by Katie Thompson
The scent of fresh bread, sizzling bacon, zingy orange juice… it must be brunch! What could be more tempting than a weekend lie-in followed by a hearty plate of delicious food?
For savoury-lovers, think eggs just how you like them- poached, scrambled, fried, with avocado or salmon. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s pancakes stacked high and drenched in syrup. And if you’re celebrating, why not make it a bottomless brunch?
Keep reading for the best brunches in Norwich!
Choose sweet or savoury for brunch at The Waffle House!
Walk by The Waffle House and you’re sure to see a queue outside. There’s a reason for that. This local favourite is a go-to for brunch, whether you’re craving something sweet or want to explore all their savoury options.
With a menu that includes the likes of a halloumi and hash stack, smoked salmon and eggs, bacon and banana, and blueberry, maple and pecan, our mouths are already watering. Even better, it’s served all day! (But that’s not to say you can’t indulge in their dark Belgian chocolate mousse and honeycomb- it’s been on the menu since 1978!)
Enjoy brunch with a board game at Slice + Dice
For an even more leisurely weekend, pair your brunch with a board game or two! Whether you’re a couple, group of friends or a family, you can play everything from strategy games to quizzes at Slice + Dice (brunch is served until 12.30pm on weekends).
Peruse their impressive games library while munching down on a breakfast burger (s*usage patty, has brown, spinach, b*con, cheese, and ketchup in a toasted bun- everything is plant-based here!). We’ve also got our eye on the loaded tater tots…
Pop to Yalm to taste their Rise & Dine menu
If you’re not sure what you fancy or you’re in a group with different tastes, we recommend Yalm. This food hall (set in the beautiful Art Nouveau Royal Arcade) spans cuisines from North Africa to Asia, America to Italy.
Yalm’s special Rise & Dine menu features breakfast delights from each kitchen and is available on weekends from 10am. Think butcher’s steak and eggs, shakshuka, breakfast pizzas and pancetta quesadillas- you’ll have to come back to try it all! There are also freshly baked pastries when you want something lighter.
The Goat Shed’s breakfast are the G.O.A.T for a reason!
At the Goat Shed (not city centre but just 9 miles from Norwich in Honingham), their breakfasts (served all day) are quite aptly called the G.O.A.T. If you’re feeling ‘Greedy’, you can tuck into three sausages, three rashers of bacon and three eggs as well as all the usual full English fare!
For something sweeter, the Goat Shed’s Pick’n’Mix offers French toast or American-style pancakes with toppings of your choosing, while veggies can enjoy eggs royale, benedict or Florentine or even garlic mushrooms on toast. On your way out, say hello to the goats!
For a French twist on brunch, book a table at Cafe Benjis
When you’ve had one too many full English, take a table at Café Benji. You’ll find this Parisian-themed café on the first floor of independent department store Jarrolds (breakfast is served between 9.30am – 11.30am).
Channel your inner Parisienne with a croissant from the menu’s pâtisserie or cake of the day from the boulangerie. Opt for smoked bacon or sausage in a breakfast baguette or Norfolk champignons (mushrooms) on sourdough toast. For pescatarians, there’s smoked salmon and crayfish on an English muffin. Voila!
How many of us can say they’ve had Beforenoon Tea before?
What would a trip to The Assembly House be without an afternoon tea? Or in this case, Beforenoon Tea (served daily, 9am – 11am). Alongside The Assembly House’s tasty breakfast menu (which includes kedgeree, double-baked cheese souffle and homemade beans on toast), this is a totally unique brunch experience!
First, you’ll enjoy a smaller version of one of their hot breakfasts, followed by three tiers full of breakfast-themed treats. For something fruity, there’s a granola, yogurt and compote shot glass. Then a cruffin cinnamon roll, cornflake jam tart and more, all finished off with an espresso or Earl Grey chocolate mousse!
It wouldn’t be brunch at Logans without a breakfast toastie
As one of the oldest sandwich shops in the city, you can be sure that a breakfast sandwich from Logans will sate your appetite.
And that’s not all their brunch menu has to offer. Served until midday, we suggest a breakfast toastie with three fillings of your choice. Or how about a salmon and avocado bagel? There’s also avocado and roasted peppers or the traditional breakfasts we all know and love- from a full English to a veggie option.
Cafe No 33 is known for its brunches across Norwich and Norfolk
And it wouldn’t be a list of the best brunches in Norwich without a special mention for some of the city’s most popular eateries.
For big breakfasts, Olive’s is a must. Think fried eggs, sausages, streaky bacon, tomatoes, beans, bubble and squeak, mushrooms, toast, and fried bread! (There’s even a ‘Stuffed Olive’s’ with black pudding, hash browns, pulled pork and gridled chorizo if you’re really hungry).
At Café 33, brunch is their speciality and is particularly great for any veggies, vegans, and those of us who aren’t fans of eggs for breakfast. Café 33’s menu is packed with mouthwatering choices, from masala baked beans (we recommend) to vegan ‘naanwich’, loaded hash browns and huevos rancheros! This is one you’ll want to return to.
In the Lanes, you’ll discover J.C. Pinto. Their dishes are fresh and moreish, with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Try a twist on the classics with whipped feta röstis or sticky toffee pancakes. Or enjoy eggs benny on crispy potato cakes and a vegetarian breakfast burrito. We suggest accompanying your meal with a fresh orange juice.
Finally, stop by Ber St Kitchen, where their yummy brunch menu is served every day (8am – 2.30pm, until 11am on Sundays). There’s so much to choose from, including American pancakes, breakfast baps and hashes, eggs multiple ways, smashed avocado and even smoked haddock rarebit.
We think that’s enough to persuade you to book a table!
