Outside dining in Folkestone: the best coastal restaurants, sea views and foodie escapes
Just 55 minutes from London St Pancras on the high-speed train, Folkestone and the surrounding Kent coastline offer the perfect escape from city life. From fresh seafood served beside the harbour to country pubs tucked away in the Kent Downs, this corner of the South East has become one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
For visitors seeking outside dining in Folkestone, there are few places in the UK where sea views, fresh local produce and independent restaurants come together so effortlessly. Whether you’re planning a weekend break, a day trip or a foodie getaway, Folkestone, Hythe and the surrounding villages offer exceptional places to eat, drink and unwind.
There’s nothing better than relaxing in the sunshine, sea breeze keeping you cool, and enjoying a delicious meal with friends and family and we’ve got so many options for you to choose from… outside dining in Folkestone never looked so good!
Outside Dining in Folkestone Starts at Harbour Arm
The beating heart of Folkestone’s revival is the Harbour Arm. Once a working railway pier connecting passengers to Europe, it has been transformed into one of the UK’s most vibrant waterfront destinations.
Stretching into the English Channel, the Harbour Arm is lined with restaurants, bars, food vendors and outdoor seating areas where visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the sea. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon soaking up the atmosphere before settling in for dinner overlooking the water.
Rocksalt – Award-Winning Dining Above the Harbour
Perched dramatically above the harbour, Rocksalt has become one of Kent’s most celebrated restaurants.
Large windows frame panoramic views across the English Channel, while the menu showcases the very best seafood and seasonal produce from Kent. Fresh Folkestone crab, Rye Bay scallops, oysters, mussels and locally landed fish feature regularly alongside premium meats and carefully sourced ingredients.
For those searching for memorable outside dining in Folkestone, the terrace offers one of the town’s most coveted spots during warmer months.
Don’t miss Rocksalt Garden from 23rd May – with a special summer BBQ menu & outside sunset DJ sets every Saturday from 5pm.
Little Rock – Relaxed Outside Dining on Folkestone Beach
Located directly on the pebbles, Little Rock offers one of the most desirable waterfront dining experiences in the area. The outside dining area is Folkestone’s very own Ibiza glam with beautiful patio furniture and unrivalled beach views.
Its outdoor seating allows diners to enjoy uninterrupted sea views while sampling fresh seafood, seasonal specials and expertly crafted cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it the ideal place for a long lunch or sunset supper by the sea.
The Pilot – Cocktails, Craft Beer and Coastal Sunsets
Just steps from the sea, The Pilot is one of Folkestone’s most popular outdoor drinking and dining destinations.
With plenty of seating overlooking the beach (think deck chairs, waltzer cars and all sorts!), guests can enjoy craft beers, wines and cocktails while watching fishing boats come and go. Arrive in the late afternoon and stay for sunset when the views become truly spectacular.
The Pullman – Historic pub gardens in the Creative Quarter
Located within Folkestone’s Creative Quarter, The Pullman blends historic railway heritage with modern hospitality – bringing a Kentish Country pub to Folkestone’s busy town centre.
Rustic interiors, a roaring fire and an array of spirits and whiskies, The Pullman is home to comforting pub classics, a cosy atmosphere and friendly service.
The menu features elevated pub classics, local ales and seasonal dishes served in a characterful setting. Outdoor seating provides a relaxed space to enjoy lunch while exploring the galleries, independent shops and creative businesses that have helped transform the town.
The Radnor Arms – A Local Favourite
Situated in Folkestone’s elegant West End, The Radnor Arms offers a contemporary take on the traditional British pub.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, quality ingredients and excellent Sunday roasts, it is a popular choice for both residents and visitors. The outside seating area is particularly popular during summer months when guests can enjoy long afternoons with food and drinks in the sunshine.
Outside Dining Beyond Folkestone
While Folkestone is packed with excellent restaurants, the neighbouring towns and villages offer equally tempting places to eat.
The Waterfront, Hythe – Dining Beside the Beach
Located directly on Hythe’s seafront, The Waterfront offers uninterrupted views across the beach and English Channel.
Fresh seafood, grilled dishes and seasonal specials are served in a bright, contemporary setting. Outdoor tables provide the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner while watching the tide roll in.
The Lazy Shack – Perfect for families
Set on ‘Fisherman’s beach’ between Hythe and Dymchurch, The Lazy Shack perfectly captures the relaxed spirit of the Kent coast.
Popular with walkers, cyclists and families, the restaurant serves excellent breakfasts, fresh seafood, locally sourced meats and homemade cakes. Its picnic tables on the pebbles makes it one of the most enjoyable outdoor dining spots in the area. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with friends and family, this beachfront restaurant is the perfect spot to relax, dine, and enjoy the gorgeous sea views.
The King’s Arms, Elham – A Country Pub Worth Discovering
Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Kent Downs, The King’s Arms offers everything visitors hope to find in a traditional English village pub.
This beautiful Grade II pub has been restored to its royal glory in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III. With local ales and craft beers, a carefully curated wine list inclusive of some of the best of the Garden of England’s wines on offer and Gastro pub food done to the very highest standard from award winning chefs, this historical pub is the perfect centrepiece to the picturesque village.
Seasonal menus, local produce and warm hospitality make it a favourite stop after exploring the surrounding countryside. The garden seating area is particularly inviting during spring and summer.
The Fish Hut – Fresh Seafood at Dungeness
A visit to Dungeness would not be complete without stopping at The Snack Shack and Fish Hut.
Set against one of Britain’s most distinctive coastal landscapes, visitors can enjoy freshly landed seafood including crab, lobster, prawns and locally caught fish. With a focus on sustainability and traceability, the fresh local ingredients and unique dishes are second-to-none.
The simple setting allows the quality of the ingredients and the dramatic scenery to speak for themselves.
Shesells Seashells – One of the Most Unique Dining Experiences on the Kent Coast
For a truly memorable meal, head to Shesells Seashells on Platform 3 of Folkestone Harbour Arm.
Housed within beautifully restored vintage railway carriages overlooking the sea, this family-run restaurant has become one of Folkestone’s hidden gems. The setting alone makes it worth visiting, but the food is equally impressive.
Fresh moules, lobster, shellfish and locally landed seafood take centre stage, accompanied by premium Kentish produce and award-winning Chapel Down wines. Signature dishes such as Moules Marinière and Thai mussels have earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
With outdoor seating overlooking the harbour and uninterrupted sea views, it is a standout destination for anyone seeking exceptional outside dining in Folkestone.
Why Folkestone Has Become a Foodie Destination
What makes Folkestone so appealing is the combination of outstanding restaurants, stunning coastal scenery and easy access from London.
Visitors can spend the morning exploring the Creative Quarter, enjoy lunch overlooking the harbour, walk along the coast and finish the day with dinner as the sun sets across the Channel. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is exceptional and the views are unforgettable.
Outside Dining in Folkestone: Your Perfect Coastal Escape
From harbour-side seafood feasts and waterfront cocktails to charming country pubs and beachfront cafés, outside dining in Folkestone offers something for every taste and occasion.
Just under an hour from London, Folkestone, Hythe and the surrounding villages have become one of the South East’s most exciting food destinations. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break, a day by the sea or a culinary adventure, you’ll find outstanding restaurants, spectacular views and plenty of reasons to return.
If you’re searching for the best outside dining in Folkestone, there’s never been a better time to discover Kent’s Creative Coast.