by Katie Thompson
We think it’s safe to say Norwich has its fair share of delicious food and drink. While it’s easy to stick to your favourites, there are so many independent bars, cafés, restaurants and eateries waiting to be discovered (and then tell everyone you know about!).
Whether you’re craving a scrumptious sweet treat or want to treat yourself to an unforgettable fine dining experience. Here, you can devour a donburi bowl in a medieval market for lunch and sip on a refreshingly crisp local beer at dinner. Not to mention sample the freshest Norfolk produce!
Read on for some of our favourite places to eat in Norwich!
Afternoon Teas | Food & Drink Experiences | Fine Dining | Best Roasts | Best Cheap Eats | Foodie’s Weekend
You don’t have to see a show to dine at Prelude!
Did you know you can dine at Norwich Theatre’s Prelude restaurant without seeing a show? This art deco-style restaurant offers relaxed, yet elegant, modern dining. Championing local produce, the menu is updated seasonally, so there’ll always be something new to try. Opt for 2 or 3 courses, with dishes like grilled seabass and chicken parmigiana, followed by a glazed lemon tart.
Benedicts offers mouthwatering Michelin Guide-standard fare. This gourmet restaurant is known for contemporary takes on classic dishes. With a menu that changes every few weeks, you can enjoy mainstays like the Parker House Bread and innovative dishes like Wells-Next-the-Sea Lobster Raviolo and English Mushroom Pithivier, both with fresh Norfolk produce. (Chef Patron Richard Bainbridge is a regular on Norwich Market!)
What to Drink: At Benedicts, sample the very best of local Norfolk wine, whether it’s a crisp glass of white Bacchus from Burn Valley or sparkling rosé from Flint Vineyard.
Namaste is a must-visit for vegetarians
For authentic Indian that’s both delicious and completely vegetarian, look no further than Namaste Village! After all, their philosophy is ‘never serve food which you would not like to be served’. Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, tuck into traditional dishes like Masala Dosa and Paneer Labbabdar, sampling spice and flavour from regions across India. Yum!
Slice + Dice serves 100% plant-based food amid shelves stacked with board games (although you don’t have to play one to dine here)! This environmentally friendly cafe’s menu boasts popular nachos sharers, burgers and burritos. Plus, you can double up on desserts like waffles, cookie dough and even deep-fried Oreos
What to Drink: When it comes to drinks, Namaste takes the same free-from approach, with most refreshments vegan and gluten free. There’s the Holi-tini, inspired by the Indian festival of colours, or a traditional yoghurt mango or saffron lassi.
Authentic, handmade gelato? Yes, please!
Freshly made pizza, panino, focaccia… it’s no surprise that family-run Saporita is a go-to for authentic Italian street food. But what about their sweet treats? For starters, there’s their signature tiramisu. For fruit lovers, mascarpone fruit crostata cups (a take on a traditional Italian tart). And we always recommend a slice of salame al cioccolato (chocolate salami)!
Here in Norwich, it’s always ice cream weather. Especially when it’s a heavenly scoop from family-run Cafe Gelato. They make all their ice cream on site, with the best local produce, including milk, honey and those all-important Norfolk strawberries. Flavours range from classic Madagascan vanilla to fig and mascarpone and dark chocolate sorbet.
What to Drink: Cafe Gelato is a go-to for rich Italian-style coffee, while Saporita’s hot chocolate is the ultimate indulgence. And if it’s warm and sunny, embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle with a refreshing Sardinian beer or citrussy shot of Limoncello!
Grosvenor Fish Bar’s fish and chips are always the right choice
You can’t go wrong with Grosvenor Fish Bar– it’s been a Norwich staple for over 100 years! Think crispy battered fish and fluffy chips, alongside an intriguing selection of other seafood, including Looney Tooney (tuna), Krusty Krab, 7 Quid Squid and (Sea) Bass with Sass.
Sometimes only a sandwich will do. Thankfully, Logan’s moreish selection means you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s a whole host of meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan options. And that’s before you’ve tried their cleverly themed specials- from the ‘Ultimate Christmas Lunch’ to the World Cup’s ‘Bring It Rome’!
What to Drink: Head to Sir Toby’s Beers on Norwich Market with your takeaway. Pair your chips or sarnie with a crisp pint or continental bottle- you can’t go wrong with their famous cherry beer!
Go for Pho’s eponymous traditional Vietnamese dish!
For Vietnamese food, Pho’s got you covered. While their menu boasts temptations like fragrant curries and sizzling noodles, we suggest their eponymous national dish. Enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen topped with cool herbs, but remember to keep room for dessert- banana fritters anyone?
At COSMO, experience an elevated buffet experience with a wide array of fresh food, different dishes and live cooking stations. Opt for Japanese from skillful teppanyaki chefs, savour spicy curries with a side of raita or be introduced to lesser-known Chinese plates. This is a taste trip around Asia!
What to Drink: At Pho, embrace authentic Vietnamese flavours and go for a traditional Cà Phê coffee, popular Saigon beer or their Dragon Fruit & Lime Martini, with the country’s renowned Hà Nội spirit.
