Bella Vita at Dover Marina

You're walking along the Esplanade with the water glinting beside you, and Bella Vita appears like someone's finally sorted out what Dover's waterfront deserves. It's Italian done without the kitsch—clean lines, that aperitif-and-sunset energy, proper service that doesn't hover. The kitchen takes its ingredients seriously; this isn't the sort of place where everything swims in cream. You'll get fresh pasta that's been rolled with intention, seafood that doesn't apologise for being local, and wine pairings that actually work with what's on your plate.