It’s always a treat to dine out, whether for a quick bite or a three-course meal – and the top restaurants in Suffolk provide a tantalizing experience! You’d be right to assume that this food-loving county has some outstanding restaurants and that we can provide you with a wide variety of tasty and memorable meals.
Cafes in Suffolk
It’s great to pause for a decent cup of coffee & cake and watch the world go by at a friendly cafe. The Landguard Peninsula View Point Cafe and the two Southwold Pier cafes provide excellent coastal views and people-watching opportunities.
You can enjoy a pot of tea in Pennikkity Pots, Castle Hedingham, or at some of the stunning National Trust properties. You can even have tea in a steam train attraction such as Colne Valley Railway or Mid-Suffolk Light Railway. How about stopping by Emmett’s Stores in Peasenhall, the UK’s oldest artisan ham and bacon producer?
French Cuisine
The Great House in Lavenham is Suffolk’s most well-known French restaurant, and it has received a variety of recognitions, including the AA Inspectors’ Choice Award 2017 and three AA rosettes – the Good Hotel Guide Editor’s Choice 2015 awards for Gourmet Hotels and the Fabulous Food Award Winner.
Maison Bleue Restaurant, Bury St Edmunds, is another fine French eatery. Their Lunch Menu is particularly popular, so be sure to make a reservation. Head to Mariners in Ipswich to dine on top-quality French cuisine in a unique setting, located on a Dutch ship from the 1800s.
Gastro, Bistro & Brasserie Dining
The Sail Loft is a coffee shop and dining establishment in Southwold, near the harbour and directly across from the shore. Whether you want to stop for a bite to eat or drink, The Sail Loft’s welcoming environment and on-site parking are sure to please. They are dedicated to serving the finest locally sourced seasonal dishes using high-quality Suffolk and East Anglia produce. They offer daily specials and events, in addition to offering bespoke accommodation above the restaurant, which has amazing ocean views.
The Alex Cafe Bar and Brasserie is open every day, providing magnificent seascape views. The ground floor Café Bar offers a wide selection of breakfast, light meal, pastry, and coffee to martini options! Seafood, grills, and brasserie fare are all available at the upstairs Brasserie. In addition to the regular menu, a lunchtime set menu is available from noon to 6 pm on weekdays.
Long Melford Swan is a trendy and modern brasserie that serves up fresh local ingredients on ever-changing menus – don’t pass up on the Sunday roast! All types of cuisine and price ranges are available here. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant outdoor dining area with a lovely garden.
The lakeside location, both championship golf courses and superb views are all accessible at the recently-refurbished Lakes Restaurant at The Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf And Spa, whether you are a member or a hotel guest. The Lakes Restaurant recently received an AA Rosette, confirming its status as one of the region’s finest eateries.
Mediterranean Cuisine
The open-plan kitchen at Café Bencotto, Felixstowe, cooks up Arabian, Greek, Spanish, and Italian-inspired pasta, pizzas, and grills. Café Bencotto is a contemporary, stylish, and welcoming spot to dine. The café is open from 9 am to 11 pm every Tuesday through Saturday, so you can dine there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the traditional Mediterranean style. The wine list is extensive, to say the least.
Traditional English Food
Sutherland House, one of Southwold’s oldest structures, is also the town’s only fish restaurant. The exquisite meals at this AA-rated establishment are prepared using fresh local fish, such as traditional favourites such as Black Pudding sausage and mash.
The Crown & Castle is worth the drive to Orford, which is a bit off the beaten path, for an amazing dining experience. This is the type of pub you’d want in your village if you lived in the country!
Unique Restaurants & Eating Out Options
Looking for something even more peculiar with a water and fish theme? Check out Mariner’s Restaurant, Ipswich, which provides premium French delights on a century-old Dutch barge anchored next to Neptune Quay.
The Landguard Peninsula is an interesting place to dine in Suffolk, as you can observe Felixstowe Port’s sea traffic as it enters and leaves.
