by Katie Thompson
Here at VisitNorwich, 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!).
From mouthwatering fine dining to scrumptious sweet treats, an ancient market made for modern munching and refreshingly crisp local beers. There’s no shortage and you’ll definitely find something to your tastes! Plus, it’s all about local ingredients here, so you can sample the best produce Norfolk and Norwich have to offer.
Read on for some of our favourites.
Afternoon Teas in Norwich | Food & Drink Experiences | Fine Dining in Norwich | Best Roasts in Norwich
Yalm is a bustling food hall with a collection of independent kitchens
Spread across two floors in the beautiful Art Nouveau Royal Arcade is Yalm, a bustling food hall with a collection of independent kitchens. (You may recognise Norwich names such as Bodega and Christophe’s Crepes!) It’s a go-to destination for groups with different tastes. Maybe you’re craving a nourishing bowl of noodles. Or perhaps smoky North African grill takes your fancy.
COSMO elevates the buffet experience with a wide array of fresh food, different dishes and live cooking stations. Opt for Japanese and watch tappenyaki chefs just centimetres away, or savour creamy curries and zingy Chinese favourites. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
What to Drink: As you enter Yalm, you’re bound to be tempted by Skippers bar. Here, you can pull up a stool and sip on classics like Negronis and Palomas. Or try traditionally different twists like a Maple Old Fashioned or Pistachio Martini (shaken or stirred). Not only that, there are also tempting delicacies by local bakery/patisserie Figbar.
Namaste Village is an authentic Indian restaurant that’s completely vegetarian with traditional recipes
In the heart of Norwich, we’d forgive you for not expecting authentic Italian flavours. That’s where Saporita comes in. This family-run business offers typical Italian street food, including pizza, panini, focaccia, and panzerotti that’s perfect for lunch. Here, you can expect traditional tastes packed full of Mediterranean freshness. We recommend a slice of Zucchinina pizza or Calabria panzerotti. And it wouldn’t be a trip to Saporita without a slice of salame al cioccolato (yes, chocolate salami)!
A ten-minute walk from the city centre, you’ll find Namaste Village. This is an authentic Indian restaurant that’s completely vegetarian, showcasing traditional mouthwatering Indian recipes like Masala Dosa and Paneer Labbabdar. Their philosophy ‘never serve food which you would not like to be served’ sets a precedent for delicious food that’s always lived up to.
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’, a fruity mix of passionfruit and pineapple, tamarind and dragon fruit powder inspired by its Indian festival namesake. And for alcohol-free diners, we suggest a ‘Bul-Bula Fritz’, which combines their rhubarb, orange, and ginger Norfolk cordial with non-alcoholic fizz!
When you’re looking for somewhere a little more relaxed to catch up visit tapas bar Makers House
A cocktail bar, karaoke venue, restaurant and ten pin bowling alley all in one? That’s what you’ll find at Bowling House, a buzzing venue that’s great for meeting up with friends. And their sharing menu is ideal if you’re prone to food envy! Take a bite of tasty chicken katsu, succulent slow cooked ribs and creamy mac’n’cheese- most of which are vegan or adaptable, too.
When you’re looking for somewhere a little more relaxed to catch up, visit Makers House, a tapas bar and bistro nestled on St Benedicts Street. It’s a mix of French and Spanish cuisine with a coastal Californian twist. Think patatas bravas and Iberica ham croquetas, followed by shrimp tacos and aubergine parmigiana. Plus, there are deli boards and sharing platters when you’re tempted by charcuterie or seafood.
What to Drink: Makers House is more than meets the eye! Upstairs you’ll find Hawthorn, a speak easy-style bar with an array of unique and bespoke cocktails- for starters, there’s 200 bottles of spirits to choose from!
Or if beers are more your thing, we couldn’t not mention Bier Draak. This is a cosy continental beer bar on King Street that’s ideal for trying something new- from lagers to ales, trappists to stouts. Why not try Bier Draak favourite Tynt Meadow? And, even better, there are nibble platters if you’re a feeling peckish!
Grosvenor Fish Bar has been a Norwich staple for 100 years!
When a fish and chip shop has been a City of Stories staple for 100 years, it’s got to be good, right? Grosvenor Fish Bar is just that. We know their traditional fish and chips can’t be beat- think crispy batter and fluffy chips, but there’s also an intriguing selection of other fish to try, including squid, clams, mackerel and herring! On our list? (Sea) Bass with Sass and Loony Toony (that’s tuna, by the way).
Just across the Lanes, you’ll find The Bay Seafood and Wine Bar on the second floor of independent department store Jarrolds. Overlooking the market’s multi-coloured rooves, this is the perfect pitstop post shopping spree where you can sample local delicacies like Brancaster oysters and Cromer crab. And for those who fancy a little luxury, there are even three types of caviar to choose from!
What to Drink: Jarrolds’ Food Hall is a treasure trove of local tipples, including gins, wines and whiskys. So, before you buy, The Bay is the ideal place to treat yourself to a glass or two of Chet Valley Sparkling Rose, Norfolk Brewhouse Moongazer lager or Norfolk Gin.
Prelude is an art deco-style restaurant with modern dishes and laidback charm. Richard Jarmy Photography – @richardjarmy
Norwich Theatre is home to Prelude, an art deco-style restaurant with modern dishes and laidback charm. And just because it’s part of the theatre, doesn’t mean you have to be a theatregoer to enjoy it all! Prelude’s menu is refreshed seasonally, supporting local produce and suppliers, where two or three courses are always a set price and the fare includes the likes of squash and coconut soup, French onion tart, and dark chocolate torte.
What to Drink: At Prelude, there’s an array of wines, spirits, and cocktails that are also affordable! And when you dine and drink here, you’re directly contributing to not-for-profit Norwich Theatre’s artistic, creative and community programmes.
