What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Mucini
Review
About
Travelers' Choice
2024
Welcome to Mucini Italian Kitchen. Set in the attractive Whitstable suburb of Tankerton, on the north east coast of Kent, Mucini is a small family-run restaurant which offers a fresh approach to traditional Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. We invite you to sit comfortably in our tastefully appointed dining room where you can experience at close hand the sights, sounds and aromas of our Sicilian chef at work in the intimate open kitchen. Seating is also available outside, should you wish to dine 'al-fresco'. Why Mucini? Dining at Mucini has been described by one visitor as 'a truly theatrical experience' in recent testimonials, whereas other satified customers have described Mucini as 'an intimate restaurant with lots of character and so different from the usual high street chains'.
Features
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
PRICE
$$ - $$$
FEATURES
Cash Only
Full Bar
Reservations
Save this restaurant
Contribute
4.4
(479)
Excellent
333
Good
75
Average
26
Poor
23
Terrible
22
mark g
Whitstable49 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
We love it here and as locals we know where to eat that is good value, good service and GREAT food!!!! Last time was for a Birthday lunch and two thirds of the party arrived early and waited for the rest to arrive, this wasn't a problem and we were served drinks to bide our time without ever feeling rushed or in the way. When we did order the food, as always, was tasty and plentiful and so much more value for money than nearby Marine hotel...this is always our 'go to' in Tankerton
Written May 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz H
London30 contributions
May 2024 • family
We are here 3 times during our stay. The food is freshly cooked, served piping hot and you can see it being cooked. The menu had lots of options and everyone was pleased with what they ordered. The staff are friendly and the chef comes over to say hello when he has time. A good find.
Written May 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tate F
10 contributions
Jun 2022 • friends
We went on a Thursday evening, and had the tapas deal. It was incredible value, having five dishes with a bottle of wine, and the food itself was simply delicious. We specifically really enjoyed the aubergine parcels and mushrooms with ricotta.
The restaurant itself had a lovely atmosphere, with very friendly staff, and a beautiful grand piano, which we had the absolute delight of hearing played.
We will definitely be back again soon, and would 100% urge anyone else in the area to go and try it out for themselves.
Written June 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jade D
London3 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Not great. Sat outside as we had a dog with us, I had to ask the waitress to clean the table as it was dirty. The food was below standard, I had steak which was okay, but another family member had Spaghetti bolognese and it was dry. I asked for some pan fried chicken breast for the dog, willing to pay however much it was, they came out with a small plastic container with chicken bits in that were grey and the container was full of water, I guess they use frozen chicken which I imagine they defrost in the microwave and charged us over £6 for a handful of grey frozen chicken. Service was not attentive at all. They then added service charge to our bill even though it said on the menu that they only add service charge to table over a certain size, there were only 3 of us. Wouldn’t return, nor recommend, the food is below standard.
Written August 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lotusmad
Minster20 contributions
May 2023 • couples
We’d read reviews on this ‘Italian’ restaurant and we thought we would try it but we was very disappointed overall. Considering this is an Italian restaurant the Pinot Grigio we ordered was poor and at £24.95 a bottle was worse than a £3.99 bottle from Aldi. The waiter reeled off the specials but he was so quick we couldn’t take it all in. These should be on a board on a wall or on a separate piece of paper at the table! The starters were very nice but the mains were not that good. I had swordfish which didn’t really taste of fish, it was mainly tomato and garlic. My other half had seafood risotto which was very bland. Normally in an Italian restaurant you get offered Parmesan but we had to ask for this. We over paid by cash but we didn’t receive the change, they kept it…so we didn’t bother to tip, not that it was deserved anyway. Not a place we would ever go back to for that price and service!
Written May 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annie
Herne Bay157 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
We visited this amazing restaurant once again, this time on a Thursday evening.
We had the Tapas deal which included 5 good sized dishes and a bottle of wine for £42.50 per couple.
What a great deal!! The food was absolutely delicious, and so many choices, we were stuck to choose only 5! All washed down with a nice cold bottle of Pinot.
Service was top notch as always.
Such a lovely family run restaurant.
Great ambiance and great food. Looking forward to our next visit already!!
Written August 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony P
Truro District12 contributions
May 2024 • friends
Four of us went for an evening meal and three of us thought the food was OK maybe 6/10 and one was disappointed rating 5/10. However all of us were dissapointed with the waitress whose attitude was very slapdash, serving the wrong meals to the wrong people and gave the impression she didn't really want to be there. The ladies was out of order, the disabled toilet didn't have a handle on the outside and the latch on the inside was hanging off. The Gents was generally dirty with already full rubbish bins at 6.30pm and neither of the the two hand dryers were working? We will not return.
Written May 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin T
9 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
Great welcome and wonderful food. Had the seafood spaghetti and I can’t remember having a pasta meal as good. Also great value. Service and attention from both the chef and the Young waitress could not be faulted.
Written March 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aubretia
3 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
We wanted to treat our friend to a special lunch during a day trip to Whitstable whilst also avoiding the restaurant chains. And we were spoiled for choice due to the many independent eateries in this lovely place. We settled on Mucini and were so glad with our choice - we were happy to walk 15 minutes from the main street in Whitstable (although we could have driven as there is lots of free parking on seafront). The food is superb, the service attentive and their history of excellent ratings is well deserved. We will be back!
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jayneyb_10
Herne Bay29 contributions
Sep 2023 • friends
Held our 30th wedding anniversary party here with around 50 of our friends and family. Mucini provided a delicious hot and cold buffet which consisted of antipasti, salads, breads, canapés, pasta, meatballs, roast potatoes, chicken. seafood, fresh fruit and cheese. Everyone absolutely loved the food and the staff could not have done more for us. We had a wonderful time celebrating at Mucini and would definitely recommend them for a private catered party or just a lovely meal.
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline W
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • friends
The food is lovely.
However, the restaurant was freezing to the point that myself and most diners had coats laid across them. No hot water in the ladies and cold air hand dryer. We had to ask for cutlery a few times and food arrived before cutlery.
Rosemary was cut from outside planters which was a lovely idea but the planters had cigarette ends in them.
Food lovely though
Written December 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen Fitzgerald
Canterbury4 contributions
Apr 2023 • friends
I'm not a big review write, but absolutely had to write a review on this fantastic family-run Italian restaurant. As soon as we walked in, the atmosphere was lovely with traditional Italian music playing and a huge grand piano which was just beautiful to see in this space. We were immediately attended to with smiles by the staff, and an attentive owner who is the only chef! The cooking is done at the front of the restaurant so we were able to see our food being cooked from our table. Hats off to the owner! I have never seen a chef cook so quickly for a restaurant full of customers all whilst using fresh ingredients. We had 3 bruschetta and 2 of the special goats-cheese bruschetta's to share along with a portion of king prawns. It was absolutely delicious we were fighting over who would have the last bite. I then had the Venison for main, which was just perfectly cooked with a delicious, sweet sauce. The taste was simply incomparable to chain Italian restaurants and the portions were extremely generous. Thank you Mucini family, we will be back!!
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2010ajb
Whitstable58 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
This restaurant has comfortable seating and attractive decor.
Last night we were seated by a blank waitress with barely a greeting. She served the food without a smile and looked bored. This restaurant used to be my favourite in the area. The food we had last night was mediocre. The bill for four with one soft drink for two people one wine and one beer plus four spaghetti meals and a dessert was 180 including the tip. I am sorry the food was so average and I am not surprised only two other tables are occupied.
Written March 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lozWhitstable
We are sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your evening with us.
We think that 4 starters 4 main courses of seafood pastas 4 desserts, drinks and coffees for £160 is pretty reasonable and competitive.
It's a shame that you failed to mention on the evening that you was not satisfied and we could have tried to right what you was not pleased with.
It's all a shame that after dining with us on Many occasions and having great meals and being your favourite restaurant you never left us a good review especially when local small businesses are struggling to survive after covid and the cost of living situations.
Written March 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
emily b
Whitstable1 contribution
Aug 2024 • friends
Me and my friends came to this restaurant after being referred by family members, glad to say we had an absolutely amazing night and a spectacular dinner. The staff were very kind and worked their hardest in order to provide us with incredible service and the chef worked extremely well in a busy environment. Would definitely recommend going, whether that’s in the afternoon or the evening as we very much enjoyed ourselves and will definitely tell our friends and family to go too! Thank you so much for a great night, we will be seeing you again soon.
Written August 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AWalker94
London46 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
I came with my parents for a nice Italian meal (according to reviews) and my Dad ended up with a microwaved meal which lacked any taste.
The starter of sardines was tiny and soaked in oil, seafood risotto was steaming when it arrived, just like it had been microwaved and was full of broken shell.
My mum and I shared a selection of tapas (offered on a Thursday), which was okay but needed an extra portion of bread for it to be filling enough. For this price I would rather go to a chain Italian where you know what you are getting.
The staff were very friendly but it's a shame about the food.
Also cash only seems very strange in 2021!!
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-15 of 478
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing