Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Canterbury

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in Canterbury? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Prince of Wales Hoath

4.9

4.9 (163)

£25 and under

Contemporary British

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Experience a true English country pub at the Prince of Wales, nestled in the peaceful village of Hoath near Canterbury, Kent. Known for its warm hospitality, dog-friendly welcome, and classic charm, our pub is a favourite with both locals and visitors.

Step inside and enjoy the timeless atmosphere of a traditional Kent pub, where good company and hearty food come together. Our menu features locally sourced ingredients, from classic pub favourites to seasonal dishes, designed to suit every taste.

With a wide choice of real ales, wines, and spirits, plus a large garden perfect for summer dining, the Prince of Wales is the ideal place to relax. Families, friends, and four-legged companions are always welcome.

Whether you’re looking for one of the best pubs near Canterbury, a dog-friendly pub in Kent, or simply a cosy spot for food and drink, the Prince of Wales offers the perfect setting. Join us and discover why our pub is celebrated as one of Kent’s hidden gems.

Top review

Wendy

Dined 5 days ago

Service and food excellent,we really enjoyed our visit .Will definitely be returning.

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The Fordwich Arms Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (478)

£41 and over

Gastro Pub

Canterbury

About the restaurant

The Michelin Starred, Fordwich Arms, located in the smallest town in England, dates as far back as 1828. Draped in ivory and wisteria in the most picturesque location over looking the Great River Stour, the perfect setting for an idyllic summers lunch. Boasting open fireplaces for the colder winter months, creating a cosy and welcoming ambiance.
Daniel and Natasha Smith took over The Fordwich Arms in 2017 and were awarded a Michelin Star within the first year, as well as being in the top 100 gastro pubs in the UK, multiple culinary awards, notable wine awards and various other accredits, a testament to their hair work and talent.
The seasonal menus focus on provenance, showcasing the best of local Kentish ingredients, sourced directly from local farms and producers. Dan's cooking is accomplished yet approachable, served in a relaxed pub environment with a choice of a la carte or tasting menus.

Top review

Michelle

Dined 2 days ago

A wonderful tasting menu experience. Food was incredible, gastronomic & the chefs are very skilled. Can’t wait to go back in spring / summer for a different menu experience.

The Red Lion

4.9

4.9 (234)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Leaveland

About the restaurant

Free house. Open every day. Gluten free kitchen (Coeliac UK accredited). Large patio and garden. Open fires in the winter. Dog friendly . Families welcome

Top review

Pauline

Dined 4 days ago

We had lunch there for my husbands birthday and he is celiac, it was wonderful to go and eat somewhere that you didn't have to worry what you were eating and the menu had great choices!! We will definitely go there again.

The Hare at Blean

4.9

4.9 (32)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Hare at Blean! We look forward to serving you.

Top review

Adam

Dined on 11 Oct 2026

Felt very welcome from the off. Phone call to introduce and check if we wanted the fantastic share board. Best roast in the area and lovely people that run it.

The Corner House - Canterbury

4.8

4.8 (358)

£26 to £40

British

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Dining in our Restaurant
The Corner House Canterbury is an independently owned restaurant situated on the outskirts of Canterbury city walls, serving British produce, locally sourced.
The restaurant opened in July 2016 and is a one of Canterbury’s most popular venues to visit. The 16th Century former coach house, overlooks the city walls and its beautiful refurbishment retains lots of its original character.

Our main restaurant seats up to 40 guests where you can watch our chefs at work in our open kitchen. We have recently opened our second dining room which looks out onto our beautiful garden, ideal for large gathering and available for private dining which seats up to 26 guests.

With 5 beautiful and characterful en suite guest rooms, it is the perfect place to stay when visiting Canterbury. Just a minute’s walk from Holman’s Meadow car park and a short walk from Canterbury East train station and the city’s the main bus station, it is so easily accessible for your visit.

Top review

Nick

Dined 7 days ago

Great service, and lovely food. Always a treat to visit

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Experience

An evening with Copper Rivet Distillery

Experience

Boxing Day

Experience

New Year's Eve Celebration!

The Bridge Arms

4.7

4.7 (224)

£41 and over

Modern European

Canterbury

About the restaurant

The Bridge Arms is nestled within the beautiful rural village of Bridge situated within the Nailbourne Valley 2.5km South of the cathedral city of Canterbury. Originally a coaching inn, The Bridge Arms dates back to the 16th century, once a baiting house the grade II listed pub boasts large original fireplaces for the winter months and sparse outside garden with outside bar for the warmer summer months.

This iconic pub has undergone a transformation under the new ownership of Daniel and Natasha Smith (owners of The Michelin Starred Fordwich Arms) in 2021, restoring the pub to its former glory.

Now run by Elliot Hewitt who has steered many successful restaurants such as, The Fordwich Arms, The Rose & The Blue Pelican. Bringing you delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Top review

Emily

Dined on 3 Oct 2026

We hadn’t visit the Bridge Arms for a long time and were pleasantly surprised. The food and service were both excellent and were seated at a great table which always helps. It was quiet for a Saturday night and almost loathed to say how good it all was in case we struggle to get a brake in the future. Thank you for a great evening!

The Duck - Canterbury

4.7

4.7 (240)

£26 to £40

Gastro Pub

Canterbury

About the restaurant

If you are looking for refined dining in a relaxed, friendly local gastropub, we would be pleased to welcome you here.

You will find us nestled in the beautiful village of Pett Bottom, only a 10-minute taxi ride from Canterbury.

At The Duck Inn, you can expect to be served food that is fresh, seasonal and of the highest quality. From inventive dishes to generous Sunday roasts and pub classics, all expertly prepared by Head Chef Kyle and his dedicated kitchen team, using local produce and a little creative flair.

Whether you are booking an intimate supper, a family celebration or a well-deserved long lunch, we offer a relaxed dining experience, with a cosy winter fire and a friendly team to greet you.

We source local ingredients from farmers and suppliers in the surrounding area, and our menu changes to ensure we only serve the best of the best. And wines are available from a bijou vineyard, Gorsley, a stone’s throw away from our front door.

We can’t wait to welcome you soon!

Top review

Mark

Dined on 11 Oct 2026

Have eaten here a number of times and it never disappoints. The food is just amazing

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Experience

Wellington Wednesday

Experience

Christmas Party - Set Menu

The Dog at Wingham

4.6

4.6 (59)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Canterbury

About the restaurant

The Dog at Wingham is an award winning restaurant with rooms set in a picturesque village just outside Canterbury on the coastal road for Sandwich & Deal.
The Dog is a two AA Rosette restaurant serving modern British & European dishes and boasts eight en-suite guest rooms.
Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner Monday to Saturday and breakfast & lunch on a Sunday.
Amongst various awards over the years The Dog was awarded Number 12 in The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs under Head Chef Charlie Kendall-Smith in 2026.
The Dog at Wingham prides itself on giving every guest a warm welcome, delicious drinks, fabulous food and special service.
The Dog has a car park to the rear and when the Great British weather allows food & drinks are served in our glorious garden.

Top review

Penelope

Dined 2 days ago

A great place for a lovely lunch with excellent service

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Experience

Autumn Tasting Menu

Experience

The Dog x The Unruly Pig Collaboration Dinner

Experience

'1000 Tudor People' Literary Dinner

The Duke William Ickham

4.6

4.6 (1864)

£25 and under

Pub

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Quintessential Kentish Pub set in the heart of the Garden of England serving beautiful, classic dishes created using the best local and seasonal produce the South of England has to offer. With Real Ales, Craft Beers, beautiful wines, a roaring fire and a beautiful garden in the summer, this is the perfect destination for traditional pub dining.
To get in touch with us by email, please contact us at info@thedukewilliamickham.com or you can contact our Central Reservations Team at reservations@therocksaltgroup.com

Top review

Jasmin

Dined 1 day ago

Great service and a good selection of breakfast options 🤩

Côte Brasserie - Canterbury

4.4

4.4 (146)

£25 and under

French

Canterbury

About the restaurant

At Côte Canterbury we offer a truly memorable dining experience, blending French culinary tradition with the rich history of our surroundings. Just minutes from Canterbury Cathedral and adjacent to the Roman Museum, it's ideal for locals and visitors alike. Our private dining area is perfect for intimate gatherings, while our outdoor seating lets you enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere. Our menu features a variety of classic French dishes, like Duck À L'Orange and Crème Caramel, ensuring something for every palate making Côte Canterbury the perfect place.

Top review

Stephen

Dined on 2 Oct 2026

Great service and great Food. Really looked after us as we were in a hurry to go to the theatre.

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