Five Kent venues have been named among the UK’s top 100 local restaurants.
The annual list, compiled by The Good Food Guide following 60,000 nominations by diners across the country, has been announced for 2025.
Those from Kent that feature are: Fifteen Square Metres in Broadstairs, John Dory in Sandgate, JoJo’s in Whitstable, Mori Mori in Margate and The Goods Shed in Canterbury.
The first is run by Tony and Becky Rodd in what was once Michelin-starred Stark.
It is named after its small size, and opened last summer.
At the time, Mr Rodd – who was a Masterchef finalist in 2015 – said he was “not trying to emulate” the success of the former occupant, but that any acclaim would be “fantastic”.
He was once the head chef at the popular Pomus in Margate but left the business and opened his own venture.
Reviewers at the guide said: “The venue’s name references its bijou dimensions, so expect a dinky, contemporary space with just 16 seats and a galley kitchen tucked into one corner of the dining room.
“Despite the limitations, Tony Rodd has put together a thoroughly enticing package of good-value, generously portioned small plates.
“Details such as the excellent gluten-free bread (the entire kitchen is gluten-free) and clever desserts including rhubarb and custard doughnuts with custard ice cream also add to the feel-good vibe, while choice pickings from an astute blackboard of global wines seal the deal.”
The next Kent listing – coastal wine bar John Dory – was opened by Zeren Wilson and Louisa Walls in August 2022.
It stocks a range of more than 150 wines, as well as offering food boards featuring tinned fish and charcuterie served with locally-baked bread from the Docker bakery.
It was described as “unpolished and bordering on basic” by the guide, which goes on to call it a “masterclass in how to run a new-wave wine bar”.
The critic said: “The focus is firmly on drinking well, whether by exploring quality wines slightly outside the norm or enjoying a bottle of something with friends for a reasonable outlay.
“That said, food is by no means neglected. Indeed, when Harry Johnson is ‘on the pans’, it can feel like you’re in a French bistro instead of our dear old Kent coast!”
JoJo’s in Whitstable also received acclaim from the judges.
A local customer said the long-running mezze restaurant has been “consistently good for 10 years”.
The guide added: “With its hard-working open kitchen, mishmash of large, unadorned wood tables, wood burning stove and sea views, the light, airy and remarkably comfortable dining room is a draw all year round.”
Mori Mori in Cliftonville, Margate, is the only Kent venue to have also featured on last year’s list.
Found in the sometimes-tatty Northdown Road, KentOnline visited the venue last year.
Hearty bowls of ramen and the best gyozas we’d ever tried got rave reviews.
The Good Food critics said: “Relaxed vibes are a given, service is informed and friendly, and it’s all good value.
“Everything is light and delicious, from a delicate steamed bao bun sando filled with crab and asparagus, slaw and pickled ginger to okonomiyaki topped, perhaps, with kimchi and smoked cheese, spicy mayo and crispy onion.”
Finally, The Goods Shed by Canterbury West station has been a staple of the city for almost 25 years.
The indoor market showcasing local produce features a small restaurant, which uses ingredients from the shop floor.
Experts at the Guide said: “Some restaurants can make you happy as soon as you step over the threshold. Such is the case at this locally loved eatery tucked within a farmer’s market.
“There are no tasting menus here, just a daily changing blackboard with about five choices per course.
“Former sous-chef Morgan Lewis has taken over the kitchen, and his devotedly seasonal and unfettered menu doesn’t beat about the bush.”
The overall winner for the UK’s best local restaurant was Lucky Lychee in Winchester.
The Guide says its list showcases “the places where you really love to eat”.
“From almost 60,000 nominations, we’ve chosen 100 of the most compelling, confident, community-focused restaurants, bistros and wine bars that turn out cooking as wonderful as the warmth of their welcome,” it adds.
