Olby's Soul Cafe in Thanet

Fantastic Sunday roast. Thoroughly recommend.

Discovered Olby's by chance before a gig at Dreamland, four of us really enjoyed the food, atmosphere, decor and friendly service. Would return and allow ourselves more time to savor the menu and the positive vibe!

This bar was a great find. Food, music, staff and atmosphere were all fantastic. Stayed there for far longer than expected, then went back the following evening and did it all again.

Just love this place and the most amazing roast. 10/10 bloody brilliant 👏

Absolutely great, food fantastic, service brilliant. I would highly recommend.

Absolutely lovely Sunday roast, with a slightly spicy twist. Had the jerk beef which was tender and delicious..as were all the usual accompaniments..Yorkshire puddings,roasties, veg and yummy gravy. The staff worked very hard to give great service and our family had a special time. Highly recommended.

My girlfriend and I had a super lunch here. There was a nice casual atmosphere, the food was so nice and spicy, we had the jerk chicken with flat bread and skin on fries. Eli our waiter was a delight, a nice smiley face, great hairdo and nothing was too much trouble. We will deffo be returning. Thank you so much.

Made a telephone booking for myself and four friends for Wednesday at 6.30pm. When we arrived, the restaurant was in complete darkness and not open so why did they take my telephone booking? I phoned later in the evening and left a message on their answerphone for Olby or a senior member of staff to contact me to discuss the situation but to date, no-one has been in touch. It was their loss as we ended up round the corner at Mullin's restaurant, (near the Wig & Pen) who were open and very welcoming and had a superb Caribbean meal. The food was fantastic and will definitely go back there.

Brilliant food, service, and great value for money. Some of the best food I’ve had in a while, recommend the apple crumble, absolutely delicious.

We used to luv this restaurant for its fabulous Sunday roast and value for money, but boy oh boy were we disappointed on Sunday, as their veggies were cut in half. We had a small floret of cauliflower, small floret of broccoli, few tiny carrots etc. No guys! Don't go there, as this is the quickest way too loose cliental! Staff was excellent as always.

Stopped for a coffee, very nice, coffee excellent!

Great restaurant, they do need to speed up their service. The staff were really helpful and caring but so very slow. Other tables moaning and then deciding they weren't going to have pudding as the service took too long. So they are actually losing money due to the speed of service. It didn't worry us, as we were only a table of two, but listening to other customers moaning didn't give us the atmosphere we would have liked.

Had a great time, had food and drinks throughout the night

The best sunday lunch on the isle of thanet. Sunday lunch .alway amazing here .taste sensation...always good . Never fails Roast beef .The food here is utterly delicious. The staff are amazing attentive and service is second to none My favourite Sunday lunch in the world

Nice bar / café with events area in the basement.

We didn't eat here but we did enjoy a drink. The staff were very friendly and they made a fuss of our dog as well as providing water for her. The decor is lovely 😍. I am a fan of the Design challenge on BBC1 with Alan Carr, so I had sort out Olby's specifically to see how it had been transformed. I was not disappointed. A lovely place, friendly staff and good location. We want to go back to sample the ribs sometime. 😋

Lovely venue with a nice manageable menu ensuring quality and consistency

Very nice food Chips a bit oily but everything else perfect

The BEST roast dinner I have EVER had! The lamb was incredibly tender (& plentiful). The parsnips - sublime! And much veg with the meal, unlike the usual Sunday dinners elsewhere which is a refreshing change. Just wish that I lived local so that I could frequent weekly, haha. The staff are really friendly too. Definitely felt the love & soul that goes into this place.

What a great place, food and service were spot on. Little change to my meal but just improved it when something was running low. Had a couple of starters,small dishes, and a side all out at once, tapas style all tasted amazing. Highly recommend.

Great food, perfectly spiced. Our personal favourite was the jerk ribs that falls off the bone with a light touch. The staffs were incredibly friendly and good the music was good too

Excellent Roast dinner Great varied portion of veg and good price

Food is very excellent. We love everything which we order for 4 of us. The best dish is pork rib BBQ which meat is very soft and juicy. We also order garlic prawn, salt pepper squid and coconut chicken. Food is more than enough for all of us. Really really enjoy it. Service is also excellent and they all are friendly.

Great vibe and friendly staff. Had a nice evening. I didn't eat so can't comment on this. Would return for sure!

Good food, good service in a relaxed style and nice atmosphere! We will be back

Lovely Waitress very polite great atmosphere excellent food dying to go back

Lovely staff, happy attentive and good people

I went to this cafe because it was featured in Interior Designer's Masters. I was in town so I decided to give it a go. The food was good but not exceptional. It was not busy at all (I went on a Friday afternoon). The cafe decoration is so beautiful! So that's why I gave 5 for atmosphere.

Funky bar/resto with nice burgers, good wine.

The stand out experience was definitely the Ribs. It was one of the best I've tasted. One of the most expensive on the menu at £17.50 but well worth it in today's prices. Came with beautiful crispy chips, slaw and corn on the cob. We came I early and had to do with a small table for two, we asked to move but we're told all tables were booked. However, they soon came back offering to move us to a larger table that was free. A pint was actually cheaper than the pubs around the area. Would definitely come back on my next trip to Margate.

Not been here for a few years, nice atmosphere and to catch up

Nice little gem in Margate with delicious food - we had onion rings, mozzarella sticks, falafel salad, and spinach/falafel burgers. The staff were absolutely wonderful. I'd meant to book in on my last visit, and now I wish I had!

Absolutely fantastic Sunday roast in very comfortable surroundings. Excellent value for money

As always, great place, great meal. The best around.

Got sunday roast, it was fine and solid but nothing spectacular.

Excellent food (ribs were amazing) and not too expensive. No kids menu but they can do smaller portions, which is much better than the usual kids menu stuff. Great decor, music and service too. Will definitely go back next time we're in Margate

Starter was nice. Main arrived. One was Jerk chicken with salad and pitta. What arrived was chicken burger and fries. Sent it back. Original meal arrived a minute later. Chicken was dry and tough. The salad was drenched in sauce. The pitta was two tiny cuts of a thin wrap. Second meal was the burger. Came with onion rings and fries. The burger was pink in places inside and so thick and dry it was impossible to chew or swallow. Tried to thin it out but the meat was still dry and tough. Onion rings were cheap Iceland ones. Fries were ok but very dry again. Told waiter as we barely ate any of our meals. Got no real apology. No offer of a partial discount. Then asked if we wanted to leave a tip on the card machine. Awful meal. Basic service. Would never go again

Great atmosphere, friendly service and the food was superb!!! Something for everyone! Went with friends and family and had a great time. Already booked the next meal out there!!

Staff always friendly and food always top notch

3 of us had a lovely dinner here . The food was all excellent, tasty well cooked and hot. I had the coconut chicken and salad with extra chips and slaw . The waiter was very attentive, and we enjoyed talking to him. Would recommend you book at weekends The only thing negative I could say is the music is very good but also very loud when you are trying to hold a conversation . Thanks for a nice evening

After more than an hour and a half waiting (despite the restaurant being half full), the food finally arrived. We were disappointed with the food. Very basic, tasteless. The final shock was the bill......Quite expensive for what it was. I won't recommend this café, even if you're starving.

Awesome venue for a gig or a pint

#bestroastonthecoast really does sum it up. An absolutely delicious meal, the flavours were to die for & everything was perfectly cooked. 2 of us had the calypso chicken and 2 had the jerk ribeye, all 4 of us polished our plates clean. Also, the staff were lovely & attentive, such a welcoming environment. We will definitely be returning!

We stumbled into Olby’s by accident and we’re so glad we did! The staff were super accommodating and lovely, specific shoutout to Eli who was such a brilliant help and made great surprise cocktails! The food was so tasty! We had a good mix of the small plates (they aren’t small- the portions are super generous). A lot to say about it all but all in all a brilliant place to eat.

Excellent food, service and ambiance. Staff outstanding; good customer service and very good quality of food. Will definitely visit again.

This was our first visit to Olby’s and we had heard good things, it did not disappoint! The waiting staff were excellent, knowledgeable about the food and the evening’s entertainment. Attentive, but not loitering. The food was excellent. We tried a mix of small plates as starters, we loved all of them and we were all equally happy with our choice of mains and desserts. The restaurant has a great relaxed atmosphere and it was a really enjoyable meal. After we headed downstairs for the Bangers Comedy event. The venue space was well organised and set out, the MC was great and linked the acts together well. All the acts were enjoyable and it was great to see live comedy in Thanet again. 👍🏻 Overall we had a great evening and it is great to see a local business thriving.

Mains or desserts, all very tasty...

Can't complain I had a really good night. I even appreciate the bouncers for removing me from the building. I deserved it for running round like a crack head screaming 'call the police, I want a night in the cells' some of my finest moments

Fabulous food and lovely staff x booking is not always easy, but worth it when you get there!

What a gem! Great food, amazing atmosphere, fab staff. In love with this place. Food was amazing!

The atmosphere is great. Staff are polite, but the food is unbelievably delicious. I have never tasted a roast dinner as much as I had at Olby's. Definitely will be revisiting!

What an awesome place! The staff are amazing, and the food is sumptuous. Plus there are so many fantastic bands and artists to see. Check their website regularly as there's always new events being added.

Visited on a Sunday and between the family we had the roast butternut squash, lamb, beef and pork. Everybody on the table spoke about how good their meat and vegetables were fresh and cooked to perfection. The differing gravies spiced brilliantly. The young servers were brilliant, smiling and joking. A great roast and great value.

A must go if you are in Margate!!! Highly recommended for food and ambiance!!!

Just had the best “New Years Eve” night out in Olbys Soul Cafe. The atmosphere was brilliant DJays playing music in both upstairs and downstairs bars and then we were treated to “Odyssey “ playing a set in the downstairs venue! The whole place rocked and people really enjoyed themselves. Canapés were served throughout the evening and as midnight approached a glass of bubbly appeared!! The evening continued with music until very late and people brought in the new year with a smile ! New friends were made and many will be back to visit! Excellent night with fabulous staff and a big thank you to Eli and Heather for a wonderful evening !!

Everything was excellent. Such a different menu from the standard options, but still hit the spot perfectly. Ribs were epic. The service was great

Went here for Sunday lunch on Christmas Eve. It was the best roast dinner I have ever had out in a restaurant which is very high praise indeed as I am extremely fussy and don’t like my food too spicy. I had the lightly spiced roast ribeye beef, which was delicious! The garlic blackened prawns were equally delicious. The staff were lovely with very good service. I would definitely recommend!

The environment is not so organised or decorative

Great bar staff and brilliant drinks collection

I will never get bored of coming here for a Sunday roast! Amazing staff, a cosy setting that makes you feel at home. Amazing price for a Sunday roast, if you haven't been to Olbys your missing out!🤌🏻

I didn't want to write a review because I'm afraid that I'll never be able to book a table again! We went for a Sunday Roast today and it was OUTSTANDING; quite possibly the best roast dinner (out at a restaurant/pub) that I've had in the last 15 years of living in the UK. With such HUGE, decadent portions, I struggle to comprehend how they turn a profit! The vibe is cosy and friendly without being overbearing. Will return again and again!

Went see Dutty Moonshine band at venue at back of cafe So we thought we would eat at the cafe frist I had jerk chicken and rice and pea Lovely flavour rather than too hot Beautiful taste My Girlfriend had beef burger Homemade lovely side dish of salad Again very nice Desert treacle tartari with custard Clean lovely staff And great venue for live music after meal

We had seen people commenting that Olbys does the best roast dinner, and had high hopes. We were not disappointed!! Absolutely stunning roast beef, full of flavour, delicious and plentiful portions too. Will definitely be back.

Great food, excellent staff. Thank you

Had the Sunday roast with friends and it was great. Good, home cooked food, tasty and lots of it. I will definitely be back and recommend.

We visit for Sunday lunch and it definitely lives up to its reputation as best roast on the coast. We both had the rib eye beef and it was amazing. So tender and the meat and vegetables are subtly spiced. Beautiful meal and the staff were so friendly and happy. A really great experience, thank you.

We went here on a rainy Saturday, and as soon as we walked in, the smell of the food was enticing! We ordered chilli and mango prawns, loaded potato skins (pulled pork), a jerk chicken burger, and two soul stack burgers. With drinks, obviously! The service was polite and friendly, while the food was absolutely delicious! It's definitely one of the places where you want to try everything from the menu!

If your after a great night out with great people, great atmosphere, great music and great drink selection then Olbys is for you, plus they stay open late, been there a few time and Halloween as well, was such a amazing night 👍

There were 11 of us - and we were all looked after, service was like the food - Great , The Sunday roast is banging . I think the best roast dinner around- if anyone has been here and can tell me another place that does a Sunday roast with the amount of veg for the same price please add a comment of where . I didn’t eat all day waiting for my roast at olbys and in return it was just fantastic and I found room to share a sticky toffee pudding for desert. Again absolutely yummy Thank you Olbys and to the staff . 11 people full up and happy 😋

Soggy soft corn on the cob, Jackets with pulled pork was really jackets with bbq sauce, ribs had too much bbq sauce, the flavour of anything else was drowned out. Underwhelming food.

What a fabulous Sunday roast. The portions are huge and everything tasted delicious. My husbands beef had a Jamaican twist with the jerk seasoning and my lamb was so lean and tender. We will definitely be back soon with friends. A real friendly staff team who worked well together to ensure everyone had a great experience. Thank you.

Can't comment on food, the performance venue has a good feel and a great atmosphere, drinks are averagely priced, sound system is pretty good, only niggle really is the accessibility isn't the best, the chairlift is useable but there are two steps inside the venue, on to access the dancefloor/front of stage area and one to access the rear platform, toilets are a little small too, basically if you have some mobility you can access this venue, otherwise it's a big no. The front bar toilets are also not accessible as they can only be accessed by a staircase.

Wow!! Words do not do this place justice. You must try this place out for a Sunday Roast to see for yourself. Definitely the best place for a Roast in Thanet. We have been numerous times and have never had a bad meal. The food is plentiful, the atmosphere is inviting and chilled and it is most definitely great value for money too. The staff are a credit to this place, nothing is to much and they are super friendly and easy to talk to whilst remaining professional. If you do decide to give this place a try I would definitely recommend booking in advance. They are usually booked up 2 to 3 weeks. That says all you need to know.

Great spicy food, service and atmosphere. Red stripe on tap was a bonus, definately worth a visit for something different.

I was at a concert there. That was amazing. Location is super quaint. A great pub. Unfortunately not too many parking options. I didn't eat there so unfortunately I can't comment on that. The people, the music and the good mood...it's just infectious.

I am a lover of great taste and presentation when it comes to dining. Olby’s is second to none. Service is 10/10 and friendly. Atmosphere provided by brilliant interior design and soul-warming music brings me a feeling of calm and joy like nothing else. On a hard day it’s just what I need. That’s not even to mention the food! Unbeatable Jamaican Creole / Tex-Mex style dishes. True “Soul Food”. I recommend Olby’s Soul Café to everyone!!

Had Sunday lunch with my family. We all had the roasts (chicken, beef and vegetarian) and we all agreed that the food was delicious and lived up to its “best roast on the coast” accolade. We didn’t think we would be able to eat desserts too after the large portion roasts but we gave it a go 😀 and we ate every bit as it was delicious. Thank you Olby’s: great food, great service and great atmosphere. We will definitely be returning.

Still the best Sunday Roast in the area. Food and service were brill. Great atmosphere and value for money.

Had Sunday roast and possibly the best we’ve had. It’s touted as “The best roast on the coast” and we’d have to agree. The portion sizes were epic, the calaloo mash was delicious. On our table we had the chicken, ribeye and butternut squash and all were fantastic. 100% recommend, we’ll definitely be back!

Wonderfull place make sure you book as it is so busy. Good choice of food and drinks. If it is dry there is some outside seating.

Another 2 wonderful Sunday Roasts enjoyed at Olby's, so much going on, on a massive plate of food. No trip to Margate is now complete without going here at least once. Staff always so warm and friendly. Highly recommended 👌🏽

Delicious sunday roast. Food was very tasty, we would definitely be back. The only issue was that our dinner was at 3pm on sunday during crazy heatwave. Restaurant is very hot inside. Would benefit from a ceiling fan at least…phew it was a challenge and everyone was using menus as fans lol

Only used to come here for events for years but today I came for Sunday lunch and it was fantastic! So flavoursome and wicked roasties (crispy and not frozen!) All 3 meats beautifully tender and proper gravy! Service with a smile and very reasonably priced. Cannot wait to try more from the menu

Brilliant venue great night of comedy 👍 The bar staff were amazing 👏 Look forward to going back

I found myself stuck in Margate because of the train strike and wasn’t really inspired at the food options I could find as I just wanted a quiet meal - I stumbled across this place and got in just before the kitchen closed, luckily I did as the food was amazing. I had the jerk chicken burger with upgraded sweet potato fries and the portions were fantastic, the flavours even more so. Feels like a gem. Staff were friendly and all round I had a great experience.

Wonderful fresh and homemade food, you can bring your dog inside, very friendly and welcoming stuff. They have a separate Sunday menu. We highly recommend this place if you’re in Margate!

We went to an after party Saturday night downstairs, fab atmosphere!

Brilliant venue excellent night 😁

Great authentic carribean food with a twist, always good music but service could be better...Do some brilliant comedy and music nights too..Definitely recommended.

Love this place. Always friendly staff and chilled groove.

Excited to go this bar as a soul lover, myself and my friends headed in. We received plastic cups to drink our drink out of which was quite bizarre considering we had been to a few venues in Margate that day which didn’t do this! We began to realise quite quickly why this was the case. Whilst there was security on the door to control what I can only describe as absolute chaos, there was one particular bald and tall security man that came across as quite rude and aggressive, especially towards the women in the venue. He could be found outside having smoking breaks and bad mouthing the customers to what clearly looked like a bunch of people that he knew! Completely unprofessional and off putting. It didn’t reflect well on the venue. Needless to say we won’t be going back again.

Fantastic vibes, warm attentive service and beautiful vibrant food (standouts were the jerk chicken salad and the jerk ribs). This place says soul food and soul music on the outside; it should say good for your soul too, because if you don’t leave here with a smile on your face, there might actually be something wrong with you.

Wow what a meal we had last at Olbys we had the Coconut chicken And the jerk chicken which was close to the best mouthful of food ive had all served with potato skins salad, fries and cajun onion rings , you must know how good you are fantastic ,epic evening from the bottom of my heart thank you .please open in HerneBay .And we most most definitely will be back .im 61yrs old and i ve waited all this time for the best you r amazing what youve got there is so so special tks Paul and family .❤❤❤🤘🤘🤘🤣😀🤣

A decent place for a drink. Pretty friendly staff and reasonably well decorated. An old building so you cannot expect to be 100% disabled friendly, but they appear to have tried their best. Staff are attentive and helpful. Floors and tables could do with a bit more of a clean when busy though. Overall well worth a visit as the DJ at the front has decent taste.

Lovely place for a Sunday roast ☺️☺️

Extensive menu - it was hard to choose so I will have to go back and try the other things I liked the look of. The food was delicious. We also had a very refreshing gingery cocktail 🍹

Dinner with the family, jerk chicken was spot on (and we eat it a lot!), Chips were scrummy. Daughter loved her veggie burger and son the beef burger. Lovely place for dinner in Margate.

I'm working in Margate at the moment and find myself coming back here every chance I get! Great food and friendly staff!

This place is amazing the food is outrageous love it

First and last visit. Utter chaos. Arrived with friends for a booked meal. Waited for 15 minutes before they 'found' the booking. Rammed with people who were shouting, singing so much, the bar staff couldn't hear us. Then given plastic 'glasses' for reasons we never...