Birdies in Canterbury

One of our favourite places to eat. We love the lunch menu and it is excellent value. I love fish so I am spoilt for choice. Friendly service and nice relaxed ambiance.

This little French style restaurant is a delight, superb service with a personal touch. But the star here is the quality of the food. The cookery ingredients the presentation all very very good. We were in the area to sample the food at a well known Michelin stared restaurant the next day. & I have to say the food at Birdies was far and way better than the other restaurant. 5 star would recommend completely.

We had a family lunch for 3 from the lunch menu and all dishes were super fresh and tasty. Oysters and prawns to start followed by an incredibly delicious fish pie(no mash, just great pastry) and two cod dishes. A lovely and very reasonably priced bottle of white washed it all down delightfully. We sat outside in the beautiful spring sunshine and the waitress even came out to pop the heater on when the clouds set in. One, if not the best lunch we've had in the last couple of years. Can't wait to get back to Whitstable and do this again.

Went here for a quick lunch and was very impressed with the place, they could only seat us at the bar but really enjoyed it. The set lunch menu was great a fish soup for starters, Skate wing for main (delicious) and a fantastic cheese board (very generous) we had a decent bottle of wine and only come to £100 for the two of us.

Everything was delicious, fish cooked perfectly and a wonderful service. Would definitely recommend

Fantastic atmosphere and great food with excellent service. We had a small dog with us which was not a problem and we all had a thoroughly nice time.

Love love love, always come back from the mussels and the oysters. Some of the best sea food you'll have, and affordable, good wine and sitting outside is a bonus!

Having been recommended it was a really disappointing dining experience, complimentary bread was all the left over french bread ends! Main meal was fine, but vegetable sides were barely warm, although the serving bowls were really hot - fundamental error! Gave feedback via email as was really not happy - was invited back to discuss with restaurant manager, even returned as he was busy on the end of lunch service. Unpleasant chat, very unsympathetic and felt intimidated for raising issues/feedback as paying customers - he even walked away from our chat, most unprofessional!! Errors should not have occurred in a premium restaurant, we dined at 8:15pm as last diners, maybe that was the main problem - eye off the ball situation!! As a result we will not be revisiting this restaurant when on a break to lovely Whitstable as it left us feeling very unhappy with our choice! Tried to avoid this review - it should have been dealt with much better!

Came here last night after a long days walking. Food was absolutely fantastic. The king prawns were unbelievable and then the beef wellington was so perfectly cooked and very rich. Staff very good.

Birdies is a lovely bistro style restaurant in Whitstable. I had a lovely lunch on a Wednesday afternoon and ate from the set menu. As a set menu it had good variety (fish and seafood featured heavily as you would hope) and was very reasonably priced. I had oysters rockafella, steak and chips (with the most amazing home made peppercorn sauce) followed by an apple pancake. All 3 courses were delicious, well made and well presented. Truly great value and very enjoyable. Despite being a Wednesday ot was busy, in fact full, but not overcrowded at all. It retained a nice atmosphere with warm and friendly staff.

Once again a Brilliant meal at a Favourite restaurant in Town a 3 course meal for under £30 Mussels for our starters followed by a fantastic Fish Pie & Vegetables puddings Chocolate Torte Cheese Board never fails to please 😁

The BEST garlic prawns I have had in my life, plus the Wellington is fantastic. Excellent service from Rhys who knew all the good wine pairings and was very attentive.

Great place to eat with sound staff, only place in Whitstable with 1664 Blanc

Never been before, just found out what I'm missing. Brilliant restaurant with amazing food. Will definitely be going back!

Absolutely fantastic restaurant. Will be going here every time we are in Whitstable. Just perfect in every way

We took our elderly mother to this delightful family run restaurant and had food from the 2/3 course menu which had an excellent choice of dishes. The food was delicious, good value and the staff were so friendly and helpful. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others.

We absolutely loved the food, warm and relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. The 3-course set menu is perfect. I particularly loved the cod main and my Boyfriend really enjoyed the mussels and steak. The Normandy apple pancakes were also delicious. I'm a huge fan of French cuisine and this was one of the nicest experiences I've had. Thanks so much to the staff for making this such a lovely afternoon, we're looking forward to returning when we next visit Whitstable.

I hesitate to write a review as Birdies is so good it is already prudent to book well ahead. Fortunately, we did and found the lunch menu was just as delicious as ever. It's hard to know what to choose as everything is so good but the five of us, with different selections, each had murmurs of praise for every course. The service was friendly, attentive but unfussy. We lived in France for many years and, as 'foodies', are very critical of most restaurant cooking - even those far more expensive than this which, though not cheap, is worth what you pay. Our only small criticism is that the restaurant is never quite warm enough so wear your woollies!

Well, what a treat. Lovely bistro style restaurant with a great ambience. Wooden tables, lots of gingham beautiful candles in the window. The food and the service were exceptional. The oysters were some of the best I have had for years. Followed by delicious beef Wellington (my husband is a particular beef Wellington fan/critic) and finished off with delicious Normandy pancakes. We had a lovely bottle of wine and the nicest service you can imagine. Highly recommend!

We love having Birdies in Whitstable. It's a great family-run restaurant. Food is wonderful.

Very popular restaurant. Fantastic food, friendly service.

Jamie’s service was amazing! He knew the menu and gave recommendations like the back of his hand. So accommodating to my difficult requirements. He made my bad date a good one! Thank you!

Good food in a cosy family owned bistro style restaurant. Shrimp bisque was delicious as was the hake & skate wing dishes. Need to book but definitely worth a visit.

Dog friendly lunch on a sunny day! Great value for money 2 course lunch. Anchovies salad followed by fish pie. Only £26. Good and friendly service

My husband, son and I have just had a fantastic time at Birdies.Such a lovely atmosphere. All of the staff were very welcoming to us and paid much attention to my young son that he had everything that he would like to eat and drink.The food quite simply was so!! delicious we was very impressed.We will definitely come back.A very enjoyable evening, Thankyou Birdies

Fantastic meal as usual at Birdies! If you visit Whitstable then this place is a must to eat as never has disappointed us when dining here! Delicious food, I had beef wellington a favourite for me and my wife had the Hake which she loved, also 2 amazing Normandy crepes for pudding! Very friendly attentive staff also made a great evening, we will be back hopefully very soon as love the whole vibe and atmosphere of our favourite place to eat in the town!

We parked nearby and happened to enquire and walk in....what a restaurant! Warm welcome, good service and tasty, well presented food.

Second visit here and it won't be the last. The Staff are fantastic making the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming. The food is great with a good selection. This was a relaxed and un hurried Lunch, even our Furry friend was made welcome. Thank you all.

I don't usually write reviews but I do not understand how this restaurant has got such a good reputation. We visited here a few years ago and were very disappointed so haven’t been back. We won a voucher so we decided to try again. This experience was even worse. Atmosphere: The restaurant was empty, which we now understand why. With a few couples coming in as we were leaving. The music was too loud and irritating. It was cold (I do not get cold easily). We booked but we were put on a table in an awkward position whereby staff were constantly walking behind us. It was not busy so I am unsure why we were placed here when there were much better tables. The kitchen staff were excessively loud- almost seemed they thought there were no guests, it seemed very unprofessional. To be honest, we couldn’t get out of there quick enough, and went somewhere else for coffee afterwards. Food: We struggled to choose anything from the menu. It is not varied and nothing seemed appealing. We decided just to order mains, duck and beef wellington. Both were tasteless. The gravy was nice but the meat had no taste and the duck was very tough. The vegetables were hard and the potatoes again hard and tasteless. We were given bread rolls and butter to begin- the bread was stale/hard/tough and the butter was too hard to spread. Service: Two members of staff we fine but not efficient. Our wine glasses were not taken away until half way through the meal even though we had stated at the start we were not having wine. No butter knifes. One member of staff negatively affected our visit. He walked around acting as if there were no customers sitting having a meal. He was clicking his fingers, shouting across the restaurant to other members of staff (not work related). Another couple came in and asked for a Kir royal cocktail, this member of staff shouted to another member of staff ‘that’s raspberry isn’t it’ (no, its blackcurrant). Clearly the staff are not trained in making drinks. Furthermore, when it came to getting the bill we were told (in writing on the bill and told twice) that service is not included- its ok, we got the message. We handed the voucher over, it took about 10-15 mins for them to ‘check’ the voucher (which we won at an RNLI raffle in December). They then came back and questioned us about the voucher asking when we got it etc. After a further 5 mins I think they gave up looking for the correct number they needed in a book and let us leave. I suggest they get a better process of accepting vouchers as this was awful. Price: extremely over-priced. There are some really nice restaurants in Whitstable and Tankerton, for less or similar prices- do not waste your money coming here. Ther service and food and total experience is not worth the price. We spoke to friends who live locally about our experience all of who agreed and said they have had similar experiences, so I am confused about the good reputation this place has.

Great food with excellent service.

The mushroom and celeriac stroganoff barely covered the bottom of the plate and there were very few mushrooms. There was half a cupful of ‘wild rice’ which looked more like yellow rice with chopped up pieces of carrot. The menu board stated that all dishes came with vegetables, however, afterI enquired where the vegetables were, I was told that this was not included in the stroganoff as it had mushrooms. The dish itself did not have much taste apart from being too creamy. It was the cheapest dish on the menu, however, I definitely do not think it was anywhere near worth the price of 22.95 that I was charged.

Incredible food, great service. Best restaurant in town

Such a stunning place. The staff, service and food qualiry were all incredible. I have food allergies and the care to make sure i had a nice meal was so very much appreciated Beautiful french food- we'll definitely be back. Merry Christmas to you all.

A taste of France in harbor Street. Really buzzing and super lunch.

We had a great meal at Birdies. A relaxed traditional bistro with excellent food choices both meat and fish. All chalked on a blackboard. Our party had king prawns, garlic soup , salmon rillette, duck, skate and hake. All served with potatoes rice or chips and come with plentiful vegetables. It was all delicious. Shared desserts which were also very good, especially the Baileys Crème Brûlée! Two bottles of wine and a bottle of dessert wine later the bill came to £280 including a tip for 4 people! Great value.

We had a fabulous dinner at Birdies. The staff were not only friendly but attentive & helpful. All our food was great with the skate being outstanding. Would definitely recommend and be returning the next time we are in the area.

A lovely place to eat. Great food and very friendly and helpful staff.can't wait to go back to soak up some of the lovely atmosphere.....Well done Birdies

Lovely atmosphere, friendly service and delicious food. Such a rare find these days and thank you for a wonderful evening.

If you’re in Whitstable you must book Birdies….. We ate their last night and the meal was fabulous, monkfish followed by cheesecake, cooked to perfection. Lovely setting, attentive, welcoming staff and great food make Birdies the place to visit and want to return to. We’ll be back…..

Really great seafood restaurant in Whitstable. We hadn’t booked so had to come back after 90 mins for a table but it was so very worth it. We opted for the 2-3 course menus which were so good in value. The food was all so delicious. Great starters, excellent fish and a tasty chocolate dessert. The staff were all super friendly and chatty, we really enjoyed our time here and can see why it gets so busy, even on a weekday afternoon!

The staff were friendly, the food was well presented and very appetising, the service was very good and the restaurant was clean and comfortable.

Birdies is just perfect, great service, beautifully cooked food. It's always a treat to eat here

Lovely staff and fabulous food we had a really great time

Absolute gem. Beautiful food lovely wine great value for money. Staff were attentive and charming.

Visited 6 months ago at a whim, seems like if you ordered fish/oysters etc it would be good, service was great but the streak was grey (ordered medium rare x2) and decided to send it back, 1cm thick sirloin, no sear and well done, they asked the kitchen manager to come speak to us to tell us it was an expensive cut (200g sirloin? Alright mate) and we eventually paid for everything else and got out. Left a decent tip for the waiting staff as it’s the first time in my life I’ve sent food back and felt bad. Been on my mind for a bit, and to be honest if you are charging that money for steak frites and sending out a tiny “sirloin” with raw fat it’s about en par with a spoons I’m not sure what to say.

Nice little restaurant. Very friendly staff, tasty dishes. Especially the apple tarte tatin was very delicious!

Apologies for this late review. My wife and I ate in the restaurant a few weeks ago. I am gluten intolerant but I really fancied the monkfish served with a soy and ginger sauce. I enquired whether I could eat the dish safely, the waiter asked the chef whose reply was not as it was normally served. However, the chef offered (and I accepted) to cook the dish to a slightly different recipe. The fish was just stunning to eat, I so enjoyed it. This is a restaurant which goes the extra mile for its customers. I can’t wait to go back again. Roy Saunders

We came across Birdies for lunch yesterday and what an amazing find. The food, service and atmosphere were outstanding. Loved every mouthful. The staff looked after us so well - I’m sad I live overseas and can’t come back again soon. Compliments to the chef and the staff. Wow!!

Great lunch today. Lovely atmosphere and excellent service.

We were spoilt for choice from the menus available. It is a French design The apple Crepe ad the desert was lip smacking, do not miss it.

Think casual lunch in France. (Not Paris...somewhere nice like Normandy or Brittany) Only with the benefit of no flight, tunnel or ferry journey. 3 of us for a family lunch. The £29 3 course set menu is great value and gives good choice. It was all good. Fruits de Mer, Charcuterie, and the Skate special in caper sauce was spot on. Normandy Style apple crepe is very good. Yum. Service was pleasantly non-formulaic and helpful. We liked their style. The place was full, mainly of locals and regulars. It was a 'nothing' Tuesday but they were still telling people to book to come back later and in the end were turning people away. People vote with their feet and their wallet. The people are clearly voting that Birdies is a good restaurant and I agree.

Relaxed atmosphere with a great value set lunch menu. Local oysters tasted great, plat du jour was fried skate and then a huge cheese plate to finish.

Lovely restaurant with amazing food, would definitely return

Gorgeous food, The seafood bisk was outstanding and full of flavour. The monkfish was also top notch. Loved it.

No fuss delicious food. Oysters and Beef Wellington a favourite

My husband and I have an amazing meal here last Friday. Food was beautiful and the staff were lovely. Would definitely recommend. We will return.

Visited on a quiet Sunday lunchtime and enjoyed our food very much. A tender beef wellington and great tasting mussels. Menu choices were from a chalk board and service prompt. It would have been even better if spare napkins and a finger bowl had been provided without asking. Pricy but worth it .

We visited Birdies twice on a recommendation and we weren’t disappointed. First off the staff are so friendly and welcoming, different each night. The meals we had included, Oysters Rockerfeller, seafood platter and beef wellington, absolutely superb. Not cheap but quality isn’t! Would definitely recommend to others and will definitely visit when next in Whitstable. Booking is essential. Thanks once again.

First time visiting Whitstable and recommended Birdies. Totally understand why. Warm welcome, lovely tables not close to other diners. Good Customer service always with a smile. Such a varied menu. I had the Beef Wellington my husband the tempura monkfish. First class food with first class service. Look forward to returning.

We had been several times before during the last few years and the food was wonderful, but this occasion was a big let down...the Beef Wellington I had was poor...the fillet was tiny and the vegetables..well one small spud sliced with a few green beans and half a tomato..woeful for £30...service was very good though...but we ended up paying £85 for two meals plus one starter with 2 coffees and a wine...overpriced for what you actually get.

We chose Birdies as we had been 4 years ago and it is still as good as the last time. Great food, service and atmosphere. We could only get a table outside, but it was warm enough with patio heaters on and we didn't feel separate from the restaurant and the service was just as good. We had hake which was delicious, piping hot and a large portion. Birdies is good value for money for the setting, food and service.

Great food, very friendly staff, affordable prices!

I booked a reservation for my partner and me to celebrate our anniversary, but unfortunately, the experience was quite disappointing. Upon arrival, we were told our table wasn’t ready, so we were seated at the bar to wait. After about 10 minutes, we were finally seated at a table in the bar area, which had been available the entire time. The spot was less than ideal, as it was brightly lit, tucked away behind the bar, and situated next to a loud party of 15 that dominated the space. I politely asked if we could wait for a better table, especially since it was a special occasion, but was told there was nothing they could do. The mussels arrived before our drinks, followed by some bread that tasted a bit stale (although the mussels were nice). The drinks eventually came after we had finished our starters, though they were removed from the bill, which we appreciated. For our main course, we ordered the lobster Thermidor, but it was a letdown. The portion was small, the lobster itself was wet and flavorless, and the cheese crumb was unappetizing. It was served with Indian-flavored rice that tasted like it came straight from a packet and bland, unseasoned vegetables on the side. Despite mentioning our anniversary, the service wasn’t great, the food was mediocre, and ended up with an £80 bill. Overall, it was a very disappointing experience.

Great restaurant, mostly fish & seafood in Whitstable . We went twice, had Rockefeller oysters, seafood bisque and seafood assiette. Wonderful. Wish we had a restaurant like this were we live in Norfolk. Need to book in advance as they are always busy, because it's so good. Highly recommended.

An adsolutely fabulous duck liver pate with truffle starter. Never tasted pate likt it.

Visited with family for a birthday. Great quality food. The Rockefeller oysters were incredible- really delicious. As were the garlic king prawns and the moules frites. We chose because it’s dog friendly and sat in the courtyard and the atmosphere was great. A really magical summer feel. Lovely wine, good options for children too. The only thing that took the shine off was that waiter commented at 7:10 that we’d have to vacate by 8:15. We were all more than half way through our mains! It was unnecessary to say anything and made it feel less like a celebration.

We ate dinner here a few weeks ago during the height of the season and the restaurant was very busy. We booked late in the day but they fitted us in just the two of us they had space at the bar. The Service was efficient and the bar staff were really lovely considering we were sitting right under their nose is eating our dinner. The food was lovely. My partner devoured it and said it was the best food he needed in some time. A really lovely night with great atmosphere, Nice food and friendly staff

Wasn't impressed with the food and the service was slow. The wine was brought to the table opened and not the wine we ordered. The waiter didn't even pour the wine just left it in the chiller. It wasn't a cheap place, so expectations were high. Wouldn't rush back

Had the set lunch 3 course menu £29 l think. 1st course l ordered the seafood bisque. Tasty but very very strong, maybe just for my palete? So only had 3 spoon fulls. I didn't complain but the waiter asked if it was ok. I told him then he very kindly offered me another starter. So l had 3 Oyster Rockefeller's which was tasty. Main course l had the minute steak. With skin on fries. Super delicious. Desert was a home made chocolate mouse. Again homemade and delicious. Tres bon!!

I thought I had experienced the best beef wellington out there and then we tried this place. Out of this world! The softest beef inside even softer than fillet. The monkfish dish is amazing too with Asian flavours. Mussels to start gorgeous

Beautiful spacious inviting place. Well kept. Gorgeous courtyard. Welcoming kind staff. Food was delicious and well served. Cost was reasonable for the quality and location. Very child friendly and accepting with a big menu for them including vegetarian options Good wine list. Recommend.

Great restaurant! They went out of their way to find us a table as we hadn't booked. The food was magnificent! We had half lobster thermidore plus other bits. Delicious. Highly recommend the place.

Very friendly to us and our quiet dog, lovely food, especially absolutely epic lemon tart, apparently made by the owners wife.

As usual our favourite place to eat in Town it was brill we both had the Scottish Mussels for starters followed by the Pan fried Skate with all the trimmings for dessert cheese board & chocolate mouse. The new extension is very comfortable staff very polite and friendly what more can you ask for 5 *****32

Food was amazing and staff is very welcoming. It's a super dog friendly restaurant which is always a big plus for us. We had dinner in the courtyard which has its own menu and oh my the food was so delicious. Coming back for sure

From the outside it seems a bright, buzzy, happening restaurant. We were in the courtyard at the back with a limited menu - all fine so far. The duck pate starter was superb. We then ordered the mussels and fries at £18 for main. They should have come with 2 portions of fries but we were told they had combined the two for us - smallest portion I have ever seen. The mussels were cold on arrival - service was extremely slow - and we got to over 16 mussels that were empty! A classic sign of them being over cooked. On asking for the manager we were told that they were in the "sauce" in the plate - patently untrue. The "sauce" was very spartan as well. A disappointing experience and would give this restaurant a miss if I were you. We certainly won't be going back.

We hadn't booked so had to sit at the bar, but the food was worth it. Would definitely recommend, the food is fabulous. Portion sizes are not huge which is good and means you have room for a pudding! I had lobster thermidor which was delicious and I could have eaten it all again.

We have been going to Birdies for the last 3 years, it's one of our favourites in Whitstable. This time was no exception, garlic king prawns and monkfish in ginger - perfect !

Very nice seafood restaurant in the centre of Whitstable. It's worth booking as they just managed to squeeze us in. We had mussels followed by the bacon wrapped steak, both of which were delicious. Beer is unfortunately only in bottles but that's a minor gripe, but something on tap would have been preferable.

Held a birthday party for 30 people and without exception everyone was very complimentary about the food and the service. Amazing time had by all 🥳👍👍

Always pleasant. Happy staff. Food is delicious. My favourite restaurant ⭐️

Quality menu in a very classy place.

This is one of my favourite spots the food is consistently tasty! Good portions, well cooked and presented, friendly staff and Harvey the barman here was very entertaining last visit! I’ve never had any complaints and neither have my guests. Highly recommend! 👍🏼

We visited Whitstable briefly last Friday, as part of our holiday in the area, and had a fantastic lunch here. We sat in the courtyard and very much felt we had been transported to France in terms of atmosphere. The seafood platter & mussles were delicious. The service was excellent and everyone was very helpful to my father, who was in a wheelchair. We will definitely visit here again if we're in the area. I strongly recommend this restaurant.

This used to be my favourite restaurant and would drive to whitstable especially for this but I was so dissapointed this time it’s been made bigger by knocking through to next door and I had lobster Thermidor which was so small it was 3 mouthfuls for £27.50 !! Was told it’s small because it was local and a small portion of chips was told it was for 2 people !! Sorry won’t be back even though after complaining the charges us a lesser price ! Such a shame

We were so disappointed with our experience - perhaps Monday evening isn't the best time to visit... Crib sheet for cocktails missing... No mussels, no skate, overcooked fish, over salted chips - such a shame because normally this is our favourite restaurant. One of the staff tried her best but it wasn't the birthday celebration we planned 😭😭😭

Without a doubt, the best restaurant in whitstable. Fresh, well cooked dishes. I have eaten here multiple times and never leave dissapointed!

Great food, had the Beef Wellington, which is a speciality, great!! Prices reasonable, staff very welcoming and polite, but up for some light banter.

Very good seafood at very reasonable price

Always a great experience here. Great food and staff, thank you to the team.

We had lunch here midweek - great food, service and value

Picked birdies for our 10th anniversary meal. Have never had a bad meal here. Wonderful food, and a great, relaxed atmosphere.

We have really enjoyed this restaurant in the past before a few years back. Been today with family, the starters were lovely, we had the main course of The Bass fillet and monk fish. Sadly it was very disappointing where they attempted to introduce an Asian take to the dishes and nothing came together in harmony. We struggled with getting through even half of the main course. We gave our feedback to the staff and they were very apologetic. We paid the full cost of the bill and the staff did not suggest any discount although we did request this as it was a very expensive bill. Sadly we won't be going Back again.

Great restaurant in lovely Whitstable

Really excellent meal and service. Recommend.

Very disappointed. The food was over flavoured. I had lobster but the taste was overwhelmed by herbs. My husband had monkfish which had a very strong meaty red wine sauce with it. There was nothing subtle or delicate about the flavours. The crepe for dessert was one crepe for £8.95. They cost pennies to make so why so stingy? The cafe is very noisy and clattery so even the atmosphere wasn't very pleasant.

Just a weekend stay for us in Whitstable and Birdie's was an absolute winner! The food was amazing. We loved everything! Both my friend and I commented on how that was the best moules mariniére we have had in a while. So often the sauce is too watery, this was just perfect! It was also nice to see an Asian influence on the Monk Fish dish flavour wise while still keeping that classic French way of cooking, enhancing flavours, not overpowering the fish hero of the dish and presentation.

Disappointing overall. A pleasant room, lovely staff, great olives, but it went downhill from that. Beautifully cooked monkfish but the sauce didn't seem to go with it very well. Crepe Suzette was just one lonely folded pancake lying in sauce - tasty sauce but not flambéed as I thought was part of the dish (the waiter said he valued his eyebrows). Probably choosing different meals would have given us a completely different view of the restaurant so don't be put off, but do choose carefully.

Good food and decent prices. Not as special as I thought it would be. Nevertheless, a great choice when visiting Whitstable 🙂

We all enjoyed our lunches. One star knocked off for service. Two main courses served, then gap, two more then another wait.