Lined with a beautiful coastline that shoulders a rich interior full of winding waterways and rolling fields, Norfolk boasts an untouched landscape that captivates you from the moment you arrive. Tucked away amidst the sprawling scenes, the county’s many toothsome pubs and restaurants wait to ply you with local ingredients that have been expertly crafted into Michelin-worthy dishes.
Oh yes, behind the unhurried exterior, Norfolk’s foodie scene is vibrant and full of life (and Michelin stars), making it deliciously easy to enjoy a foodie feast during your stay. The county boasts an impressive number of Michelin star and recommended restaurants, giving you an endless choice between cosy pubs full of character, historic buildings in beautiful settings, and intimate restaurants perfect for a romantic evening for two.
So, whether you’re ending a stomp along the cliffs with a slap-up Sunday roast or you’re after a memorable evening of fine dining, these Michelin star restaurants in Norfolk have something for everyone.
Michelin star restaurants in Norfolk
Meadowsweet, Holt
One Michelin star
Situated on Norfolk’s beautiful north coast, Meadowsweet is a delightful restaurant set within a restored Georgian house. The setting is intimate yet relaxed, with fabulous touches - such as the wine shelves set into the wall - crafting a space you’ll happily while away an evening in.
The menu follows the seasons, with local ingredients taking centre stage, while global influences coax new and interesting flavours into each dish. There’s no perusing here, with a set menu inviting you to follow along as the chefs lead you through a delicate dance of dishes, from comté with black truffle and aged parmesan to rhubarb with jasmine - a perfectly floral finish to the meal. Alongside your tasting menu, why not add the curated wine or fine wine pairings? Or, you can simply browse the extensive wine list and choose a bottle to complement your meal.
Morston Hall, Morston
One Michelin star
In a true feat of excellence, Morston Hall has held its Michelin star for an incredible quarter of a century, not to mention four AA rosettes and a host of other accolades, making it irrefutably one of the best places to dine the night away in Norfolk. The restaurant resides within a beautiful 17th-century house, with gorgeous gardens offering a lovely setting as well as lots of fresh ingredients for the menu.
Speaking of, Morston Hall promises a myriad of dining options, whether you’re in the mood for an expertly crafted cocktail at the bar, a sumptuous afternoon tea, or a sit-down meal in the restaurant that celebrates North Norfolk with every mouthwatering bite. At the weekend, you can visit for a three-course lunch, while Sundays are reserved for a Michelin star roast you’ll never forget. In the evenings (Tuesday to Saturday), you can look forward to a seven-course tasting menu that will have you happily patting your belly at the end of the meal.
The Neptune, Hunstanton
One Michelin star
Making its home in a former 18th-century coaching inn, The Neptune marries Michelin dining with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The menu is a celebration of local ingredients, whether it’s freshly landed crab and lobster, or game from the nearby estates, with a wine list that perfectly complements the dishes.
You have two choices when it comes to dining here. The tasting menu takes you through a series of dishes, ranging from beef tartar to sake-poached salmon, and a chestnut and chocolate mousse to finish. The three-course dinner menu offers equally exceptional dishes, with some taken from the tasting menu and some new creations to tempt you. Think truffle ravioli, seabass with potato gnocchi, and iced almond nougat with vanilla ice cream. Round the evening off with a Nespresso coffee and a selection of Pierre Marcolini chocolates, before rolling back to your beautiful Norfolk cottage.
Nestled in the coastal town of Hunstanton, it’s easy to pair your visit to The Neptune with a salt-kissed stroll along Norfolk’s beautiful north coast. The cliffs around Hunstanton are renowned for their kaleidoscopic appearance, drawing geologists and fossil hunters alike, while the golden beaches beckon for sun-warmed afternoons (followed by a Michelin meal, of course).
Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, Caistor St Edmund
One Michelin star
Surrounded by the rolling landscapes Norfolk is famed for, Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall is an experience from the moment you arrive. The dining room features gorgeous bespoke furniture that reflects the colours winding through the sprawling gardens and the Roman influences that can be seen throughout the 17th-century building.
The menu takes inspiration from the restaurant's surroundings as well, with many of the ingredients coming from superb local suppliers, from butter and cheeses to farm-fresh vegetables that celebrate the season. At lunch, you can sit down to a 6 or 8-course meal, which takes you through a curated collection of dishes that truly shine a light on Norfolk’s exceptional fare. Think ocean-fresh oysters, moreish cheese courses, and coffee that has been specially roasted for Caistor Hall. Evenings boast the full 8-course feast, inviting you to taste your way through Norfolk’s bountiful larder. Oh, and don’t forget to peruse the wine list, which has been carefully selected to pair with the menu.
Michelin recommended restaurants in Norfolk
The Old Bank, Snettisham
Nestled in the lovely coastal village of Snettisham, The Old Bank has long been one of the best places to eat in Norfolk, with a menu that constantly shines a light on Norfolk’s incredible local producers and growers - not to mention the creative minds behind the dishes. Family-run and promising a wonderfully warm welcome every time, it’s easy to see why this hidden gem has settled in the hearts (and tums) of so many.
The menu changes with the seasons, which often means you’ll see something different every week - and sometimes even every day, depending on the availability of ingredients. There are two tasting menus to choose from, with both the shorter and longer menus offering an optional wine pairing to take your meal to the next level. While dishes vary throughout the year, you’ll often find an assortment from the land and sea, from Cornish mackerel to venison from the historic Sandringham Estate. Finish things off with an optional board of British cheeses for a truly tasty end to your dining experience.
Sculthorpe Mill, Sculthorpe
Bib Gourmand
There’s just something about a country pub that sets the soul at ease, and at Sculthorpe Mill, you’ll find the warmest welcome around. Originally a watermill, this historic building has been delighting passersby since 1757, with a recent refurbishment adding a burst of colour and life to the already beautiful historic building. Inside, vibrant interiors and flickering fires tempt you in the winter months, while summer promises a lip-smacking afternoon in the sun-soaked garden.
The restaurant menu offers a mouthwatering mix of simple yet delectable dishes that range from moreish nibbles to button-popping mains and even sharing dishes for those who take ‘sharing a meal’ a little more literally. The rib of beef is particularly good! There’s an excellent selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, not to mention a list of desserts that will have you contemplating how many Norfolk strawberry sundaes are appropriate for one person.
While the Bib Gourmand restaurant is a must when looking for a filling feed, you can always simply stop by the bar for a swig of local ale and some Michelin-worthy bar snacks - the ultimate way to refresh after a stroll along the coastline. Oh, and did we mention there’s breakfast? And epic Sunday lunches! So, whatever kind of fuel you’re looking for, Sulthorpe Mill has you utterly - and deliciously - covered.
The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market
Bib Gourmand
Another of Norfolk’s fabulous restaurants to hold a Bib Gourmand and a well-earned place in the Michelin Guide, The Gunton Arms is a traditional pub nestled in the heart of a sweeping park in North Norfolk. While the setting and wood-clad interiors are oh-so-traditional, the art that adorns this historic pub is anything but, with works by renowned artists such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, and Beatrix Milhazes.
The menu echoes the ambience of the pub, with classic dishes that feature local ingredients wherever possible, from Cromer crab to venison from the deerpark that surrounds you. Visit throughout the week for the a la carte menu that shifts with the seasons, and boasts dishes such as sea trout with King’s Lynn brown shrimp and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with bubble and squeak, or book a table for a Sunday if a week-defining roast with all the trimmings is calling you. There’s an extensive wine list to help you find the perfect pairing for your meal, or you can pause at the bar for a pint of something local and a bowl of something tasty. Michelin recommended chips and curry sauce, anyone? Whatever you’re after, The Gunton Arms is perfectly placed for a feast followed by an adventure or two along the coast. Or, you can continue the deerpark theme and visit nearby Holkham Hall.
The Wildebeest, Stoke Holy Cross
Bib Gourmand
Fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, The Wildebeest has perfected the art of good food and good times. The bright and welcoming restaurant follows the same path as many Michelin restaurants in Norfolk, with local ingredients taking centre stage. You’ll find a series of menus available during your visit, giving you the choice between the eclectic a la carte menu, the menu du jour, and the expansive taster menu, which takes you through a series of dishes and an optional wine flight should you choose to make your experience extra special.
Sundays are dedicated to everyone’s favourite British classic, with a choice between roast beef, pork or chicken with all the lip-smacking trimmings, pan-roasted stonebass, or an asparagus and wild garlic risotto that packs a flavoursome punch. They also hold special wine nights throughout the year, which celebrate a variety of themes, from summertime specials to trips around the world, one glass at a time.
Excited to taste your way through Norfolk’s Michelin restaurants? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages and start planning a foodie escape today.
