Having now lived in Norwich as a student for 4 years, I have had the great chance to explore Norwich as an outsider, as well as get to know the local favourites. I have slowly integrated my way into the local community, learning the quirky places to go to that you could easily pass on a fleeting visit.
Norwich in particular is a quirky city for food, providing some of the best local produce about. The number of independent restaurants are higher than most cities. Therefore I list below a firm few favourites that I like to visit often to eat:
Places for coffee/light lunches:
Franks Bar - Hidden amongst the Norwich Lanes, behind Jarrolds on an old cobbled street, lies an small coffee/bar with quirky charm of wooden floors and festive decorations. During the day it serves moroccan inspired food and sharing platters, along with a firm favourite chai latte. During the evening, the establishment turns into a quaint candle lit bar, serving local ales to funky cocktails. In addition they serve some of the most amazing gluten free cakes I have tried, which change daily. Prices are relatively cheap and are worth the money. You could easily have lunch here for under £10. I recommend trying the chai latte and Franks Bar Platter (their humous is wonderfully garlicy).
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| Mulled Wine in one of Frank's quirky tea cups |
Littlehaven Coffee Co. - A recent discovery for me, this small cafe is situated outside of the City Centre, just off Newmarket Road. Here you will find some of the best coffee you will ever have. The owner is friendly and knows his knowledge on coffee, freshly making coffee to order. As I'm lactose intolerance I often opt not to have a milky coffee as I don't like Alpro Soya milk, which tends to be used as the standard alternative in most coffee shops. Here however you can be treated to a better soya alternative for an extra of 30p, but when most of the coffees are under £2, it is worth the extra amount. Here you can also get real hot chocolate, ranging from cocoa percentages of 82% Madagascan, to 52% Ecuador. The food is also locally sourced and tasty, ranging from £2-4. No wonder it is 2nd on Tripadvisor!
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| Best Soya Mocha from Littlehaven Coffee Co. |
Places for cheap eats but full flavour:
Moorish (V/VG) - Number 3 currently on Tripadvisor and located amongst the Norwich lanes, this small shop sells a range of falafel and salads freshly prepared everyday. Prices start around £3 for a falafel pitta, with additional salads added at a cost. I highly recommend this place as the food is very filling and is great for a quick vegetarian take out place. In addition their homemade lemonade with fresh mint leaves is also very refreshing on a summers day.
Places for dates or meals with friends/family
Last Brasserie - Situated on Unthank Road in the Golden Triangle, the Last Brasserie offers some of the finest French Cuisine. This small brasserie has a quaint modern interior, as well as seating outside. The place itself offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as take-away coffee. I have been here for breakfast, where I treated myself to pancakes with maple syrup and bacon, as well as going here on many occasions for dinner, where I tend to favour the Confit de Canard (one of my favourite meals). Prices are reasonable, with a main course ranging from £7.90 - £18.50 (for the steak). Another great place to go on a date or with friends.
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| Confit de Canard from Last Brasserie |
Roots - Another new restaurant to recently pop up in Norwich. Roots is a bistro/coffee/farm shop opposite the Belgian Monk, along one of few cobbled streets in Norwich. Don't be fooled by the small outlook of the place, upstairs is a large eating area with wooden tables and local art displayed. The food itself is fresh, seasonal and locally source, as well as being inventive with touchings of avocado sorbet (which you must try!). A meal for 2 in the bistro with 2 courses and a bottle of local Norfolk wine will set you back ~£60 but it is a perfect setting for a date or special occasion or a meal with family and friends.
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Roast Free Range Chicken Breast, Basil, Goats Cheese Mash, Red Pepper Oil, Wild Roquette Salad from Roots
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Garden Salad of Heirloom Tomatoes, Baby Beetroot, Carrot, Pea Shoots, Pickled Radish, Cucumber, Chilli Jam,
Avocado Sorbet, Black Olive Paint, Ciabatta Wafer from Roots
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All eateries named above are not part of a chain and are individual to Norwich. In addition I must point out that these are just some of my favourite places to visit, as I know I am always guaranteed good food and service.
Zoe x
