by Katie Thompson
Norwich is no stranger to fabulous food and drink, especially thanks to its amazing array of independent eateries. And when better to indulge in a tasty treat than Christmas? Whether you’re a lover of sweet or savoury (or both!), we’ve got gastronomic delights galore!
And when you add in some festive flair, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s an ancient market made for modern munching and prize-winning chippies, not to mention loads of fabulously festive afternoon teas on offer. It’s time to take a seat- let’s eat. Here are our recommendations for the best food and drink in Norwich this Christmas.
Indulgent seasonal ingredients and a well-curated wine list are the norm at The Last
We think Christmastime is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a mouth-watering meal out. And we’re sure you’ll agree. Then how about an unparalleled fine dining experience that showcases seasonal flavours and local ingredients?
For us at VisitNorwich, Brix & Bones (featured in the Good Food Guide’s ‘Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2023’) is a favourite for an intimate culinary experience and breath-taking dishes. Here, cooking is an art form. Their custom-built open kitchen is the perfect excuse to watch their skilled chefs use the coal-fired grill to elevate sustainably sourced local ingredients like wild Norfolk venison.
Norwich is a city where old meets now and where you can dine in an old shoe factory (yes, really!). The Last is a buzzing 2 AA Rosette wine bar and restaurant where delicious seasonal menus, and a well-curated wine list are the norm. Their 5-course Christmas menu includes a twice-baked cheese souffle and even slow roasted quail!
Just across the river on St Benedicts Street, Benedicts restaurant knows a thing or two about high-quality cuisine- they’ve got 3 AA Rosettes and are Michelin Guide-featured. This year, they’re offering not just one, but two, 3-course Christmas menus! There’s local produce galore- including Wells-Next-the-Sea lobster! And when you’ve licked every plate clean, a Benedicts gift voucher is the ideal excuse to come back in the new year.
A Christmas dinner with a fish and chip twist? Delicious! Photo credit ©Simon Finlay Photography.
In the City of Stories, we like to do things a little differently, yet full of festive flair.
Have you ever had a Christmas dinner with a chip shop twist? At Grosvenor Fish Bar, you can! Here, they mix the quintessential ‘chippy tea’ with the best parts of a festive roast for just £11. Tuck into turkey sausage with chips, gravy, battered stuffing balls, and cranberry sauce! We’re taking notes for the big day.
Only a 5-minute walk away, you’ll find The Waffle House. It’s a favourite of locals and visitors alike (including Hugh Jackman!). Their delicious festive menu adds a seasonal twist to classic flavours. We’re eyeing up the sage & onion infused waffle, followed by an espresso and marsala tiramisu waffle! Or perhaps the Christmas pudding waffle with boozy winter fruits…
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, Namaste Village is a must-visit. They’re an authentic, family-run Indian restaurant and exclusively 100% meat-free. Not that you’d know it! If you’re a lover of spice (or want a break from roast dinners!), then their festive menu is packed full of flavour, just like every dish they serve.
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!
Norwich Market is a melting pot of worldwide flavours- there’s so much to try!
A trip to Norwich isn’t complete without a visit to Norwich Market. Here, you can spend ages exploring the multi-coloured stalls and following a melting pot of flavours. It’s where New York-style sarnies meet Chilean empanadas, bao buns steam seconds from their swirly cinnamon cousins, and you can wash it all down with a cuppa (or a couple of pints!).
Opposite our magnificent 15th century Norwich Guildhall is Sir Toby’s Beers. It’s the perfect pitstop for people watching- standing at the bar with a warming glühwein (German mulled wine)- Sir Toby’s is particularly delicious and great for adding a little Christmas spice to your day!
Try panettone, Christmas pudding and even more festive flavours at Cafe Gelato!
Who says that ice cream is just for summer? And with Italian artisan gelato from Café Gelato, you can’t go wrong. Their amazing selection is super creamy, full of flavour and traditionally made (the same goes for their sorbets). For Christmas, they’re offering scrumptious seasonal flavours, including panettone, Christmas pudding, mince pie and mulled wine! Thankfully, you can get multiple scoops!
Speaking of Italian desserts, how about a slice of salame al cioccolato? (That’s chocolate salami to you and I). It’s a delightful Italian and Portuguese dessert made with cocoa, crushed biscuits, butter and, as an extra special addition, port or rum. And you can discover it right here in Norwich at Saporita! Add a limocello for a real festive treat or indulge in their appetizing Christmas menu- you can’t go wrong with antipasti, pizza and panettone!
And if you’re tempted by something a bit more traditional, look no further than The Assembly House. It’s the words we always want to hear- eat as much as you like! Limber up for the big day with the Christmas edition of their Pudding Parade Supper Club. The only rule is that your bowl is clean before you return. And with a list that includes freshly made spiced winter crumble, steamed syrup sponge, and bread and butter pudding (all specially made in their busy kitchen!), you’ll want to try them all.
The Assembly House’s food events are always a sell-out (and we can see why!), so get in there quick!
From £2.90 per scoop of gelato; salame al cioccolato £5.10; Pudding Parade Supper Club £36 per person
The Maids Head Hotel’s lounge is super cosy and festive!
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…
While we can’t guarantee chestnuts, we know some cosy spots to settle down with a drink, winter roast or festive afternoon tea (both Norfolk Mead Hotel and Barnham Broom offer tiers of treats in front of a lovely log fire).
For a pint or prosecco, pop to the Ribs of Beef on Fye Bridge. Here, you can while away your afternoon after a bit of Christmas shopping watching swans glide up and down the River Wensum. If you’re wrapped up warm, there’s even a waterside terrace!
Just a short walk away, at the heart of Tombland, is the Maids Head Hotel. Their cosy lounge is a great place to relax after a day exploring. And their stylish 2 AA Rosette WinePress restaurant is perfect for a Christmas get together, not least thanks to their festive menu! There’s ham hock terrine, butter roasted Norfolk turkey and mulled wine poached pear with steamed ginger. Yum!
And when you’re on the hunt for a traditionally tasty roast dinner, just a short drive from the city centre, you’ll find the Goat Shed. Their homecooked Sunday staples (including everyone’s favourite, cauliflower cheese) are just the winter warmer. While you’re there, don’t forget to browse the Goat Shed’s deli and Christmas shop to stock up for the holiday season!
Our mouths are watering already. Why not make a weekend of it? Read our recommendations for where to stay and plan your visit thanks to our guides to Christmas markets, things to do and nights out!
