Eat & Drink
Deal gets very busy in summer. Book the places below before your stay wherever you can.
Book these before you arrive
Best for: a special dinner
A beautiful, Japanese-inspired restaurant overlooking the seafront in Deal. The food is interesting and quietly adventurous, but the atmosphere stays relaxed rather than formal. This is one of our absolute favourites and one to reserve well ahead during summer.
83 Beach Street, Deal
Best for: a long lunch, dinner or drinks in town
A stylish but welcoming hotel, bar and restaurant on Deal High Street. The food is elevated comfort food, and it is equally good for breakfast, lunch, drinks or a proper evening meal. It is open seven days, although meal times vary through the week.
91 High Street, Deal
Best for: a destination meal or special occasion
A beautiful restored farmhouse in the countryside just outside Deal, with an Italian-leaning, seasonal menu and a lovely garden setting. Go early for a drink and make an evening of it. Updown serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but booking well ahead is essential in summer.
Updown Road, Betteshanger
Best for: the closest pint, lunch by the sea and a cosy Sunday roast
The local. The Zetland sits directly on Kingsdown Beach on Wellington Parade, with tables overlooking the water and a garden behind the pub. Come straight from the beach for a drink, or book for lunch or dinner, particularly on sunny weekends.
Drinks, sharing plates and easy evenings
Best for: wine, oysters and a relaxed evening
A small, characterful wine shop and bar on Deal High Street. Come for French wine, cocktails, oysters, terrines, cheese and sharing boards. It is the sort of place where one glass can easily turn into an entire evening. Check opening days before making plans, as they can vary.
102 High Street, Deal
Best for: breakfast or lunch with the best view in town
Walk to the end of Deal Pier for brunch, lunch, coffee and wide views back towards the seafront. Daytime tables are generally walk-in rather than bookable. Friday and Saturday Steak & Lobster evenings are booking-only, with dates released monthly.
Coffee, breakfast and lunch
Best for: coffee on the beach
A little wooden café on the pebbles at Walmer, serving coffee, doorstop sandwiches, large sausage rolls and cake. Sit outside on a deckchair or pick something up as part of a walk along the seafront. Opening can be seasonal, so check before setting off.
Best for: lunch and coffee while exploring Deal
A favourite independent café in the centre of town, serving speciality coffee, brunch, salads, toasties, sandwiches and homemade cakes. There is plenty of seating, including a larger upstairs table, and takeaway is available.
16 High Street, Deal
Treatments and time out
The treatment rooms above The Blue Pelican offer massages, facials, body treatments, yoga and workshops in a peaceful seafront setting. Treatments can fill quickly at weekends and during summer holidays, so reserve before arriving. Let them know in advance about any access requirements, as the rooms are on the top floor.
Above The Blue Pelican, 83 Beach Street