The Norwich food scene is a direct contradiction to the city itself. While steeped in history and marvelously medieval, the gastronomy is contemporary with a gentle nod to regional flavors.
We were drawn to Norwich for its centuries-old architecture, its ancient churches and time-worn lanes. But the Norwich food culture intrigued us – and we were eager to get a taste!
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We sought out independently owned restaurants and top eateries based on locals’ advice.
And because we are nearly always up for a pint of local brew, we frequented bars and pubs that tap regionally produced suds.
In this wrap up of the Best Food in Norwich, UK, we not only share where to eat in Norwich, but the best craft beer bars, too.
Need help planning your entire trip? Be sure to check out our list of Essential Things To Do in Norwich!
Norwich Food: Best Restaurants (and What To Order)
Norwich doesn’t have any specialty dishes that they can call their own, but there are plenty of restaurants cranking out delectable foodie favorites, regional cuisine and international fare.
In our pursuit of finding the best things to eat in Norwich, we feasted at several restaurants that are unique to the area.
Bun X at Micawbers
We didn’t think we would kick off our list of what to eat in Norwich with smashburgers, yet here we are – and we’re not sorry about it!
That’s because Bun X takes the humble burger and has turned it into an utterly delicious and incredibly messy edible artform.
With inventive flavor combos and Asian inspiration, the burgers are a smashing hit from the first bite!
Established in 2021 as The Bun Exchange, the concept exploded in popularity, quickly snagging a spot as one of Norwich’s famous foods.
They found a permanent home at Micawbers Tavern – a pub since 1790. With low ceilings, exposed beams and candlelight, the small space is completely enchanting. (Just be sure to make reservations in advance!)
We went all in with the OG Mega Feast –2 burgers, 2 sides and 2 dips – which we believe is a fantastic value for a memorable meal.
Taste of Shanghai at the Norwich Market
There is no better place to get a taste of the diverse Norwich food offerings than at the buzzing local market.
A center of trade for more than 1,000 years, the outdoor marketplace is a hub of classic British and international street fare. During the lunchtime rush, fragrant scents float down the alleys.
Each stall offers tempting fare, but guided by recommendations from locals, we joined the queue at Taste of Shanghai. And – oh my goodness – we were so glad we followed the advice.
The Chicken Katsu Curry is out of this world! The juicy chicken is crisped to perfection, the homemade sauce is delightfully balanced, and the crunchy onions are the *chef’s kiss*.
Plus, the owners are amazing and two of the friendliest people we met in the entire city of Norwich!
Brick Pizza
When we first started researching what foods to eat in Norwich, the independently owned Brick Pizza kept popping up on our radar.
As we aren’t ones to turn a blind eye to wood-fired pies, we took a closer look and were impressed by what we found.
Opened in 2015, Brick takes traditional Neapolitan flavors and then puts their own spin on it by sourcing fresh Norfolk ingredients from local farmers.
Their space on the edge of Norwich Market has just a few tables inside, but they also serve made-to-order pizzas at the Garnet Pub next door and at outdoor tables in the St. Peter Mancroft churchyard.
The white base Yardy pizza with fennel sausage was a winner for us – and if you want a side, the Dough Balls are little pillowy puffs of heaven when dipped in garlicky butter!
Restaurants and Food Hall at Jarrolds
Family-owned for more than 250 years, the posh Jarrolds department store is an institution. So much more than a spot for fashion and home décor, it’s also one of the best places to eat in Norwich.
Jarrolds opened in the year 1770 as a grocery – and they haven’t strayed too far from their roots. The 5-level store houses multiple restaurants and an exceptional basement food emporium.
Eating a cheese scone during a shopping trip is a legitimate Norwich food tradition – and we happily took part in the ritual. (Actually, we just went straight in for the butter-slathered scones!)
Soft on the inside and with cheese sprinkled throughout, it was by far the best scone we have consumed anywhere in the United Kingdom.
The legendary scones are available in the top-floor Pantry Restaurant and in the basement deli (for nearly half the price).
In fact, the basement Food Hall is not to be missed. It’s an absolute treasure trove of delectable bites and tasty treats.
We suggest trying a cheeseboard at the Wine Bar, a sausage roll from the deli and picking up a few Norwich foodie souvenirs, as well!
Bread Source
An award-winning artisan bakery native to Norfolk, Bread Source quickly became our go-to spot for an afternoon sweet treat. The Refectory at Norwich Cathedral is an especially lovely space!
Passionate about their craft, they believe in creating quality bread and baked goods utilizing superior local ingredients and traditional baking methods. And we feel they hit the mark!
While many patrons rave about their cinnamon buns and doughnuts, we were unable to resist their tantalizingly gooey brownies. Seriously, we’ll be talking about Bread Source brownies for months!
As proud connoisseurs of sausage rolls, we lament the fact that we never had the highly touted ones from Bread Source…but all the reason for a return trip to Norwich!
Britons Arms
Eager to try traditional food from Norwich, Britons Arms rose to the top of our list of must-try Norwich restaurants.
Situated in a 15th century, thatched-roof house on picturesque Elm Hill, Britons Arms is quaint and casual with multiple atmospheric rooms for dining. Don’t miss the upstairs space and garden!
The menu features locally sourced produce from area suppliers – and unique Norwich dishes, like venison.
While we were on our Self-Guided Norwich Walk , we stopped in for one of their famous lunchtime Toasties.
Appropriately, we ordered The Norfolk. With cured venison, roasted pork and Norfolk dapple (a mature, full-flavored, award-winning cheese), it was a taste of the whole region in one single bite!
Grosvenor Fish Bar
Fish and chips are a popular food in Norwich – just like all of the UK. In fact, some proclaim it’s the national food of England.
Grosvenor Fish Bar is a long-standing Norwich institution – but they have recently refreshed their menu with a funky take on the classic British fare.
In addition to the typical choices featuring standard cod or haddock served with chips and peas, they have creative offerings like Bass with Sass and 7 Quid Squid.
Norwich Beer
Norwich has been a thriving pub city for centuries. In fact, by the late 1800s, there were more than 450 pubs within the town walls and around 25 breweries producing ale.
The traditional beer in Norwich is cask ale – and it’s seen a recent resurgence. Bars and pubs around the city are devoted to pouring classic real ale produced by regional craft brewers.
We actually prefer ice cold pints off the keg…and there is plenty of Norwich pubs pouring those, too!
Redwell Brewing Taproom
This Norwich brewery taproom quickly became our favorite place for a cold beverage on sunny weekends.
They brew in small batches, using local Norfolk malt and hops from around the globe. (They are completely gluten-free and vegan, too!)
Their location south of the city requires some effort to reach, but we believe it’s worth it. We love the industrial vibes – as well as the spacious beer garden alongside the railway tracks.
Hop Rocket
A self-proclaimed neighborhood boozer, we literally stumbled onto Hop Rocket when strolling Unthank Road in the vibrant Golden Triangle enclave.
Boasting 12 taps of keg beer and 8 lines of real ale, the bar is full of Victorian charm and entertaining characters!
Sir Toby’s Beers
A combo craft beer shop and miniature open-air bar at Norwich Market, Sir Toby’s Beers is definitely a unique place to sip a pint.
In addition to their expansive choices in cans and bottles, they pour a good selection of British draft beer, as well. Plus, they whip up summertime slushies and host fun events (like Oktoberfest).
The Plough
A friendly and welcoming pub in the Norwich Lanes district, The Plough is a fantastic place to relax with a beer (don’t miss the back garden).
The pub serves as a taproom for Grain Brewery, which brews both keg and cask beer in Norfolk. The cask is available at the front of the bar, while keg options are located on the opposite side.
The Fat Cat and Canary
Although a bit of a walk from the city center, The Fat Cat and Canary is highly regarded as one of the best pubs in Norwich for real ale – and a true English drinking experience.
A quintessential place with classic ambiance, they pour loads of cask-conditioned ale (including from their own Fat Cat Brewery), alongside a few solid keg options.
The Artichoke
Located in the Norwich Over the Water district – which is home to a plethora of independent pubs dedicated to local craft – The Artichoke is a shining star.
They offer a dazzling range of rotating craft ales from the region and beyond. Don’t miss the beer garden that’s actually next door!
St. Andrews Brew House
Brewing their own beer in the heart of the city since 2015 – and pouring heaps of both cask and keg from fellow brewers, too – St. Andrews is an easy pick for craft beer enthusiasts.
The interior is shabby chic, but we liked to drink our pints in the small outdoor space that’s great for people-watching!
Yalm
A trendy food hall within the historic Royal Arcade, we had high hopes for Yalm. They boast having 3 bars serving 15 taps of British brew, but our timing was off and there were only a few choices due to an event.
They also offer numerous canned and bottled beer options – including a special creation by the popular regional brewery, Duration.
Historic Pubs in Norwich
The history of Norwich is palpable – even more so when having a pint in a centuries-old pub. While these establishments might not have a huge selection of craft, they certainly excel with charm.
The oldest Norwich pub is Adam and Eve, which can trace its roots to the 13th century. Originally run by monks who served their brew to workers building the cathedral, it’s an essential stop for thirsty history enthusiasts.
The Maids Head Hotel Bar offers local beers, alongside plenty of folklore. Opened sometime in the 1200s as the Molde Fish Tavern, the cozy space features an old-fashioned ambiance.
Gardeners Arms has only been open since the mid-1800s, but it comes with a grim tale that has earned it the nickname, The Murderers. Beyond the macabre, their extensive real ale selection is one of the best in Norwich!
Map of Norwich: Where To Eat and Drink
Use Google Map for an interactive version of our Norwich restaurant and pub map below.
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