Café des Amis

You'll spot the fairy lights twinkling through the windows long before you reach the door on St Dunstans Street. Inside, this proper French bistro feels like stumbling into a Parisian side street – all exposed brick, flickering candles, and that particular buzz that comes when people are properly enjoying themselves over good wine. The menu leans heavily French with serious attention to detail. Their moules marinières arrive in generous portions with chips that actually taste like they've seen proper beef dripping, while the confit duck leg falls off the bone exactly as it should. The wine list favours French bottles but won't bankrupt you, and the staff know their stuff without being pompous about it. Book ahead – locals have cottoned on that this is Canterbury's best shot at authentic bistro dining.