Madonna hails Margate as ‘my idea of heaven’ – as she reveals love for mysterious Italian restaurant
More and more people are visiting Margate amid an impressive revival of the Victorian seaside town with its beach, popular market and growing arts scene – but its latest tourist arrival has catapulted it to new fame.
Sharing to her 20 million followers on her Instagram profile, Madonna shared photos from her visit to an art festival in the city last weekend, said to be the second time she went in three months.
Pictured alongside Turner Prize winner Dame Tracey Emin, she praised her friend’s “quite remarkable” residency program for artists in the community, before giving a glowing assessment of the town, which has a population of just over 60,000 and is located around 80 miles from London.
“The whole town seems full of creativity and energy,” he wrote. “Writers and performing artists, photographers and painters. It’s my idea of heaven. Every time I go there, it’s like I’ve walked into a dream.”
Described as England’s coolest seaside town, Margate has seen an influx of creatives in recent years, attracted by its thriving arts scene, boutique shops and trendy pubs and cafes. The biggest attraction is the Dreamland amusement park, which features many traditional attractions such as the spiral and Ferris wheel.
Madonna, who has homes in New York and London, wrote: “I know Tracey [Emin] I have always been a fan of his deeply personal and provocative work for over 25 years. But what he has created in this seaside community is quite remarkable.
“He has an artist-in-residence program where he invites young artists from around the world to come and paint and live for a few months – artists who wouldn’t normally have a place to paint and develop their talents will be part of the many exhibitions taking place around Margate.
“I’ve been there several times and I’m always impressed by the dedication and passion of all of these artists. I’m hungry, embraced and extremely grateful to have this opportunity. They all have such touching stories to share and honestly it’s so refreshing to witness them work so dedicatedly.”
He also added that the town’s favorite Italian restaurant is believed to be Bottega Caruso. When Independent When they approached the family-run restaurant, which has a 4.7-star rating on Google, a staff member said they could not comment. The restaurant’s menu includes main courses from £19.95.
The 67-year-old artist behind global hits such as “Like a Prayer”, “Vogue” and “Material Girl” wrote in his Instagram post: “Beyond all this [visiting arts in Margate]I eat at my favorite Italian restaurant, which I don’t tell anyone the name of because then everyone will go there and there’s only one table there!!
“It’s nice to share something in the news that isn’t about hate and murder, but celebrates human connection and the ability of Art to uplift people. Bringing people together.”
Madonna has kept 2025 busy with a remix album. Veronica Electronicaalso to be released Bedtime Stories – Untold Chapter, offered fans a complementary collection of remixes and excerpts from his 1994 album Bedtime Stories, Confessions on the Dance Floor.
More recently, Madonna shared her appreciation for Harry Styles earlier this week after he cited her as the inspiration for her new song “Aperture.” She wrote on her Instagram Story: “I love your new song Harry!!!!” and then I showed a picture of the singer’s upcoming album Always Kiss. Disco, Sometimes “On repeat……….” in words
