Best restaurants in Rochester

A trip to Rochester is all about history and tradition, so the first on our list is this terrific and traditional English tearoom serving brunch, cakes, lunch and afternoon teas. Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm and serving a fine array of sandwiches and cakes, this is a brilliant British way to while away an afternoon – indulging in sumptuous scones and cream and putting the world to rights over a cup of tea. With friendly staff on hand to make sure you make the right choices from the rarebit to the quiche, this is a guaranteed good time for all the family.

Winners of the Rochester Food and Drink awards 2021, these indulgent handcrafted burgers make for an unforgettable all-American evening of food and family fun. Located in an industrial style outlet, this burger joint will have you imagining you’ve landed right in the Bronx as you devour your ‘Cluck Norris’ burger and slurp your Lotus Biscoff shake. Open daily and serving late into the evening, this is an unmissable number on the bill of the top Rochester restaurants.

Kent is well-known for its good soil, and good soil produces good fresh ingredients. The George Vaults pays homage to the top-quality produce grown in the Kent soil to create mouth-watering dishes for all tastes and desires. Whether you opt for the buffet menu or something from the a la carte, you won’t be disappointed by this lovingly and skilfully cooked seasonal food. The Vaults is a true mixture of old and new – set in an atmospheric 14th-century crypt and serving fresh new contemporary plates, this is an absolute one off that’s not to be missed!

This small family run Italian is a hidden gem in the middle of Rochester – serving lovingly homemade Italian classics at astoundingly affordable prices. In summer the outdoor seating is the perfect spot to sit out on the pavement and imagine yourself relaxing in the Mediterranean with your choice of wine or fresh lemonade. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunchtime panini or settling in for a larger pizza or pasta dish in the evening, you won’t be disappointed at this queen of Rochester restaurants.

Exactly as the name suggests, this restaurant is all about cheese! The Cheese Room is situated within the grounds of the Cathedral and is housed in a trendy venue for the ultimate dining atmosphere. With a menu that boasts the largest and most varied choice of cheese boards you’re ever likely to come across, this is a great one for a date night or special occasion. There’s even a variety of vegan cheeses and dishes to choose from here – so all dietary requirements are covered and welcomed. Just a few doors down the High Street is the Cheese Room Deli where you can purchase all your favourites from your meal and take a tasty slice of Rochester back to Kent Coast with you!

This Hungry Horse restaurant is open every day of the week 10am-8pm, serving a menu that spans the whole globe – choose from British classics such as fish and chips or branch out with a katsu curry or a chicken tikka. There’s a children’s menu for smaller appetites and also an indoor play area to keep the kids entertained between times, making this one of the best restaurants in Rochester for the whole family. There’s even a gluten free menu and plenty of veggie options, so all diets and needs are catered for. Curry night is every Wednesday so be sure to take advantage if you’re there mid-week!

A true piece of history, this restaurant is set inside a Tudor Yeoman’s house right on Rochester High Street. The doors that you enter through are the old oak doors that were once part of the cathedral until 2014. The Quills prides itself on producing handmade rustic dishes using fresh locally sourced ingredients for the finest of flavours and that quintessential Quills’ quality. The menu offers all manner of choices from burgers, wraps, and fajitas to cauliflower curry, veggie tagine and grilled halloumi salad. There’s also the opportunity for afternoon tea if you’re feeling fancy and in a group of 7 or more – just be sure to call ahead to book this to ensure your sandwiches await you!

Consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in Rochester, this Thai palace is a treat for all the senses. Choose from the selection of traditional options such as Tom Yum soup or Pad Thai noodles or ask the staff for recommendations if you fancy branching out – whatever you pick here, your taste buds are guaranteed to be transported to the very finest of Thailand’s kitchens. Thai Four Two is open every day except Mondays and serves food at lunch and dinner times so be sure to time your visit when the kitchens are open.

If you’ve come to Rochester for the historic experience, this has got to be your pub meal of choice. The building of the Coopers Arms has stood since the 12th-century and opened as an inn in 1543 serving cask ales to locals. These days it serves food Thursday-Sunday from 12pm and the menu offers everything from mini sausages and light bites to hearty plates like the Farmhouse platter or chilli beef. Roasts are served with all the trimmings at Sunday lunchtime but make sure to book to avoid disappointment!

Just a 20-minute drive from our Kent Coast Holiday Park, getting to Rochester shouldn’t be too difficult. We recommend the following route: 

• Heading west out of Kent Coast, take 2 right turns to get onto the Radcliffe Highway 

• Drive along Ratcliffe Highway for 3.8 miles 

• Follow the A228, A289 and A228 again for a further 5.5 miles  

• When you reach Station Road, turn left onto the B2002 

• Turn left onto the A2 soon after and cross the bridge into Rochester