The Kent restaurant has been a hit with locals and Londoners alike since it opened a few years ago – and it’s easy to see why
As a Deal resident, I’d heard plenty about The Blue Pelican in recent years. When it initially launched, I’ll admit I was sceptical. Did the town really need another upmarket eatery to exclude locals and draw crowds of Londoners? I didn’t think so. However, I was quickly proven wrong.
The restaurant appears to have achieved the ideal balance, enticing both residents and tourists with an adventurous Japanese menu that could have easily left the locals cold.
The Blue Pelican earned acclaim after respected food critic and MasterChef judge Grace Dent visited in early 2024 and delivered a rave review. Writing for The Guardian, she described the menu as “one of the most intriguing and punchy menus you’ll come across on the entire south coast”, and I think she might be right.
I’ve dined at numerous eateries along the Kent coastline, and after one visit, this has swiftly become one of my favourites, reports the Express. The Blue Pelican was also recognised as one of Britain’s top 100 restaurants for 2026 by SquareMeal, placing 85th.
On a typical rainy, windswept Sunday in February, I made my way to The Blue Pelican, hoping a piping hot bowl of ramen would warm me up. Every Thursday and Sunday, the establishment offers a small ramen menu with three main dishes, a few sides and a dessert choice.
For me, this is the ultimate green flag when I’m visiting a restaurant: a concise, thoughtful menu with a few dishes done well is always preferred to dozens of mediocre plates flying out of a kitchen at breakneck speed. I’d reserved a table a week beforehand, having learnt just how packed the intimate eatery can become at weekends.
When booking, there are two seating choices: the ‘chef’s counter’, positioned at the heart of the restaurant with 10 bar stools overlooking the open kitchen, or the dining room, where diners can appreciate the restaurant’s elegant décor and coastal views.
I chose the latter, but on my next visit, I’m securing the chef’s counter. Even from my window seat, I found myself captivated by the open kitchen as the chef cooked our dishes; the sizzling and steaming, akin to a theatrical performance, at the centre of the restaurant.
Despite the weather, The Blue Pelican was heaving with couples, families and groups of freinds enjoying a relaxed lunch and a few drinks. The server even had to refuse a few walk-ins, something I’m certain has become a regular occurrence in establishments throughout Deal in recent years, owing to its rising popularity among Londoners.
The ambience was inviting and warm, with candles adorning every table, casting a snug glow. The service was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive without being overbearing, and I was thoroughly impressed with the server’s understanding of the ingredients as I reeled off my somewhat unusual dietary needs.
I fancied trying the crab croquettes, but he quite rightly advised me that they probably contained an ingredient I couldn’t consume. My delicate stomach is most thankful for the advice.
We ordered two dishes: I chose the chashu ramen, while my husband opted for the plant-based option: a walnut miso ramen.
There was a short wait for the food to arrive, but on a busy Sunday, and where each dish is cooked fresh, this is to be expected. Besides, I was frankly too captivated by the action unfolding in the open kitchen behind my husband to mind.
The bowls appeared, billowing steam and rich with umami aromas, garnished with a gleaming strip of nori on the side and half a soft-boiled egg boasting a luscious, jammy yolk. Visually, it exceeded all my expectations.
Taking my first mouthful, I was instantly struck by the intense savoury, umami-packed flavour of the katsuobushi and the smokiness of the pork belly. My bowl includes Palourde clams, which added a delightful briny element, and half a soft-boiled egg, which added a touch of buttery richness.
The dish brimmed with flavour, yet the real highlight was the noodles; they were moreish and impossibly slurpable. There’s a common misconception that ramen is soft and rubbery, but when executed properly, it’s anything but.
The noodles had the perfect bite, the pork was succulent with just enough chew; every component came together in a bowl I wished would never end.
My husband’s ramen featured a tempura hen-of-the-woods mushroom, which he declared was delicious, alongside mushroom broth. I couldn’t try his unfortunately due to my own dietary requirements, but judging by how rapidly he devoured his bowl, it was evidently a success.
As someone who openly adores desserts, I couldn’t resist the chance to sample the creme caramel. We initially ordered one to share, but I was secretly delighted when the waiter brought two servings and encouraged us to have one each.
I won’t pretend that creme caramel and stewed fruit is my typical choice of dessert. You’ll normally catch me choosing something indulgent and decadent that’s sugary enough to make my teeth ache.
I also typically find the consistency of soft, runny puddings uninspiring, but the flavours in this Japanese-influenced creme caramel were unlike anything I’ve previously experienced.
The creme caramel featured a vibrant blend of calamansi – a zesty citrus fruit from South-east Asia – and kinako, a toasted soybean flour. Though both flavours were new to me, I was eager for more after the first bite. The silky dessert delivered layers of tart and sour notes, balanced by the caramel’s subtle sweetness, nutty toastiness from the kinako, and a sharp rhubarb kick. A spoonful of tangy creme fraiche on the side cut through the richness and rounded out each bite beautifully. It’s one of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten.
We enjoyed our courses with a couple of alcohol-free beers and a ‘coastal spritz’ infused with blood orange and oakwood. There are numerous choices on the drinks menu, whether you’re seeking something stronger or a non-alcoholic alternative, alongside a comprehensive wine list.
Even if you’re unable to get a reservation, it’s worth poking your head through the door or glancing through the window to appreciate the elegant interior. The terracotta and white chequered floor paired with touches of stone blue on the doorframes and panelling create a contemporary yet inviting atmosphere.
A beautiful mural by local artist Tom Maryniak can be seen hanging in the dining area, reflecting owners Alex Bagner’s and Chris Hicks’ passion for both Deal and Japan. This piece effortlessly ties together the restaurant’s interior design, Japanese-influenced cuisine, and dedication to locally-sourced produce.
I’m already looking forward to returning to The Blue Pelican. Chef Luke Green has injected much-needed excitement and innovation to our picturesque coastal town’s culinary landscape.
On my next visit, I’ll be going for dinner and trying the chicken karaage and delica pumpkin tempura – though I’ll make sure to leave ample room for the creme caramel.
The Blue Pelican is located in Deal, Kent. Direct trains from London St Pancras International to Deal, operated by Southeastern, run hourly, with journey times of approximately 1 hour 24 minutes to 1 hour 37 minutes.
The Blue Pelican is located at 83 Beach Street in Deal, Kent, and is open for lunch Thursday to Saturday from 12pm to 2.30 pm, and dinner Thursday to Saturday from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. The Blue Pelican’s ramen menu is available on Thursdays for lunch and dinner, and on Sundays between 12.30pm and 3.30pm for lunch.
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