Norfolk Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: “An excellent breakfast” is the top tip at Hannah Springham and Andrew Jones’s good-looking, Georgian restaurant with rooms: sibling to Norwich’s Farmyard. For other occasions, feedback on its straightforward, brasserie-style fare (fish pie, côte de boeuf, burger) is still too limited for a rating.

“A long-term destination in the culinary wastelands of Norfolk, but so good it is worth a trip”, say fans of Roger Hickman’s “lovely” culinary beacon (which dates from 1990 under former owner David Adlard). Reports often compare it favourably with nearby Benedicts, although the latter outscored it by a whisker again this year. Whatever the ranking, all reports rate it well, lauding “superbly executed food, with touches of inventiveness which all hit the spot”. Such gripes as featured in feedback are that it’s pricey or “a bit OTT” in its approach.

This “vibrant” operation from chef-patron Andrew Jones, who worked for Richard Corrigan and Claude Bosi before returning to his native Norfolk, majors on “interesting, well-executed dishes” using “locally sourced ingredients”. He and his partner, Hannah, also run The Dial House restaurant-with-rooms in Reepham.

Entering its eighth year, Richard & Katja Bainbridge’s “relaxing” operation remains the most commented-on option in town in our annual diners’ poll and also the highest rated. Fans say it’s their “go-to” option, thanks to its “incredible” menus (“catering to all tastes”) and staff who are “attentive without being overly ever present”. However, ratings were dragged down by a few “disappointing” reports of the “might-have-been-a-bad-day-but…” variety.

2021 Review: “After nearly 30 years under the same ownership” owner James Sawrey-Cookson retired and this “well-loved Norwich institution” changed hands last year: bought by a number of business-minded regulars. Chef of three years’ standing, Iain McCarten is “well into his stride, but what makes this place so popular is the whole atmosphere (there is a real sense of belonging”). “Hopefully the new owners don’t ruin the formula” although change is certainly afoot, with a new outside terrace and adjoining brasserie section opening in autumn 2019.

2021 Review: “Exceptional” Indian vegetarian and vegan cooking wins high ratings for this “beautifully decorated” little restaurant on a central Norwich backstreet – a family-run business operated by “people who really care”.

“Excellent food, beautifully prepared and presented from local produce”, ticks the boxes at this village pub-restaurant just outside Norwich, which serves a modern British menu from Norfolk-born chef Daniel Smith (ex-Le Gavroche and Morston Hall), who also runs the Ingham Swan (his third venture, Warwick Street Social in Norwich, closed during the pandemic). The Wildebeest’s name is a relic of its previous life as an African-themed gastropub. Top Tip – “the fixed-price lunch is a real bargain”.

“Truly world-class cookery… what an achievement to get a Michelin star after such a short time being open” – Greg Anderson and Rebecca Williams’s summer 2021 launch (given top marks in Harden’s several months before the Tyre Men’s accolades!) is one of the more exciting rural openings of recent times, certainly up Norfolk way. “Greg’s cooking is deft, refined, exquisite and packed with beautiful flavours, while Rebecca's service is thoughtful, considerate, knowledgeable and warm. When the chefs bring the dishes to the table they comment on the food with humility and charm. Not a false note or a jarring element in numerous courses.” One ardent fan finds the rise in price of the tasting menu since it opened (from £85 to £130 per person) “alarming” (although you do get more courses now). The most representative view though? – “Just completely stunning in every sense of the word. We were blown away by every aspect of our meal. Can’t wait to dine again!”

“Love the vibe and art” at this “exciting” restaurant-with-rooms, opened in 2011 by Chelsea art dealer Ivor Braka on his country estate, with paintings and sculpture by luminaries from Lucian Freud, Paula Rego and Damien Hirst to Anthony Caro and Sol Le Witt on the walls and in the grounds outside. It’s “definitely a meat-eater’s heaven”, with “superb food” from ex-Mark Hix chef Stuart Tattersall – “most locally sourced, including their own stunning venison from the estate”, and some “cooked over the dining-room fire”.

This “very welcoming pub” is the most commented-on of those on the north Norfolk coast (perhaps due to its recent ‘Bib Gourmand’) and though not super-foodie “serves hearty meals and enjoys a buzzy atmosphere”. “The ingredients are selected from local suppliers, cooked with skill, and served by a young, efficient and enthusiastic team.” In June 2022, it was acquired by East Anglian pub and restaurant company The Chestnut Group.

A “great gastropub” in a “lovely location” with views over the salt marshes, which serves a “menu a notch above standard pub fare, with a good range of fish dishes accompanied by a good selection of local real ales”. “Friendly and efficient staff” create “an excellent, relaxed atmosphere”, while “bustling crowds for a late midweek lunch on a cold day in March are testament to the pub’s well-deserved reputation”.

2021 Review: Fans are “happy to report the continued success and popularity of owner Desmond’s venture on the north Norfolk coast” – lionised in a BBC TV series, and combining “really good freshly cooked” farm food with “lots of outside space to run around in”.

This family-run north Norfolk restaurant “does what it does very well”, and that’s mainly fresh fish, along with local game – a formula that has served it well for more than 20 years. Sadly, co-chef/proprietor Richard Long died last year. “He will be sadly missed, but the good news is that his wife and co-chef/proprietor, Angela, is carrying on with the business”.

2021 Review: “Relaxed, friendly” and a “brilliant pub”, just along the coast from Blakeney, which was taken over by old school friends in 2011, and swiftly given a retro, nautical refurb’; the “delicious menu” takes in local north Norfolk catch and game.

“Stunning fish ’n’ chips”, with a “great variety of fresh fish and gorgeously light batter”, make this “excellently located” chippie from Galston Blackiston of Morston Hall fame “well worth the queue” – although you can sidestep that issue by making a “reservation in the upstairs restaurant, with sea views from its commanding hill-top position”. “‘Normal for Norfolk’ does not apply here, it’s far better than that!”.

“It is great to see the ever-growing number of plaudits for this restaurant” – this family-run gastroboozer has an “ever-growing” army of fans (including Giles Coren of The Times). “Last visited in 2012” – a year before chef-landlord Ben Handley and his wife Sarah took over – “when we walked out after being ignored by the staff. Wow, how it’s changed! Buzzy atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff, food interesting, fresh and perfectly cooked”. There’s now a garden room annexe to the 300-year-old pub to accommodate demand.

This ivy-clad pub-hotel by the gates of Holkham Hall makes a perfect destination after “a gorgeous walk on Holkham beach” – although its dining room can be “a bit hit-and-miss” – “when it’s good it is very, very good, but it can have some really poor days” (fluctuating standards that have bedevilled reports for “over 20 years”).