There are many fine dining restaurants to choose from in Suffolk, as well as fine food shops. We may not have as many Michelin stars as some other counties, but we have excellent local ingredients. Here are a few examples of places to dine out in Suffolk –
The AA has awarded two rosettes to Sutherland House Hotel and Seafood Restaurant in Southwold, the only fish eatery in the area, for the excellence of their cuisine. Because food is locally grown (some of it even comes from their own allotment!), food miles are clearly indicated on the menu so guests can see precisely where its origin is. The Sunday Telegraph listed this historic hotel and restaurant as one of the 150 best places to eat in Britain in August 2012. Try a plate of tapas by the fire on a cold winter’s day; fresh local fish served up daily; Black Pudding sausage and mashed potatoes, or a modern British dish—or simply come for a scrumptious three-course meal. You can get everything from a sandwich for £5.95 or a main course for £23.50 and all the delicious meals in between.
Hintlesham Hall Hotel is a Grade 1 listed Elizabethan manor house that has been transformed into a 21st-century haven of comfort and charming professionalism, sitting on 175 acres of beautiful countryside. Chef Alan Ford demands top-quality ingredients to construct an enticing menu that caters to both gourmands and health-oriented consumers. Many of the meals are prepared with fresh herbs from Hall’s renowned garden. Hintlesham has three dining rooms, and the Salon is the most prestigious and sophisticated of the bunch. The Sunday dinner menu is extremely popular, and daily menus are constantly altered.
You can also enjoy Cookery Days with Alan, a day spent exploring the tricks of the trade and indulging in culinary delights with some of the top experts in the industry.
Suffolk residents who desire excellent, a la carte French food in an interesting and beautiful setting will be thrilled by the following sister restaurants:
Mariners Restaurant in Ipswich provides guests with a one-of-a-kind dining experience in addition to delivering excellent French cuisine. This French Brasserie is located on a 110-year-old Dutch boat in Ipswich Marina. The vessel has experienced a long and diversified history, including being sunk, raised, and repaired, as well as once being outfitted as a Red Cross hospital ship. The restaurant it houses has been a favourite destination since 1994, maintaining many original features that emphasise its authenticity. The friendly and helpful staff take good care of their guests, who can choose from a wide menu, including A La Carte cuisine, while contemplating the scenery across the Mariner.
Martine and Regis Crepy have owned and operated The Great House Restaurant & Hotel since the 80s. The Great House is more than just a restaurant; it also has beautifully decorated rooms, which is ideal for those wishing to sample the restaurant’s extensive wine selection. In 2015, the restaurant won the Gourmet Hotels award from The Good Hotel Guide Editor’s Choice. This wonderful eatery also holds three AA rosettes as well as the 2017 AA inspector’s choice Award. The lovely old-world charm of the house is reflected in the French doors that lead to a pretty stone-paved courtyard, where patrons can look forward to an extensive menu and wine list. Booking in advance is recommended.
The Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh is home to an impressive Seafood and Grill restaurant that holds two AA rosettes and boasts incredible views of the ocean. The food at this seaside hotel is created using fresh, seasonal produce, resulting in dishes that are simple and unadulterated but full of flavour. The ideal place to sit back and enjoy a satisfying meal, this restaurant conveys an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
Fressingfield is a lovely little village in North Suffolk where the Fox and Goose Inn & Restaurant is located. It is worth noting that William and Kate enjoyed a meal here when their friends got married, so don’t pass up on this excellent restaurant’s offerings. Paul Yaxley is both the owner and the chef and has been honoured with two AA rosettes, and the inn has been featured in Harden’s, Michelin, and Which Food Guides. Indulge in specials like pickled wild mushrooms, pea puree, chicken jus and rocket, asparagus risotto, and so much more.
A recent rejuvenation has occurred at the Marina in Ipswich, and Salthouse Harbour Hotel’s waterside ‘Eaterie’ Restaurant serves contemporary cuisine with a unique twist and is an excellent addition to the fine dining scene. The breathtaking views of the water and the artfully designed restaurant will tempt you to come back time after time if only to sample one of the 30 fine wines.
