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The Blue Pelican

Kent, Deal - Japanese - Restaurant - ££

New-wave Japanese in a beachfront townhouse

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Luke Green’s fusion of new-wave Japanese cuisine with European undertones has pursued an interesting trajectory since this beachfront restaurant (related to the Rose on Deal's High Street) opened in 2023. Truth to tell, the kitchen has been indulging itself of late and the results have been uneven. In 2024, readers heartily applauded the fact that Green was ‘not afraid to experiment with unusual favours in unusual combinations’, but by early 2025, this had become more of a journey out to the wilder shores of experimentation. While the pork katsu with bitter leaves and sesame dressing, and a clay-baked donabe rice bowl with golden beetroot and rainbow chard have drawn good reports (along with the pickles and ferments), our kurumi tofu proved to be a dense, over-salted block – in fact, over-salting has cropped up as a criticism in several recent reports. In addition, our grilled leek hearts with radish and white kombu was heavy and stodgy – a dish...

Luke Green’s fusion of new-wave Japanese cuisine with European undertones has pursued an interesting trajectory since this beachfront restaurant (related to the Rose on Deal's High Street) opened in 2023. Truth to tell, the kitchen has been indulging itself of late and the results have been uneven. In 2024, readers heartily applauded the fact that Green was ‘not afraid to experiment with unusual favours in unusual combinations’, but by early 2025, this had become more of a journey out to the wilder shores of experimentation.

While the pork katsu with bitter leaves and sesame dressing, and a clay-baked donabe rice bowl with golden beetroot and rainbow chard have drawn good reports (along with the pickles and ferments), our kurumi tofu proved to be a dense, over-salted block – in fact, over-salting has cropped up as a criticism in several recent reports. In addition, our grilled leek hearts with radish and white kombu was heavy and stodgy – a dish that belied its light description. But we enjoyed the cucumber and seaweed salad, and the excellent steamed rice. Round things off with the only dessert on offer – a set custard with chestnut cream.

Service is warm and knowledgeable, and the drinks list is a primer of what to sip right now – be it cocktails, Japanese whisky, sake or natural wines from England and Europe.

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G Konrad

20 January 2025

I honestly don't think the Japanese slant really works. The crispy chicken wings starter was just plain over-salted. The main venison was lovely meat and cooked properly but the taste was lost in the berry sauce. The wine (the beaujolais especially) was seriously disappointing. So it's a no from us but give it a whirl if you fancy.

E Ross

20 January 2025

In Deal for a cosy weekend. We didn’t know this place existed, walked past and got a table. Fabulous setting, decor, atmosphere and, particularly delicious food. What a lovely surprise.

B Green

5 December 2024

Amazing for location, very good ingredients, locally sourced, great watching the chefs work. And Jason is wonderful. By far one my favourite restaurants in Kent. Will be back soon, and spreading the word.

VENUE DETAILS

83 Beach Street
Deal
Kent
CT14 6JAGB

01304 783162

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Counter seating, Credit card required

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