by Katie Thompson
In Norwich, we’ve got some of the best fine dining restaurants around (and the critics agree).
Think amazing dishes, visually striking, utterly delicious and each with a story behind it. At Norwich’s fine dining restaurants, seasonal local ingredients are the norm- cooked fresh by the professionals. And many are small and cosy, intimate yet sociable. So, take a seat for one, two or more of you, and savour the flavours on offer.
If you love food, then this is your city – and if you love fine dining, then these are your restaurants…
Psst… for even more suggestions on Norwich’s best eateries, check out our Eat & Drink page.
Benedicts’ dishes will have your mouth watering!
As one of the most popular fine dining spots in Norwich, a meal at Benedicts with stay with you long after you’ve eaten the last crumb.
This modern British restaurant is run by Chef Patron Richard Bainbridge (the 3 Michelin starred Waterside Inn’s youngest ever junior sous chef under Michel Roux Senior and a Great British Menu winner). And after 10 years, Benedicts has been named in The Times Top 100 UK restaurants, awarded 3 AA Rosettes, and included in the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide!
So, with dishes like BBQ Wells-Next-the-Sea Lobster on the menu, this is a meal you won’t forget any time soon.
Brix and Bones’ unique way of cooking will give your food flavour unlike any other in Norwich
Led by chef George Wood, Brix and Bones is an intimate restaurant known for its fantastic use of open fire cooking. You’ll find the restaurant above Gonzo’s Tea Room on London Street. It’s a real gem, with plenty of delights to discover inside, and sustainability at its heart.
A meal at Brix and Bones is ‘an unforgettable culinary adventure’, which showcases seasonal Norfolk produce and organic ingredients. Each dish is carefully considered, offering a truly exceptional experience. Start with a pork shoulder croquette, followed by the 200-day aged Hereford sirloin steak. And don’t forget to sample a staple of the restaurant – the bone marrow fudge donut.
The Last has been a fixture in Norwich for over 30 years
For relaxed fine dining, look no further than The Last. It’s a buzzing wine bar and restaurant that’s been a fixture in Norwich for over 30 years, now under Sebastian Taylor, former head waiter at The Ritz in London. With three distinct areas- the Restaurant, Bar & Bistro and the Jazz Cellar, The Last is chic, cosy and high quality. So much so, they’ve been awarded 2 AA Rosettes!
And there’s loads of great local produce to choose from- seasonal menus offer dishes like grilled Shotley seabass and Sharrington strawberry tart. Pair it with a bespoke cocktail or a glass from their well-curated wine list.
Enjoy a sumptuous meal at the WinePress, right in the centre of Norwich
You’ll find 2 AA Rosette WinePress restaurant in the historic Maids Head courtyard. Here, heritage meets haute cuisine- it’s the oldest site of hospitality in the country! We recommend reserving their ancient snug for a more intimate experience.
It’s a delightful food offering here, featuring fresh produce from local suppliers- it won’t disappoint. Treat yourself to two or three courses with seriously good dishes, and you’ll leave more than happy. Especially if you’re staying at the Maids Head straight after. Opt for the Chef’s 6-course tasting menu or take your pick from the Rosette menu- with tempting plates like sweet pea panna cotta, miso-roasted aubergine and rhubarb frangipane.
The Bay is a stylish seafood bar on the second floor of Jarrolds department store
As Norwich’s independent flagship store, The Bay is a stylish seafood and wine bar that you won’t want to miss.
On floor 2, take a seat overlooking Norwich’s iconic marketplace. In this elegant escape, the menu focusses on luxurious ingredients with exceptional wine pairings. Here, you can savour cured salmon and lobster bisque, as well as a luxurious caviar menu for that extra special treat. We suggest a fish platter for a little bit of everything- add Cromer crab if you’re celebrating! And on Saturday afternoons, a lovely selection of cocktails- each with ingredients from Jarrolds’ own range- will easily persuade you to stay a little bit longer
If you like to dine in gorgeous surroundings, The Norfolk Mead hotel will surely satisfy
Dine in gorgeous surroundings at The Norfolk Mead hotel. In the idyllic Broads village of Coltishall, just 8 miles from Norwich and situated by the River Bure, it’s not just the view that will prove impressive, but the food too.
Awarded 2 AA Rosettes, the restaurant only uses fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients sourced from the finest farms and markets in Norfolk. Drawing inspiration from our beautiful county, you can indulge in carefully crafted, exquisite dishes like cote de boeuf, sea bass and honeycomb parfait. And for a real treat, book a treatment and an afternoon in their brand-new Prosecco spa (caviar extract included)!
The Victoria is a high-quality and dog-friendly experience!
With breathtaking views over Holkham National Nature Reserve, just metres away from Norfolk’s amazing coastline and the grandeur of Holkham Hall, it’s no wonder The Victoria is a go-to for a high-quality hospitality experience. What’s more, The Victoria is completely dog-friendly, so you can enjoy an invigorating walk along the beach before an indulgent dish of delicious local produce.
Much of their ingredients are grown and raised on the Estate or Norfolk countryside (as is their Head Chef!), with a bold emphasis on freshness, simplicity, and value. Think Brancaster shellfish, Holkham venison, artisanal rapeseed oil and, of course, Norfolk potatoes.
