Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Canterbury

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining in Canterbury? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Prince of Wales Hoath

4.9

4.9 (167)

£25 and under

Contemporary British

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Experience a true English country pub at the Prince of Wales, nestled in the peaceful village of Hoath near Canterbury, Kent. Known for its warm hospitality, dog-friendly welcome, and classic charm, our pub is a favourite with both locals and visitors.

Step inside and enjoy the timeless atmosphere of a traditional Kent pub, where good company and hearty food come together. Our menu features locally sourced ingredients, from classic pub favourites to seasonal dishes, designed to suit every taste.

With a wide choice of real ales, wines, and spirits, plus a large garden perfect for summer dining, the Prince of Wales is the ideal place to relax. Families, friends, and four-legged companions are always welcome.

Whether you’re looking for one of the best pubs near Canterbury, a dog-friendly pub in Kent, or simply a cosy spot for food and drink, the Prince of Wales offers the perfect setting. Join us and discover why our pub is celebrated as one of Kent’s hidden gems.

Top review

Jan

Dined 7 days ago

We all thoroughly enjoyed our lunch yesterday and will certainly be back. Thank you

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Experience

Festive Menu

The Fordwich Arms Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (485)

£41 and over

Gastro Pub

Canterbury

About the restaurant

The Michelin Starred, Fordwich Arms, located in the smallest town in England, dates as far back as 1828. Draped in ivory and wisteria in the most picturesque location over looking the Great River Stour, the perfect setting for an idyllic summers lunch. Boasting open fireplaces for the colder winter months, creating a cosy and welcoming ambiance.
Daniel and Natasha Smith took over The Fordwich Arms in 2017 and were awarded a Michelin Star within the first year, as well as being in the top 100 gastro pubs in the UK, multiple culinary awards, notable wine awards and various other accredits, a testament to their hair work and talent.
The seasonal menus focus on provenance, showcasing the best of local Kentish ingredients, sourced directly from local farms and producers. Dan's cooking is accomplished yet approachable, served in a relaxed pub environment with a choice of a la carte or tasting menus.

Top review

Matt

Dined 3 days ago

We had a very enjoyable lunch at the fordwich arms. Our table of four was next to the fire which was welcome on a chilly day. Service was excellent and the food equally as good. We went for the 3 course option with all courses fantastic and snacks were great too. This was my fourth time to the fordwich arms and will definitely be back again. Highly recommend!

The Red Lion

4.9

4.9 (237)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Leaveland

About the restaurant

Free house. Open every day. Gluten free kitchen (Coeliac UK accredited). Large patio and garden. Open fires in the winter. Dog friendly . Families welcome

Top review

Wendy

Dined 6 days ago

Cosy, inviting, comfortable, great service, lovely friendly staff, superb food, perfect!

The Corner House - Canterbury

4.8

4.8 (369)

£26 to £40

British

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Dining in our Restaurant
The Corner House Canterbury is an independently owned restaurant situated on the outskirts of Canterbury city walls, serving British produce, locally sourced.
The restaurant opened in July 2016 and is a one of Canterbury’s most popular venues to visit. The 16th Century former coach house, overlooks the city walls and its beautiful refurbishment retains lots of its original character.

Our main restaurant seats up to 40 guests where you can watch our chefs at work in our open kitchen. We have recently opened our second dining room which looks out onto our beautiful garden, ideal for large gathering and available for private dining which seats up to 26 guests.

With 5 beautiful and characterful en suite guest rooms, it is the perfect place to stay when visiting Canterbury. Just a minute’s walk from Holman’s Meadow car park and a short walk from Canterbury East train station and the city’s the main bus station, it is so easily accessible for your visit.

Top review

Grant

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

This is a great venue, food was amazing travel for work so have eaten in a lot of places and this is one of the best, Staff were great, friendly and welcoming. Please do not be put off by location as perception will fail you, it is well worth a visit and meal with great selection of wines and service being spot on. Price reasonable for non standard dishes which make for something different from the normal, which is nice if you like to try something different. Shall 100% be returning with family as this time around was for wife birthday.

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Experience

Boxing Day

Experience

New Year's Eve Celebration!

The Korean Cowgirl at Canterbury Riverside with Cheeky Ramen

4.8

4.8 (886)

£26 to £40

Barbecue

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Our Korean Cowgirl comes back to Canterbury bigger and better than ever...

The Korean Cowgirl Riverside Canterbury Restaurant provides a unique blend of Texas and Asian culture and cuisine. Here at the Cowgirl we mean true low and slow smoked BBQ, cooked for hours over only real wood, no short cuts. Our Amazing wings and boneless bites are double fried for that crisp sensation. Come and experience western dining for yourself.

Top review

Steve

Dined on Oct 24, 2026

Great service, great food, very friendly and attentive staff 5*

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Experience

Fridays special 2026

Experience

Kids Eat For Free | Christmas Holidays

The Black Robin

4.7

4.7 (17)

£26 to £40

Gastro Pub

Canterbury

About the restaurant

A warm welcome to The Black Robin. We are a traditional Kentish pub located in the picturesque village of Kingston, about 15 minutes drive south from Canterbury. Dating back to around 1740, The Black Robin is nestled in the heart of the Elham valley, in the Kent Downs Area Of Outstanding Natural beauty, and enjoys views across the countryside.

We serve the best Kentish ales, a carefully selected wine list which includes many award winning English wines, and a freshly cooked menu of British classics and seasonal favorites, all made from the very best locally sourced produce.

Whether you're after a relaxing few hours sipping a pint of real Kentish ale by roaring log fire, a fresh and wholesome dinner with a chilled glass of wine or a cup of coffee or two with friends, The Black Robin is the perfect place to relax and unwind in good company.

We hope to see you soon!

Top review

sarah

Dined on Oct 13, 2026

Lovely appearance and atmosphere in a truly great country pub. Excellent food and drink served by very polite, friendly, professional and helpful staff. Highly recommended!

The Bridge Arms

4.6

4.6 (226)

£41 and over

Modern European

Canterbury

About the restaurant

The Bridge Arms is nestled within the beautiful rural village of Bridge situated within the Nailbourne Valley 2.5km South of the cathedral city of Canterbury. Originally a coaching inn, The Bridge Arms dates back to the 16th century, once a baiting house the grade II listed pub boasts large original fireplaces for the winter months and sparse outside garden with outside bar for the warmer summer months.

This iconic pub has undergone a transformation under the new ownership of Daniel and Natasha Smith (owners of The Michelin Starred Fordwich Arms) in 2021, restoring the pub to its former glory.

Now run by Elliot Hewitt who has steered many successful restaurants such as, The Fordwich Arms, The Rose & The Blue Pelican. Bringing you delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Top review

Nicholas

Dined on Oct 30, 2026

From start to finish we had an exceptional evening. The ambiance, the food and the service were outstanding.

The Duke William Ickham

4.6

4.6 (1866)

£25 and under

Pub

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Quintessential Kentish Pub set in the heart of the Garden of England serving beautiful, classic dishes created using the best local and seasonal produce the South of England has to offer. With Real Ales, Craft Beers, beautiful wines, a roaring fire and a beautiful garden in the summer, this is the perfect destination for traditional pub dining.
To get in touch with us by email, please contact us at info@thedukewilliamickham.com or you can contact our Central Reservations Team at reservations@therocksaltgroup.com

Top review

Jasper

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent as always.. delicious ham hock. Would highly recommend.

The Dog at Wingham

4.6

4.6 (63)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Canterbury

About the restaurant

The Dog at Wingham is an award winning restaurant with rooms set in a picturesque village just outside Canterbury on the coastal road for Sandwich & Deal.
The Dog is a two AA Rosette restaurant serving modern British & European dishes and boasts eight en-suite guest rooms.
Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner Monday to Saturday and breakfast & lunch on a Sunday.
Amongst various awards over the years The Dog was awarded Number 12 in The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs under Head Chef Charlie Kendall-Smith in 2026.
The Dog at Wingham prides itself on giving every guest a warm welcome, delicious drinks, fabulous food and special service.
The Dog has a car park to the rear and when the Great British weather allows food & drinks are served in our glorious garden.

Top review

Richard

Dined 4 days ago

As close to perfection as is ever possible for a dining experience. Thank you.

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Experience

Autumn Tasting Menu

Experience

'1000 Tudor People' Literary Dinner

Experience

Christmas Party Menu Monday - Thursday

Citi Terrace

4.1

4.1 (642)

£25 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Canterbury

About the restaurant

Welcome to Citi Terrace!

We are a unique and trendy restaurant, bar and lounge located in Canterbury, High Street. Our talented chefs have created a fusion menu with a twist, bringing you different tastes from around the world in every dish and for those with a sweet tooth, we bring you delicious desserts including cakes and ice cream.

Our executive drinks menu includes illy coffee and an array of cocktails prepared by our talented bartenders. To add to your experience, our outdoor Terrace is captivating and relaxing place to lounge and enjoy a shisha customised by you from our exclusive range of flavours. Join us at Citi Terrace for a truly memorable experience in Kent.

For bookings of groups larger than 15, you will be required to call the venue and also to confirm whether you will be dining with us and provide us with your pre-order.

Top review

Sheri

Dined on Oct 2, 2026

We all had a Lovely night out for a birthday amazing food and great staff

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Experience

2 for 1 cocktails

Experience

Live Music with Ellie

Experience

Bottomless Brunch

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