Looking to treat yourself this pay day? Perhaps a nice meal with the other half or meeting up with a group of mates over some tasty food could be in order.

If that sounds like a decent way to spend your hard-earned cash over the weekend, here are five of our reporters’ top-rated Kent restaurants of the year - so far…

ANGELINA’S, Snodland

Who says going out for a meal has to be an evening affair? At the beginning of this year, we visited a new brunch spot that made for a perfect start to the day. It’s been open for over six months now and Angelina’s in Snodland is going strong - and our reporter’s favourite dish, Shakshuka, is still on the menu.

Opening times: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am to 11pm; and Sunday, 9am to 5pm.

ANNAPURNA, Folkestone

It might not look like much outside, but Nepalese restaurant Annapurna makes up for its humble exterior with big, bold flavours. Our reporter was inspired to visit the Folkestone eatery after seeing it featured on Andi Oliver’s BBC show and found a surprising haven of unique dishes, big portions and “knock-out” food.

Opening times: Monday and Tuesday, 4pm to 10pm, and Thursday to Sunday, 4pm to 10.30pm.

BLUE PELICAN, Deal

We visited Blue Pelican in Deal without really knowing what to expect and found a high-end dining room that blows your usual Japanese chain restaurant out of the water. If you want to visit for a date night, the Negroni cocktails, crab croquettes and lamb heart skewers come highly recommended.

Opening times: Wednesday, 6pm to 10pm, and Thursday to Saturday, 12 noon to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm.

RAMSGATE BOATING POOL

This waterfront bar in Ramsgate was compared to the Amalfi coast by our reporter, so it sounds like the perfect spot for a summer meal. The Boating Pool is a relaxed cafe and bar overlooking palm trees, a sparkling blue pond and the sea from its clifftop location and, as it goes, the food isn’t bad either. The thin-crust, freshly-made pizza will definitely get you in the mood for an Italian getaway.

Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm.

WEST STREET TAPAS, Queenborough

The tasty tapas in this bite-sized restaurant almost got a perfect score, just missing out on full marks by one point. Our reporter spent an evening at West Street Tapas in Queenborough this spring and filled up on the small plates, tucking into everything from patatas bravas to calamari and Padron peppers.

Opening times: Thursday, 6pm to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday, 5pm to 10pm.