The Harbour Garden Cafe in Canterbury

Our second visit. Having visited a year ago without booking the owner was very welcoming and accommodating . The food was delicious. Our second, booked visit did not disappoint . We arrived early but we were seated right away. Again friendly staff. Delicious food and wine. If we lived nearer we would visit more often! Keep up the great work!

Loved it. Dog friendly. Quite expensive for what we had though.

A great place to visit in Whitstable! Was very lucky to get a nice table overlooking the harbour at a very busy hour! Lots of seafood options, great wine, very attentive staff, enjoyed the perfect sunset over a fresh and crisp glass of wine, romantic atmosphere and great memories made! Highly recommended to try! ☆☆☆☆☆

Ok good, a bit more expensive than expected

Only leaving 5 stars because I can't leave 10. Staff are charming and as delightful as the food, if that's possible. Great food, service, setting snd atmosphere. Staff seem genuinely happy to help and friendly and nothing is too much effort. Very attentive and kind staff.

We visited on the Oyster festival weekend so we were pleasantly surprised to get a table. We were with friends and decided to share a selection of dishes including scallops and oysters. All the food was fresh and delicious served by efficient and friendly staff. The restaurant has a lovely location by the sea and has a Continental feel to it. They serve a good variety of drinks including my favourite Whitstable Bay beers. Absolutely recommended.

This is truly a fantastic fish restaurant brilliant staff. Fantastic service. I would recommend it 110%.

From the staff to the food just totally amazing.. the food is all fresh

Web site says open until 16.00 but you are closed!! Please adjust your website. You must be disappointing so many people!!

Web site says open until 16.00 but you are closed!! Please adjust your website. You must be disappointing so many people!!

Ah, the Harbour Garden in Whitstable! What a splendid restaurant nestled by the sea, embodying the very essence of coastal culinary delight. Picture it: the sun setting over the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the waters, while you dine in the charming al fresco ambiance, the briny breeze whispering secrets of the deep blue. Now, let us talk about the food – oh, the food! It was nothing short of a gastronomic revelation. I indulged in a lobster tail salad that was a veritable symphony of flavors. The lobster, so juicy and succulent, danced harmoniously with crisp greens and a zesty dressing that elevated each bite to an almost ethereal experience. Truly, it was a dish that celebrated the bounty of the sea in the most exquisite manner. And let us not forget the fish and chips – a classic, yet so often misunderstood. However, at the Harbour Garden, they have perfected it to an art form. My children, usually the harshest critics, declared it the best fish and chips they had ever tasted. The fish was impeccably fresh, its golden batter light and crispy, with chips that were wonderfully fluffy on the inside. An absolute triumph! The seafood overall was nothing short of incredible. From the oysters to the scallops, each dish was a testament to the quality and freshness of the local catch, prepared with a deft touch that highlighted the natural flavors without overwhelming them. What’s more, our rather sizable party of nine was accommodated with the utmost ease and grace. The service was impeccable, the staff both attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every need was met without a hint of fuss. In summary, the Harbour Garden Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone with a passion for superb seafood when visiting whitstable. I know there are other highly rated eateries but for a family Meal by the sea this is a place where the quality of the food, the charm of the location and the fact that it is always busy night and day are a testament to freshness and quality of dishes.

Ah, the Harbour Garden in Whitstable! What a splendid restaurant nestled by the sea, embodying the very essence of coastal culinary delight. Picture it: the sun setting over the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the waters, while you dine in the charming al fresco ambiance, the briny breeze whispering secrets of the deep blue. Now, let us talk about the food – oh, the food! It was nothing short of a gastronomic revelation. I indulged in a lobster tail salad that was a veritable symphony of flavors. The lobster, so juicy and succulent, danced harmoniously with crisp greens and a zesty dressing that elevated each bite to an almost ethereal experience. Truly, it was a dish that celebrated the bounty of the sea in the most exquisite manner. And let us not forget the fish and chips – a classic, yet so often misunderstood. However, at the Harbour Garden, they have perfected it to an art form. My children, usually the harshest critics, declared it the best fish and chips they had ever tasted. The fish was impeccably fresh, its golden batter light and crispy, with chips that were wonderfully fluffy on the inside. An absolute triumph! The seafood overall was nothing short of incredible. From the oysters to the scallops, each dish was a testament to the quality and freshness of the local catch, prepared with a deft touch that highlighted the natural flavors without overwhelming them. What’s more, our rather sizable party of nine was accommodated with the utmost ease and grace. The service was impeccable, the staff both attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every need was met without a hint of fuss. In summary, the Harbour Garden Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone with a passion for superb seafood when visiting whitstable. I know there are other highly rated eateries but for a family Meal by the sea this is a place where the quality of the food, the charm of the location and the fact that it is always busy night and day are a testament to freshness and quality of dishes.

I had the crab claws I found it a bit expensive 8 crab claws for £28 but I never had them before and wanted to try them. They were very tasty and the staff were very friendly and attentive.

My partner Deborah took me to your restaurant for my birthday the food was excellent and staff fantastic will definitely recommend and hope to see you soon Deborah and Tony

Amazing food, mainly fish available. Brilliant service, nice place. The chips were special.

VERY overpriced and inadequate portion sizes. Children's burger meal came with twice as many chips as an adults. Only asked if a drink was wanted on arrival and not again during 3 hour stay. The ska band playing that evening was absolutely terrible to the point we were happy when they took a break. Overall disappointing, much better value for money establishments locally in my opinion.

Far too expensive. £28 for fish and chips! You would be better getting fish and chips on the beach and spending this sort of money somewhere the food is really special like the Pig in Bridge. Pricing needs sorting. I took friends here who were visiting and we all ended up sharing starters as it was too expensive. I won't be bringing friends here again.

Rather busy but plenty of atmosphere. First time in a long time and felt comfortable in the surroundings.

Really lovely place for both food and drinks, staff were lovely and the view was beautiful in the sunshine. Definitely recommend 🌞

For a seafood place, very disappointed. Wouldn’t recommend

So glad we booked as there was a massive queue outside. Fabulous menu which caters for all tastes. Very busy but super efficient and quick team of staff. Waiter a little bit for food but to be expected. Highlight was the lobster roll and crab salad was delicious. Music at 3pm great ambience and views of the harbour

Average and overpriced. Haddock and chips twice, a Diet Coke (small bottle) and orange juice and lemonade cost £61 !!! Plus 12.5% service charge. Average meal, batter too hard, most of chips hard. Superb location but a rip off.

Visited on a Friday evening as there was live music and the restaurant is dog friendly. Inside the restaurant the tables were quite tight together and the music was very loud to the point where you couldn’t have a conversation. The food was very average and overpriced. We ordered hush puppies to as a starter to share and they were greasy and served with a bowl of liquid butter. For mains, we ordered fish and chips which was again pretty greasy and surf and turf. The steak was cooked differently throughout (some bits rare through to well done) and covered in garlic butter which again made everything so greasy. Disappointing visit.

Wish I could tell you how the food at the harbour garden cafe is, but unfortunately we were denied service. Why? Because I have cancer (I’m 15 years old). The man who turned us away claimed it was because he didn’t let people with masks in, referring to my mask as a ‘muzzle’. Then after bringing up that I was wearing it because I am in cancer treatment, he then changed his reasoning and claimed it was because he didn’t want to be responsible for me if I caught anything like an illness or infection. In doing this, he has (helpfully for us) violated section 28 of the 2010 equality act. Quote: “(2) A service-provider (A) must not, in providing the service, discriminate against a person (B)— (a) as to the terms on which A provides the service to B; (b) by terminating the provision of the service to B; (c) by subjecting B to any other detriment. The people in front of us in the queue were equally as outraged at this and decided themselves that they also wouldn’t eat there. Needless to say, this will be brought up to the local council. Thanks! (Repost as my review got taken down)

Massively overpriced for average food. Battered fish was very greasy and chips were generic oven type, expensive dish at £24. Service was also average. We waited a long time just to get two diet cokes, and had to ask more than once for tap water. Nice location but doesn’t justify the prices.

We have eaten there several time and the last time was last Sunday. Beautiful, flavoursome food, excellent service !!

Great location and good friendly service with excellent food. Not cheap but expected given location. Downside was dogs barking and on peoples laps and screaming kids and coffee was just awful.

Criminally overpriced, £19 for a burger! The child’s menu burger and adult burger were more or less the same with maybe a little less lettuce in the burger, yet the difference of £8! Food is average, nothing special for such simple food. Fairly chaotic, not much organisation, poor management because all they want is to get you out so they can fill the table again. Won’t be returning.

Personally I was not happy with the food or service at this Establishment. £23 for fish and chips. I was happy to pay this. I knew the cost. £5 for a pint of soda. A bit more expensive than most pubs but OK I knew the cost and was content to purchase. My wife deviated from the published menu and asked just for fish. Nothing else. When we got the bill the fish on its own was charged at £18. Wow!. On top of that was a service charge of 12.5%. Although it said "not obligatory". A staggering £8.50 service charge. We saw the waitress 2ce. Once when she brought the drinks and second when she brought the food. The table was about 25 to 30 meters from the kitchen / building and I have no doubt that when pricing up the meals to acquire cost to the public, included in the price would be a cost of "the waiter/ess". We quiried the cost of the fish. The waitress showed empathy and was professional . She said she would see the manager. I stated that I was not prepared to pay the service charge and this was deducted. The fish on its own was further reduced to £15. Then the manager came to see us. He kept stating that the prices were on the menu and we knew what we were buying. I felt he just didn't care. I Couldn't get across to him that the fish on its own was not on the menu. I was not happy with the manager. Both I and my wife found the fish too greasy but the chips were reasonable. Over all we felt we had tasted better food in our local pubs. Throughout the meal a small dog continuously barked which was very off putting. A fair few dogs were at the Venue. Overall for me this was not an enjoyable meal or venue atmosphere.

I never write a review however this place, just WOW. The location is amazing right on the harbour with a view of the sea with indoor/outdoor seating. We started with amazing cocktails which were made perfectly followed by fantastic food don’t think anyone could find a fault with this place. The staff were super friendly, it was my birthday and I received a complimentary glass of prosseco from the owner which they didn’t have to do. Will definitely be returning and recommending.

Fantastic Sunday afternoon at Whitstable. Outstanding lunch at the The Harbour Garden Cafe. Excellent, service, meals, cocktails, (first time I've had a Coronarita - superb), live music and general vibe. It felt like you were in an bar overseas. Cod and chips was super fresh, the burger was quality meat and the lobster roll was stuffed full of lobster. Highly recommend you visit.

Can br packed buut wrll established. Seafood is speciality..

We love this place! The best, freshest, tastiest fish and chips ever.

Me and partner come here every year and we are never failed by the service we receive and the atomosphere of the restaurant is lovely.

Lovely place right on the seafront. Great for people watching. Really friendly efficient staff. Best chips I've ever eaten. Food generally is great - given 4 stars rather than 5 as some of the prices are a bit over the top - just felt that £19 for half a kilo of mussels was a bit steep, especially when the mussels themselves were very small. Also £10 for desserts seemed a bit much. Nevertheless, we'll definitely be back.

Service goes above and beyond what is expected. Attentive and accurate. Food of a high quality and served quickly and delicious

was ok, but what an absolute DISGRACE charging a PENSIONER who is GLUTEN FREE for a grilled fish and some chips £33.75. Instead of the same as everyone else which was around £24. HONESTLY DONT BOTHER IF YOURE A CELIAC!!! Not everyone can have shellfish as a replacement. Sort your menu out!!!

Myself & my wife had Whitstable Oysters as a starter followed by Hake; the fish of the day recommendation. We both agreed the dishes were amongst the best seafood we have ever tasted. We also had a convivial chat with Michael, the proprietor of The Harbour Garden Café. We both look forward to a return visit in the not too distant future.

We visited this restaurant on 28th June. On arrival we were asked if we were planning on staying for the live music which we knew nothing about. I said I didn’t know as we had arrived at 6.15 and the band were playing at 7.30 (which were a Beatles tribute act) I thought the manager was just making polite conversation. We decided we would stay for a bit to see some of the band and ordered another drink. At the end of the evening I asked for the bill and was surprised a £10 fee had been added to the bill listed as a band cover charge. There was no mention of this on arrival and felt it was deceitful. We had already spent £81 on the meal itself including service charge.

Best steak I've had and its not even a steakhouse

Lovely cold beer and crab fries while watching world go by.

Crab salad was fine, but prices are crazy. £5 for half a pint of lager!?

Brilliant sea side cafe restaurant. Excellent fresh sea food to die for. Well worth a visit, but beware, it can be pretty expensive.

This is my go to restaurant in whitstable it is not cheap but worth a visit as staff and food are great. I have always enjoyed this restaurant I particularly love the crab salad, fish and chips and most of their starters. Well worth a visit.

Visited here twice while staying in Whitstable. Very dog friendly which is great. The waiting staff are an asset to the restaurant, very friendly and attentive. Enjoyed our meals, bucket of crab, cod and chips, lobster roll and the seafood platter.

Food was lovely, had the shrimp with pork belly. The bbq sauce was amazing. Lovely setting overlooking the water. Nice music and relaxed atmosphere, however that being said it is on the expensive side, so be prepared for a big bill. I could see other people drinking cocktails which looked lush. Worth a visit though

This is a great friendlly place staff was fantastic

Great cocktails and live music. A real buzz.

We were drawn by the music. The cafe looks great and we sat at the bar to have cocktails. It's a lovely place to sit, with friendly staff. The cocktails - mojito and porn star martini - were great. Definitely worth stopping off for.

Have been here many times when walking around with the dogs. Stop by for lunch good food and drinks . Just checking the menu for our next visit and prices have gone up a lot, not worth returning equally good places and cheaper in whitstable.

My wife and I had a lovely lunch at the Harbour Garden during a recent day trip to Whitstable. It’s in a lovely location, right on the harbour side and has a great indoor/outdoor vibe. It was a beautiful sunny day so we sat in the shade and it was nice that our dog was welcome. The waiting staff were extremely friendly and gave us time to make our decision. The oyster Bloody Mary was really nice and the oyster on the side was a nice touch. The day we were there a live jazz band were playing which added to the relaxed and fun atmosphere. Our food was good but I gave it a four star as it was a bit overpriced. Overall though a really nice place for a lunch in the sun!!!

Beautiful view, great service and the food was good as well. A little expensive but good all the same. Would definitely recommend.

Very very expensive for just fish and chips, a very basic dish costing £82 with 2 drinks Service charge added automatically Food was not even nice and had to leave it Very disappointed

Lovely, attentive staff but attrocious food at ridiculous prices. The mussells tasted like they had been taken from the local sewage works...literally, so had to be sent back. Everything else was struggling to even be average, shrimp, dry bland and with a tasteless dip that tasted of just melted buttwr with no garlic, burger was a 4/10 at best, crab starter maybe managed a 5/10. Really bad food at really high prices. Couldn't fault the staff though, very cheery, polite and apologetic, I bet they are used to it.

Amazing food, service and atmosphere. Very beautiful view of the sea, boats. Ideal for a family, couple or whosoever to stop by and grab some food on a bright sunny day or drinks! The fish was very fresh and their chips were good too. The mocktail was just alright and not very tasty enough. However the food was very amazing! Loved their view.

Whitstable is a lovely place so if you’re visiting and eating fish by the harbour it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. This is a tourist trap churning out overpriced food and booking terrible bands in the summer. It’s a simple menu Fish, seafood, chips salad etc etc The prices here are high and personally I’d expect better quality. At least make your own mayonnaise, tartar, blue cheese. We are in Kent the Garden of England so make sure the salads crisp, a delicious mix of veg, locally sourced, seasonal - Seasoned would be great! Make your own fries? It ain’t rocket science Shame because it’s a nice location and if it was run with more care and a bit of love, it could be magical.

Surprised they sell much food given the prices

Great place .Lovely staff and the most amazing cocktails . Worth a visit. The food looked amazing too. We had a wonderful afternoon

What an absolute shame. Visited today for the wife's birthday. The front of house staff and management are absolutely first class. Unfortunately they are unmatched by this in the kitchen. I ordered seared scallops. They were devoid of any sear or colour....but edable. The steak however was not. It was abundantly clear the kitchen was very busy and my steak the victim of poor preparation and grill management....the meat had no discernable grill markings and was raw and cold. Typical of when cold meat is put on a cold grill. A good chef brings steak to room temp before grilling on a hot grill. The more cold meat that is added the colder the grill gets and the vicious circle repeats. It was utterly inedible and wouldn't even cut. Shocking considering its 52 quid for NY strip and half an undercooked lobster!!! Gutted

Returned after one year and still just as good. A fab place to dine along the seafront, serving fresh seafood and fun cocktails.

A first class long lunch. The food was extremely tasty especially the fresh fish (the catch of the day - pictured - was amazing). Service was friendly and attentive. Our favourite restaurant in Whitstable. 👏🏻👍🏻

Food was Ok to decent but was very expensive, so I’d expect it to be very good. So that’s a star off. And they add a compulsory service charge so we’re down another star… Dog friendly.

The food was very good, everybody had a great experience when it came to the food. The fish and chips was delicious and so flaky, though it is on the expensive side. Unfortunately, service to our table took over an hour, a side effect of the sun and how busy the restaurant was that day.

Great restaurant on the harbour front, we had light bites and drinks here. We had the loaded fries with crab, chicken tenders and a portion of chip which were excellent. Get very busy and you have to queue to get in. Would love to dine there, probably next time we are in Whitstable.

Visited today and WOW! From start to finish the service, food and atmosphere were amazing. We have already told so many people about this restaurant. We will definitely be back. Our new favourite place to dine by the sea.

Freshly cooked lobster bit over boiled. Claws were just right and very tasty. Good fries, chicken tenders, meaty, and hot. They add a service charge

Barking dogs constantly seated in the restaurant, very expensive, crab tasted of nothing, both me amd my partner were in incredible pain from food poisoning afterwards, will never go back .holeeeeee

Food was expensive for what was served, but fresh and tasty. Busy due to it being a lovely sunny day.

Popped in here for a drink with our elderly parents. Beer was local and great. Food looked delicious but was expensive so we didn't eat but when a bit more flush will visit again. Service was great and staff friendly.

It’s very expensive for the service, €25 for a simple fish and chips, €15 for 3 oysters…€5 per oyster!!!! The restaurant is by the sea but with a view of the factory The staff is friendly

Absolutely lovely seafood restaurant Great food, fab service and good atmosphere. Crab loaded fries to die for!

Lovely little stop for lunch. Waiting staff were so lovely. My only comment was I could see the kitchen staff eating whilst cooking!

Great food, great service lovely atmosphere, one of the bar staff treated us so well, had to buy him a drink to have after shift. Thanks guys

I really hope no one else experiences this which is why I'm leaving a review. I really like this place,been here a few times because the staff are awesome and it's a great place to sit and enjoy the sun and sea but the chef needs a stern word for the lobster roll. It was on a kids hamburger bun and a spoonful of lobster, filled with lettuce and a wedge of lemon had been buried under the top bun to make it look *bigger* for £30. Take it off the menu.

Lobster, Shell on prawns & garlic, slow cooked pork belly all fantastic, children loved items from the children’s menu too (which is a novelty). Nice atmosphere && Dog friendly inside and out.

Extremely overpriced, poorly managed place. A lot of staff moving around but very long time to wait for a table and longer time to get food. Won’t recommend

Pleasant restaurant and location in Whitstable, but felt it a bit overpriced. Waited 20 odd minutes till order was finally taken. Food was very good however and would recommend still.

Sat outside on a cold, but beautiful day. Crab and chips and a cold Whitstable lager. Great view, lovely staff on a busy day, even when one customer was quite rude. A perfect snifter and nosh by the sea

Great place to eat. Recommended the crab loaded fries. Great atmosphere and attentive staff.

We have visited before and returned for more. The food is delicious, the service is excellent with friendly staff who take time to chat and make you feel very welcome. It's not just seafood, but when I am this close to the harbour, its what I would choose every time.

Great food, dog friendly, thank you for a wonderful afternoon.

Expensive for what you could get in a chicken shop 🐔 10 wings £20

Fantastic food, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Bonnet du douche 👌🏻

Dropped by today at lunchtime on a wet, windy, Whitstable day. Initially for a coffee but then decided on lunch. Staff very friendly and the fresh crab was delicious. I like the rustic ambiance and the view directly on to the Harbour. Not the first occasion we have visited. V handy that you can take your bedraggled mut in as well.

Excellent Lobster Roll and Sparkling Cosmo ....

Had to meet a prospective ghost tour guide, so due to my disability I chose this venue and was very pleasantly surprised by the excellent service I received from the staff! Seeing me in my trolley the chap opened up the side of the cafe allowing me full access to the interior of the restaurant! My friend had Seafood Stew, a mix of cod loin, mussels and white wine! I had already eaten but as you can see from his happy face he was impressed by it! Victoria was very attentively looking after us! I have eaten here before in the summer great atmosphere friendly service, come and see for yourself. Good view of the harbour and its fleet catching and landing fish!

I booked a table for 14 as it was my father's birthday. We pre ordered and expected a nice evening with the normal level of good service we usually get here. I was wrong - they guys there massively raised the bar and we had the most amazing evening. They provided balloons for the table, the food was delicious and the service was second to none. I cannot thank the staff including Julia, Annemarie, Neave and of course the guys in the kitchen. Thank you so much for making the evening one we will all remember xxx

Really surprised at the high quality of food, simply delicious! Would definitely recommend and look forward to our next visit. Exceptional!

Monotonous menu. Everything is prepared in batter and french fries. There is nothing to choose from, only oysters are fresh, tasty and mussels, but they are ordinary. There is a good selection of drinks

Good service and nice spot by the water but food was bang average for an extortionate price. Expect way better for the prices they're charging. Wouldn't recommend.

Ate here twice with the family this week. On both occasions the food and service was exemplary. If we lived closer we would definitely return. Recommend booking as always looked busy.

This is a nice harbour facing restaurant in Whitstable. Very busy when we attended on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Staff were friendly and accommodating. We ordered the seafood platter which was pretty good however a bit pricey for the portion size. All mains are around the £20 mark. A great option when visiting Whistable on a day out.

Delicious lunch at The Harbour Garden today, the lightest batter I have ever had on the cod, it was divine!

What a wonderful place to eat! The gentleman who served us and showed us to his table was so polite, friendly, and welcoming. The atmosphere in the restaurant was so cool, music playing and the smell of food was so delicious! All staff were very polite and helpful. The food was absolutely divine! The best fish and chips I've had in years!

Really great place to stop for brunch. Nice staff and accommodated us under the shelter. We had the fish and chips which was fab. I would definitely come here again and especially on a sunny day .

Lovely spot just by the water. Fresh seafood and good drink selection - although pricey. I’ve never had battered fried oysters and would say its not worth it for the price of an oyster as you end up just tasting the batter. Chips were really good but the crab didn’t add much flavour so I’d opt for regular chips next time. Worth a trip if you’re by the waterfront!

The food and service was very good but it was quite pricey. Worth it though

Unfortunately, the price on the menu is not the price you pay. I appreciate that the price of fish may vary but drinks and chips?!! The food was very good, but didn't realise the price discrepancy until I was home. Sadly won't be rushing back

Waited at the front of the restaurant to be seated, wearing masks as my dad is very vulnerable. Man approached us with very bad attitude saying “you bringing something in with that mask on? You don’t need it in here” decide to ignore is stupid remark as he didn’t know our circumstances. Then he carried on by saying “you implying I have a disease to give to you” we had only asked if we could be seated. We explained to him my dad had been in hospital for 7 months with covid and nearly died so he was protecting himself. At this point I said that we wouldn’t like to be served by your restaurant and turned to leave. He replied “I wouldn’t be able to help you anyway” even though the restaurant was basically empty. Very rude man, as this is my dads choice to wear a mask. Can’t believe he is running a restaurant serving customers, he doesn’t deserve peoples money or loyalty. Upsetting.

The best cod and chips I have ever tasted. Staff are beyond lovely and accommodating, helping us move to another table with a baby.