Next time you're in the UK's easternmost county, check out these restaurants to refuel between walks and sightseeing. Call us to book you a table, or help find accommodation while you're there.
The Victoria
Park Road, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1RG
Whether you're looking for a sit-down meal or a drink and comfort food after a walk on the beach, The Victoria should be your first port of call. The restaurant comprises the main bar, two smaller bars, a sofa area where you can slouch with the Sunday papers, and the main restaurant. There is also outside seating. With all of these options you might imagine that The Victoria would have a slightly disjointed, fragmented air to it – fortunately this is not the case. The décor and long running bar ties everything together perfectly, and the atmosphere is warm and cosy without being claustrophobic. The food is of a very high standard, with menu options that are both classical and innovative. Like many Norfolk establishments, it relies heavily on local produce which is determined by the season – throughout the culinary calendar you will be sure to see Cromer crabs, Thornham oysters, Samphire and game from the estate on the menu.
Guide price: £20
Morston Hall
Morston, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7AA
Morston Hall has received praise from the most respected of critics, and it's the only restaurant within a 50-mile radius that has both three AA rosettes and a Michelin star. The intimate country house is situated two miles from Blakeney on the north Norfolk coast and is the ideal retreat. The menu changes daily and is always set – although this can put some people off, here there is a wide choice and the food is cooked and prepared to an exceptional standard. You will not leave this restaurant disappointed.
Guide price: £55
The Neptune
85 Old Hunstanton Road, Old Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6HZ
When walking into The Neptune, it's easy to forget you are on the Norfolk coast and believe instead that you've been transported to New England. The decor consists of white wooden walls in contrast with dark wooden floors. The walls are adorned with black and white photos of the surrounding area and mounted model ships. The restaurant is owned and run by a charming couple who thrive on making your dining experience just that, an experience. Kevin Mangeolles, formerly of the George Hotel – where he gained and held a Michelin star for nine years – produces dishes that capture his enthusiasm and skill perfectly. It is easy to see why this restaurant was awarded both an 'AA Triple Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence' and a Michelin star in January 2009 – Mangeolles is dedicated to using fresh, local produce as much as he can while creating an innovative, exciting menu. Fish is a key player here, but vegetarians and non-fish eaters are also catered for superbly.
Guide price: £30
Strattons Hotel
Ash Close, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7NH
Strattons is a quaint, family-run boutique hotel that prides itself on serving quality organic meals using as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible. The restaurant – located in Swaffham, a 20-minute drive from Downham Market – has recently won the Eastern Daily Press 'Norfolk Best Restaurant' award, and is repeatedly recognised for its environmentally-friendly ethics. The service here is second to none. When you enter you are taken to an upstairs drawing room to look over the menu and enjoy a drink at your leisure before making your way down to the restaurant. The atmosphere here is welcoming but not overpowering – waiting staff are always on hand to top-up wine glasses without crowding you, and the result is a lovely, relaxed ambience.
Guide price: £25
Rasputin
22-23 Plowright Place, Swaffham PE37 7LQ
When people heard that a Russian restaurant was coming to the small market town of Swaffham, there were fairly mixed reviews and few folk thought it would last. Proving those doubters wrong, the restaurant is still standing and serving brilliant, authentic Russian food. ‘The food was superb and the vodka was served at the perfect temperature,' one of Ten's Russian members informs us. Unfortunately, the service does let this establishment down slightly – but the food makes up for it. With views over the market square and a variety of drinks to sip, Rasputin makes a lovely setting to have a long, drawn-out evening.
Guide price: £20
Nico's
5 London Street, Swaffham PE37 7DD
Nico's is a family-run Italian restaurant that delivers excellent food and service. The host is friendly and more than eager to please, stopping to have conversations with his customers and thoroughly explaining all the dishes should you need it. His brother, who possesses equal charm, is the chef. Using old family recipes and Italian classics, the menu is varied yet traditional. The restaurant is cosy, informal and perfect for those nights when you just want to eat out at a nice, welcoming eatery.
Guide price: £15
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