Cliftonville Dining Room: A Cosy Spot Worth Seeking Out

Cliftonville has been quietly carving out a name for itself as one of Kent’s most exciting food spots, with a creative, independent feel that naturally spills over from Margate’s well-known revival. It was even named one of the “coolest neighbourhoods in the world” by Time Out, and with a growing line-up of great places to eat and drink, it’s easy to see why.

Sitting firmly within this growing scene is Cliftonville Dining Room —a place I’d already heard great things about - especially when it comes to their much loved Sunday roasts. So when I spotted they’d introduced a prix fixe menu (and at such good value), it felt like the perfect excuse to finally pay a visit.

From the outside, I loved that they’ve kept the original shopfront signage, which gives it a bit of character and a nod to the building’s past. Stepping inside, the space is intimate and softly candlelit, with a relaxed, cosy feel that instantly makes you want to settle in. From the moment we arrived, the staff were friendly and welcoming—always a good sign.

We started, as always, with a glass of wine—opting for a white that was described as a “funky” alternative to Pinot Grigio. It didn’t disappoint: crisp, refreshing and just a little more interesting than your usual go-to. A great way to ease into the evening.

The menu made choosing feel almost impossible—in a good way. Everything sounded so tempting that we ended up going for three starters to share: ham hock terrine with piccalilli, cauliflower fritters with a bourbon glaze, and scallops.

It turned out to be a very good decision. The terrine was rich and flavourful, with the piccalilli adding a sharp contrast, while the cauliflower fritters brought a subtle sweetness from the bourbon glaze. The scallops were cooked perfectly—soft and delicate—lifted by a chorizo vinaigrette and a touch of pickled apple for freshness.

For mains, I went for the crispy pork belly, served with dauphinoise potatoes and a burnt apple ketchup. It was exactly what you want—perfectly cooked with that balance of crisp and tender, and the rich, slightly sharp apple element worked so well alongside it.

The steak across the table looked far too tempting not to try, and I’m glad I did. Cooked just right and paired with chips that were crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle, it was one of those dishes you keep going back to for “just one more” bite - much to my partner's annoyance!

Dessert was an easy yes. I went for the crumble, which was comforting and classic done properly, while the posset was light, fresh and a nice contrast to finish - a great way to finsih things off without feeling too heavy.

Cliftonville Dining Room is exactly the kind of place that sums up why this corner of Kent is having such a moment. Thoughtful food, a genuinely lovely atmosphere and that sense you’ve stumbled across somewhere a bit special—without any fuss.

The prix fixe menu is such good value for the quality, and it’s easy to see why this place already has such a loyal following (Sunday roast is firmly on my list for next time).

If you’re heading to Margate, don’t just stop there—make time to explore Cliftonville too, and be sure to book a table at Cliftonville Dining Room. It’s exactly the kind of spot that makes you want to come back and try everything else on the menu.

Prix fixe menu (Friday & Saturday evenings): 2 courses £25 / 3 courses £29.

(This visit was kindly hosted, but all thoughts are my own.)