Celebrated table

Mori Mori

A Good Food Guide recognised Japanese kitchen serving umami-rich ramen, handmade gyoza, and matcha cheesecake in an intimate Margate setting.

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The story

Mori Mori Margate: Izakaya Dining on Northdown Road

The Japanese kitchen at Northdown Road

Mori Mori brings a straightforward izakaya philosophy to Margate, focusing on Japanese cooking built around shared plates and quick service rather than rigid tradition. The kitchen builds its foundation around soy ramen bases, slow braised broths, and carefully sourced proteins like Loch Duart salmon. Every dish follows a clean preparation method that lets umami seasonings take centre stage without unnecessary embellishment. This practical approach aligns well with their recent recognition in the Good Food Guide, which notes how the menu consistently presses the right buttons for locals and visitors alike.

Signature plates and seasonal finishes

Guests typically start with handmade gyoza or the crunchy ebi fry served alongside spicy mayo. The main courses rotate between rich shoyu ramen topped with panko prawns and onsen eggs, and shareable okonomiyaki featuring slow braised beef brisket or classic savoury batter. A chilled soba noodle salad with handpicked crab provides a lighter counterpoint during warmer months. Dessert stays equally focused, with the matcha whipped cheesecake gaining regular attention for its ginger crumb and raspberry finish.

The dining room and evening rhythm

Paper globe lanterns soften the white walls as the week progresses into Thursday through Saturday evenings. The modest footprint creates an intimate environment where walk-ins move quickly to tables without formal dress codes or stiff service rituals. Staff treat guests with a straightforward hospitality that mirrors the unpretentious kitchen. Sake bottles and skin-contact wines sit ready beside the counter, rounding out a Japanese dining space that feels firmly rooted in Margate’s ongoing food scene.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026
The Good Food Guide
Good

Details

At a glance

The Good Food Guide 2026 — Good
Cuisines Japanese
Services Dinner, Gluten-Free, Lunch, Outdoor Seating, Takeaway, Vegan, Walk-in Only

History

On the record

2026
The Good Food Guide — Good

The formula could hardly be simpler: izakaya-style eats and drinks at the back end of the week in a simple white-walled space lit by paper globe lanterns in the evening. Much of Margate's culinary renaissance has been happening along the Northdown Road, and Mori Mori is an integral part of it. Regulars never fail to praise the uplifting atmosphere, which has none of the stuffiness of formal Japanese dining. Smartly compiled sushi boxes, noodle dishes teeming with umami seasonings, okonomiyaki and gyoza options, and a list of savoury nibbles all press the right buttons. It feels like 'clean healthy cooking', but without the earnestness, and staff invariably make everybody feel welcomed like old friends – the modest dimensions of the place giving it an intimate feel. Nobody would forgive us for failing to mention the matcha cheesecake with malted caramel crumb and coconut, which has its confirmed devotees. Sake and skin-contact wines lead the drinks range.

Established

Location

Find us

80 Northdown Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 2RE
Saint Peters, United Kingdom
hello@mori-mori.co.uk
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Map showing Mori Mori