Where to eat in Deal

Mia Rodriguez

Mia is acting deputy editor (audiences) at delicious., looking after the brand’s social channels and newsletter. She started her career as a freelance writer, creating content for restaurants, authors and brands. She trained at Leiths School of Food and Wine and spent some time cheffing before joining the delicious. team. Born and raised in London, she now lives by the sea in Kent.

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Deal is a quintessential English seaside town that’s rediscovered its culinary mojo in recent years. You’re bound to find a new favourite pub, hotel or arcade here. If you’re planning a trip to Deal or nearby towns, be sure to check out these hotspots.

Cherub’s
This newbie popped up above The Bohemian pub and is now doing a residency at Frog and Scot. Expect French bistro-style plates (I loved the tender lamb, radicchio and punchy anchovy cream), with fresh fish, shareable côte de boeuf and adventurous options – ox tongue and goat chops. You can tell that chef Jakob Grant is also a butcher (at the The Black Pig around the corner) as all the meaty dishes are cooked to perfection.

Jenkins & Son Fishmongers and Poulterers
This fourth-generation fishmonger, famous for supplying fish to restaurants near and far, has recently opened its own street food bar on the high street. Expect zesty fish tacos, skewers, lobster baguettes and crispy fish buns, plus products including smoked eel pâté, dressed crabs and seafood platters. Pick up some treats to take to the beach or for a train snack on the way home. If you’re staying nearby, you can also arrange home delivery. Husband-and-wife duo Darren Jenkins and Sacha Taylor are also planning on expanding into a restaurant with a terrace. Watch this space!

The Blue Pelican
The owners of The Rose are to thank for The Blue Pelican, a Japanese-inspired restaurant on Deal seafront. It’s intimate and welcoming for groups and solo diners alike. Small plates are generous – try the crab croquettes and the pumpkin tempura with fermented honey [pictured below], paired with crisp natural wines. Umami-rich clay-baked rice comes served with meltingly rich beef rib or roast chestnuts and chard – big enough for three. Expect the unexpected here, as one moment you might be eating lamb hearts and the next you’ll be heading upstairs for a yoga class or massage.

Frog and Scot
The kitchen has been taken over by Cherub’s (see above) but whether you’re after cocktails or coffee, this is very welcoming. There are creative small plates, bar snacks, cocktails and classic French mains. Be sure to pay a visit to their sister wine shop and bar Le Pinadier too, where they serve French cheeses and coastal rilletes (crab, seabass, yuzu, smoked trout and more).

Zetland Arms
Find this pub on Kingsdown beach (recently taken over by the owners of The Rose and The Blue Pelican). From Swedish-inspired breakfast buns and beach menus (pints of prawns, bowls of mussels, etc) to reasonable set dinner menus (two courses for £20), this dog/child/sand-friendly pub is a must-visit. Take a seat out the front (a literal stone’s throw from the sea) and see if you can spot France in the distance.

Updown Farmhouse
While not technically in Deal, the gorgeous Updown Farmhouse is a 10-minute drive away. Their guest chef series kicked off in February this year with menus from the likes of Jeremy Lee, Shuko Oda, Dom Fernando, and Rose Chalalai Singh.

“Kent’s latest holiday destination is all about the food, which is elegant, uncomplicated and will have you wanting to lick the plate,” says delicious. team member Thea Everett. “The garden kitchen, light-filled dining room and lawn for lounging are a slice of serenity just 10 minutes out of Deal town centre, and dinner and breakfast are both served here.” Read our full review.