El Sol Tapas Bar & Restaurant
7-8 Sun St, Canterbury CT1 2HX
$$
Spanish
Reservations
Business Info
- Address: 7-8 Sun St, Canterbury CT1 2HX
- Cuisine: Latin | Spanish | Steak | Vegetarian |
- Cost: | Inexpensive
- Category: Casual Dining
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dress Code: Unknown
- Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner |
- Parking: Street |
- Payment Options: VISA | MasterCard | Cash | Apple Pay | Google Pay | Debit |
- Corkage Fee: N/A
- Website: https://www.elsolrestaurant.co.uk/
- Phone: 01227467716
- Features: Outdoor Seating, Takeout Available, Wheelchair Access, Free Wi-Fi,
- Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Quick Bite, Trendy / Hip, Date Night,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Monday Hours 12:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday
- Tuesday Hours 12:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday
- Wednesday Hours 12:00 - 21:00
- Thursday
- Thursday Hours 12:00 - 21:00
- Friday
- Friday Hours 12:00 - 21:30
- Saturday
- Saturday Hours 12:00 - 21:30
- Sunday
- Sunday Hours 12:00 - 20:30
Customer Reviews & Ratings
4.7 out of 5 stars based on 550 votes
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 19, 2026
Gwyneth L.
Fab trip celebrating birthdays- food and service was excellent thank you
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 11, 2026
Laura B.
Lovely restaurant in a great location. The service was attentive but not intrusive and the food was fabulous! We will definitely return again in future.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 05, 2026
Helen A.
Excellent service, food and the venue was great. Good value and fantastic staff.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 06, 2026
Ilyas M.
Really nice place, good atmosphere, food and service, so can't ask for anything more
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 09, 2026
Laura W.
Lovely food, great value and friendly staff
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 29, 2026
Ella G.
Lovely food & atmosphere, will definitely return!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 10, 2026
Troy H.
Lovely evening great food at reasonable prices.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Jan 09, 2026
Paul N.
Restaurant was quiet mid-week. Excellent food and very attentive service. Generous refills of bread.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 07, 2026
Jessica B.
We had a lovely dinner on Monday night; we never caught her name because of the background noise of the other diners but our server was impeccable and we hope to come back more often. 10/10!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 14, 2025
Hannah J.
Lovely restaurant great food and quick service would definitely recommend
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 6/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 01, 2025
Kevin J.
This restaurant , which is tucked away just off the high street, is an absolute gem.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 23, 2025
Melanie M.
What a meal. We had the best time. Millie our server was brilliant so lovely. Would recommend 100%
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Oct 26, 2025
Ada C.
A lovely Tapas restaurant with friendly staff. The ambience makes us feel like we were in Spain!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 19, 2025
Jill B.
Great restaurant and best tapas I have had in a long time including going to Spain. Also great service.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 19, 2025
Kathryn G.
Really attentive and helpful staff and the food was really lovely. Will definitely go back!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 06, 2025
Jerry G.
Loved it! N
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 07, 2025
Antony L.
Booked a table for lunch whilst visiting Canterbury, a very warm welcome, excellent food, friendly staff and great service, would definitely come again if in the area
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 27, 2025
Sally H.
3rd time here.
Love the ambience. Food is always delicious and of a high standard.
Staff friendly and cheerful.
Overall always a very enjoyable dining experience
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 21, 2025
Ella A.
Great seafood and the meatballs were delicious too.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 19, 2025
Jeffrey H.
Delicious food! Great variety of dishes! Compliments to the chef. Great service and ambience. Thoroughly recommend.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 18, 2025
Ros H.
Very nice evening with my granddaughter. Excellent service.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 05, 2025
Simon M.
Excellent in every respect, food, service and value
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 22, 2025
Joy D.
Delicious! We had the £10 lunch menu. All freshly cooked and authentically Spanish. The perfect serving size in my opinion. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and has a welcoming restful atmosphere. Great service. Our waitress was lovely ….. friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations. I am looking forward to another visit.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 16, 2025
Simon P.
Excellent meal will definitely return
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 18, 2025
Ali D.
We had an absolutely delightful experience at El Sol tapas bar. From the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable—friendly, attentive, and efficient. The food was nothing short of fantastic, with each dish offering a burst of flavor that felt authentically crafted. The atmosphere added to the charm, making it a thoroughly enjoyable outing. Whether you're a tapas enthusiast or a first-timer, El Sol is a must ..
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 15, 2025
James M.
Food was excellent, service was fast and efficient. Staff were engaging and responsive. Sofia in particular was excellent. Can't recommend enough. Will definitely be returning
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 08, 2025
Diana T.
Brilliant, slightly quirky place for delicious tapas and sangria
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 22, 2025
Kelly J.
What a lovely meal, staff so friendly and can’t wait to go back again
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Feb 11, 2025
Louise P.
High quality, interesting tapas at reasonable prices. Attentive and friendly staff. Well worth a visit.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Feb 09, 2025
Claire B.
Real little gem in the heart of Canterbury. Everything you’d expect from a tapas menu with all the usual stars. Service was great and the wait staff do a cute little secret (not so secret I saw them) check off against your order to ensure everything has arrived as in typical tapas style it can come in dribs and drabs though we got all our order in one go. Everything tasted great and arrived quickly. I was surprised at the bill as I’d expected to have spent more. Unlike many places these days service is not added so be sure to tip as the staff certainly earn it.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 03, 2025
Allison G.
Excellent! Lovely food, lovely staff, we would recommend & will be back!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 21, 2025
Charlotte S.
Amazing food! Friendly staff who worked hard on a very busy night! Will defo be back!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 31, 2024
Amy M.
Such a lovely restaurant, staff were very attentive and great food. Will definitely be back!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 03, 2024
Karen S.
Excellent quality food, great service. We loved it
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 30, 2024
Romana R.
I took my partner here for lunch for his birthday. The staff went over and above to make us feel welcome and to accomdate.
The food was amazing! We had the tapas and every dish we ordered was cooked to perfection and full of flavour!
I would definitley recommend visiting here and plan to return.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 28, 2024
Sally E.
This was my second visit, and it certainly was as good the second time as the first.
Excellent food, and the serving staff are efficient, friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 09, 2024
Debbie B.
Excellent food and service
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 03, 2024
Deb W.
A lovely lunch. Food was excellent, staff friendly and professional.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 10, 2024
William P.
Our latest visit was excellent, just the like all the previous ones!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 07, 2024
Hua D.
Delicious food. Excellent service especially the female staff who served us. She was super friendly and gave great recommendations.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 07, 2024
Craig E.
Rosie was absolutely fantastic, remembering us from a previous visit a few months previous, service and food were both exceptional.
Looking forward to my next visit.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 05, 2024
Maurine P.
This is a delightful restaurant with delicious food. The staff were very attentive but not overly so. We went on a Friday in early October and the restaurant was full; so pleased that we booked in advance!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Oct 03, 2024
Adrian H.
Had a great meal - food was delicious and service was great. Very friendly waitresses who advised on the food and were interested to hear what we thought of what we’d chosen. Big portions! Also enjoyed a lovely cocktail that I’d never tried before. Pleasant but subtle background music. Considering it was a Monday evening and the restaurant was tucked away from the High Street, there seemed to be a fair number of customers too. Would definitely eat here again if we are ever back in Canterbury.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 02, 2024
John R.
Everything very good
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 23, 2024
Craig E.
Absolutely amazing night, great food, great wine, and the service from Rosie was exemplary. Will definitely be going back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 14, 2024
Ed K.
3th or 4th time we’ve been up it hasn’t disappointed. Delicious food, excellent service. Makes you want to book a holiday to Spain straight away!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 04, 2024
Mark S.
A little gem in Canterbury. I recommend to all my friends.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 25, 2024
Pat O.
Love this place, only wish we could have stayef longer but it was a pre matinee theatre meal and we had to go. Food and staff could not be faulted. Will definitely be going back
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 22, 2024
Claire A.
Wonderful lunch, superb service and tasty food - can’t wait to return!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 24, 2024
Lorcan C.
The food was amazing! The bar manager was extremely helpful and the staff were polite and prompt on the orders. Would highly recommend.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 21, 2024
Mark P.
Great food great service love eating here
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 09, 2024
Sally B.
Excellent
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Apr 24, 2024
Jo S.
Delicious fresh food, friendly and attentive staff and nicely decorated. We went late Sunday afternoon and were the only one’s in there so not a lot of ambience but it started to get busy as we left. We will be back
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 23, 2026
Andrew M.
Very quiet but we visited early evening so not a surprise. Warm and friendly welcome. We chose from the evening "menu" and wow it was superb: full of flavour - the meatballs, chorizo in bacon and chicken skewers were especially yummy. Then a sublime Tarta de Santiago with cream to finish. Taste buds happy, we will return. Highly recommended.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Oct 29, 2025
Andy T.
Lovely tapas restaurant with great food and atmosphere.
Service was excellent. The chef even came out to answer a question we had.
We'll go again soon.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 26, 2025
JOHN M.
Had a lovely evening and had a lovely selection of Tapas dishes. The only negative is the staff could have been more interactive more cheerful
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 22, 2025
Tony B.
Our first time at El Sol, but it definitely won’t be our last.
The food quality was excellent along with the staff interaction, keeping us informed at all stages.
Congratulations El Sol and see you again soon.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Mar 17, 2025
Nigel F.
Really nice restaurant, with good food and service.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 04, 2025
Jacqueline K.
Although the food was delicious there was too much yellow coloured sauce on most of the dishes we ordered. Perhaps on the side would be something to consider.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Nov 20, 2024
Chrissy A.
Perfect for a pre show meal, particularly when half the party were late, but with tapas that doesn't matter!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Oct 07, 2024
Bill S.
We thoroughly enjoyed our pre-Theatre tapas at El Sol last week. The service was friendly and prompt. Every dish was full of flavour and the house wines by the glass were excellent. A great place for a light supper in Canterbury.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
Aug 16, 2024
Phil C.
Very nice little Tapas bistro situated in tge heart of Canterbury
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Aug 07, 2024
Mark W.
Bread is lovely but overpriced and trying to order some is a challenge. Had to keep reminding. Lots of lush sauces needed mopping up.
Most of the dishes are amazing but a bit underwhelmed by the fish balls - too greasy and the chicken skewers were mainly mushroom. When we mentioned the lack of chicken staff didn’t seem to understand our point. Apart from that the staff were great considering they were busy and had to contend with a power cut as well. The food and the ambiance were ok value but the service needs work to justify the price.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 6/10
Jul 29, 2024
Chris A.
Nice atmosphere and food and service were very good although quite warm inside air conditioning would be nice, a better choice of desserts would have been better
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 02, 2026
Brian H.
Ate at El Sol on 27/2 for the first time. A big fan of Tapas from frequent visits to Spain. This restaurant really is excellent. The food was authentic, well prepared and well presented. The flavours were sublime. The service was good, not fussy, quick but you never felt rushed, we were there a good couple of hours. If you’re in Canterbury give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 6/10
- Ambience: 4/10
- Value: 8/10
Jul 27, 2025
Sarah L.
Front of house felt rather disorganised compared to previous visits with a delay in drinks and confusion, not just for our table, with who had ordered what. The quality of food itself was as good as always, just took the shine off a bit
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 6/10
Dec 28, 2024
Debbie N.
The overall experience was good apart from some mistakes with the food that had been ordered. I believe this happened as the waitress did not confirm what had been ordered. We ended up eating food that had not been ordered as we felt bad for the waitress taking the food back.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 7/10
Oct 24, 2024
Mary H.
We were charged 12% service charge and then presented tip options as well - felt a bit sneaky in way handled
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Aug 18, 2024
Claire C.
Lovely evening. Food was very good - the stuffed squid was really excellent! Will definitely return.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
May 29, 2026
Eileen S.
Friendly, fast & tasty
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 6/10
Sep 04, 2025
Jasmine S.
Restaurant lacked atmosphere, menus were old and print was wearing off so couldn’t see dishes. Food was underwhelming, patatas bravas was strange, had an almost curried mayo on top instead of spicy tomato sauce, porchini croquettes looked good but had a gluey texture and fried manchego was greasy and couldn’t taste the manchego, would be better grilled the Honey drizzle
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 5/10
Jul 13, 2025
Rachael C.
I have eaten here before. I feel the portions were quite a bit smaller. (For the price) Certainly compared to last time I ate here but especially compared to eating tapas in Spain!
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 07, 2024
ROBERT S.
Nice food and good service but it was a little rushed. Would recommend going but if you want to take time let them know.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
Jul 30, 2024
Adam R.
Unfortunately the Paella was not available and we was not advised until we had ordered drinks
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
Apr 10, 2024
Anne-Marie H.
A little chaotic when we arrived as we waited a long time for our drinks then there was a mix up with our order. I believe that there was new staff working that evening. Overall the food was delicious although a little expensive for all that we had.