Restaurant in Margate, United Kingdom
Margate's seafood spot that earns repeat visits.
Buoy and Oyster on Margate's High Street is worth returning to for the bar program alone. The drinks list is oriented around seafood pairings, the solo dining setup is comfortable, and it books easier than most comparable Margate spots. Go for a glass and a plate; stay longer than you planned.
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.
| Venue | Price | Booking Difficulty | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buoy and Oyster | Easy | — | |
| Sargasso | ££ | Unknown | — |
| Angela's | ££ | Unknown | — |
| Bottega Caruso | ££ | Unknown | — |
| Sète | ££ | Unknown | — |
| Dory’s of Margate | Unknown | — |
Comparing your options in Margate for this tier.
The clue is in the name: oysters are the anchor of the menu and the reason most people make the trip to 44 High St. Go for the freshest shellfish options available on the day rather than over-planning around a fixed dish. If you're comparing with Angela's down the road, Buoy and Oyster leans harder into the raw bar and briny end of the menu, while Angela's covers more ground with cooked plates.
Book at least a week out for weekends, two weeks in peak summer when Margate draws its biggest crowds. The High Street location in the old town makes it a natural stop for day-trippers, which means weekend sittings fill earlier than you'd expect for a town this size. Midweek lunches are your best bet for a last-minute table.
Yes. A seafood-focused counter-style setup suits solo diners well, and the High Street address at CT9 1DS puts you in the middle of Margate's most walkable stretch, so arriving alone doesn't feel like an occasion requiring explanation. It's a more relaxed solo proposition than Bottega Caruso, which skews more couple-forward in its atmosphere.
A shellfish-forward menu means pescatarians are well served, but if you're avoiding seafood altogether, the menu will work against you. Speak to the team directly when booking if you have specific allergen concerns, particularly around shellfish cross-contact, which is a real consideration at any raw bar operation. Sète is a stronger option in Margate if you need a more flexible, land-and-sea menu.
Keep this venue in your Pearl passport, rate it after you visit, and track it alongside every other place you collect.
