Norfolk is home to a diverse mix of vegetarian friendly dining spots, from cosy brunch cafés and charming afternoon tea rooms to award winning restaurants, pubs, and delis. Many of these venues have earned accolades such as rosettes, while others boast spectacular coastal locations where you can enjoy fresh flavours with sweeping sea views. With so much variety, there’s something to suit every taste, whether you’re after a laid back bite or a refined dining experience. Add a few of these vegetarian friendly places to dine in Norfolk, and if it’s you’re first time then read all about the best places to include in your travel plans.
Pin & Save
Short of time? No problem, Pin & Save this article to Pinterest and read at your leisure!
Food & Drinks, Norfolk is Known For
Due to Norfolk’s coastal location, vegetarian food and drink may not be the first thing on your radar as it is known for its Cromer Crab, Stiffkey Cockles and Oysters as well as meats. But there are actually quite a few things we’d suggest the veggies would love too.
- Samphire – known as sea asparagus is found in the tidal salt marches and is often served tossed in butter.
- Asparagus – around at farmer’s markets, local stores and farm to table restaurants and pubs, asparagus season in Norfolk is in spring from April through to June.
- Norfolk Cheese – Varieties include, Binham Blue, Copys Cloud, Wighton, Walsingham Wells Alpine and Warham are all locally made using cows milk from farms in the county. A few of these cheeses are made using a vegetarian rennet.
- Mustard – if you’re visiting in spring, you’re sure to see lots of yellow hued fields. We learnt that Norfolk is the home of the very famous, Colman’s Mustard. You can learn more about the story of English mustard at the Museum of Norwich at The Bridlewell.
- Mint – A lot of the mint grown in the UK, is actually grown in Norfolk. Harvesting starts in late May until the end of September.
- Norfolk biscuits & tarts – You’ll see plenty of local biscuits in the delis called Fair Buttons or Norfolk Gingers and keep an eye out for Norfolk bread pudding, also known as Nelson slices, which has dried fruit, lemon rind, marmalade and rum. Treacle Whisky – tarts are also very popular in the county.
- Whiskey – don’t miss the The English Distillery in East Harling which was the first distillery in England for over a hundred years and has won many awards.
- Norfolk Beer – There are many microbreweries in the county. Did you know Norfolk produces the best malting barley in England?
- Local Vineyards – Wine experts can head to Flint Vineyard for wine tours and tastings.
Vegetarian-Friendly Places To Dine in Norfolk
Here are some fantastic options including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and snacks scattered around Norfolk which we’d recommend personally for some quality seasonal fodder as well as great vegetarian friendly options on their menu.
#1. The Wildebeest
The two Rosette award winning, Wildebeest is a relaxed fine dining restaurant, is close to central Norwich in the South Norfolk village of Stoke Holy Cross. Chef patron Daniel Smith together with head chef, Fabio Miani takes great pride in serving up the freshest ingredients to produce a medley and coming together of seasonal dishes showcasing the greatest ingredients from Norfolk. The service is impeccable, with a dining affair that is special and memorable. Stunning plating meets traditional ingredients to produce modern cuisine.
Be-lavie Recommendations: Starter: leek and potato velouté with potato puff. Main: Norfolk foraged Chanterelles Risotto with crispy shallots, parmesan crisp and shallot ash. Dessert: white chocolate and passionfruit cheesecake with honeycomb and lime sorbet. Wine: Pinot Noir Rosé (Viña Echeverria Rosé Reserve, Curico Valley, Chilé).
The Details
- Location: The Wildebeest. 82-86 Norwich Road. Stoke. Holy Cross. Norwich. Norfolk. NR14 8QJ.
- Find it Here: Map Location.
- Further Details: Menus & reservations.
- Restaurant Accolades: 2 AA Rosettes, Eat Norfolk Food & Drink Awards 2018 – Best Restaurant – Runner Up, Eat Norfolk Food & Drink Awards 2018 to mention a few.
- Reviews: See what other diners are saying.
- Price Range: ££.
Be-lavie Tip: Pre-book a table to avoid disappointment. Vegetarian and Vegan options are available, which should be stated at time of booking. Sample the six course taster menu on offer. The Wildebeest is a great place for a special occasion dine in Norfolk meal.
#2. The Folly Tea Rooms
The most cutest tea rooms at the bottom of Hoppers yard, filled with creatives, lies an enchanted garden and tea room oozing vintage charm. A calm oasis from the bustling streets of Holt, sit back, relax and sip on some fine teas, coffees and cakes or take the weight off your feet from a day of shopping.
Folly Tearooms serve breakfasts and afternoon tea including a traditional tea but also a sparkling Folly, which as the name suggest includes some bubbles and a Gentleman’s Folly which swaps two cakes with quiche and a warm sausage roll and chutney.
Time truly does stand still at Folly tearooms and the home made delights are completely delicious and the service is attentive and accommodating. Adorable charm and quintessentially English.
Traditional Afternoon Tea: A mixture of four finger sandwiches, a fruit and plain scone, preserves and clotted creams, a selection of miniature cakes and a refillable pot of tea or coffee.
Be-lavie Tip:The afternoon tea is quite sizeable so don’t be shy to ask for a box so you can enjoy the rest later. Book to avoid disappointment as it can get very busy in Holt over peak holiday times.
The Details
- Location: Folly Tea Room. Hoppers Yard. Bull Street. Holt. Norfolk. NR25 6LN.
- Find it Here: Map Location.
- Further Details: Menus & reservations.
- Reviews: See what other diners are saying.
- Price Range: ££.
#3. Thornham Deli
The cute, Thornham Deli and lifestyle store are a perfect alternative to restaurant food serving delicious locally made produce from savouries to cakes, sandwiches, great cheeses, chutneys, preserves, jams, meats and so much more. Either sit in the relaxed café environment or grab a few bits for a picnic as we did and trust me you won’t be disappointed!
Grabbing some picnic food is a great way to keep costs down if you’re on a budget but also perfect for anytime snacks back at your Norfolk accommodation. we stayed in a Shepherds Hut (Willowfen Retreat), with a rural location and it was nice to end the day with some locally bought food!
Be-lavie Recommendations: Red pepper and feta pasty, lemon drizzle cake, Bakewell tart, farm raspberry lemonade and ginger beer.
The Details
- Location: Thornham Deli. Hunstanton. Norfolk. PE36 6LX.
- Find it Here: Map Location.
- Further Details: Menus & reservations.
- Reviews: See what other diners are saying.
- Price Range: ££.
Be-lavie Tip: If you plan to sit in, book ahead but the deli is also great for picking up a picnic to enjoy at Thornham Nature Reserve and Wetlands. Picnics are always so romantic and a complete al fresco dine in Norfolk favourite!
#4. Wiveton Bell
A beautifully renovated country pub featuring beams, stripped floors and wood burning stoves; with picnic tables out the front and tastefully landscaped rear terrace. The seasonal menu offers pub classics that are carefully crafted from quality local ingredients. The Property also offers accommodation in the form of stylish, cosy bedrooms.
The Wiveton Bell truly has some of the most delicious food I tasted in Norfolk with a great vegetarian menu. With prior warning, the chef can also create special vegan options based on your preferences. Although I was fond of all of our gastro pub experiences in the county, The Wiveton Bell was definitely top of my dine in Norfolk list!
Be-lavie Recommendations: Starters – red pepper and tomato soup (v),Mains – Beetroot textures (v) Desserts – Tonka bean cheesecake, chocolate Cremeux. Wine: Merlot Trapiche, Argentina.
The Details
- Location: Wiveton Bell. Blakeney Road, Holt NR25 7TL.
- Find it Here: Map Location.
- Further Details: Menus & reservations.
- Accolades: Prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand 2020, 2 x AA Rosettes.
- Reviews: See what other diners are saying.
- Price Range: ££/£££.
Be-lavie Tip: Book in advance and choose to sit in the marquee, which is decorated with local artwork, mismatched comfy seating, which creates a great dining atmosphere.
#5. King’s Head, Bawbugh
The King’s Head is a family run gastropub and luxury B & B on the outskirts of Norwich and the perfect place to dine in Norfolk for village vibes. The King’s Head is one of the original pioneers of gastropub dining in Norfolk. The pub prides itself on having a close relationship with local producers and markets to provide the freshest ingredients for their menu. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and a grazing menu is served at The King’s Head. As well as the finest seasonal cuisine, the pub has an extensive range of real local ales, lagers and carefully selected wines.
The atmosphere is super cosy and quaint at the pub and the service friendly and welcoming.
Be-lavie Recommendations: Mains: Banana blossom, soft tacos, baby gem, tomato, red onion and spicy sriracha Wine: Glass of Merlot.
The Details
- Location: Kings Head Harts Lane, Bawburgh, Norwich NR9 3LS.
- Find it Here: Map Location.
- Further Details: Menus & reservations.
- Accolades: 2 x AA Rosettes , 4 x AA Gold Stars, Good Food Award 2020, Good Hotel Award 2020 to mention a few.
- Reviews: See what other diners are saying.
- Price Range: ££/£££.
Be-lavie Tip: Have a walk around the cute village of Bawburgh pre or post food. Booking is essential. If you fancy staying outside of Norwich. The rooms and two apartments have been stunningly decorated and are named after people associated with the King’s Head.
#6. Picnic Fayre
Located in the picturesque village of Cley next the sea, Picnic Fayre brings you a wide range of local produce mixed with a vast selection cheese’s, our own brand of chutneys, carefully selected wines and homemade treats. Recipes that go back generations and it’s most definitely noted that the quality of food here is exceptional. Their Norfolk honey is pretty exceptional as is much of the produce from Millionaire’s shortcake to the ice cream.
Warm and friendly staff, with pick your own fruit and veg outside. Perfect place to stop off whilst walking the coastal path or en route to Wiveton.
The DetailsBe-lavie Tip: Stock up with a delicious locally sourced picnic from the deli and head over to Cley beach to enjoy through the marshes with sweeping views of Cley Windmill.
The Details
- Location: The Old Forge, High St, Cley next the Sea, Holt NR25 7AP.
- Find it Here: Map Location.
- Further Details: Opening hours & Information.
- Reviews: See what other diners are saying.
- Price Range: ££.
#7. The Art Cafe
Located close to Cley, Art Cafe is North Norfolk’s only vegetarian restaurant, gallery and licensed cafe. A place to buy beautiful creations, enjoy award winning coffee from our own Grey Seal Roastery next door, indulge in delicious vegetarian and vegan food and cakes from our onsite bakery and relax in delightful surroundings. With a sunny courtyard for summer and a cosy wood burning stove for the cold Norfolk winters, Art Cafe is an all year round destination for foodies, coffee and nature lovers, walkers and arty types.
Be-lavie Reccomendations: coffees from the Art Cafe’s, Grey Seal Roastery as well as the vegan sausage rolls. End with a sweet treat of gluten free Bakewell slice or classic vanilla muffin. On a nice day grab a pew and enjoy!
The Details
- Location: Manor Farm Barns, Glandford, Holt NR25 7JP.
- Find it Here: Map Location.
- Further Details: Opening hours & Menus.
- Reviews: See what other diners are saying.
- Price Range: ££.
Be-lavie Tip: Great place to refuel after watching the seals at Morston Quay or as a pit stop for many of the walks in the area.
38. Tw0 Magpies Bakery
Taking a stunning position in Blakeney in front of the Guildhall and metres from the famous Blakeney Hotel is Two Magpies Bakery. Delicious bakes including pastries, fresh breads, coffees and hot food be sure to drop by here for a coffee, breakfast or anytime treat. Oh and not forgetting the fishing boat fringed views!
Be-lavie Recommendations: the tasty, flaky cheese twist or Moroccan pastry, washed down with a cappuccino!
The Details
- Location: Back Lane, Blakeney, Holt NR25 7ND.
- Find it Here: Map Location.
- Further Details: Opening hours & Menus.
- Reviews: See what other diners are saying.
- Price Range: ££.
Be-lavie Tip: If you’re on one of the earlier Seal Trips leaving from Morston. Collect your tickets from Blakeney and grab some breakfast or snacks en route.
Vegetarian-Friendly Places To Dine in Norfolk
Do we need to book restaurants in Norfolk?
We found a few places such as The Wiveton Bell, Folly Tearooms and Wildebeest are pretty popular and required booking. We would always recommend booking if there’s the option, to avoid disappointment as many of the restaurants do get super busy even when it’s not peak season. Alternatively get to cafes for brunch as early as possibel to avoid the crowds.
Is it expensive to eat in Norfolk?
We did find a lot of places quite pricey, but they may have been because we chose a few that were gastropubs, cafes and delis. We decided to mix things up a little. Always remember that supporting local produce and products can appear to cost more but you can’t beat the quality and you are supporting the local economy and traditional methods.
Is there a tipping culture in Norfolk?
Tipping isn’t mandatory in the UK and we would recommend if you’d like to show your gratitude for the quality of the food and service, to add 20% to the final bill.
Are the restaurants in this quite exclusively vegetarian?
No, the restaurants we have included here are vegetarian friendly. We have researched them and they all have a few options to suit a vegetarian and vegan diet. If in doubt, we suggest calling or emailing the eatery in advance to double check.
Vegetarian Food in Norfolk Round-Up
Norfolk is full of vegetarian friendly gems, from cosy gastro pubs and charming cafés to inventive restaurants and local delis, all celebrating the region’s rich food culture. With abundant locally farmed produce such as fresh mint, samphire, rennet free cheeses, homegrown mustard, and wines from nearby vineyards, the county’s markets and menus are bursting with flavour. Many eateries hold accolades like AA rosettes, showcasing their dedication to dishes crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. This guide is an essential companion for first-time visitors seeking vegetarian foodie inspiration in Norfolk.
Resources To Help Plan Your Trip
- Flights: Search & Book the best flight options through SKYSCANNER
- Travel Insurance: An absolute must-have! Check rates on SAFETYWING
- Hotels: Choose from a wide range of accommodation with BOOKING.COM
- Trains: Get the best available options for rail passes with OMIO
- Buses: Scope out the best coach travel deals in Europe with OMIO
- Car Hire: Compare, search & secure the best vehicle to suit your needs with DISCOVER CARS
- Activities: Personalise your travel with top destination experiences with GET YOUR GUIDE & VIATOR
- Shopping: A one-stop online shop for all your travel shopping needs, including travel guides AMAZON
- Traveller Reviews: Check unbiased reviews for accommodation, tours and restaurants at TRIPADVISOR
- Travel Resources: Access Be-lavie’s full-list of tried and tested PARTNERS
- eSIM: Keep roaming charges low with an eSIM from AIRALO
À bientôt
Pin & Save
Enjoyed this article? Pin & Save to Pinterest to refer back to in the future!
