Buoy and Oyster

Should You Book Buoy and Oyster?

If you've already eaten at Buoy and Oyster once, you know the answer: yes, go back. This High Street address in Margate's old town punches above its postcode on the drinks side, making it one of the more credible options in a town that has seen a wave of new openings over the past few years. The bar program here is worth treating as a destination in itself, not just a warm-up to the food. For a returning visitor, that's the thing to lean into on a second visit.

Margate's food and drink scene has changed meaningfully in recent years, and Buoy and Oyster has moved with it. The venue sits on the High Street at number 44, a short walk from the seafront and the Turner Contemporary, which means it catches both the weekend day-trip crowd and the more settled local dining contingent. The combination gives the room a range you don't always find in Margate's smaller independents.

On the drinks front, this is the place in Margate to pay attention to what's in the glass. The bar program is oriented around seafood-friendly pairings — the kind of selection that complements a plate of oysters without overcomplicating the order. If you're comparing it to the more food-focused approach at Angela's or the Italian-leaning list at Bottega Caruso, Buoy and Oyster's bar credentials give it a distinct identity. It's also an easier booking than either of those on most nights, which matters when you're planning a Margate trip around dining.

For solo diners, the bar format works well. You're not marooned at a table for two; the counter dynamic suits a single diner arriving for a glass and a few plates without the awkwardness that sometimes comes with solo restaurant dining. That said, if you're after a full seafood dinner with serious kitchen ambition, Angela's remains the stronger call for that specific brief.

Booking is easy by Margate standards. Walk-ins are realistic on weeknights; weekends during summer and bank holidays deserve a reservation. For broader Margate planning, see our full Margate restaurants guide, our full Margate bars guide, and our full Margate hotels guide.