Best restaurants in Norfolk: where a local eats and drinks in this unspoilt coastal county

Looking for great places to eat in Norfolk? Local writer Ashley Mullenger shares her must-visit favourites, from modern cooking in a restored Georgian house to quirky seafood stops along the coast.

For more exciting restaurants and weekend ideas for food lovers, check out our best UK city breaks, best pubs with rooms and foodie day trips from London by train. Also discover more of the best restaurants in Deal, best restaurants in Margate and best restaurants in Hastings.

Best places to eat and drink in Norfolk

Meadowsweet, Holt

Set in a beautifully restored Georgian house, offering an intimate setting for thoughtful, modern, seafood-led cooking. Chef-owner Greg Anderson places British fish firmly at the heart of his regularly changing tasting menu, letting seasonality lead the way. Much of the shellfish is sourced from small-scale local fisherman Henry Randell, keeping the cooking closely tied to the Norfolk coast and the catch of the day. meadowsweetholt.com

The Maltings, Weybourne

The Maltings never fails to make me feel welcome. Despite being spread across a large site – with a main house, restaurant, wellness retreat and a collection of cottage-style rooms – it feels cohesive, with a genuine sense of togetherness running through it. You might find yourself curled up with a book and a cocktail in the library, or eating your way through Norfolk’s finest seasonal ingredients in the contemporary, open-plan restaurant. Either way, community sits at the heart of the property, reflected in its close relationships with small local producers, which can be seen throughout its menus. themaltingsweybourne.com

Norwich Market

As one of the oldest and largest markets in Europe, Norwich Market feels anything but stuck in the past. Today it’s a go-to for up-and-coming food stalls, street food, cafés and independents, all packed into a lively maze-like sprawl that rewards a slow wanderer. Come hungry, follow your nose and don’t skip The Banger Stop – its loaded hot dogs are a local favourite for good reason.

Camellia Cottage, Sheringham

Tucked back from Sheringham’s main drag, this traditional Norfolk flint cottage is the spot for indulgent brunches and afternoon tea. The menu puts a lively spin on brunch classics, while the counter is stacked with cakes, pastries and traybakes that are hard to ignore. Don’t overlook the evolving drinks list either, alongside a well made pot of tea, there’s always something more playful on offer, like an iced pistachio latte topped with whipped cream. camelliacottagesheringham.com

The Parlour, Binham

One of Norfolk’s lesser known coastal villages is home not only to the striking ruins of a 10th-century monastery but also a quietly charming restaurant set just opposite. The Parlour sits in a converted barn on a working dairy farm, which naturally shapes the menu, from milk-based drinks to ice creams and light dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea it’s the ideal stop for an unhurried lunch. theparlourbinham.co.uk

Socius, Burnham Market

Burnham Market is a well-known coastal market town for good reason but, with so many shops and places to eat, choosing where to stop can be a challenge. Socius makes that decision easy. This relaxed, tapas-style restaurant brings a contemporary edge to the village, serving thoughtful small plates that showcase local produce with clarity and confidence in a space designed for sharing and lingering over good food. sociusnorfolk.co.uk

Rocky Bottoms, West Runton

Owned by a Norfolk fishing family and offering unspoiled clifftop views at West Runton, this quirky seafood stop makes for great choice after a coastal walk. Summer is the time to order crab, when it’s at its seasonal best and used in everything from simple dressed plates to pasta and sandwiches. The menu keeps things seasonal and unfussy, while the on-site shop means you can take dressed seafood home to try a new recipe yourself. rockybottoms.net

The Gin Trap Inn, Ringstead

Just a stone’s throw from the seaside town of Hunstanton, this cosy 17th century coaching inn with quirky yet elegant rooms delivers all you’d want from a traditional Norfolk pub – low ceilings, open fires and deeply comfortable armchairs. It’s the kind of place where locals linger over a pint, sharing space with farmers, traders and fishermen (and, centuries ago, smugglers). The menu champions local seasonal produce, serving pub classics that feel timeless and well executed. thegintrapinn.co.uk

Benedicts, Norwich

An elegant restaurant in the heart of Norwich’s foodie district, St Giles. Head chef Ashley Williamson (a protégé of Richard Bainbridge and Galton Blackiston) takes familiar Norfolk produce and pairs it with quietly inventive ideas, resulting in dishes that feel fresh without being showy. It’s the place to go for both private dining or if you enjoy food that surprises using everyday ingredients – cockle popcorn has become one of my favourite pairings on the menu. restaurantbenedicts.com

Bakers & Larners, Holt

Bakers & Larners is a non-negotiable stop in the North Norfolk market town of Holt and something of a mecca for locals and visitors alike. Its food hall is packed with the finest pantry essentials, while the deli features standout goods from artisanal producers both near and far. If, like me, cheese, charcuterie and chocolate are your weaknesses, allow plenty of time to browse. It’s also known for the occasional high-profile local shopper, so you never quite know who you might bump into. bakersandlarners.co.uk

Smash & Dash

This is one to keep an eye out for. As a mobile food truck its location changes but you’ll find Kirsty and her team at many of Norfolk’s major (and lesser-known) events throughout the year. The menu is short and satisfying, smash burger tacos and loaded fries, done simply and done well. It’s a formula that’s earned plenty of local attention, including Norfolk food vendor of the year in 2025. What really sets it apart though is the provenance: all the beef is reared by Kirsty and her partner Nick on their Norfolk farm, taking it from field to fork. @smashanddashtruck

Sharrington Strawberries, Melton Constable

Nothing says summer quite like a punnet of freshly picked strawberries. I spent my early years on a fruit farm so there’s a touch of nostalgia in plucking those heavy red fruits straight from the plant and I’ll admit I may be biased. Still, strawberries and cream is an enduring national favourite for a reason. Make a stop at Sharrington to literally pick up some of the sweetest strawberries and other fruits Norfolk has to offer. sharringtonstrawberries.co.uk

Foodie town spotlight

Wells-Next- the-Sea

This is a small working port with a big appetite, where fishing heritage and food culture sit comfortably side by side. Set along a wide tidal harbour and backed by one of the best beaches in the country, it’s the kind of place where a long coastal walk naturally leads into something good to eat. Start the day slowly with coffee and pastries from Wells Deli or Two Magpies Bakery, or ease into things with a sea swim, sauna and a strong coffee at Flo & Joe, which also serves seafood street food from the East End fishing quarter come lunchtime. At The Globe Inn, you’ll find cosy rooms and a locally driven
menu in a relaxed setting, while North Norfolk Cellars at Chandlery is a strong choice for small plates and a glass of something local. No trip to the seaside is complete without a generous helping of traditional seafood washed down with a criminal amount of seafood sauce – look no further than A&M Frary’s seafood stall located in the quayside carpark, and be sure to follow it up with a scoop from Wells Gelato. If you’d rather cook, Arthur Howell on Staithe Street or Walsingham Farms Shop is the place to pick up locally sourced meat and game.

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