by Katie Thompson
In Norwich, we’ve got some of the best fine dining restaurants around (and the critics agree). If you love food, then this is your city – and if you love fine dining, then these are your restaurants…
These are restaurants for foodies. Something amazing, cooked fresh, with seasonal local ingredients, by the professionals. And many are small and cosy, intimate yet sociable. So, take a seat for one, two or more of you. And properly savour.
Psst… If you’re looking for even more suggestions on great places to visit, check out our ‘Eat & Drink‘ section, it’s got plenty of recommendations for whatever you’re looking for!
Benedicts’ dishes will have your mouth watering!
Perhaps one of the most popular spots in Norwich for fine dining, Benedicts has quite the reputation. And there’s a reason for that! A modern British restaurant run by Richard Bainbridge, his credentials speak for themselves. He worked under Michel Roux Senior at the 3 Michelin starred Waterside Inn and won BBC 2’s Great British Menu.
And since starting the restaurant in 2015, Benedicts has been named in The Times Top 100 restaurants in the UK, was awarded 3 AA Rosettes in 2018, and is included in the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide as well as just being named by Good Food Guide as one of the best fine dining restaurants for value.
So, Benedicts should certainly top your list for a meal you won’t forget. Enjoy a tasting menu from £60 or sample the set lunch menu from £36.
Brix and Bones’ unique way of cooking will give your food flavour unlike any other in Norwich
Having opened in early 2022, Brix and Bones is still relatively new to the Norwich food scene, but it has made quite the impact in this short time. In fact, its made such an impact, that its already been named in the Good Food Guide. Located above Gonzo’s Tea Room on London Street, this restaurant is a real gem, with plenty of delights to discover inside, and sustainability at its heart.
Many of these delicious dishes are cooked over an open fire, which the restaurant say is used to ‘take food back to its ancestral roots’. Try the 200-day aged Hereford sirloin steak, or tuck into the pork chop with Korean pesto. Whatever you opt for, you’ll absolutely love it. Round off your plate with a side of Wagyu beef fat potatoes 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 a relaxed fine dining experience, 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, reopening in early 2024 under Sebastian Taylor, former head waiter at The Ritz in London. Set in an old shoe factory and with three distinct areas- the Restaurant, Bar & Bistro and the Jazz Cellar, The Last offers a cosy and high-quality culinary experience. So much so, they’ve been awarded 2 AA Rosettes!
There’s loads of great local produce to choose from, too. From seasonal a la carte and menus du jour, not least mentioning their mouthwatering Sunday lunches and delicate afternoon teas. Sit back, relax and enjoy The Last’s excellent service while you sip on one of their bespoke cocktails or a glass from their well-curated wine list.
Enjoy a sumptuous meal at the WinePress, right in the centre of Norwich
Laying claim to being the oldest place of hospitality in the country, the 2 AA Rosette WinePress restaurant is situated in the historic courtyard at The Maids Head Hotel. This is where history meets haute cuisine. Our recommendation is to reserve their ancient snug for a romantic or private dining experience.
It’s a delightful food offering here, featuring produce from local suppliers, which gives the food an extra fresh taste – it won’t disappoint. Treat yourself to two courses 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.
Delia Smith’s own recipes are recreated and perfected by the restaurant’s skilled team of chefs
Norwich City Football Club is home to Delia’s. This modern and relaxed restaurant and bar showcases Delia Smith’s own recipes, recreated and perfected by its skilled team of chefs.
With everything freshly prepared on site and a commitment to supporting local producers, you can enjoy a three-course set meal, indulging in delightful dishes that include the likes of pan-fried sea bass with champagne bure blanc and salmon caviar and twice baked roquefort souffle, plus favourites like traditional English trifle. The menu changes seasonally and Delia’s in-house sommelier will advise you on the best wine pairings for a memorable experience.
The Bay is a stylish seafood bar on the second floor of Jarrolds department store
As Norwich’s independent flagship store, Jarrolds’ magical atmosphere is one that stands out. And with a choice of three restaurants, two wine bars, a coffee bar and a seafood bar, you’ll want to make plan multiple trips!
Jarrolds’ passion for great food and drink is evident through their wide range of dishes as well as their use of locally sourced ingredients. On the lower ground floor, enjoy The Cheese & Charcuterie Bar or The Patisserie Wine Bar, which both serve a delectable selection of treats from their delicatessen. These even include platters with flavours exclusively created for Jarrolds by Richard Bainbridge.
On floor 2, you’ll find The Bay, a stylish seafood bar overlooking Norwich marketplace. Here, you can savour refreshing seafood dishes, including cured salmon and lobster bisque, as well as a luxurious caviar menu for that extra special treat.
The Assembly House is the place to go for a great afternoon tea
If you want luxury, you simply can’t pass up afternoon tea at The Assembly House– you are guaranteed a sumptuous experience. Dining in Georgian splendour, opt for a glass of fizz to enjoy alongside your savouries, cakes and scones to make the most of the decadent food!
Themed teas come around for Mother’s Day, Easter, Autumn, Halloween and Christmas but there are also extra special teas which include Baby Shower, Hen Party, Beforenoon Tea, Afternoon Cheese and Afternoon Sea Tea! Vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free can all be catered for too.
And finally – because it is a luxury boutique B&B as well, watch out for their £199 Tea-Fizz-Stay deals for 1 night. It’s an amazing offer!
If you like to dine in gorgeous surroundings, The Norfolk Mead hotel will surely satisfy
If you like to dine in gorgeous surroundings, The Norfolk Mead hotel will surely satisfy. In the idyllic village of Colitshall just 8 miles from Norwich, situated by the river, 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. Book lunch or dinner or, better still, book a stay and add on some spa time in their incredible new spa which includes the UK’s first Beer Spa treatment. Yes, that right and it comes with its own beer tap!
The Victoria Inn 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, artisanal rapeseed oil and, of course, Norfolk potatoes.
