Norfolk’s Tapas & Small Plates Scene: Our Trusted Guide to the Best Spots

In recent years, small-plates dining has exploded in popularity. Not just across the UK, but right here in Norfolk. As a team that’s lived, cooked, and eaten in this region for many years, we’ve watched the local food scene evolve, and this shift toward flexible, flavour-packed, and sociable eating is one we’ve fully embraced.

Norfolk’s many wine bars and coastal kitchens are increasingly featuring tapas and small-plate menus as a new way to dine – they reflect how we eat now. It’s about variety, seasonality, and shared experiences, not snobbery and sommeliers. Whether you’re grazing through a city lunch with friends or slowly layering dishes into a date-night dinner, these venues capture something essential: food that brings people together.

This guide is built on our direct experiences and trusted local recommendations. We’ve spent the last year revisiting old favourites and overdosing on our favourite local cheeses, specifically to let our readers know about what we believe are Norfolk and Norwich’s very best. These are the places that get small plates right, offering thoughtful menus, local ingredients, and welcoming atmospheres that keep you coming back.

If you’ve ever used a search engine to look for “small plates near me” or “Norfolk tapas”, this one’s for you as it features some of our much-loved suggestions. But it’s just as much for anyone who loves good food, good company, and the joy of trying something new with every bite.

 

The Boars, Spooner Row – A Village Gastropub with a Big Sharing Plate Flavours

The Boars in Spooner Row has long been a favourite of the Norfolk’s Best team, not just for its generous helpings and thoughtful service, but for how confidently it’s embraced the small plates trend without ever losing its rural pub soul. Located just outside Wymondham, it’s become one of our go-to spots for relaxed meals with family and friends, and the huge number of cars parked outside is a sure sign of their popularity.

What stands out to us across all of the pubs in this group (with the exception of The Belle Vue, which currently focuses on a Brick Pizza menu) is how dynamic and seasonally driven the small plates offering is. Having dined at The Boars and its sister pubs several times, we’ve noticed that the menu shifts regularly to reflect both the freshest produce and the chef’s evolving creativity. So while we’ve sampled some excellent dishes in recent months, they may not be on the menu the next time you visit – and that’s part of the charm that pulls us back again and again.

At the time of writing, The Boars’ small plates menu includes options such as:

• Crispy Boneless Chicken Thighs with Date Mojo Rosso 
• Vegetable Pakoras with Raita and Lime Pickles 
• Sun-dried Tomato Hummus with Spiced Crispy Chickpeas, Olives & Pitta 
• Gambas et Chorizo — roast tiger prawns and chorizo slow-cooked in cider 
• Spanish Tomato Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil – with an option to add Serrano ham 
• Crab Croquettes with Saffron Aioli 
• Pork & Pistachio Terrine with Cornichons and Apricot Chutney 
• Gin-Cured Salmon with Avocado & Lime Purée, Crispy Skin and Croutons 
• Sesame Battered Halloumi with Hot Honey & Jalapeños 

There’s also a Sharing Plate option for £34, letting you pick any four small plates. It’s a format we’ve found perfect for couples or small groups who want to sample a wide range of dishes without overcommitting.

Recent meals have seen us digging into variations of these plates, always impressed by the punchy flavours, well-balanced portions and consistent quality. Whether you’re treating small plates as starters or building your whole meal around them, there’s something wonderfully flexible about this style of eating – and The Boars gets it just right.

The setting adds to the appeal. Renovations have created a stylish yet warm atmosphere, with two distinct dining areas: a smart restaurant space and a laid-back bar that retains the feel of a true local (dogs are very welcome) – either room is recommended to enjoy their epic roasts!. In good weather, the decked and enclosed beer garden is one of the best sun traps in South Norfolk and is ideal for enjoying small plates al fresco.

It’s no surprise to us that the success of The Boars has led the team to open three more venues – The King’s Head in New Buckenham, The Cellar House in Eaton, and the newest venture, The Belle Vue in Norwich’s Golden Triangle. While each has its own feel, the common threads of quality, friendliness, and flexible dining shine through.

If you’re after flavourful, locally inspired small plates in a countryside setting with good service, good portions, and good vibes, The Boars is one to bookmark.

The Wallow, Norwich – Pour-Your-Own Wine and Generous Sharing Boards

Located conveniently near St Andrews Car Park for the designated driver, The Wallow is one of those spots the Norfolk’s Best team finds ourselves returning to again and again – and not just because we keep forgetting our wine cards. Between us, we now have three! Our visits are more of an indication of how easy this place is to drop into on a whim, or if plans change and you find yourself in the city. The Wallow Card is free (not a membership), you simply load it with credit to use at the self-serve wine machines. One tip from experience: food is ordered and paid for separately at the bar, not via the card – something that’s easy to forget on your first visit.

But this article is about the food, and The Wallow is more than just a wine bar!  It offers a distinctive and very valid take on small plates dining, which is exactly why it belongs in this guide. While it may not serve dozens of tiny bowls or tapas-style hot dishes, its large, sociable sharing boards absolutely capture the spirit of small plate culture. These Wallow Boards are all about grazing, variety, and community, which, after all, is the essence of what makes tapas-style dining so appealing.

The food itself is generously portioned and packed with flavour. Boards come heaped with cured meats, cheeses, olives, smoked fish, breads and dips, with vegetarian, vegan, and cheese-only variations ensuring everyone’s included. From our own visits, we can confidently say: they’re as generous as they look. You won’t leave hungry.

So, does this qualify as “tapas”? We’d argue that it most certainly does! The format is built for sharing, encouraging relaxed, communal dining where conversation flows just as easily as the wine. It’s not about the quantity of dishes – it’s about abundance, flexibility, and the joy of sampling lots of bold, punchy flavours together.

The Wallow’s wine wall is a real supporting highlight, with over 50 bottles available to pour by the glass, from crisp whites to rich reds and dessert wines. It’s one of our favourite ways to explore new wines without the pressure of picking a full bottle, and it always gets conversation going around the table.

What surprises many people is that The Wallow is also dog-friendly, and, despite being very much a wine bar, it’s somewhere great for gently introducing kids to new flavours. Children can widen their palates and sample olives, artisan cheeses, smoked fish, and more here, all in a casual, no-fuss setting that makes food adventurous but not intimidating.

The atmosphere strikes just the right balance and is stylish but unpretentious, buzzing but never hectic. In short, The Wallow earns its place in this list not just because of the food and wine, but because it nails what small plate dining is really about: discovery, flexibility, and sociability. Just remember — check your wallet before you go to make sure you’ve got your Wallow Card!

XO Kitchen, Norwich – Bold Asian-Inspired Plates and a Chilled, Quirky Vibe

When the Norfolk’s Best team want a meal that’s equal parts exciting, social, and satisfying, we often find ourselves back at XO Kitchen. Found just off the river on St George’s Street, it’s a place that’s earned a loyal following and it’s easy to see why.

The menu is firmly rooted in modern Asian-inspired fusion cooking, but without the formality. Everything is designed for sharing, grazing, and exploring bold flavours, and from our own visits, we’ve found the team behind the bar and kitchen are always happy to guide you. Whether it’s suggesting dishes based on your taste preferences or giving you a heads-up on portion sizes, they’ve helped us find the sweet spot between affordability and variety without over-ordering – something we really value in a small plates setting.

At the time of writing, the XO menu features standout dishes such as:

• Korean Fried Chicken, XO Gochujang, Pickles – big flavour, just the right crunch; 
• Whipped Tofu, Sambal Roasted Cauliflower, Coconut, Coriander, Crispy Shallots – full of warmth and complexity; 
• Pork Cutlet, Tteokbokki Ragu, Parmesan – rich and deeply satisfying; 
• Soy Braised Lamb Shoulder, Wild Garlic, Szechuan, Dill Pickle, Egg Yolk – unexpected and delicious; 
• BBQ’d Cod, Suffolk Salami XO, Clams, Creamed Leek – a dish that feels indulgent but balanced; 
• Sea Buckthorn Meringue Tart – zingy, light and beautifully presented.

This is not your typical tapas, but that’s exactly what earns XO Kitchen its place on this list. It takes the spirit of small-plate dining (diversity, sociability, surprise) and runs with it in its own creative direction.

We particularly enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, which is upbeat but not overbearing, with window seats that are perfect for people-watching or a quiet catch-up. There’s a cool, unforced style to everything, from the clean, straight-forward menu layout to the way dishes are plated and served. It’s informal, but you can tell every detail has been carefully thought through.

For us, XO Kitchen is what small-plate dining in Norfolk should be: flavour-forward, flexible, and full of personality – the kind of place where the experience is just as enjoyable as the food itself.

The Last Pub Standing, Norwich – Creative Pub Tapas & Sharing Bowls

Over the last few months, a brand-new small plates menu has quietly rolled out at The Last Pub Standing, and it’s great to see bold tastes back on the cards. From our experience dining here a couple of times recently, it’s an exciting update and a worthwhile addition to Norwich’s small-plates scene. This is a venue we’ve long known as a lively, characterful pub with plenty of local flavour, and now its updated menu firmly earns it a place in this roundup.

The small plates menu offers great flexibility and solid value: dishes are priced individually at £7, with bundles of 3 for £18 or 5 for £25. From our own recent visits, we can vouch for both the portion size and the flavours. It’s rare to find pub tapas this generous. Among our favourites were the crispy chilli beef (with sweet chilli sauce) and the panko halloumi sticks served with red pepper sauce – the kind of dishes that are moreish and satisfying, but still well-balanced enough to be shared.

Other current highlights (at the time of writing) include ham and cheese croquettes, spiced bean bites with tequila and lime dip, salt and pepper squid, and peri peri chicken kebabs. There’s a mix of veggie, vegan, and meat-based options, plus the ability to add extra dips like house BBQ, peppercorn, or tomato jam to tailor the plates to your taste. It’s a very accessible menu and makes it easy to mix up flavours without blowing the budget.

While not a Spanish venue in theme, The Last Pub Standing absolutely qualifies in tapas spirit. These are small, sociable plates designed to be shared and explored across a table, encouraging the relaxed, flexible style of dining that defines tapas culture. It’s not about endless miniature courses; it’s about combining taste, variety, and conversation in a way that suits everyone at the table.

We’re big fans of the venue itself too – a historic pub that’s become a genuine cultural hub in the city. Each time we visit, the events listings are packed with something to discover: Danger Dave’s quiz nights, open mic sessions, Last Poet Standing, DnD drink and draw events, vinyl DJ nights, live jazz on Mondays, and even drag shows. Whether you come for the food and stay for the music, or vice versa, The Last Pub Standing brings people together in a uniquely Norwich way.

Blue Joanna, Norwich – Longstanding Favourite with a Lively Edge

We’re probably overdue another visit to Blue Joanna as it’s been a few months since our last meal here, but there was no question of leaving it out of this list. Alongside the sadly now-closed Jive Kitchen, Blue Joanna has long stood out to us as one of the finest small plates venues in the city: intimate, energetic, and consistently original. And with 10 years of service behind them, they’ve truly earned their reputation for bold flavours and memorable nights.

Blue Joanna offers a distinctly global take on the small plates concept, blending Asian and Latin influences into a unique and eclectic menu that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re grabbing a few dishes between cocktails or settling in for a longer meal, it’s one of the few venues in Norwich where the flavour combinations are as punchy as the playlist.

Their current offering features some familiar favourites alongside newer additions. From Korean BBQ chicken wings to teriyaki mackerel and prawn ceviche with mango salsa, there’s a strong showing for both seafood lovers and carnivores alike. For those who enjoy plant-based plates, the crispy banana blossom “fish” taco, buffalo cauliflower, and grilled aubergine with sweet chilli & miso are among the vegan highlights.

The Blue Tacos remain a signature feature – two soft blue corn tortillas per plate, filled with your choice of:

• Maple, apple & five-spice pork with crackling 
• New York deli-style Asian beef with pickles 
• Coconut & lime chicken with guava hot sauce 
• Crispy banana blossom with tartare sauce 
• Korean tofu with smoky chipotle sauce 

At the time of writing, specials include crispy oyster mushrooms with red pepper salsa and nachos with butterbean, miso & chilli crisp. It’s a menu that’s easy to dip into, ideal for groups with mixed tastes and dietary needs, and perfect for those who love to try new things with every visit.

There’s a chilled, effortlessly cool vibe at Blue Joanna. Quirky branding, moody lighting, and vinyl records on display. All of this adds to the sense that this is a place where food and fun go hand-in-hand. From our experience, the tables can be quite close together, but far from a drawback, it adds to the lively, social feel of the venue. That touch of hustle and bustle makes it a great spot for an upbeat evening out.

The team are consistently friendly and well-informed, and the dishes are beautifully plated in a way that always sparks a bit of anticipation at the table, particularly when you eye them heading to someone else’s table before your’s arrives!

For us, Blue Joanna helped set the standard for small plates dining in Norwich, long before the current boom. And a decade on, they’re still one of the most reliable choices when we’re in the mood for a vibrant atmosphere and a spread of interesting dishes that reflect real culinary creativity.

Socius – Burnham Market – Exquisite Special Occasion Sharing Menu

Our most recent visit to Socius may have been for their exquisite squash roast, but we simply had to include them in this round-up thanks to their stunning new small plates menu designed specifically for sharing. With a firm focus on seasonal produce and creative pairings, it’s no surprise that Burnham Market’s beloved Socius has built such a reputation for exceptional food.

Yes, it’s one of the pricier venues on this list – but with outstanding service, beautifully presented dishes and seriously memorable flavour combinations, it’s an experience that more than earns its place. We think Socius is ideal for a special date night out in Norfolk or to mark an extra-special occasion. It’s one of those places where everything just feels a little elevated.

The latest plates menu includes dishes like burrata with peach and aubergine, Socius-cured salmon with beetroot and horseradish, and lamb rump with roasted aubergine and lamb merguez. Every element is crafted with care, and the restaurant’s bright, airy setting only enhances the overall sense of occasion.

And if you’ve still got room, don’t miss the cheese plate for dessert: featuring Baron Bigod (one of our personal top Norfolk cheeses) and Kingfisher Blue, it’s a local and luxurious way to end the meal.

Jorge’s, Norwich – Authentic Portuguese Tapas at Lunchtime

We haven’t yet visited Jorge’s ourselves, but it’s been recommended to us time and again by local friends and readers as one of the best places for authentic Iberian small plates in the city. The lunchtime tapas menu, in particular, is what sets it apart for those in search of relaxed, flavour-rich sharing dishes in the heart of Norwich.

This weekday offering brings a true taste of Portuguese tascas to Norfolk, with dishes like Bacalhau fritters, pork belly bites, garlic prawns, and grilled chorizo served in generous, snackable portions perfect for pairing and sharing. The emphasis here is on quality ingredients and traditional techniques, with each plate offering bold, satisfying flavours. There’s even a set menu option (two tapas and a side for a set price) making it both affordable and a great way to explore new tastes.

While we haven’t yet dined in ourselves, those we trust have raved about the welcoming feel, helpful service, and the opportunity to enjoy something refreshingly different to your usual lunch. Whether you’re ducking in for a quick couple of dishes or lingering with friends over a table full of petiscos, Jorge’s looks to be a perfect addition to Norfolk’s growing tapas and small plates scene.

Why Norfolk’s Small Plates Scene Is Worth Exploring

From our own dining experiences across Norfolk and Norwich, it’s clear that small-plate and tapas-style menus are far more than a fleeting trend – they reflect how people increasingly want to eat: socially, flexibly, and with variety. Over the years, we’ve seen first-hand how this style of dining has grown and evolved locally, shaped by the creativity of independent chefs and the appetite of a community that values great food and shared moments.

The beauty of small plates lies in their simplicity and versatility. You don’t have to commit to just one main dish — instead, you can graze, explore, and share a table full of different flavours. That freedom is something we’ve appreciated at venues from city-centre favourites like The Wallow and XO Kitchen to coastal gems like Socius. Whether you’re enjoying familiar favourites like crispy halloumi or trying something new — say, gin-cured salmon or Korean BBQ tacos — there’s joy in the sheer variety.

This way of eating also makes dining out more sociable. We’ve had countless conversations sparked by a particularly good dip or a surprising dish we wouldn’t have ordered on our own. It encourages food to be something communal — something to talk about, pass around, and enjoy together. That shared experience is one of the things we love most about Norfolk’s growing tapas culture.

Importantly, small plates also open the door for affordability and exploration. You can tailor your meal to suit your budget or appetite — whether that’s a couple of light bites over a glass of wine or a full-on spread. And because many menus change with the seasons, there’s often something new to try, which keeps things fresh for regulars like us.

Every venue we’ve included here has earned its place because of the quality of its offering and the sense of welcome it provides. These are not just restaurants and pubs serving smaller portions — they’re spaces where food is approached creatively, where local produce is championed, and where diners are encouraged to slow down and savour.

If you’re looking to dip into Norfolk’s thriving small plates scene, we hope this guide helps you discover somewhere new. From Burnham Market to Norwich’s back streets, you’ll find flavour, flair and friendliness in every corner — and maybe, like us, you’ll end up with a few extra favourites you’ll want to return to again and again.

Tapas & Small Plates Hotspots – FAQ Summary Table

Venue	Dog-Friendly?	Child-Friendly?	Best For	Booking Advised?
The Boars	Yes (in bar & garden)	Yes	Cosy countryside grazing & seasonal sharing plates	Recommended for weekends
The Wallow	Yes	Yes (suggest older)	Wine wall, generous platters & spontaneous city catch-ups	Not essential, walk-ins welcome
XO Kitchen	Limited (outside)	Yes	Modern Asian fusion & flavour-packed small plates	Yes, especially weekends
The Last Pub Standing	Yes	Yes	Creative pub tapas + live music & cultural nights	Not usually necessary
Blue Joanna	Yes	Older children only	High-energy, intimate dining with live music	Strongly recommended
Socius	Not evening	Yes (suggest older)	Special occasion dining with refined British sharing plates	Yes – often books up
Jorge’s	No	Yes	Authentic Portuguese tapas in a family-run setting	Advisable at peak times