We have been inundated with nominations for the Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards 2025, with hundreds of you sending in your votes for your favourite foodie hotspots.
We’ve already revealed the longlist for Pub of the Year and, now, it’s time to find out which eateries made the cut for Restaurant of the Year before we narrow it down to our finalists.
Here are your top 11 picks in alphabetical order…
We’ve had more nominations than ever before for Restaurant of the Year in the Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards 2025. Picture: iStock
BANKS, Minster on Sea
This restaurant offers a casual, intimate space where diners can meet for brunch, lunch, dinner or even a Sunday roast. There’s also a kids’ menu, seasonal specials and small rooms for private dining.
BIRDIES, Whitstable
This family-run French bistro is a stone’s throw from Whitstable beach. The menu changes daily and brings authentic European cuisine to Kent with dishes such as duck liver parfait, lobster bisque and chicken supreme.
BOYS HALL, Ashford
This multi-award-winning hotel features a boutique restaurant with striking skylights and a garden-view terrace. Food is served all day, and there’s also a bar menu if you just fancy a light bite and a drink.
GHURKA FIRE, Chatham
Located inside a converted fire station, Ghurka Fire is an authentic Nepalese curry house. Our reporter visited the Indian restaurant only a few months ago and was impressed by the friendly staff, contemporary decor and creamy butter chicken.
THE IVY, Canterbury
Its grand opening had visitors queueing around the block, so it’s no surprise that Canterbury’s new The Ivy restaurant has clocked up a few fans. The stylish eatery was given the thumbs up by our reporter, who enjoyed the buzzing atmosphere and classic dishes.
The restaurants nominated in this year’s awards showcase some of the best food, drink and service that Kent and Medway has to offer. Picture: iStock
THE IVY, Tunbridge Wells
Both of Kent’s The Ivy restaurants have made it onto the longlist for this year’s awards, with the Tunbridge Wells location being best known for its sophisticated brasserie vibe and top-quality food.
NO 9 RESTAURANT AT CHAPEL HOUSE, Ramsgate
The restaurant inside this beautiful estate, which frequently hosts weddings and outdoor events, can be found next to the walled courtyard and has wonderful views of the surrounding gardens. The menu changes depending on the season and has vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
SOTIRIOS, Folkestone
The menu at this Greek restaurant has all the favourites, including moussaka, souvlaki and grilled halloumi. There’s also a decent selection of beer and wine and a lengthy list of cocktails.
STUBBS, Ashford
This steak and seafood restaurant also made the longlist in last year’s awards. In addition to the great food, this eatery in Kennington also takes pride in its extensive cocktail menu.
THE RESTAURANT MS, Folkestone
This elegant restaurant boasts a menu inspired by refined French flavours and expertly crafted drinks. Diners can expect pumpkin and butternut squash gnocchi, smoked haddock, steamed seabass and braised pork cheeks.
THE RINGLESTONE, Hollingbourne
This Grade II-listed pub has been ranked among the best in Kent for its Sunday roasts and impressed Secret Drinker during a visit last year. The menu also includes the pub’s own dry-cured ham and salami and herbs from the on-site herb garden.
The Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards are presented by KM Media Group and sponsored by DDS International.
The Restaurant of the Year category is sponsored by East Kent Colleges Group. The Ofsted Outstanding provider is a leading technical and vocational education college group that provides opportunities to more than 14,000 students across Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey.