Best restaurants in Maidstone

Set in the beauty spot of the Kent Downs, The Chiltern Hundreds is a true ‘olde worlde’ country pub with a hearty and traditional menu to match. Offering all the pub classics made with fresh local ingredients, there’s also a children’s menu for younger diners with smaller appetites. However, it is the Sunday roast that tops the bill - esteemed by walkers and locals alike. With good food, a cosy setting and a friendly staff, the Chiltern Hundreds definitely earns its place as one of the best pubs in Maidstone.

Is there anything more comforting than a warming curry after a fun packed day out with the family or loved ones? Whether you like a mild and creamy korma or something with a touch more spice, Shamrat has got something for everyone. Authentic, affordable and appetising to boot, this is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Maidstone. Shamrat is open every day at mealtimes, but tables are available by booking only so be sure to call ahead!

Next up is a quirky Scandinavian style pub and restaurant based in the village of Langley. The Potting shed lives up to its name, with its cheery wood-clad décor, large outdoor dining area and vast array of seasonal and local produce on offer.  From plant-based power food bowls to locally sourced steaks and sourdough pizzas fired on-site, the menu caters for all tastes and diets, making this a great choice for a wholesome and filling family meal at an astonishingly affordable price.

Sometimes all you need is a comforting and welcoming pub to crash in at the end of a long adventure! Pippin is a relaxed and family-friendly pub serving a reliable and tasty menu of Green King classics. Open daily and serving food from 12 on weekdays and 10 on weekends, this is a fully accessible, dog-friendly, child-friendly space to enjoy the chicken wings, burgers or mac & cheese you know and love.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, the next on this list takes your tastebuds on a tantalising journey to the Tabernas of Spain with a menu full of traditional and freshly prepared tapas dishes. La Taberna is set in a charming rustic medieval building and run by a family who brought their passion for food from Marbella in Spain. Tapas is a food made for sharing and tasting, making this cosy spot ideal for an evening with someone special. Choose from the fine array of European wines on offer to add the finishing touch to a perfect evening.

Named after the volcano in Naples where this family-run restaurant originated, Vesuvius claims to be “the only authentic Italian in Maidstone”. Offering everything from Mamma Maria’s famous Neapolitan pizza recipe, to creamy risottos and sumptuous meatballs, Vesuvius is guaranteed to delight your tastebuds and satisfy your stomachs. With a top-tier wine list to accompany and authentic gelato awaiting you afterwards, you’ll be truly transported to the paradise of the Mediterranean for an indulgent evening at one of the very best restaurants in Maidstone.

For those of you venturing out to Leeds Castle just outside of Maidstone, the next pub on this list is the perfect pick-me-up before the drive back to Kent Coast Holiday Park. Based in the village of Hollingborne, this cosy country pub welcomes the whole family (including your four-legged friend!) to swing by for a light lunch or settle in for a full-on family feast. Satisfy your stomach with the pub classic hunter’s chicken or branch out and try the chef’s Penang curry for something a little different!

Last on the list, but by no means least is this traditional 17th-century country pub. Open daily for lunch and dinner, The Fox and Goose serves quality pub fayre including light bites, sandwiches and larger plates. If you’re there on a Tuesday evening, be sure to take advantage of the fantastic Fish n’ Chip Night Offer. Consistently rated as one of the best pubs in Maidstone, the Fox and Goose is guaranteed to keep everyone happy – adults and kids alike!

Steak is a food that must be done right to go down well – and there are none more skilled in this art than the chefs at Buenos Aires Nights restaurant. Grilled to perfection over an authentic Argentinian Parilla grill, the steaks at Buenos Aires are really something special. Winners of multiple restaurant awards, this bistro is an absolute must for an enticing and memorable evening with your loved ones. And don’t worry, for the non-meat eaters in the party there’s a tasty selection of vegetarian pastas, salads and soya burgers for you to enjoy.

Maidstone lies 23 miles southwest of Kent Coast Holiday Park - great for a day out! Both public transport and car can get you there in well under an hour. To make your way by car, follow the directions below: 

• Head west from Kent Coast, take two right turns onto Avery Way and continue for 3.8 miles on the Radcliffe Highway 

• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit andcontinue on Fenn Street/ A228 

• After 3.8 miles at Four Elms roundabout, take the third exit onto Halstead Road/ A289 

• After 3.3 miles, merge onto the M2 

• At junction 3, take the A229 exit to Maidstone