Canterbury is well known for its history, its universities, its thriving art scene and, of course, its magnificent cathedral, but most people don’t realise that this south-east Kentish town is also a bit of a foodie heaven on the down-low! From locally grown organic and vegan menus to gastro pubs, indie cafes, and some of the top brand names that you’d probably associate more with the London scene, there are restaurants in Canterbury to suit every possible taste.

The indie food scene is strong in Canterbury, so don’t miss out on any of these fantastic local and family-owned restaurants if you’re looking for a place to eat in the town centre.

Found next door to the Sidney Cooper Art Gallery, Mezze Bar & Grille is an ideal spot for anyone who likes classic Turkish food served with flair. They offer a range of traditional dishes from lamb shish and falafel to kavurma and baklava, along with a great selection of wines and cocktails.

Found just down the road from Canterbury West railway station, the Goods Shed is a wonderful restaurant with outdoor seating in a pretty garden or indoor tables that overlook the rest of this charming local farmer’s market. The menu constantly changes with the seasons and is all produced from locally sourced goods, from the fresh meat cuts to the oven-fresh breads and rolls in the bakery. It’s hard to get a more true taste of the heart of Kent than this!

Sitting right on the Stour River, the Cafe du Soleil gives a little taste of the Mediterranean in central Kent. Enjoy a taste of sunshine all year round with prosciutto and carpaccio on the beautiful outdoor terrace, or soak in some history with more locally sourced dishes in the 18th century brick interior. Chocoholics in particular won’t want to miss the Valrohna dark chocolate brownie, served with white chocolate ice cream for a double choccie hit.

Grab a sombrero and swing by Tacos Locos in Canterbury for a swinging Mexican party atmosphere with your meal. With an extensive cocktail menu of over fifty drinks, plus lunch tapas options and a delicious dinner menu, this is one that tex-mex fans can’t afford to miss.

Meaning “invitation” in Arabic, Azouma specialises in Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine and has been open for over fifteen years. There’s a fantastic lunchtime buffet for those who want to try a little of everything, or you can stop by for a full sit-down evening meal in a beautifully decorated traditional atmosphere.

Showcasing the finest Kent produce in “simple food, done well,” the Corner House is located in a former 16th century coaching inn just outside the old city walls, and has an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work preparing your meal. It also has guest rooms, if you’re looking for a place to stay with amazing food built in!

If you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine but fancy something more than a takeaway, the Ambrette is the perfect place for you. From exotic Sunday roasts to bottomless Thali Tuesdays and an astonishingly good value twelve course tasting menu, this chic modern restaurant also offers a set price lunch menu and has live piano music every weekend as well as selected week nights.

Set in Canterbury’s former old gaol and police station, One Pound Lane is hard to beat for atmosphere. A range of traditional dishes, including some amazing burgers, are served throughout the day in the bar and the old jail cells and terrace on a walk-in basis, or grab a reservation for the outstanding Sunday roasts menu. You can even work up your appetite by experiencing the escape rooms in the attached towers before you dine!

East meets West at the Korean Cowgirl, a smokehouse with a difference that blends spicy oriental cuisine with the big, smoky flavours of Texas barbeque. The burgers also come in vegan and gluten free options that don’t compromise on flavour, but make sure you get there early if you want a taste of the slow-cooked overnight brisket - it’s made fresh each time and when it’s gone for the day, it’s gone until tomorrow.

A family-run Italian restaurant in the heart of Canterbury’s town centre, Pinnochio’s offers a range of lovingly hand-made dishes from pizza to gnocchi, tagliatelle and ravioli. Round off your meal with their amazing Nutella dessert pizza, sprinkled with hazelnuts and icing sugar for a sweet treat with a cheeky twist.

Eat like a local with a meal at the homely and cosy Marlowe’s just over the river, ideally placed for grabbing a bite before or after a show at the Marlowe Theatre. Don’t skip the specialty starter platter, as it will only help whet your appetite.

The stylish but flavourful buffet at Chom Chom is hard to resist given its sheer variety; everything from grilled Indian marinated skewers, exotic Thai curries, Chinese stir-fries, Continental dishes, salads, speciality naan breads, and the famously unlimited helpings of Chom Chom’s soup of the day.

The Old Weavers Restaurant is a mainstay of the Canterbury high street, set in a 16th century timbered building right on the river, with its own beautiful riverside garden. As well as breakfasts and classic pub-type fare, the restaurant specialises in a range of delicious homemade pies and traditional roast dinners, including scrumptious British desserts like treacle sponge pudding.

Grab a spot of lunch in a cheery Kentish pub, or stay in for a bite after your evening beer. There are dozens of great pub restaurants in Canterbury, but we’ve picked out just a few of the highlights.

A true high street institution, the Cricketer’s offers classic British pub food in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with a wood-burning stove keeping the place cosy in the colder months, and a sunny courtyard garden for when the weather is more cheerful.

Self-described as a rock ‘n’ roll bar, the Lady Luck offers a relaxing and dog-friendly craft ale and pub food spot during the day, before transforming into a punk haven at night with alternative DJs, ska bands and rave music after 8pm.

With a laid-back atmosphere and casual outdoor seating, the Black Griffin offers classic pub fare as well as a selection of local ales and cocktails. The staff are always happy to suggest what’s good on tap to newcomers, and there’s also live music some nights.

There’s a charmingly olde-worlde exterior to the Bishop’s Finger, and the local crowd is usually lively and friendly. It’s a great spot to catch the latest on the footie while you chow down on bar snacks and classic burgers.

Found at the far end of the King’s Mile, a short walk from the city centre, the Dolphin has great BBQ food in huge portions, with a large outdoor beer garden to catch the rays before, during, or after your meal.

A bit further out from the main city centre, but well worth the extra effort to reach, the Old Bev - as it is known locally - is a favourite spot for anyone who likes to mix pub grub with a spicy flair. Their chilli beef nachos are almost legendary, and it’s hard to beat the infamous Grande Tower for anyone in a group with a big appetite.

From the names here you might think you’re lost in Covent Garden or the West End - but no, this is still Canterbury, with an amazing range of big name and brand restaurants to choose from right in the heart of the city.

Smack bang in the middle of the Whitefriars Centre near the bus station, Bill’s offers indoor and outdoor dining with its usual American style.

Typically packed, and not just with local students, the Wagamama in Canterbury offers indoor bench seating and the usual menu options to have in or take away.

For a touch of higher-end class in your dining experience, the Côte Brasserie in Canterbury sits in the trendy Longmarket area on a small square, with locally sourced ingredients.

Set in the old Post Office building, the Prezzo in Canterbury provides modern Italian fusion fare in spacious and semi-luxe surroundings, ideal for going upmarket without breaking the bank.

Set in a quaint little old building full of cute decor and old period features, the ASK Italian in Canterbury is a great spot to enjoy the brand’s usual Italian menu.

With a picturesque outdoor patio for al fresco dining, or a sleek wooden interior with upstairs period features and wood beams, Wildwood in Canterbury offers a great twist on modern European cuisine options.

It’s hard to beat Zizzi’s for casual pizza and pasta, and this charming incarnation sits in an old-fashioned building that packs tables cosily into all the nooks and crannies, or you can enjoy the spacious garden seating in the summer.

Sometimes you just need a cheeky Nando’s, eh? The one in Canterbury has plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, and also offers local delivery and pickup.

From the stylish bistro of Oscar & Bentley’s to indie haven Stag Coffee & Kitchen, there are no shortage of places to eat in the city centre. These are just a few of the top restaurants in Canterbury, but there are plenty of other options from a sit-down meal to a quick bite with a cuppa, or even some top-notch street food to munch while you window shop. Make the most of your visit to Canterbury as a little-known foodie haven, and be sure to try every indie coffee shop and bakery at least once; sure, there’s a Costa in Whitefriars, but wouldn’t you rather support a local business with a tea and a scone at Tiny Tim’s Tearoom, or swing by the little hole-in-the-wall Burgate Coffee House rather than the Greggs that sits on the high street?

There’s plenty to do and see in Canterbury, and no reason not to get a good taste of English (and other) cuisine while you’re here. Take a look at our recommendations for the best books to read before visiting England, and don’t forget to check out how to make an offer on a hotel room with hoo for a bargain on your next stay, wherever it is.