11 Amazing Value Foodie Delights to Discover in Norfolk

Norfolk’s culinary scene is always evolving. Even through the lows of the pandemic, the country remained a treasure trove of start-ups and hidden gems, offering delicious meals for locals and visitors alike. The Norwich Lanes Festival often showcases many foodie delights from around the country and, despite its cancellation this year due to clashes with the potential European Championship Football and Lord Mayor’s Procession, there’s still a huge number of great value venues that you might not have noticed so far in Norfolk. From hearty roasts to vegan delights, this beautiful county has something to satisfy every palate and budget. We’ve got 10 of our favourite, value-for-money venues that showcase the best of Norfolk’s affordable dining options.

The King’s Head, New Buckenham

Tucked away in the charming medieval village of New Buckenham, The King’s Head is renowned for its exceptional value Sunday roasts. This traditional, dog-friendly pub sits on the narrow streets of what was once a fortified Norman medieval town. The staff serve up generous portions of locally sourced meats, crispy roast potatoes, and an array of seasonal vegetables, all smothered in rich gravy.

Locals and visitors often rave about the fantastic value for money and generous portions. We’ve had many a meal here and both the roast beef and half-chicken roasts are cooked to perfection. These are served up with some of the tastiest gravy we’ve been lucky enough to shove in our gobs and Yorkshire puddings the size of my head! If you’re a social media fan, their Instagram profile is well worth following to keep up with their latest deals and offers.

Menu highlights: Apart from the stellar Sunday roasts (to which you MUST add the unmissable figgy sausage meat stuffing as a side), The King’s Head offers a range of classic pub fare, including homemade pies, beer-battered fish and chips, and a selection of local ales. They offer value-for-money menus and promos such as Thirsty Thursdays, £10 Pizza Nights and £10 Tuesdays where most main meals are just a tenner.

Nearby attraction: After your meal, pick up the key to the Castle grounds from the village shop and take a stroll around the moats and ruins of New Buckenham Castle, just a short walk from the pub.

The Street Cafe, Magdalen Street, Norwich

For those seeking a hearty start to their day without emptying their wallet, The Street Cafe on Magdalen Street is a must-visit. This no-frills eatery has become a local institution, famous for its value-packed fry-ups. It’s a great venue to sit and watch the world pass you by, enjoying one of the many free board games on offer while you wait for your order to arrive. This cafe has consistently offered value for money and generous portions. We’d challenge you to find a better full English for the price anywhere in Norwich. They don’t have a functioning website, but if you’re thinking of visiting you can check out their Facebook page or the recent reviews on TripAdvisor to see what’s likely on offer.

Menu highlights: The full English breakfast is the star of the show, including the tasty fried halloumi veggie option. However, the cafe also offers a range of sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and daily specials. The menu is so vast it can be quite tricky to choose!

Nearby attraction: After breakfast, explore the eclectic shops and antique stores along Magdalen Street, known for its vintage finds and independent retailers.

The Boars, Spooner Row

The Boars in Spooner Row has earned a reputation for serving delicious, locally sourced food at reasonable prices. This rustic eatery is the sister pub to the King’s Head mentioned earlier and combines traditional charm with modern culinary flair, offering a menu that changes with the seasons. With many of the same offers and discounts available to customers as the King’s Head, The Boars also offer their specials and are well known for excellent value for money and innovative dishes. The Boars prove that good food doesn’t have to cost the earth and even with the beautiful upmarket appearance of this gorgeously presented village pub and garden, they’re well priced to offer up a set lunch menu which is an absolute bargain!

Menu highlights: Look out for their set lunch menu, as mentioned, which offers two or three courses at fantastic prices. The menu often features dishes like Norfolk pork belly, locally caught fish, and vegetarian options using produce from nearby farms. £12 Tuesday is a great choice for those wanting to try out their menu on a discounted offer.

Nearby attraction: Take a post-lunch jaunt over to the neighbouring village of Ashwellthorpe and enjoy the wildlife and ancient woodland walks. Alternatively, it is just a couple of minutes drive from the historical town of Wymondham, complete with its well-known abbey and regular town events.

The Ber Street Kitchen, Norwich

Tucked away at the Flint Rooms end of Ber Street in Norwich, this cosy cafe has become a favourite among locals for its delicious homemade food and wallet-friendly prices. The Ber Street Kitchen prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients to create comforting dishes with a twist. We’ve enjoyed many a great-tasting coffee and light bite here, often with generous portions. The breakfast here is not only delicious but also incredibly filling – and all for a very reasonable price!

Menu highlights: Don’t miss their all-day breakfast options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Their lunch menu features hearty sandwiches, salads, and daily specials. The breakfast hash dishes and dirty Korean fries are particularly unique gems that are well worth a try.

Nearby attraction: After your meal, take a short walk to Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery to explore Norfolk’s rich history. BSK is conveniently central, meaning there’s an array of affordable parking options in Norwich for those wishing to try out this comforting establishment.

Coldham Hall, Surlingham

Situated on the banks of the River Yare, Coldham Hall offers a picturesque setting for a value-packed meal. This riverside pub serves up hearty portions of classic British fare, with a focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes. It’s been a while, in fairness, since we’ve visited this remote gem, but the online reviews of those who frequent its sizeable grounds and spacious building offer nothing but praise for the pub’s excellent value for money and stunning riverside location. The fish and chips here are not only enormous but also among the best in Norfolk – and at a reasonable price!

Menu highlights: Their fish and chips are legendary, but also look out for their daily specials board featuring seasonal dishes and local catches.

Nearby attraction: After your meal, take a stroll along the river or explore the nearby RSPB Surlingham Church Marsh nature reserve. The venue has a sizeable parking area allowing a visit to the hall and then a walk out via the moorings and various well-maintained pathways where, in the summer, a huge array of insects and native wildlife is on show.

Castle Cafe, New Buckenham

Another gem in the charming village of New Buckenham, Castle Cafe offers a delightful mix of homemade cakes, light lunches, and excellent value afternoon teas. This quaint cafe has become a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. The new owners are still finding their feet but offer great value and delicious homemade food. The afternoon tea here is not only delicious but also a reasonably priced treat, while the breakfasts are simple, yet sizeable filling the tank for a day of exploring South Norfolk.

Menu highlights: Don’t miss their afternoon tea, featuring a selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes. Their daily lunch specials, often including homemade soups and quiches, are also excellent value. They’ve recently started tapas nights and evenings featuring cheeses and meats – check out their Facebook pages for more details on these exclusive events.

Nearby attraction: After your visit, take a short walk to the New Buckenham Common, a beautiful area of grassland perfect for a post-meal stroll around the mere and grazing land where cattle, orchids and an array of wildlife are abundant.

Cafe 33, Exchange Street, Norwich

Cafe 33 has made a name for itself as one of Norwich’s best spots for vegetarian and vegan cuisine that doesn’t break the bank. The regular queues outside back this up as booking is not possible so get in line quick for brekkie! This cosy cafe, spread over two floors, offers a wide range of plant-based dishes that prove healthy eating can be both delicious and affordable. We will constantly rave about the cafe’s excellent value and creative vegan options. Their shakshuka is out of this world, as are their pancake stacks for those with a sweet tooth. If you’re a vegan, you’ll likely know it is rare to find a varied menu at reasonable prices – Cafe 33 bucks this trend and is a true gem. Their breakfast plates are hench too for the price!

Menu highlights: Their all-day breakfast menu includes vegan full English options. For lunch, try their daily changing vegan curry or one of their hearty salad bowls.

Nearby attraction: After your meal, take a short walk to the historic Norwich Lanes, known for their independent shops and vibrant atmosphere – or check out the nearby Cafe Gelato for a frozen treat if you’re not already full.

FSH Grosvenor Fish Bar, Norwich

Nestled in the heart of Norwich’s historic Lanes, FSH Grosvenor Fish Bar offers a modern twist on the classic British fish and chip shop. This trendy eatery has gained a cult following for its innovative menu and exceptional value, proving that great seafood doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Amazing quality and fantastic value for money, with generous portions, the fish is fresh, and the prices are unbeatable for the quality you get! The great thing is the variety on the menu…

Menu highlights: While their traditional cod and chips are a crowd-pleaser, don’t miss out on their unique offerings like the ‘Sea Dog’ (battered sausage and chips wrapped in a tortilla) or the ‘Six Quid Squid’ (crispy fried squid rings with chips). Their ‘Wako Taco’ (fish tacos) have to be our favourite dish though, alongside an old-fashioned ginger beer!

Nearby attraction: After your meal, take a stroll through the surrounding warren of alleyways, courtyards and open spaces filled with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. With Cinema City and The Playhouse not far away you could always follow up your fishy treat with a spot of city entertainment. FSH Grosvenor Fish Bar offers a unique and value-packed dining experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this modern chippy is a must-try for anyone seeking delicious seafood. Just be prepared for a bit of a queue during peak times – but trust us, it’s worth the wait!

OB Cafe, Old Buckenham

Situated near to Old Buckenham Airfield, OB Cafe is a hidden gem that’s particularly popular with cyclists, aviation enthusiasts, and campers. This friendly cafe offers a variety of meals and light bites at very reasonable prices, making it the perfect pit stop for those exploring the Norfolk countryside. With a decking area and dining pods built for all weather, the cafe’s a great all-season destination. For cyclists finishing a long ride this picturesque stop is both filling, delicious, and easy on the wallet!

Menu highlights: We loved a recent panini and sausage roll here. But larger meals were also popular and they host regular street food and pizza events. Check out their socials for more details.

Nearby attraction: After refuelling, visit the Old Buckenham Airfield Museum to learn about the area’s rich aviation history.

Olives, Elm Hill, Norwich

Found in the heart of Norwich’s most picturesque medieval street, Olives offers a delightful blend of history and culinary excellence. This charming eatery, housed in a 15th-century building on the corner of the cobbled Elm Hill, serves up a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes at surprisingly reasonable prices. With delicious food in a stunning setting, it’s rare to find such high-quality food at decent prices, especially in such an amazing location.

Menu highlights: Olives is particularly renowned for its tapas-style small plates, perfect for sharing. Don’t miss their namesake olive selection, the crispy halloumi fries, or the chorizo in red wine. Their daily specials board often features innovative dishes using seasonal, local ingredients. The restaurant’s cosy interior, with its exposed beams and period features, creates a warm and intimate atmosphere. Our favourite dish here is the breakfast plates that have changed very little over the years and are so epic they virtually spill over the sides of the plate!

Nearby attraction: After your meal, take a stroll along Elm Hill itself, often described as one of the most complete medieval streets in England. With its Tudor houses, speciality shops, and cobbled street, it’s like stepping back in time. The nearby Norwich Cathedral is also just a short walk away.

Crown Point Tavern, Trowse, Norwich

Remarkably close to the city, in the charming village of Trowse, the Crown Point Tavern is a little-known treasure. This revitalized pub has quickly become a local favourite, known for its amazing BluesNR3 kitchen roasts and inviting dining terrace. We last sampled their meals on a sunny spring day, sitting outside under the beautiful grapevine and hoping to catch a glimpse of Edmund, the pub cat. Despite not seeing Edmund, the sumptuous roasts with all the trimmings more than made up for his absence and every member of the public dining there was in fine spirits – due in no small part to the warm atmosphere and great-tasting, affordable food.

Menu highlights: The Crown Point Tavern’s BluesNR3 kitchen roasts are the star of the show, offering a delicious twist on the traditional Sunday lunch. During the week, look out for their hearty pub classics and daily specials, all prepared with a focus on local ingredients and big flavours. One of the pub’s standout features is its spacious dining terrace at the back. This outdoor area provides a perfect setting for al fresco dining on warm days or enjoying a cold pint in the fresh air. The terrace has quickly become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Nearby attraction: For those feeling energetic, Whitlingham Country Park is just a short walk away, offering beautiful lakeside walks and water activities. Alternatively, take a stroll up the road to the left of the Crown Point Tavern and circle down the permissive footpaths to the broad for a nice circular walk.

From traditional pubs to trendy cafes, Norfolk offers a wealth of dining options that prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a delicious meal. These 11 foodie delights showcase the best of the county’s affordable eats, each offering unique charm and flavours. So next time you’re exploring Norfolk, why not give one a try – your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!