Charlie's Bistro
If you're wandering through Herne Bay and stumble upon 106 Station Road, you’ll find yourself drawn into the welcoming atmosphere of Charlie's Bistro-a charming spot that blends cozy familiarity with an excitingly diverse menu. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just grab a bite-you settle in, sip something lovely, and stay a while.
What sets Charlie's Bistro apart is its ability to feel both casual and refined. There’s outdoor seating for sunny brunches, an intimate indoor vibe for candlelit dinners, and a menu that caters to nearly every taste-without ever feeling overcrowded. It’s a proper local gem with a global soul.
Let’s talk about food-because that’s where Charlie’s truly shines. If you visit on a Sunday, the Sunday Roast is practically a rite of passage. Rich, tender, beautifully plated, and served with a hearty dose of nostalgia, it’s the kind of comfort food that manages to feel both homemade and elevated. Then there’s the Roast Beef Ciabatta, which brings together perfectly cooked meat and rustic bread in a way that demands a second helping. Or maybe you’ll lean into the indulgent side and try the Sticky Toffee Pudding-warm, sweet, and decadently rich, especially when paired with a creamy scoop of ice cream.
For something a little different, the Chicken & Prawns in a Rich Sauce is a sleeper hit-savory, slightly creamy, and incredibly moreish. And vegetarians aren’t left behind either. Charlie’s has clearly thought through its menu for all kinds of eaters, with vegan dishes, organic plates, and healthy, balanced options that don’t compromise on taste.
In the mood for a casual bite? Try the Sausage Ciabatta or even the Dim Sum-yes, you read that right. It’s rare to find a British bistro offering quality small plates with an Asian twist, but Charlie’s manages to make it work without feeling disjointed. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on the Chocolate Truffle Cake, Chocolate Mousse, or the crowd-favorite Bread Pudding-each one layered in flavor and made with what feels like genuine love for dessert.
Drinks? Covered. Whether you're a morning coffee enthusiast, a mimosa-before-noon type, or a wine-at-dinner loyalist, Charlie’s delivers. The great coffee selection is popular with brunch-goers, while the wine list surprises with quality pairings that go beyond the basics. There’s also a good mix of beer and spirits, and yes-free water refills, which might sound small but speaks volumes about their hospitality ethos.
The bistro’s vibe is relaxed, making it a go-to for both solo diners and couples looking for an unpretentious yet delicious dining experience. It’s not trying too hard-it just knows what it does well, and it does it consistently. Whether you’re there for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, there’s always something tempting on the menu, and the setting invites you to slow down and enjoy it all.
With delivery and takeaway options also available, Charlie’s Bistro isn’t just for sit-down meals-it’s a part of the everyday rhythm for locals who want quality food on the go. But honestly, when time allows, the dine-in experience is where this place truly shows its character. The service is warm, the space is comfortable, and the food does all the talking.
Reviews
Had a great roast dinner here. We just popped in on the off chance after a walk down the seafront. Lovely warm welcome and the roast was delicious! Perfect crackling... We will definitely come back next time we visit.
What a find. I brought my kids here one Sunday and was thoroughly impressed with the service, the quality of the food and the welcome we were given by the staff. Highly recommended, and don’t leave without trying the salted caramel ice cream. Superb!
What a gem of a restaurant overlooking Herne Bay sea front. We had a lovely meal comprising pate with onion chutney; chicken with king prawns in a rich creamy sauce with Jersey Royal potatoes and salad; chocolate Truffle cake for dessert: I had cream and Hubby opted for Salted Caramel ice cream. All courses beautifully presented and absolutely delicious.
Me and my wife were given vouchers for Charlie’s back in 2017, we were looking forward to the food as it sounded so good on their website, and they did not fail to please. We plan on coming back here and have told many of our friends about this place. Just looking at the food right now is making me hungry, and I’ve got to crash in bed in a min lol
The service was fantastic, amazing and friendly waitresses and the owner came out for a chat too. We used a Groupon voucher and unlike other places where you get treated like second class citizens we were treated like royalty - kudos to the staff. Again even with a Groupon deal the food was really high quality and delicious. The hot fish platter and scallops are must orders!