Harden's survey result
Summary
With more of a “neighbourhood” vibe than nearby rival Roger Hickman’s – Richard Bainbridge’s very accomplished venture (which opened in 2015) is likewise extolled by its fan club (which is slightly bigger than its close rival) as “the best restaurant in Norwich by miles, and really deserving of a Michelin star”. “Richard and his wife, Katja, have attracted a kitchen brigade and front of house team which oozes slickly-professional but utterly-natural hospitality”. Be it from the à la carte, six-course or eight-course tasting menus, “the challenge and interest which comes with each dish is stunning”.
Summary
Richard Bainbridge’s “bistro-style” venue punches above its weight when it comes to the quality of his “wonderful” cooking, be it from the à la carte or the “Incredibly enjoyable” 6-course and 8-course tasting menus (with meat dishes particularly well reviewed). Fans feel “it’s unbelievable that it doesn’t have a Michelin star” and it edged its local rival Hickman’s in food ratings this year.
Summary
“If there was a new restaurant deserving culinary gongs it’s this one!”, say fans of Great British Chef, Richard Bainbridge’s assured newcomer. Some reports note “a tension between the kitchen’s ambition, and the local bistro setting” – and there’s the odd gripe about “dreary, MasterCheffy cooking” – but most reporters are delighted with the “remarkable modern cuisine in a beautifully simple, yet elegant environment”.
Owner's description
Benedicts opened its doors in June 2015 run by chef owner Richard Bainbridge and his wife Katja and has gone from strength to strength since. It is a contemporary bistro style Restaurant with classic values, serving modern sophisticated food in a relaxed environment and prides itself on seasonality, local produce and warm professional hospitality.
Benedicts was awarded 3 AA Rosettes In January 2018.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £18.00 | £22.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £31.00 | £39.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £9.00 | £20.00 | £9.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £22.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Richard Bainbridge has worked in some of the best restaurants across the globe, the Roux Brothers 3 Michelin Starred ‘Waterside Inn’ in Bray, Michelin Starred Thorntons in Dublin and worked for Gunter Seegers in Atlanta to name a few. For 7 consecutive years before opening Benedicts he was head chef at Galton Blackiston’s Michelin starred Morston Hall.
Richard has been lucky to be part of BBC2’s Great British Menu for several series over the past years, has won the competition in 2015 and returned as a veteran judge in 2017.
Benedicts Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Good food but staff can be a bit pretentious when it comes to serving both the food and wi e"
"Exquisite canapés and amuse bouches. Attentive service. Sensibly restricted menu."
"We are regular customers. Whether we go as a couple or with friends, we are never disappointed. The menu is exquisite with every item on the plate being carefully considered. The chefs' expertise is beyond reproach. The front of house staff are exemplary. Why this restaurant hasn't got a Michelin Star is a mystery."
9 St Benedicts St, Norwich, NR2 4PE
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Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
