Top stuff (wish they'd change the menu more often)
This is really the place you want when you go to Whitstable and is frequently the restaurant that people are talking about when they say "oh Whitstable - that's got a really great seafood restaurant".

Well it has and it is. For starters the fried oysters with chilli dipping sauce are just *superb* and there are a number of similar simple signature dishes that will have seafood lover's toes tapping. For main there are some beautifully cooked fishes (combination of locally caught and Billingsgate's finest) whose hallmark is probably simplicity of preparation and delivery. Think roast sea bass with a whole clove of unpeeled garlic inserted in it middle with rosemary or whole crab served as it is mayonaise. As always, the eponymous local Oysters are a feature and delicacy.

Wine list is to be very much recommended. There are some superb picks at the lower end which other local restaurants need to learn from an awful lot. Yes, wine matters. It also extends towards the more exclusive ends if you want to treat yourself although at a mark-up that will leave you pleasantly pleased if your usual experience if rip-off-London.

A beach front setting rounds this one off and on a spring or summer's day it can be a heady venue (although most tables don't have a good sea view despite the beach location) for hanging out, eating delicious food and crunching along the shingle beach looking at all the sailing boats. One complaint - PLEASE change the menu a little more often!

Other than Wheeler's (unbelievable 12 seat restaurant which is also unbelievably difficult to get a table) this is the best Whitstable has to offer and a place that will leave you smiling    [16 Jan 2005 15:37:32]

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Recommended Dishes: Loads!

     ­Anonymous   

What a Place!
Where do I start with this restaurant, its a top notch place to dine out. I decided to try out the WOFC after a tip off from a good friend who is also a top chef in London. On entering the restaurant you feel a great welcoming atmosphere and are greeted by a young but professional service team. It is a clean and nicely set out dining area. For starters I had deep fried squid with garlic mayo, which I could taste paprika on the squid, that was a very nice touch. Should also add that the waiting staff had served it all in time with other meals on the table and had been efficient in drink services. Onto the main course I decided to opt for the massive whole roasted seabass with garlic and rosemary which was absolutely superb. The whole group had said how fresh they had found the fish on their various meals. Even though it was a busy night in the restaurant this didn't stop them providing a very pleasant meal and night out for me and my family. I was also fortunate to get chatting to one the chefs after his shift and he was a very well mannered young chap and showed me the professional service and courtesy went throughout the staff from front to back.


So if you are looking for a place to go out for a meal I highly recommend the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Co.    [28 Feb 2006 12:33:00]

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     ­Mr K Nolan, Reading   

We arrived as it opened at 6.30pm on Saturday for our reserved table. The waitress sat us in a table where two of our dining guests had hot sun facing directly into their eyes. We kindly asked to be moved to only be told "sorry but we are fully booked tonight" in a very rude manner. All the table around us were empty. We decided to leave as we wouldn't have enjoyed the meal. I am glad we did after noticing the main meals between £17-20 and starters were £10. It seemed expensive for the very rude and unaccommodating service. I have since found out several friends have eaten in there and they said the food was quite nice but all experienced rude service that ruined their night out.    [17 Jul 2006 11:06:00]

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     ­e123   

Don't bother!
If you like oysters fine - anything else forget it! I have never been presented with such an unispired plate of food and it isn't cheap! Grilled salmon with ailoi equaled a large lump of plain salmon which had been plonked on a grill for a few minutes - three - yes just three tiny plain boiled new potatoes and a very large dollop of mayonaise. Quite revolting. Completely lacking in imagination or taste. If you like food - forget it. Tables were crowded and atmosphere impersonal. Will not go back.    [12 Apr 2007 16:16:55]

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Recommended Dishes: None that we had

     ­Anonymous   

Great service! Great food! Great Place!
We visited on a Wednesday evening and everything about our meal from start to finish was superb! We were greeted at the door by two stunningly beautiful smiley young ladies who accomodated to our needs throughout.
My husband and I had heard about the restaurant through friends and decided to visit ourselves and we will definately be back.
You must try this place and keep an eye out for the two lovely waitresses by the name of Ellie and Emily!    [13 Aug 2007 09:15:31]

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Recommended Dishes: Halibut, Moules and the ice creams are to die for!

     ­Mrs Blake   

great view shame about the food
moved to Whitstable last year and finally gave it a try earlier in the year. It was overpriced and uninspiring food and the portions were miserly. If you want fish go and eat at Wheelers. The service was brusque and slow.

From talking to others who have been in Whitstable longer; there was a time when WOFC was good but it is just resting on its laurels and taking advantage of the fact it has a good view. There are better places in Whitstable go there instead!    [24 Sep 2007 13:15:07]

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     ­Down from London