Norwich Restaurant Guide

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”.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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”.

This central Norwich newcomer (est. 2019) from ex-Roux at the Landau head chef Oliver Boon and his brother Ben (the Ben & Oli of its name) “always offers tasty pasta-based and Italian-styled treats, in a modern setting”. The commendably short menu “changes regularly”, revolving around a handful of handmade pastas, one main meat and one fish dish, and vegan options.