The Best Norfolk Restaurants

The UK has some devastatingly beautiful coastlines – there are the sandy coves of Cornwall, the rugged Jurassic Coast, and, some may say, parts of Pembrokeshire that mimic the Caribbean Sea. But in my humble opinion, nothing compares to North Norfolk. Between the charming flint stone cottages and the salt marshes that disappear into the horizon, there’s truly nothing quite like it. 

Beyond the region’s natural beauty, it has a bounty of seasonal local produce and traditionally harvested seafood, making it a culinary hotspot, as well as a staycation destination. So, whether you’re heading to East Anglia for a summer holiday or just keen to sample some of the country’s finest plates from further afield, these are the Norfolk restaurants worth the journey. 

Morston Hall, Morston

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Possibly the restaurant that put Norfolk on the culinary map, Morston Hall draws from years of Michelin heritage. Formerly owned by TV chef and local-boy Galton Blackiston and his wife Tracy, Morston Hall is still as good as it’s ever been – it recently retained its star for the 28th consecutive year. The signature tasting menu demonstrates an uncompromising commitment to sustainability and quality ingredients, without sacrificing an ounce of creative flair. Components of it regularly change, but keep an eye out for dishes such as the truffled Orkney scallop and the basil sorbet.

Make sure to visit morstonhall.com

The Gunton Arms, Gunton Park 

A countryside pub can take many forms, but The Gunton Arms almost feels like a tavern of yesteryear. Set in the expansive 1,000-acre Gunton Park and serving venison caught by the estate’s gamekeeper, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to Medieval times. The food, of course, is significantly better than what you’d have experienced back then, thanks to Chef Stuart Tattersall (ex-head chef at Mark Hix). There’s a whole section of the menu dedicated to open, elk-fire cooking – steaks, ribs, pork chops galore – served up alongside classic pub grub like chicken pie, fish fingers and bubble and squeak. 

Book theguntonarms.co.uk

The Suffield Arms, Thorpe Market

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Although part of the same family as The Gunton Arms, the nearby Suffield Arms has a markedly different proposition, serving Mediterranean tapas, which is surprisingly hard to come by on the North Norfolk coast. While still housed in a trad-pub setting, you can instead expect to drool over all your favourite Spanish small plates: patatas bravas, Andalusian prawns, pan con tomate, croquettes and more. If the sun comes out, you could almost convince yourself you’re in Europe. 

Sample thesuffieldarms.com

Wiveton Hall, Wiveton 

First made famous by the BBC’s Normal for Norfolk, which followed “eccentric gentleman farmer” and owner Desmond MacCarthy (and his instantly recognisable eyebrows), Wiveton Hall is now somewhat of a local attraction. While I spent summers foraging in the farm's PYO raspberry hedges, there’s now a quaint café led by Norfolk Tea Co. where you can enjoy the region’s largest selection of tea (and cakes). Or if you’re visiting this summer, you may catch the Mysabar pop-up, where there will be live music, food trucks and craft beer.

Experience the converted Jacobean manor house and all it has to offer at wivetonhall.co.uk

Meadowsweet, Holt

A lesser-known fact about Dior darling, Jonathan Anderson, is that he has a second home in Holt – a charming Georgian market town. It’s also home to Meadowsweet, the village’s Michelin-star restaurant that focuses on super local ingredients used to create a tasting menu that is nothing short of an ode to the surrounding area. With minimalist interiors, stunningly presented plates and a butternut squash cestini that could make you weep, Meadowsweet should be at the top of your East Anglian culinary bucket list. 

Reserve a table at meadowsweetholt.com

No. 29, Burnham Market

Burnham Market, often referred to as Chelsea-on-Sea, is home to some of East Anglia’s most polished boutiques and its gastronomic quarter offers everything from fish smokeries to Tuscan delis. Of the restaurants in town, No. 29 should be your go-to – simply by virtue of its diverse and theatrical menu. There’s truly no coherent theme here, which is all part of the fun. Think sticky Chinese pork served alongside pea arancini and cauliflower tacos. 

number-29.com is not one to be missed. 

The Grain Store, Weybourne

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Part of the Maltings Hotel, The Grain Store sits at the heart of a collection of 16th-century buildings and barns. The interiors are expansive, set over two open-plan storeys, complete with rustic bare-flint walls and beams, but weather-permitting, you must try and snag a table in the courtyard. Here you can share silver seafood platters or a selection of the delectable small plates like the asparagus, goat’s curd and black garlic tart, under fringed umbrellas and a string of festoon lights. 

Reserve your seat at The Grain Store, themaltingsweybourne.com

The Parlour, Binham 

In the shadow of the picturesque Binham Priory ruins is a converted Grade II listed barn that has people from all over clamouring for a brunch table. Part of the working Abbey farm, The Parlour is possibly one of the most authentic farm-to-table food experiences – you can literally see the cows whose milk is in your flat white. Of course, the full-English breakfast is sublime, but the Scotch pancakes with maple syrup, fruit compote and streaky bacon is the best thing on the menu. There’s also the cute Little Dairy Shop where you can peruse the farm’s produce and make the most of its cheese vending machine. 

Tables can be booked by ringing 01328830796. theparlourbinham.co.uk.

Socius, Burnham Market

Latin for sharing, Socius’ ethos is simple: to create a relaxed, convivial dining experience. Set in an open-plan barn in Burnham Market, the food is fantastic – so much so you’d certainly be surprised to learn Head Chef Dan Lawrence has no classical training. Born from a love of simple, seasonal ingredients, the menu is designed, of course, to be shared. The sweets, in particular, will have you salivating – whether it’s the Norfolk strawberry panna cotta or the socius chocolate bar with crémeux and salted caramel. 

Book a seat at sociusnorfolk.co.uk

No.1 Cromer, Cromer

You couldn’t write about the best places to eat in Norfolk without giving an honourable mention to the finest fish and chip shop in the area. Back in the days of COVID, No. 1 Cromer was the spot that had locals queuing up, socially distanced, of course, to collect their treasured takeaway. Named as one of BBC Good Food’s best fish and chips, it’s the freshest of fish, sourced from local fishermen and served with golden-fried chips. There’s no soggy batter or greasy aftertaste in sight. 

Find No1 Cromer on the seafront no1cromer.com