Whitstable Oyster Company
Welcome to Whitstable Oyster Company, a restaurant that captures the soul of the seaside with its unbeatable location on Horsebridge Road in Whitstable. Known for its rustic charm and dedication to fresh seafood, this spot has earned a reputation as one of Kent’s culinary gems. With the sea just a few steps away, the atmosphere is both relaxed and special, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
The menu is centered around the town’s most famous delicacy—oysters. Served fresh, grilled, or dressed, they are the highlight of the dining experience and often praised in reviews for their incredible freshness and briny flavor. Alongside oysters, you’ll find a variety of seafood dishes such as grilled fish, mussels, and lobster, all prepared with simplicity to let the natural flavors shine. For those who prefer something different, the kitchen also offers hearty meat options and seasonal vegetarian plates, ensuring every guest can find something to enjoy.
Stepping inside, the restaurant keeps a rustic, old-world charm with wooden tables, exposed beams, and an ambiance that feels timeless. Guests often comment on how the setting enhances the food, making the experience feel authentic and connected to Whitstable’s heritage. Pairing the meal with a glass of chilled white wine or champagne is highly recommended, especially while overlooking the sea views that add an extra touch of magic.
Located right on the waterfront, the Whitstable Oyster Company is more than just a place to eat—it’s an experience tied deeply to the town’s history. Many reviews highlight not only the quality of the food but also the warm and knowledgeable service, which makes every visit memorable.
For anyone exploring Kent’s dining locations, this restaurant is a true showcase of local flavor and tradition, combining heritage, freshness, and hospitality in one unforgettable visit.
Reviews
Fresh, tasty, well thought out menu in a charming seafront setting. We were fitted in on a Saturday evening despite not having a booking and received a lovely welcome and great service. Enjoyed a grilled oyster starter and the pan fried hake as a main course, everything tasted fresh and was presented beautifully, it's always a pleasure when the chef lets the great ingredients do the talking. Nothing was over complicated and we left feeling full but not bloated which is always good. Will definitely return but with a booking, as we only sat in the 'bar' and the main restaurant had more atmosphere.
A little light lunch with a friend turned into a full blown three course meal. The food was so very good. Mussels, sea bass, haddock and an Eton mess! Just amazing. Had been walking past manyba time, nut thus time we took the plunge. Expensive but I must say worth every penny. Would definitely not walk past again. Light and airy atmosphere. Staff attentive but not in your face.
We were lucky to have lunch at this lovely restaurant. Even though we hadn’t booked, the staff kindly found us a table. The welcome and service were warm and friendly throughout. The oysters were absolutely superb and incredibly fresh and full of flavour. We also had a deep-fried local slip sole, which was perfectly cooked: crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. To finish, we enjoyed a homemade hazelnut ice cream and a delicate elderflower sorbet, both delicious and refreshing. A real culinary gem in a charming setting. I’ll definitely be back!
Today we had lunch at the Whitstable Oyster Company, and while the food was good, the overall experience didn’t quite justify the high price tag. The oysters were fresh and enjoyable, but at the prices a little bit higher, I expected something exceptional. The mussels were decent, and the desserts were also pleasant but not particularly memorable. At £220 for a lunch, the cost felt excessive for what we received. Unfortunately, the terrace was closed, which meant we missed out on the seaside views that would have elevated the experience. Additionally, the food arrived late, which was disappointing. On the plus side, I did appreciate the restaurant’s decor, which had a charming and well-thought-out aesthetic. Overall, while the food quality was good, the high prices, service delays, and lack of outdoor seating made it a less-than-ideal experience. I would recommend it for oyster lovers willing to splurge, but if you’re looking for value for money, there are likely better options in the area.
Amazing ambiance and perfect food to match. This was the best fish and chips I have ever had. Light crispy batter with a meaty fish. Paired with slightly minty mushy peas and homemade tartare sauce with lots of cornichon in it. We also got the grilled oysters with truffle and champagne butter. I couldn’t really taste the truffle so a bit more would be nice but was delicious still. Would come back for a special occasion and enjoy wonderful food in this beautiful setting Book in advance