The best places to eat and drink in Norfolk 

The county’s countryside-meets-coastline location provides a bountiful array of food and drink, much of which is grown, sourced, crafted, or caught locally. Whatever your taste, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat out, from beachy seafood shacks to cool city cafés, and cosy countryside pubs to fine-dining restaurants. 

Whether you’re planning a jam-packed foodie weekend or a week-long leisurely getaway, if you’re looking for some inspiration to whet your appetite, read our favourite places to eat across Norfolk.

Wells Crab House, Wells-next-the-Sea

Best for: the catch of the day

Seafood lovers should head straight to Wells Crab House in the pretty town of Wells-next-the-Sea. This small husband-and-wife run restaurant sits right beside the harbour and serves up locally caught fish, crab, oysters, mussels, scallops and more – depending on what’s available from the fishermen that day, of course. Seafood doesn’t come much fresher and better in quality than this – and the restaurant has scooped up plenty of well-deserved awards to prove it. There are only a handful of tables, so it’s well worth booking ahead.

Strangers, Norwich

Best for: good coffee 

If you’re seeking a decent flat white for a day out exploring the city of Norwich, head to Strangers, a specialty local roaster established in 2009 by three coffee-obsessed brothers. The beans are only roasted down the road, so this is a great place to get a proper taste of Norwich’s thriving indie coffee scene. You can grab your coffee to-go from one of their takeaway kiosks on Dove Street or All Saints Green, or sit and watch the world go by at their coffee shop on Pottergate – where you can get your caffeine fix with a chunk of homemade cake on the side. 

Red Lion Bishopsgate, Norwich

Best for: a pub lunch outdoors

Red Lion Bishopsgate is a traditional pub with a lovely beer garden on the leafy banks of the River Wensum, right in the heart of Norwich. Despite being so close to the bustling centre, it’s an idyllic and peaceful spot to enjoy a pub-classics lunch out in the sunshine. Look out for kingfishers and watch the paddleboarders, as you enjoy a juicy beef burger or battered haddock and chips from the riverside terrace. Or, opt for a grazing board and a glass of crisp white wine for the ultimate relaxed and summery alfresco treat. 

Socius, Burnham Market

Best for: sharing small plates

Set in the picture-perfect town of Burnham Market, Socius is a 2 AA Rosette restaurant whose name means ‘sharing’ in Latin – a fitting nod to its continuously changing, seasonal menu of locally-sourced, flavourful small plates, designed to be enjoyed together. The relaxed, bright and airy Scandinavian-style setting features an open plan kitchen where you can watch the talented chefs at work. They also host Wine Tasting Supper Clubs from time to time, with a specially curated line-up of wine and food pairings that showcase the best of both. 

The Warehouse, Kings Lynn

Best for: beer

Fans of craft beer and real ale should make a beeline for The Warehouse, a lively taproom bar and restaurant in Setchey, just outside of King’s Lynn. Choose from their rotating selection of local, national, and international brews at the taproom or bar. If you’re hungry, order something substantial from their main menu or pizza menu. Just next door you’ll find Beers of Europe, which claims to be Britain’s biggest beer shop. There’s also an antiques and collectables showroom, should you fancy a spot of post-beverage browsing!

Norwich Market, Norwich

Best for: street food

For an incredible variety of street food dishes and casual bites to eat, head to Norwich Market. This vibrant city centre hub is one of the UK’s oldest and largest outdoor markets, with over 190 colourful stalls selling their wares. Once you’ve had a good browse, satisfy your appetite with falafel, bao buns, hog roast rolls, enchiladas, noodles, Punjab curry, New York-style sandwiches, churros – or whatever takes your foodie fancy. There’s sure to be something for every taste and craving here! 

The Old Store, Snettisham

Best for: brunch

If you love nothing more than homebaked bread for brunch, try The Old Store in Snettisham, a charming village in the west of Norfolk. This micro-bakery and coffee shop was born from ‘the love of all things bread’ – and it shows in every bite! Their brunch menu features eggs, bacon, mushrooms, avocado and more, served atop their delicious muffins and thick slices of sourdough, baked that morning. Wash it all down with a strong coffee or freshly squeezed juice and you’ll be fully fuelled for the day ahead. 

River Green Restaurant, Trowse Newton

Best for: vegan cuisine

Just outside of Norwich in the village of Trowse Newton, you’ll find River Green Restaurant, an award-winning spot that’s flying the flag for wholesome, imaginative vegan cuisine. Expect colourful and tasty mains made with seasonal local ingredients, such as smoked tofu kedgeree, stuffed mushroom wellington or vibrant mezze salads. There’s an indulgent dessert menu too, if you’ve got room for pudding – think toffee sponge, chocolate sundae, or affogato, all served with creamy oat milk ice cream. 

No1, Cromer

Best for: Cromer crab

Norfolk is famous for its sweet and flavoursome Cromer crab, caught in the nutrient-rich waters of the surrounding North Sea. It’s a must-try when you’re visiting the county, and what better place than in Cromer itself? Upstairs at No1 restaurant serves a variety of delicious crab dishes from its spot on the promenade, right beside the sea where the crabs are landed by local fishermen. Expect dishes like twice baked crab soufflé, crab linguine, or fresh crab salad – all served with a stunning ocean view too.  

The Ingham Swan, Ingham

Best for: fine dining in a relaxed setting

The Ingham Swan is a 3 AA Rosette, Michelin recommended restaurant set in a gorgeous 14th-century thatched pub in the village of Ingham. The focus here is on fine dining in a relaxed and welcoming setting, with locally-inspired sustainable dishes that evolve with the seasons. The Du Jour, A La Carte and Sunday lunch menus are all outstanding, but if you want to sample something truly special, go for the signature seven-course taster menu. It’ll take you on a culinary journey that showcases the best of the best of Norfolk’s produce. 

Poppylands Tea Room, Great Yarmouth

Best for: a slice of history

Poppylands is a quirky 1940s-themed tea room and restaurant in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Stepping inside is like taking a step back in time, with delightful vintage furniture, World War II artefacts and memorabilia adorning the walls and cabinets, and staff dressed in 1940s-era costumes. Tea is served in classic teapots with traditional cosies. And there are nostalgic British dishes on the menu too, like toad in the hole and bubble and squeak. Plus there’s a wonderful selection of sumptuous cakes and afternoon tea too, of course! 

Rooftop Gardens, Norwich

Best for: cocktails in the city

Craving a cocktail with a cityscape backdrop? Head to Rooftop Gardens, Norwich’s first rooftop restaurant and bar, set on top of a 1970s high rise. The venue has 360-degree panoramic views of the city to soak up whilst you sip your concoctions, often with a DJ soundtrack. Choose from classics like peach bellini or mojito, or go for something a little more creative – the Black Mountain Daiquiri, perhaps, made with pineapple rum, amaro montenegro, burnt pineapple shrub and lime. There’s a selection of small plates on the bar too, should you fancy something to nibble. 

Bar Cedita, Norwich

Best for: tapas

For a taste of Spain right in the centre of the city, Bar Cedita in the Norwich Lanes is a fantastic choice. This independent restaurant opened in 2023 and has quickly become a local favourite, offering Spanish-inspired tapas, good wine, and refreshing sangria to its happy customers. You can sit in the main dining room if you’re after an intimate, relaxed, and romantic atmosphere. During the warmer months they bring tables and chairs out onto the street too, for an authentic Mediterranean tapas experience! 

The Acle Bridge Inn, Acle

Best for: families

If you’ve got hungry little ones in tow, The Acle Bridge Inn is a brilliant family-friendly spot. This riverside pub in the heart of the Broads is a picturesque place for all ages to enjoy a hearty pub lunch or dinner whilst watching the boats come and go (it even has its own moorings so many guests arrive by river). The large beer garden is perfect for the children to run around whilst you unwind with a glass of something cold. Plus there’s a boat-shaped climbing frame and an outdoor arcade to keep them entertained whilst they’re waiting for their meal to arrive. 

Stoke Mill, Stoke Holy Cross

Best for: Michelin star dining

Stoke Mill is a fine dining restaurant housed in a 700-year-old former mill, where the famous Colman’s Mustard was originally produced! Packed with history and charm and positioned beautifully on the banks of the River Tas, Stoke Mill’s setting is as impressive as its food – and that’s truly saying something, considering it was awarded a Michelin Star in 2023. Treat yourself to a special evening meal from their ever-changing A La Carte menu, paired with wine from their thoughtfully curated list.

The Brisley Bell, Brisley

Best for: Sunday lunch

Described as ‘a proper pub with bells on’ by the Telegraph, The Brisley Bell is a traditional country inn on the edge of the peaceful village of Brisley. Renovated from dereliction in 2017, it is now a gorgeous place to settle in for a pint of real ale or some comforting homemade food, whether you’re sinking into a cosy nook by the fireplace or relaxing outside in the pretty garden. Their Sunday lunch is a standout, with a mouthwatering selection of roasted meat and tasty vegetarian options featured on their two or three-course menu.

Figbar, Norwich

Best for: decadent dessert

Sweet-tooths will be in heaven at Figbar, Norwich’s first restaurant dedicated entirely to desserts. And these aren’t just any desserts – executive pastry chef and founder Jaime Garbutt has poured years of passion and expertise into devising the high-end, innovative offerings. Order something indulgent from the sweet and surprising from the A La Carte menu – how about a crumble with strawberry, saffron, orange, lemon, basil and cardamom? Or go all out with the decadent dessert tasting menu, complete with expertly chosen wine pairings for each course.

Erics, Thornham

Best for: classic fish & chips

Does anything beat tucking into salt-and-vinegar drenched fish and chips with a wooden fork in the fresh sea air after a day out on the coast? If you’re after a decent portion of the seaside favourite, Erics in Thornham is a great choice! This family-run fish and chip shop focuses on quality and sourcing the best ingredients possible – as well as using real local beer in the freshly made batter. As well as the classics like cod, haddock and scampi, you’ll find ‘small plates’ on the menu too, such as arancini, buffalo cauliflower, and crispy seaweed.

Staying in Norfolk

Wherever your foodie adventures take you, you’re sure to want a beautiful base to return to each day. We have a number of specially-picked hideaways to choose from in the county of Norfolk, including two gorgeous handcrafted cabins, Pine Lodge and Laurel Lodge. Both are set amongst green countryside just a short drive away from the coast, with outdoor covered hot tubs to sink into, as well as a rejuvenating onsite spa. Bliss.