Marleys — Restaurant in Folkestone and Hythe District

Me and my partner came to Folkestone with 0 idea as to where we would like to have dinner. We’d had a little walk around to scout the area but eventually decided to Google in which we were guided to here via Trip Advisor.

Neither of us could recommend this place more! This pretty little spot located toward the top of the picturesque Steep Street met everything we wanted and more!

The atmosphere was wonderful; we were seated next to the window with my partners name placed on the table in scrabble letters, lots of greenery spotted around and music at a settling tone. The toilets were the added bonus as they were pristine and had EVERYTHING anybody could ever need in there.

The service was incredibly attentive and when we queried about items on the menu there wasn’t any question unanswered. Checkups we’re frequent pleasant.

The main course (pun intended) was the food! Genuinely some of the best I’ve had in recent memory. We’d had the breadboard as well as the salt and pepper squid for starters which were all locally sourced ingredients (as was everything else as far as I know), all beautiful but the star was the oil on the breadboard! For main I’d had the buttermilk chicken which was crispy and juicy sided with sautéed potatoes resembled crunchy little pillows! I couldn’t finish it all but had to insist to take the rest as I couldn’t waste. My partner had of what he said was ‘the best pork belly of his life’. The pork was smooth as butter topped with crispy crackling and soft mash and cream spinach! Devine! Lastly we had a Bischoff cake with locally sourced salted caramel ice cream, I don’t need to say how good that is… it was as good as it sounds.

All in all, this met everything we expected AND MORE! We’re on a little break from London and what a way to introduce us to a beautiful town. Thank...

Date: Sunday, 29th June 2025

We were a group of six, absolutely starving, when we arrived at Marleys Restaurant in Folkestone around 9:45 AM. The place was already buzzing, full of people enjoying their breakfasts—which was a great sign, but also meant it was packed!

Since we were a bigger group, the staff kindly let us know there’d be a wait of up to 40 minutes and invited us to relax in the lounge. Even with the morning rush, they offered us drinks while we waited, which we really appreciated.

What stood out straight away was how friendly and attentive the staff were. One of the team even came over to say they hadn’t forgotten about us, that things were just really busy, and she genuinely apologised. She was lovely—calm, honest, and doing everything she could to help. It made a big difference.

We waited patiently, but after about an hour, my sister started to get a bit fed up. I went to check in again, and the staff member reassured me that a table had been reserved for us—they were just waiting for the surrounding space to free up so they could seat all six of us together.

A few minutes later, our table was ready! They even brought our drinks from the lounge over to our table, which was such a thoughtful touch.

The real highlight of the experience was the amazing team of ladies working that morning. They were professional, warm, upbeat, and clearly working so hard—but always with a smile. The service we received was honestly some of the best I’ve experienced anywhere in the UK.

The food was great, but the hospitality is what made this breakfast truly memorable. Thank you to the whole team at Marleys—you made us feel welcome, looked after, and valued, even during a busy...

Always the best food in Folkestone and always the best, friendliest staff and service. And importantly in these days very coronovirus safe. Highly recommended ❤️ Update November 2023. We have been several times over the years and each time the food, atmosphere and lovely staff, never disappoint. Yesterday we visited the new larger restaurant for the first time and as promised they have kept to the same Marley's décor and style and most importantly the food is still as amazing. It was so good to be able to relax in a lovely lounge area, whilst waiting for an available table. We did go at their busiest time and didn't have to wait that long, enjoying a drink first. Quite a change from the previous smaller restaurant, a much improved part of our experience, lovely use of space. So Mark and Charly, well done for your courage to make this leap of faith and continuing your dreams and passion for your restaurant and all that it is, we love your food, your ethics, sourcing local produce and employing locally too. Don't ever change what you do, you are both fantastic and all the team. Folkestone has the best restaurant by far with Marley's. Good quality, fresh, seasonal food and we can't wait to come...