Best places to eat in Canterbury for all budgets  

ByBev and Shams

Canterbury isn’t all about the famous cathedral and ancient ruins; it’s a food lover’s dream.  

Whether you’re craving a fine-dining experience, a cozy pub lunch, or a bite to eat in a cafe, there is something for every taste. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Canterbury for every budget, from cozy cafes, or hidden gems.  

You’ll discover the spots that you must stop, to feed your hunger.  

So, grab a fork, and let’s start eating some tasty foods. 

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Best places to eat in Canterbury for all budgets 

When it comes to dining in Canterbury, you don’t need a big budget.  

We stumbled upon some amazing spots that were cozy and affordable.  

And here are our favourite places to visit in Canterbury:  

Café du Soleil 

Cafe du Soleil is set in a beautifully restored 18th century wool store, right beside the river.  

This charming Mediterranean restaurant serves up the best wood-fired pizzas, pastas, curries and so much more.  

It has a cozy atmosphere and offers romantic river views.  

The locals recommended this lovely cafe, after our nature reserve punting, so we decided to give it a try. 

We would highly recommend any of their pizzas, but our standout was the spiced lamb pizza.  

It has garlic, spinach, tomato, mozzarella, feta, red onion, and harissa mint yoghurt. That mint yoghurt drizzled on the top, really rounded the whole dish off. 

We’d also recommend the Aubergine Gratin for a starter with some Mediterranean bread.  

After a long day of sightseeing in Canterbury, this is the perfect location for a casual meal, date night, or a relaxed lunch.  

Average price: £15–£35 per main 

Book a table: Cafe du Soleil

The Pound 

There is something a little different with the Pound. 

The restaurant is located within the 19th century jail and former police station next to Westgate Towers. Making this a unique place to eat in Canterbury.  

Try out one of the burgers; the spicy rum fired jerk chicken burger sounds like a feast, served alongside coconut and herb slaw, chilli relish and fries.  

We only stopped for a tea break but wish we had tried the spicy burger. Maybe next time.  

Although the terrace is a lovely spot to enjoy a meal or a cup of tea, for a more unique experience, enjoy your meal in a former prison cell.  

Let’s hope that prison doors don’t slam shut though.  

Average price: £10-£35 per main 

Book a table: The Pound

Lazix Cafe 

This is a fantastic little cafe, hidden just off the main high street in Canterbury.  

This lovely cafe offers all day brunch with a view of the spires of Canterbury Cathedral.  

But don’t be misled by the compact interior, because there is plenty of available seating on the first floor.  

Order fresh sandwiches, homemade cakes, or healthy brunch options. 

We ordered a healthy avocado on toast and eggs royal. The portions are generous with two brioche buns, packed with smoked salmon and two poached eggs.  

The price was perfectly reasonable, with each dish less than £10 each. And the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming.  

This is the kind of place where you can relax, chat with friends, and admire the views. 

Average price: £4-£15 

Sliced green avocade, with red cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and chili flakes on three slices of toasted sourdough bread
The healthy option of avocado on toast

Pho 

If you are craving something a little different to the British fare you might have been eating, then Pho will bring you a taste of Vietnam. 

Their menu features aromatic noodle soups, spicy curries, and crunchy spring rolls. 

The atmosphere was very chilled and relaxed, which is ideal if you are looking for a casual lunch or dinner. 

Shams tried Vietnamese prawn curry noodle soup, which was spicy, but delicious. While I tried chicken curry with rice, it was like a party in my mouth, with the depth of flavour.  

The portion sizes of our dishes were so large that we couldn’t finish either of our dishes.  

Average price: £10-£20 

Book a table: Pho

Conclusion 

You should now have a good idea of the best places to eat in Canterbury that’s suitable for every budget.  

Our personal favourites must be Lazix Cafe next to the Roman Museum, as it’s affordable and in a prime location.  

If you’re looking for different cuisines, then Cafe du Soleil and Pho are a must, although a little more mid to upper range of the budget.  

But Canterbury isn’t defined by its food; it’s also about connecting with the city’s history and learning something new along the way.  

Have you visited Canterbury? Do you have any recommendations on where to eat in Canterbury? Maybe you can’t wait to try one of these. Let us know in the comments below.  

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Bev and Shams

Bev & Shams are the UK-based duo behind Bev & Shams Adventures, a trusted budget travel blog that helps everyday travellers see more of the world for less. Travelling around full-time jobs, they’ve perfected the art of affordable adventures, from finding great-value destinations to sharing practical travel tips that make budgeting easy. Through years of experience and countless trips, Bev & Shams have built a loyal community of travellers who want to explore the world without overspending.