54 - Carte

Manning's Seafood Stall

➤ The Parade, CT9 1DD, Thanet, United Kingdom

Carte • Pizza • Seafood • European • Fast Food

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"For avoidance of doubt this isn’t a restaurant, it’s a stall with a couple of benches. Stopped for a seafood snack about midday after visiting the Turner. Disappointed that no oysters, even though the boards advertising “oysters and bubbles” were still prominently displayed. Settled for a tub of cockles instead, and they tasted great, but really not a substitute for oysters. Slightly off putting remarks from one of the three rather underemployed women in the stall she didn’t offer a card machine but waited while I found some cash, then commented “yes, people are using cash more now COVID has gone” (it hasn’t, of course, but her attitude didn’t seem out of kilter with how we had observed locals behaving)."

Please Sir

➤ 36 High Street, Broadstairs I-CT10 1LH, United Kingdom

Carte • Sushi • Cafés • Seafood • European

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"I was warmly welcomed by the lovely Grace, who engaged me in delightful conversation about good food and global cuisines while serving a piping hot burger that stayed perfectly warm. The patties had that ideal crispy edge while maintaining a juicy flavor, layered with bacon, gooey golden cheese, red onion jam, and garlic aioli. The bun held everything together flawlessly, minimizing any slippage to ensure each bite was a glorious experience, complete with ample sauce for a wonderfully indulgent treat. The Cajun fries were crunchy, hot, and seasoned to perfection, and the black garlic mayo was absolutely a standout—be sure to try some of their sauces too! It was heartwarming to hear owner Steve and Grace discuss their shifts; it’s clear that Steve genuinely cares about his team, which reflects in their passion for creating excellent, indulgent food. I can’t wait to explore more of the menu and share this gem with other food lovers who appreciate a true winner. Thank you for turning my Monday around—now I can’t help but want to come back any day of the week!"

Secret Spices

➤ 104 Ramsgate Road, Thanet, United Kingdom, CT9 4BH

Carte • Pizza • Seafood • Asiatic • European

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"Having visited Secret Spices on a few occasions now, I find myself finding an excuse to travel all the way from Dover, to Margate just to indulge in their delicious, great value food! Upon each visit, the restaurant has not been particularly busy perhaps this is helped by me visiting during the week, rather than on the busier days such as Fridays and Saturdays. The food however has always been absolutely top notch. I've had Indian cuisine from restaurants and takeaways from around the world and I truly believe that the quality and flavour produced at this outlet really does surpass many others that I have tried, certainly, the best I have had here in the UK. The restaurant setting is classy and easy on the eye, the seating a little worn, but very comfortable, the service very attentive, the food DELICIOUS. I always look forward to making another visit to Secret Spices, thank you for your great Restaurant! Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5"

Tartar Frigate

➤ Harbour Street Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1EU, United Kingdom

Carte • Pizza • Mexican • European • Fast Food

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"We’re afternoon drinking people. However! We popped in for a pint on a Friday evening and ended up staying for the whole night there was live music from a group of 3 guitarists who were absolutely fabulous and got everyone joining in, but not so loud that you couldn’t still have a chat. Went back on a Saturday afternoon and ended up talking to a lovely local couple. Just really easy going, friendly, comfortable, cozy and doesn’t feel like one of those ‘big chain’ pubs!"

Mullins Brasserie

➤ 6 Market Place, CT9 1EN, Thanet, United Kingdom

Carte • Steak • Vegan • Jamaican • Caribbean

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"Having been raised at the knees of Caribbean and African women, sometimes I’m just in need of some soul food. I’ve often gone past Mullins and seen that it is busy, and looks bright, clean, warm and friendly. And it is. The decor works really well. Low-key, warm and welcoming. Music is a soothing stream of lilting Caribbean classics. The waiting staff are lovely. So friendly. And the menu looks great. There isn’t too much of it, and it is quite hard to choose because it all sounds amazing. Price points are really good. But. The food is genuinely terrible. I went for a Creole fish stew. I don’t know how you can make a stew without flavour. When you are cooking things slowly and together, flavour infuses flavour. But not here. This was a good sized portion of piping hot well presented food. But my God it tasted awful. Basically chopped potato surrounded by small lumps of bland unidentifiable white fish, half a dozen mussels, some of which were still closed, and therefore inedible, and three flavourless prawns in shells. There was a pinch of Samphire on the top, and this was the sum total of the vegetables I could find. It came in what I can only describe as a thick red sauce. If there was tomato in it, there was no flavour to it. It was highly salty, and this was the dominant flavour throughout. The fish had no flavour of fish, and it was intensely spiced in a lip plumping way. Essentially, it was all heat and salt. With a slight tang of gents toilets. I suspect this was from the mussels. I did raise the blandness twice with the waiter, and the strange unpleasant toilet flavour. He said he would tell chef. And that was that. No feedback on the dreadful flavour other than that it was all fresh. I ate the entirety of the meal because I had travelled a long way and had not eaten. I saw it simply as fuel. It was not enjoyable. I paid and left. Mullins is so close to getting everything right, but a restaurant is its food. I’m not going back."