7 of the best 'hidden gem' places to eat in Norfolk

We asked our readers what their favourite "hidden gem" cafe, restaurant or takeaway was in Norfolk.

Here is a round-up of seven of the most popular responses.

1. Fizz and Fromage

Where: Station Business Park, Horning Road, Norwich, NR12 8QJ

Fizz and Fromage opened in Hoveton in 2021 (Image: Denise Bradley)

Couple Tim and Heather Ridley opened Fizz and Fromage at the Station Business Park in Hoveton in November 2021.

Its menu ranges from ciabattas and toasties to sirloin steak in the daytime and includes burgers, fish and pasta in the evenings.

It is best known for its broad selection of cheeses and fizzes which are also included in the afternoon teas and bottomless brunches.

2. The Foundry Arms

Where: Church Street, Northrepps, Norfolk, NR27 0AA 

The Foundry Arms is tucked away in the village of Northrepps (Image: Mark Bullimore)

This pub and restaurant is tucked away in the north Norfolk village of Northrepps, just outside of Cromer.

Its current spring menu offers a number of pub classics such as pies, burgers, steaks, pasta, salads and curries.

Making the most of its location close to the sea, The Foundry also serves seafood including scampi, squid, tempura prawns and crab.

It also has an extensive pizza menu and welcomes dogs.

3. The Glaven Bistro

Where: The Barns, Manor Farm, Glandford, NR25 7JP

James and Carron Noon opened the bistro in December (Image: The Glaven Bistro)

Married couple Carron and James Noon opened The Glaven Bistro in Glandford, near Holt, in December after moving to Norfolk from north Wales.

The bistro's menu offers hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners as well as coffees, wines and baked goods.

The ingredients list has a strong local focus, including smoked fish from Staithe Smokehouse, meats from the H.V Graves Butchers and fruits and vegetables from Fresh Approach.

4. Margo's Lounge

Where: 58 Bells Road, Gorleston, NR31 6AG

Margo's Lounge can be found in Bells Road, Gorleston (Image: Brittany Woodman)

Margo's Lounge in Gorleston is known for its full English breakfasts and pancakes.

Its thick bloomer sandwiches, sausage rolls and sweet bakes are also popular.

The business was launched by Karolyn Hubbard who also runs a 70s-themed vintage store named The Good Life with her husband Steed.

5. The Lemon and Rosemary Yard 

Where: Church Street, Dereham, NR20 3EA

This restaurant and deli sits in a 16th-century building in Dereham (Image: Denise Bradley)

This restaurant and delicatessen can be found in the former premises of the 16th-century Mermaid Inn pub in Elsing.

For breakfast, diners can choose either a sweet or savoury grazing board and other bakes like sausage rolls, pork pies and quiche are served throughout the day.

The team also offers a Sunday lunch from midday and 3pm each week with the choices of chicken, pork, beef or a rosemary mushroom and cauliflower bake.

6. Darling Darlings Cat Lounge 

Where: Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2EJ

At Darling Darlings, the interior is as quirky as the concept (Image: Danielle Booden)

At Darling Darlings, diners can enjoy savouries, cakes, breakfasts, pancakes and milkshakes while surrounded by a crew of resident cats.

From Maverick the snuggly sphinx to Coconut the three-legged feline, the group are ready to welcome guests into their home.

The venue's quirky atmosphere is enhanced by the collection of memorabilia from the 1950s up to the 1990s which is carefully designed to create a calm and comforting space.

7. Read & Digest Tearoom by The Old Pump

Where: 54 High Street, Little Walsingham, NR22 6AA

This cafe doubles up as a bookshop (Image: Google)

This historic tearoom is a hidden gem of Little Walsingham, sitting close to Walsingham Abbey and the old pump house.

It has been praised by our readers for its quality homemade cakes, soups and scones and the friendliness of its staff. 

A large selection of preloved books are also on sale making it the perfect place to curl up and have a read.