Gem of Kent
A vibrant Turkish restaurant in Maidstone, offering authentic flavors in a Moroccan-inspired setting with generous set menus.
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Must-see attractions
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Gem of Kent
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Turkish restaurant in Maidstone, offering authentic flavors in a Moroccan-inspired setting with generous set menus.
"This is definitely the gem of all Turkish restaurants I’ve visited on my travels in the UK."
Set Menu B for Value
Opt for set menu B to enjoy a wide selection of dishes and nearly bottomless drinks.
Share Mezze Platters
Share hot and cold mezze platters for a varied starter before your main course.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Turkish, Mediterranean
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bottomless Drinks with Set Menu
Indulge in a generous set menu with unlimited drinks, offering incredible value for a feast of Turkish delights.
Flavorful Mezze and Mains
Savor a delightful array of hot and cold mezze starters, followed by succulent lamb shank and chicken kulbasti mains.
Moroccan-Inspired Ambiance
Experience traditional Turkish cuisine in a lavishly decorated setting with Moroccan lanterns and sea-blue accents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Set Menu B for Value
Opt for set menu B to enjoy a wide selection of dishes and nearly bottomless drinks.
Share Mezze Platters
Share hot and cold mezze platters for a varied starter before your main course.
Visit During Quieter Times
Visit during less busy times to fully appreciate the attentive service and atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
Set Menu B for Value
Opt for set menu B to enjoy a wide selection of dishes and nearly bottomless drinks.
Share Mezze Platters
Share hot and cold mezze platters for a varied starter before your main course.
Visit During Quieter Times
Visit during less busy times to fully appreciate the attentive service and atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gem of Kent is praised for its delicious Turkish and Kurdish cuisine, particularly the set menu offering excellent value with bottomless drinks. Many highlight the tender lamb shank and flavorful mezze platters. However, some diners note that the decor can be a bit run-down, and a few reviews mention inconsistent portion sizes and occasionally indifferent service.
"This was a lovely restaurant, with excellent service by friendly and efficient staff.
The food choice was good and very delicious. Cooked to perfection.
I loved the simple by ethnic decor too, making it a great atmosphere to eat with friends and family.
Highly recommend it!"
P Hall
"We had a lovely time at the gem of kent for a birthday. There was a group of 6 of us and we opted for the set menu B. There was very little on the menu that you couldn’t choose with this option and it meant that your drinks are essentially bottomless. The staff are really on it with this, you never have to ask them to refill anything and you really get you money’s worth!
The mezze starter was a really nice mixture of dishes which were all veggie. It came in plentiful amounts and we were able to keep it all on the table when our mains came too. Everyone said they loved their mains and we had everything from veggie to lamb to seafood. I had the chicken kulbasti and it was so tender and really flavoursome. We were also pleased with how quickly all the food came out, being a group.
The only thing that’s held me back from a 5 star is just that the decor is a bit run down and plain. The waiting staff were also a little quiet (not that I usually mind!) but it lacks a little bit of atmosphere. For quality food and value for money though i would absolutely recommend it."
Worth it
"Thank you very much for the unexpected “beyond expectation!!”
The quality of the meet , our meal, the friendly staff both just beyond expectation! :)
From now on this place is registered as the only place where I eat lamb!
Lovely meal! Great traditional flavours and the salgam drink .. all felt we not even in the uk!
Thank you for all the staff to make our evening meal just soo great!
Can not wait to go again! Strongly recommended!"
Chef TM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The set menu B is highly recommended, offering a wide selection of dishes with bottomless drinks for excellent value.
Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan dishes, with mezze platters often featuring a nice selection of veggie options.
Yes, they cook everything fresh and are happy to adapt dishes for intolerances if you call ahead.
The restaurant has a Turkish-inspired decor with Moroccan lanterns and sea-blue accents, though some find it a bit run-down or lacking atmosphere.
Yes, they specialize in traditional Turkish and Kurdish cuisines, using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
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Shortlisted: Ten Restaurants In Maidstone That Locals Love!
The team at Gem of Kent are proud to introduce their guests to delicious and healthy homemade East Mediterranean foods, as well as some of the finest Turkish and Kurdish dishes around. Of course you can’t serve Turkish food and also not have hookah (shisha) – and you can enjoy one on their outside terrace!. Their cuisine is based on fresh, seasonal ingredients and they are constantly sourcing new flavours and ideas so they can bring you a unique food experience you’ll find no where else!
10 of the Best Places to Eat in Maidstone
Then this chic Turkish inspired restaurant lavishly furnished with Moroccan lanterns, decadent tapestry and sea-blue accents, will fulfil your cravings!. Using the finest ingredients, the Gem of Kent brings a taste of the East Mediterranean to Maidstone with traditional Turkish and Kurdish cuisines. There’s something for everyone to enjoy from hot and cold mezze platters for sharing, vegetarian and vegan dishes, and many plates featuring succulent lamb or chicken.
Eating Out: Kent Faves
This fab little authentic Turkish restaurant is the perfect place for date night or a meal with family and friends. They serve everything from sea bass to the most divine chicken kebabs and have plenty of naturally gluten free options.. Although lots of their dishes contain garlic, they cook everything fresh so if you call ahead and let them know any intolerance’s they’re always happy to adapt.
Spotlight on: Maidstone
Some of our favourites are the vegan eatery Fortify Café (ME14 1JF, 01622 670533) with its wholesome dishes, as well as Turkish restaurant The Gem Of Kent (ME14 1SR, 01622 675000), Italian restaurant Vesuvius (ME15 6LX, 01622 664969), Frederic Café Bistro (ME14 1HP, 01622 297414) for superb French food and wine, and the ever-popular Shamrat Indian Brasserie (ME15 6LX, 01622 683076).
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit