by Katie Thompson
Norwich is no stranger to fabulous food and drink, not to mention tempting independent eateries. Here, we’re stuffed full but never stuffy. And the icing on our Christmas cake? Well, it’s traditional with festive flair and a sprinkle of now.
There’s no better time to indulge in a tasty treat than Christmas. Whether you’re a lover of sweet or savoury (or both!), you’ll be spoilt for choice. From warming roast dinners to fabulously festive afternoon teas, our city is brimming with indulgent bites, seasonal sweets and festive feasts!
Here are our top picks for the best Christmas food and drink in Norwich.
Fish and chips with a Christmas twist? Yes, please!
In Norwich, we do Christmas a little differently and nowhere embodies this better than Grosvenor Fish Bar. This is a Christmas dinner meets chippy tea, for just £11. Take notes for the big day and tuck into turkey sausage with chips, gravy, battered stuffing balls, and cranberry sauce!
At local favourite The Waffle House, you can try a seasonal twist on classic flavours. Treat yourself to rosemary and sea salt waffles dipped in oven-baked Camembert, a mushroom and squash stack with chestnut, stilton and sage stuffing, and tiramisu waffle. Yum!
Or how about an alfresco sauna followed by coffee and cake along the river? At The Lions’ Den, unwind with a velvety orange hot chocolate or spiced mulled wine. And if you’re feeling peckish, there are delicious soups and toasties to tempt you- what’s Christmas without a bit of cheese?
And if you want to make a night of it, we suggest feasting on the fantastic food at Bowling House before a game of retro bowling or a sing-it-loud karaoke session! Or celebrate the season with friends at Middleton’s. Their Christmas bottomless brunch brings festive flair, accompanied by many a Black Forest Choc-Tini!
Then indulge in a long Sunday stroll in crisp sunshine before heading to Redwell Brewery for a Giant Yorkie roast dinner and pint of locally brewed craft beer. You can thank us later.
Wash down a delicious market lunch with a seasonal tipple!
A trip to Norwich isn’t complete without a treat or two from Norwich Market! This melting pot of flavours has so much choice, you’ll want to come back to try it all. From New York-style sarnies to steaming bao buns and swirly cinnamon rolls, wash it all down with a spiced glühwein from Sir Toby’s Beers!
And to try more of the city’s great craft beer offering, head to continental beer bar Bier Draak for a smooth Irish coffee and seasonal sours, as well as bottle shop Beer Hatch for Christmas blends with hints of liquorice and caramel. Or if cocktails (and mocktails) are more your thing, Gonzo’s Tea Room are stirring up seasonal tipples, on their rooftop no less.
For lunch, look no further than Logan’s! You can rely on their menu for a whole host of seasonal specials. You won’t need to wait for Boxing Day for that turkey sandwich thanks to their festive baguettes, paninis and focaccias- Brussel sprouts, stuffing, pigs in blankets and brie included!
And when you’re in need of a break from all the Christmas dinners, Yalm has it covered. With 8 different kitchens serving festive bites and drinks, we suggest a couple of plates to share- especially when flavours include the likes of fennel sausage, brie and cranberry pizza and mince pie crepes with brandy sauce!
A creamy scoop of artisanal panettone gelato is the ideal festive treat
Who says ice cream is just for summer? At Cafe Gelato, you’ll be persuaded otherwise thanks to their traditionally made flavours. With a seasonal selection that’s super creamy, try a scoop of panettone, Christmas pudding and mince pie! (Thankfully, you can get more than one (from £3.60)!)
Speaking of Italian desserts, a slice of Saporita’s salame al cioccolato (that’s chocolate salami to you and me) is a must-try. This delightful dessert boasts cocoa, crushed biscuits and a splash of port or rum! Accompany it with a shot of limoncello or a slice of traditional panettone.
Another of our favourite sweet spots is Macarons & More in the Royal Arcade. Whether you’re in need of a last minute (and mouthwatering) gift or want to treat yourself after a day of Christmas shopping, their seasonal specials (including spiced rum and pineapple, and almond and apricot) always go down well!
And for a truly decadent dinner, The Assembly House’s popular Christmas Pudding Parade Supper Club returns (£38pp). With a cavalcade of Yuletide desserts, each is served with a flourish! From Christmas pudding to winter crumble, Baileys profiteroles, syrup sponge, trifle and more, it’ll be hard not to devour every crumb!
Brix and Bones is an intimate fine dining experience to treat yourself this Christmas
If you can’t treat yourself at Christmas, when can you, eh?
At Brix & Bones, you can expect an intimate culinary experience. Think flavour, fire and theatre. From their open kitchen watch skilled chefs use the coal-fired grill to elevate sustainably sourced local ingredients like wild Norfolk venison. All paired with a carefully chosen wine list.
The Last’s festive menu du jour promises a selection of exceptionally crafted dishes in a buzzing and unique venue (three courses £45). In this former shoe factory, savour the likes of smoked haddock and mussel chowder, followed by Apple and calvados maritozzi.
A meal at Michelin Guide-featured, 3AA Rosette Benedicts is always special. Here, it’s all about local produce, including fresh seafood like Wells-Next-the-Sea lobster. And when you’ve licked every plate clean, a Benedicts gift voucher is the perfect excuse to come back in the new year.
And for an elevated meal in a historic setting, WinePress at the Maids Head offers the perfect blend of style, cosiness and warmth. Opt for their festive lunch menu (two courses £37) or nestle under a blanket in in the hotel’s heated courtyard tasting their Après Ski-style winter warmers.
