I’ve always had a soft spot for Italian cuisine. There’s something about the blend of flavours, the heartiness of pasta, and the zest of a perfectly made pizza that gets me every time. So, when I set out to find the best Italian restaurants in Canterbury, Kent, I knew I was in for a treat.
Canterbury, with its charming cobbled streets and historic ambiance, is home to some truly outstanding Italian eateries. From family-run trattorias to contemporary dining experiences, the range is as diverse as it is delicious. I’ve scoured the city, fork in hand, to bring you my top three picks that promise an authentic taste of Italy right here in Kent.
Join me as I dive into the heart of Italian cuisine in Canterbury. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are sure to leave your taste buds singing.
Posillipo – Canterbury
In my quest for the finest Italian delights Canterbury has to offer, Posillipo effortlessly holds a place in my top three. Nestled comfortably in the heart of the city, this charming eatery offers a genuine slice of Napoli with its authentic dishes and inviting atmosphere.
Authenticity is the word that springs to mind when I think of Posillipo. From the moment I stepped inside, I was transported to a quaint pizzeria on the cobbled streets of Naples. The warmth of the staff, coupled with the tantalising aromas wafting from the kitchen, made for an unforgettable entrance. The menu is a testament to the traditional culinary styles of Southern Italy, brimming with an array of mouth-watering pizzas, freshly made pastas, and delectable seafood dishes. I’ve always believed that the true essence of Italian cooking lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Posillipo embodies this philosophy through and through.
During my visits, I’ve had the pleasure of trying several dishes, but one that stands as a firm favourite is their ‘Linguine Posillipo’. The pasta is perfectly al dente, and the sauce—a divine concoction of clams, mussels and king prawns in a cherry tomato, white wine, garlic, and chilli—captures the freshness of the sea. Another dish that merits praise is their ‘Pizza Posillipo’. With a flawlessly charred crust and toppings that sing together in harmony, it’s a slice of heaven for any pizza aficionado.
Their wine selection is equally impressive, featuring a variety of Italian wines that complement every dish beautifully. Whether you’re a lover of robust reds or prefer the crispness of a white, you’ll find something that suits your palate.
What sets Posillipo apart isn’t just its culinary prowess but its ability to create an experience that’s akin to dining in Italy itself. It’s not just a meal; it’s an invitation to indulge in the joy of Italian cuisine, wrapped in the warmth of Kentish hospitality. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply in the mood for exquisite Italian food, Posillipo is a destination that guarantees not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience.
Pinocchio’s Ristorante Italiano
As I continued my culinary journey through Canterbury, my next stop was Pinocchio’s Restaurant, a charming spot that’s been delighting locals and tourists alike for years. Nestled in the heart of the city, Pinocchio’s offers a cosy, warm environment that makes you feel right at home the moment you step inside. Its rustic décor, complete with exposed brick walls and wooden beams, adds to the authentic Italian ambiance that’s hard to find elsewhere.
What sets Pinocchio’s apart is its dedication to serving dishes that speak volumes about Italy’s rich culinary heritage. Each dish is a tribute to traditional Italian flavours, prepared with a love and care that’s palpable in every bite. I started with their Gamberoni al Vino Bianco, a simple yet flavourful appetizer that showcased the freshness of their ingredients. But it was their Risotto al Funghi with Porcini Mushrooms and Saffron that truly captured my heart. The risotto was perfectly creamy, infused with a depth of mushroom flavour that’s rare to encounter outside Italy.
The menu at Pinocchio’s is a testament to the diversity of Italian cuisine, offering everything from heart warming pastas and risottos to succulent meats and fresh seafood options. Their commitment to quality is evident not just in the food but in their selection of wines as well. Sourced from various regions across Italy, their wine list complements the dining experience, enhancing the flavours of the dishes it accompanies.
One cannot talk about Pinocchio’s without mentioning their exceptional service. The staff go above and beyond, ensuring that every diner’s experience is nothing short of perfect. They’re not just servers; they’re storytellers, sharing snippets about the origins of their dishes and the intricacies of Italian dining traditions.
As my meal concluded, I couldn’t help but reflect on the memorable experience Pinocchio’s provided. From the ambience to the exquisite food and impeccable service, it’s a place that embodies the essence of Italian hospitality.
Il Posticino
Discovering Il Posticino nestled in the heart of Canterbury was like stumbling upon a secret garden of Italian culinary delight. This charming establishment radiates warmth and authenticity, capturing the very essence of a family-run trattoria. From the moment I stepped inside, the inviting aromas of garlic, basil, and freshly baked bread assured me I was in for a genuine Italian experience.
Il Posticino prides itself on its handmade pasta, which is evident in every bite of their signature dishes. I had the pleasure of sampling their Tagliatelle al Ragù, and each forkful was a testament to the time-honoured techniques and passion poured into their cuisine. The pasta, perfectly al dente, paired with the rich, flavourful sauce, was a culinary highlight that lingered in my memory long after the meal.
The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity doesn’t end with the food. The interior, adorned with rustic, Italian countryside inspired décor, transports you straight to Italy. The walls are lined with vintage Italian posters and shelves of imported Italian wines, creating an atmosphere that’s both cosy and distinctly Italian.
Another aspect that sets Il Posticino apart is their dedication to using locally-sourced ingredients. The owner, who graciously shared stories of their ingredient selection process, believes firmly in supporting local Kentish producers. This not only ensures the freshest flavours but also contributes to a sustainable gastronomic ecosystem. The result is a menu that marries Italian tradition with the best of Canterbury’s local produce, offering dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Italian culinary history.
The wine selection at Il Posticino is as thoughtfully curated as their menu. With an extensive selection of Italian wines, each meal can be perfectly paired with a glass that complements its flavours. Whether it’s a light, crisp white to go with seafood or a robust red to accompany a hearty pasta dish, the staff’s expertise in wine pairing enhances the dining experience.
The publisher of this website has been a resident of one of the outlying villages near Canterbury since 1975. A regular visitor to Canterbury both through work and for social life, specially at weekends. The visits to Debenhams for lunch or Ricemans were a regular occasion in those early days.
Nowawdays the Marlowe is an enticing draw for its eclectic entertainment.
You can often find him during his leisure time sipping a coffee at any of the independent coffee shops that are in Canterbury city.
One thing is certain, he knows Canterbury.