The 10 quirkiest places to eat in Norfolk

Norfolk is packed with culinary gems, but beyond the dog-friendly pubs and stylish bistros lies a world of wonderfully weird and whimsical dining experiences. If you're looking to spice up your foodie adventures with something a little different, you’ll be pleased to know that the county is home to plenty of quirky and creative eateries.

Whether it’s dinner in a vintage train carriage or brunch beneath a canopy of plants, Norfolk’s eccentric food spots offer more than just good food – they promise a memorable outing from start to finish. These delicious food spots not only serve fantastic food, but also deliver a hefty dose of character, charm, and Instagram-worthy moments that are hard to find elsewhere.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the 10 quirkiest places to eat in Norfolk. Whether you're a local on the hunt for your next weekend treat or a visitor on holiday looking for an unforgettable meal, this list has something to surprise and delight every kind of diner.

Urban Jungle Café, Costessey

Tucked away in Costessey, just outside Norwich, the Urban Jungle Café offers a dining experience like no other. Set within a lush greenhouse filled with towering palms, exotic ferns, and tropical plants, it feels more like stepping into a rainforest than a cafe, making it one of the quirkiest places to eat in Norfolk. The atmosphere is peaceful and immersive, with koi ponds, quaint bridges, and even a few friendly resident cats adding to the charm. Whether you grab a coffee or linger over lunch, it’s a place where nature and nourishment come together beautifully.

The menu includes homemade cakes and pastries, such as carrot cake, Danish pastries and Persian lemon cake, tea and coffee and a selection of cold drinks, all served in surroundings that are as photogenic as they are relaxing. Guests can also explore the adjacent plant nursery to purchase various indoor and outdoor plant species.

Grosvenor Fish Bar, Norwich

Located on Norwich’s historic Lower Goat Lane, Grosvenor Fish Bar has served up classic fish and chips for over 95 years. But this isn’t your average chippy – step inside and you’ll find a quirky twist on tradition. After a stylish refurbishment, the shop now boasts a subterranean dining area affectionately known as the ‘fish and chip grotto’. With seating for up to 70 guests, this underground space offers a cosy, cave-like atmosphere that’s as unexpected as it is inviting.

What truly sets Grosvenor apart is its inventive menu, which puts a playful spin on chip shop staples, making it one of the quirkiest places to eat in Norfolk. Alongside traditional cod and chips, you’ll find creatively named dishes like the ‘Loony Toony’ (battered tuna steak with wasabi mayo), ‘Big Mack’ (crispy mackerel in a bun), and ‘Bass with Sass’ (sea bass wrap with mango salsa). Other standout options include the ‘Krusty Krab’ softshell crab roll and the ‘Clamity Jane’ clam burger.

Flint Vineyard, Earsham

Nestled in the picturesque Waveney Valley near Bungay, Flint Vineyard in Earsham offers a uniquely quirky and immersive dining experience that seamlessly blends innovative winemaking with seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. Norfolk isn’t just fields and rivers; it’s wine country, too. Flint Vineyard serves a 15-mile lunch starring the best local ingredients, along with gourmet hampers and supper clubs led by resident chefs.

Enjoy an al fresco feast overlooking the vines, or join in a twilight tour and wine tasting. Guests can indulge in various dining experiences, from relaxed grazing hampers to more structured meals, all designed to complement Flint's wines. One of the standout experiences is the Twilight Vineyard Tour and Dinner, held monthly on Saturday evenings from May to September.

Brix and Bones, Norwich

Tucked away above Gonzo’s Tea Room on London Street, Brix and Bones is one of Norwich’s most distinctive dining destinations. It is a fiery fusion of primal cooking, global inspiration, and contemporary flair. With its open-fire kitchen and intimate 30-seat setup, this restaurant has quickly become a standout in Norfolk’s culinary scene. Led by head chef George Wood, formerly of London’s Temper Soho, and having culinary stints in Japan and Sri Lanka, Brix and Bones reimagines the ancient art of cooking over flame with dishes seared, smoked, and charred to perfection over a custom-built charcoal and wood-burning grill.

Signature dishes include dry-aged Hereford sirloin steaks cooked to order, pork chops with Korean pesto, and whole fish kissed by flame. For the adventurous, the bone marrow fudge doughnut has become a cult favourite, as well as the beef-fat hash browns at breakfast. Their menu is wild, inventive and unapologetically carnivorous, though veggie options are available.

Norfolk Tea Co, Wiveton

Norfolk Tea Co. sits in the heart of Wiveton Hall’s estate, famously owned by Desmond MacCarthy of BBC’s ‘Normal for Norfolk’, known for his distinctive eyebrows and quirky personality. The estate is home to a 17th-century Jacobean manor house with stunning sea views and a tranquil rural atmosphere. This cafe marks the first physical location for the Norfolk Tea Co, a brand that has been bringing quality teas to the region since 2020, and is brimming with antiques, family portraits and Bloomsbury-inspired art.

The cafe has been described as ‘eccentric, fun and friendly’ by the Good Food Guide, and upon your visit to Norfolk Tea Co, you might even spot Desmond himself! Enjoy a fish finger sandwich, a goat’s cheese tart, or a slice of something sweet on the terrace overlooking the marsh. With ample outdoor seating surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Norfolk coast, it's a perfect spot for families and dog owners, and children have plenty of space to play.

The Beach Hut Café, Great Yarmouth

Situated on Great Yarmouth’s vibrant seafront is The Beach Hut Café, which offers a delightful blend of traditional seaside charm and quirky culinary flair. With its cosy, eclectic interior with features such as upcycled furniture, retro signs, beach-themed artwork, bright bunting and painted driftwood, this cafe feels less like a cafe and more like stepping into a cheerful kitsch cabin. With panoramic sea views, it provides a welcoming retreat for both locals and visitors, making it one of the quirkiest places to eat in Norfolk.

The cafe serves gourmet burgers, salt beef bagels, clam chowder and quirky, extravagant milkshakes, such as the chocolate unicorn. They also serve alcohol, such as Prosecco, beers and cocktails, served in a playful, beachy atmosphere. This cafe is the perfect family and dog-friendly place to eat.

Norwich Market, Norwich

Norwich Market is a vibrant and quirky gem situated in the heart of the city, with a history of over 900 years. With its colourful striped stalls, it offers a unique blend of tradition and modern flair. As one of the largest and oldest open-air markets in the UK, Norwich Market boasts over 189 stalls, each bursting with character, making it one of the most interesting places to eat in Norfolk.

Food lovers can take a global culinary tour at Norwich Market, with worldwide cuisines such as Caribbean, Nigerian, Japanese, Chilean, Spanish, Turkish, Indian, Malaysian and Chinese food stalls to choose from. Some popular signature dishes are delicious Spanish tapas and churros at Churros for the People, and tasty empanadas at Cocina di Mia’s. If you prefer traditional British food, there are stalls such as Lucy’s Fish and Chips, which serve battered halloumi, and Henry’s Hog Roasts, and many vegan and vegetarian food stalls.

Ora Wellness Café, Norwich

Nestled within Norwich's historic Royal Arcade, Ora is a brand new wellness cafe that brings a refreshing twist to the city's dining scene. Inspired by owner Milly Chalcraft's transformative trip to Thailand, ORA offers a menu brimming with nutritious delights, making it one of the most interesting places to eat in Norfolk.

From vibrant acai bowls topped with homemade granola and super foods to hearty power toasties and revitalising shakes, each dish is crafted to nourish both body and soul. The cafe's serene ambience, combined with its commitment to health-conscious fare, makes it a standout spot for those seeking a unique culinary experience in Norfolk. Whether you're starting your morning with a wholesome breakfast or taking a midday break with a wellness shot and herbal tea, ORA's offerings are sure to invigorate. Its central location in the Royal Arcade means you're just steps away from the city's boutiques and attractions.

Cley Windmill, Cley-next-the-Sea

Cley Windmill in Cley-next-the-Sea offers one of the most unique places to eat in Norfolk, housed inside a 300-year-old windmill that combines historical charm with culinary delight. Built in the early 19th century, this five-storey tower mill has been lovingly restored into a guest house and restaurant. The circular dining room, adorned with antique furnishings and beamed ceilings, provides an intimate setting that transports guests back in time. Panoramic views further enhance the ambience over the salt marshes, offering a serene backdrop to your meal.

For dinner, guests are invited to the lounge at 6.30pm for canapes, followed by communal dinner seating at 7pm with dishes made from seasonal produce such as Norfolk cheeses, Cromer crab, and fresh vegetables from nearby farms. Dinner is served with candlelit ambience, beamed ceilings and amazing views across the marshes and River Glaven. Every Wednesday from 12pm to 3pm, the Windmill offers a lunch menu featuring dishes such as pies, puddings, omelettes, sandwiches, and platters.

North Norfolk Railway

The North Norfolk Railway is one of the most successful and popular heritage railways in the UK. It’s known for its excellent steam train services, as well as themed events like dining trains, steam galas, and Christmas specials. Dining aboard the North Norfolk Railway offers one of the most unique and quirky places to eat in Norfolk. It combines the nostalgia of steam travel with the pleasure of fine dining. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening, a leisurely lunch, or a fun-filled themed night, such as Murder Mystery Dining and Comedy Dining Experiences.

For a truly first-class experience, the North Norfolkman Evening Dining Train is a great option. Guests are treated to a pre-dinner drink, followed by a four-course meal served at their seats in a luxury dining car. For those preferring daytime dining, the Premier Lunchtime Dining Trains offer a delightful three-course meal, which includes a complimentary locally-produced drink. You can enjoy a glass of house wine, beer, or a soft drink during the meal. Alternatively, there is also a fish and chip train, a cream tea train, a sausage and mash train, and a gin train.

Stay with us in Norfolk

Norfolk is a county full of charm, and its dining scene is no exception. Whether you’re wanting a plant-based feast at Erpingham House or a traditional fish and chip dinner aboard the North Norfolk Railway, Norfolk’s eateries offer not just great food, but unforgettable experiences that will leave you talking long after your meal.

Each of our Norfolk cottages offers the perfect home away from home, with all the comforts and amenities you need to relax and unwind. After a day spent exploring Norfolk's scenic beauty and unique attractions, you’ll return to your cosy cottage, where you can enjoy quality time with loved ones, a peaceful evening by the fire, or a delicious home-cooked meal in a well-equipped kitchen. Book your stay with Norfolk Cottages today and experience the best of Norfolk at your doorstep.