your group can enjoy a second round of cocktails and walk home safely together.
Dream Land Cottage Favourite: The Summer Roast in the Pearly Cow. If you ask nicely, they’ll let you up onto the rooftop terrace to finish your drinks. Too many small and large plates to choose from in Pomus for us to pick a favourite!
Plan Your Margate Foodie Escape
Margate is a town that truly rewards those who take the time to explore its backstreets and seafront. With so many incredible flavours to discover, a single day is never quite enough to experience the full culinary map. By making Dream Land Cottage your home from home, you can enjoy the luxury of a slow morning in our private garden before heading out to tick another award-winning restaurant off your list. Whether you are here for the seafood, the sunsets, or a long-overdue catch-up with friends, we provide the perfect, secure, and spacious base for your coastal adventure.
Staying at Dream Land Cottage on the Sunday? Check out our guide to the 6 Best Sunday Roasts in Margate for a Sunday roast.
Last updated: February 2026