Land + Sea — Restaurant in Canterbury

Land + Sea in Whitstable is a gem in the Kent dining scene, offering a well-crafted blend of British coastal cuisine with a modern twist. Located near the picturesque waterfront, it sets a cozy yet upscale atmosphere that feels both inviting and refined. The décor reflects the coastal charm of Whitstable, with nautical touches and a relaxed, intimate ambiance.

The menu at Land + Sea is thoughtfully designed around fresh, local ingredients, especially the seafood, which takes center stage. The tapas-style dishes are a particular highlight, allowing diners to explore a variety of local flavors in shareable portions. The cuttlefish, for example, is tender with a perfect char, often dressed in a light, tangy marinade that brings out the best in its delicate flavor. The cod cheeks, known for their buttery texture, are lightly seasoned and seared to create a crispy exterior with a soft, flaky center. Paired with a lemon or aioli dipping sauce, they capture the essence of Whitstable’s fresh, ocean-sourced cuisine in each bite.

If seafood isn’t your preference, there are still plenty of choices, like expertly prepared steaks and seasonal vegetable dishes that showcase the quality of Land + Sea’s ingredients. Drinks-wise, the wine list and cocktail offerings are curated to complement the menu, with options ranging from local vineyards to creative, fresh-ingredient cocktails.

The atmosphere at Land + Sea is a charming blend of coastal elegance and warmth. The interiors are tastefully nautical with a modern, relaxed design that’s equally suited for casual meals or special occasions. The staff add to the experience, striking a balance between attentive and approachable. They’re knowledgeable about the menu and provide helpful recommendations, ensuring each guest feels welcome and well-cared for.

Overall, Land + Sea in Whitstable beautifully captures the essence of coastal dining, with fresh, flavorful dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for seafood lovers and anyone seeking a memorable...

I write this review in the hope that it will be taken as constructive criticism as we really loved going here when they first opened . We have been going to Land and Sea since it opened just after we moved here in 2023. We are now regular locals . On our last four visits the service has been terrible. I went in this week for lunch , the place was very busy and only one waiter cleaning tables , serving food, making drinks and coffees and doing bills . I had lunch and two drinks , then waited half hour for a dessert menu and another drink . Tried to catch his eye , walked straight past me . Eventually gave up on another drink and dessert and went inside to pay my bill . He walked past me three times and totally ignored me . Didn’t recognise me when I came in as a regular that eats there often, both alone and with family . We go to the lazy lobster and the service is totally different. They know us by name and even give us free taster drinks to sample , on occasion. We have spent a lot of money in both places . First bad experience we put down to them being busy . Third / fourth time, poor , borderline rude service . Aren’t the local people that support the place in winter ( as well as summer) important? Owner needs to rethink his staffing levels . I don’t single one staff member out because on all four occasions , both male / female waiters or waitresses have been borderline rude. I think they are just too understaffed to consider customer service ( and a smile ) endears people to come back regularly . It’s a shame as we used to love the place but unfortunately we will be looking to eat elsewhere...

On a whim I stopped in for a coffee after popping into Tesco Express. That quickly segued into me considering breakfast; I am happy to report that Land & Sea is not one of those eateries that sets out to wow us with every possible edible option in the universe that ultimately leaves us overwhelmed and unimpressed. From the around five choices, I took the wild mushrooms on toast with spinach in a cream sauce, with the addition of a fried egg. The heaping portion of mushrooms came on a wedge of toasted farm-style bread; the crisp without being dried out egg was perfectly done for my tastes - I run for the hills at the sight of a runny egg. Verdict? I cannot remember having such a gorgeous breakfast to savor; every mouthful was moreish. Coffee was in a class of its own too - smooth without being insipidly watered down -- and the overall feel was relaxed, understated but with food, service and atmosphere that spoke volumes. Everyone else seemed to be having an outstanding time, too. Happy to say that this first-time visit did not leave me all at sea, but with my feet firmly on tantalizing...