Our seaside home of Margate has been a traditional holiday destination for Londoners since the 19th Century; with its sandy beaches making it a leading holiday resort, especially for those wishing for an escape from the city. Today, Margate has been dubbed ‘Shoreditch by the sea’ and rated by The Times as the third trendiest place in the UK, beating cities such as Bristol and London! If the art galleries, retro shops and vintage rides at Dreamland aren’t enough to persuade you to visit, the food certainly should. Margate has a huge foodie scene, home to a handful of award-winning restaurants, you’ll find this seaside town to be incredibly vegan-friendly.
Here's where to get the best vegan food in Margate this summer...
Giant
5 Market Street, CT9 1EU
This totally Instagrammable coffee shop is new in town, and wow have they made a splash! This small but perfectly formed cafe serves up an exciting menu of hot and cold drinks (all of which can be made with an array of plant-based milks) as well as delicious vegan toasties and sweet treats. There's plenty of cosy corners to curl up in, or why not take your goodies to go and walk 30 seconds to the seafront?
What to order: blueberry iced matcha (with coconut milk) and a truffle mushroom toastie.
Pomus
9 The Centre, CT9 1JG
A beautiful new wine bar, restaurant and bottle shop located in the heart of Margate. Serving up food by MasterChef finalist Tony Rodd, their menu changes monthly to feature the very best of local produce. Their low-waste menu features some tasty and creative vegan options. Tony says "“we want people to come in and say ’brilliant’ because they do not have to feel awkward by asking for changes." Their menu is also 100% gluten free.
What to order: ask your server for their favourite small plate and wine pairing.
Tins & Fins
21 Eastern Esplanade, CT9 2HL
Enjoy a menu full of exciting Filipino fusion dishes by the British seaside! With an innovative menu curated by Exec Chef Frances Puyat full of bold fusion flavour. This laidback spot is loved by locals and day-trippers alike. Whilst their focus is primarily on seafood, they do have some delicious vegan options. The perfect place to enjoy small plates, cocktails, sea views and a beer garden.
What to order: shitake Mushroom tofu dinuguan bento box with a beer.
Feast club @ The Bus Cafe
Royal Cres Promenade, CT9 5AJ
This all vegetarian spot is super vegan-friendly! Serving up incredible corn dogs right on the seafront. Choose from classic combos such as mustard and crispy onions or more unique toppings including kimchi or spicy caramelised pineapple. They also have some seriously delicious vegan ice cream sandwiches on the menu, but be quick if you want to grab one of these! They're open Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm onwards, the perfect spot to grab a bite and watch the sunset.
What to order: 'The Spike' with a side of mac 'n' cheeze.
Palms Pizzeria
Unit 16 The Centre, CT9 1JG
A New York inspired pizza-by-the-slice joint located in The Centre, just off the High Street. Serving up a delicious selection of changing vegan specials, their veggie options can be made vegan too. Located just opposite popular event space Where Else?, you can even get your pizza delivered to you whilst you enjoy live music there. Bridging the gap between fast-food and a higher-end dining experience, Palms is the perfect spot to grab the best pizza in Margate. In fact, co-owner Josh even won the Pizza Chef of the Year and the Bloggers’ Choice award at the 2023 National Pizza Awards.
What to order: vegan pesto broccoli slice and a pickleback shot.
Thao Thao
18 King Street, CT9 1DA
Vietnamese cuisine with a French touch. Born out of owner Nathalie's desire for a taste of home, Thao Thao was born in 2022 at Margate’s Old Kent Market before she moved into her own premises in the centre of the Old Town. The majority of their small, seasonal menu can be made vegan, so you don't have to miss out. If you need a pick-me-up, don’t skip the Vietnamese drip-filter coffee with vegan coconut condensed milk.
What to order: soy tofu banh mi with coconut pearls for dessert.
Bottega Caruso
2-4 Broad St, CT9 1EW
One of Margate's most popular spots, getting a table here isn't easy but it is oh-so-worth the wait! A truly authentic Italian spot where the food is made with love. The fresh pasta is as delicious as you’d expect, and they always have vegan options available, as well as gluten free. They may not always have all their vegan options listed on the menu so it is always best to ask. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, so you're in safe hands. Oh, and don't miss out on the vegan burrata, which is also available to purchase in their La Cantina shop.
What to order: whatever comes recommended by your server.
Oast
68 Northdown Rd, CT9 2RL
If you're looking for a not-so-hidden local gem, you need to get yourself to Oast. Located on the vibrant Northdown Road in Cliftonville, Oast is packed with locals from open 'til close. And it's no surprise why. Will and Charlotte's hugely popular neighbourhood bakery and café serves up some of the best bread in Margate (and probably even the UK) as well as ciabatta sandwiches, pizza slices and sweet buns. They always have a decent vegan selection that even your non-vegan friends will want to order. Their coffee is also top notch.
What to order: an orange and cardamom bun with oat flat white.
Sub Rosa
24 King St, CT9 1DA
In the heart of Margate's Old Town you'll find the greatest New York-style bagels outside of New York. Sub Rosa bake all their own bagels, fresh each morning. This means that once they're gone, they're gone, so be sure to head down early to avoid disappointment. Their fillings are all made from the best quality local ingredients. They have one delicious vegan option on their permanent menu, aptly named 'The Vegan' but also offer up occasional vegan specials such as a ploughmans with all the trimmings.
What to order: The Vegan alongside a seltzer.
Dive / High Dive
Unit 6 Margate Harbour Arm, CT9 1AP / 121 High Street, CT9 1JT
Craving tacos with a sea view? You're going to love Dive. Born out of co-owner and Southern Californian native Benjamin's desire to recreate the tacos he had grown up with. He teamed up with his friend Kirstie, and cooking for friends lead to pop-up restaurants which eventually turned into Dive. Their entirely gluten-free menu is small and carefully curated, with some tasty vegan options. Don't miss the team's larger second location, High Dive, located on Margate High Street, which is new for 2024, with a larger menu and indoor seating.
What to order: the mung bean taco and a mezcal margarita.
Mori Mori
80 Northdown Road, CT9 2RE
Get a taste of Tokyo on the East Kent coast. Mori Mori serves up Japanese-inspired izakaya dishes and bento boxes. The restaurant combines locally sourced, seasonal produce with authentic Japanese ingredients. From fresh sushi boxes to bowls of steaming noodles, their dishes are all similarly comforting. Set in a cool, clean, laidback space in the heart of Cliftonville, Mori Mori is great for date nights and casual lunches with friends alike. They have a good range of vegan dishes and a changing menu, so you will never get bored.
What to order: tofu ramen and soy milk ice cream with miso caramel for dessert.
The George & Heart
44 King St, CT9 1QE
This grade II listed building is situated on the corner of King Street and Hawley Street in Margate Old Town. A beautifully cosy pub and restaurant serving up some brilliant vegan food. With changing, seasonal menus and the best vegan roast on the coast, there's a lot to love about the George & Heart. Their menu always focuses on fresh, Kentish produce and is served up in a relaxing atmosphere. During the summer they also open up their courtyard, the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the crowds.
What to order: a Sunday roast with a slice of seasonal plant-based cheesecake
Follow the Swirl
12a King St, CT9 1DA
Bringing a taste of New Zealand to the Kentish coast, Follow the Swirl serves up delicious real fruit ice cream made fresh to order. Using the best fruit grown by farmers across Kent mixed with your choice of Jersey Dairy milk or delicious vegan nut base. As well as their seasonal offerings of real fruit ice cream, they also have a changing menu of slushies and sundaes that can all be made vegan!
What to order: white lotus sundae and an oat flat white slushie.
Other honourable mentions include Ty-8, an Asian-fusion restaurant serving a wide range of mock meats including crispy chilli beef and duck pancakes and GB Pizza Co, who offer vegan cheese on their pizzas as well as changing vegan desserts. Gina's Old Kent Bakery have the best range of vegan-friendly pastries, breads and other treats plus their Chelsea buns are infamously huge and delicious! We also want to mention The Grain Grocer who serve a delicious range of organic salads and smoothies.
