Suffolk Restaurants

Suffolk is truly a haven for foodies. There is such a diverse range of places to eat in Suffolk that there is always something new to discover, from family friendly restaurants to romantic restaurants.

Whether you are on the hunt for your new favourite restaurant, you want to celebrate a special occasion with a nice meal, or you just fancy trying a new and exciting cuisine, you’ll have so many food and drink options to choose from that the difficult part will be deciding which one to go for.

To make things easier, we have put together this guide to the best restaurants in Suffolk, organised by type.

Read through at your own pace, or simply click on one of the links below to go straight to the relevant section.

Cafes French Cuisine Gastro, Bistro & Brasserie Indian Cuisine Mediterranean Cuisine Traditional Unique Dining Options

Cafes in Suffolk

There is nothing better than finding a cafe where you can linger over a decent coffee & cake and watch the world go by.

The View Point Cafe on the Landguard Peninsula and the two cafes on Southwold Pier offer great coastal views and people watching.

We have cafes in Potteries (Pennikkity Pots), cafes in grand National Trust properties and even some in steam train attractions such as Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham and Mid-Suffolk Light Railway.

The Strawberry Teapot

If you love vintage style tearooms, then you’ll love The Strawberry Teapot Tearoom and Cakery in Sudbury. Enjoy a homemade cake or a traditional afternoon tea as you listen to the sound of 1940s music and take in the surroundings of pastel coloured bunting, retro tea cups, and pretty flowers. Also serving breakfasts and lunches and using locally sourced ingredients where possible, this sweet and homely cafe is a great choice if you’re in the mood for something tasty to brighten your day.

Emmett’s Store, Cafe & Courtyard

If you prefer savoury tastes to sweet, Emmett’s Store, Cafe & Courtyard in Peasenhall is a great choice. Established in 1820, it is the oldest artisan ham and bacon producer in the whole of the UK. A family business, Emmett’s Store is a favourite among discerning foodies such as Delia Smith and Rick Stein. The cafe has a peaceful courtyard garden, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch , or a light bite. Or why not try a platter of ham, charcuterie, cheese, pickles, olives, and salads.

Moriarty’s Cafe

If you’re looking for a cafe with a relaxed environment, try Moriarty’s Cafe in Bury St Edmunds. Take a seat in the tranquil garden area and tuck in to some handbaked treats or a light lunch. This option is dog friendly, so it’s a great choice if you’re out and about with your dog and fancy a spot of lunch.

Fynn Valley Cafe Terrace

Fynn Valley Cafe Terrace has a sophisticated, yet relaxing feel. With views across the golf course, it a great place to go for a long lunch or a brunch with friends. During the Summer you can dine outside on the terrace, and in the Winter months you can keep cosy on a comfy sofa next to the wood burniner.

French Cuisine in Suffolk

The Great House in Lavenham

One of the best known French restaurants in Suffolk is The Great House in Lavenham, which has been awarded many accolades – including the AA Inspectors’ Choice Award 2017 and 3 AA Rosettes, The Good Hotel Guide Editor’s Choice 2015 Awards for Gourmet Hotels, and the Sawday’s British Hotels’ Fabulous Food Award 2015. Find out more about what makes it special by clicking on the link above.

Maison Bleue Restaurant

Another award winning restaurant offering the very finest in French cuisine is Maison Bleue Restaurant in Bury St Edmunds. The lunch menu is especially popular, so be sure to book in advance by clicking on the link above. Their sister ‘ship’ is Mariners, which is located in the Ipswich Marina on an 1899 Dutch vessel.

Gastro, Bistro & Brasserie Dining in Suffolk

The Bell at Sax

The Bell at Sax is a lovely laid-back restaurant at the heart of the high street in the old market town of Saxmundham. Great food is the number one focus at The Bell at Sax, which is achieved by combining local ingredients with culinary flair. This is a great family friendly option, with lunchtime deals, steak nights, quiz nights, and much more.

The Sail Loft

Occupying an envious location close to the harbour and right opposite the beach is The Sail Loft in Southwold.

This trendy café-bar and restaurant offers specialist coffees, craft ales and local seasonal artisan menus using ingredients from Suffolk and East Anglia. Live music, afternoon teas, and fantastic sea views make it a popular choice.

The Alex Cafe Bar & Brasserie

The Alex Cafe Bar & Brasserie is situated on Felixstowe seafront.

Occupying the ground floor of The Alex is the cafe bar, offering a wide range of breakfasts, light bites, cakes and all kinds of drinks from coffee to cocktails. Upstairs, on the first floor, you will find the brasserie, which serves delicious seafood, grills and classic brasserie meals in an informal setting. Along with the full menu there is also a set price menu available noon until 6pm on weekdays. It is however worth going on a Sunday so you can experience Jazz East, a Sunday evening live Jazz night that takes place in the Brasserie. Head to this page and scroll to the bottom to see information about their upcoming events.

The Long Melford Swan

The Long Melford Swan is a chic and contemporary brassiere that features an ever-changing menu of fresh, local ingredients – the Sunday Roast is not to be missed! Find something to suit all tastes and budgets here. There is also a lovely outside dining area with a pretty garden, plus a peaceful outside sofa area and beautiful lawn.

Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa

The Lakes Restaurant at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf, & Spa is open to the public as well as guests at the hotel. As well as fantastic cuisine (for which it has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes), you can enjoy superb views over lake over two championship golf courses.

The Crown at Woodbridge

If you’re a fan of cocktails and candlelit dinners, The Crown at Woodbridge is the choice for you, especially during the Summer months, when you can enjoy an evening of fine dining in the outdoor seating area.

Indian Cuisine in Suffolk

Cafe Marsala

Cafe Marsala in Long Melford is a top restaurant offering the best in Indian cuisine. With over 30 years experience preparing authentic menus from recipes handed down through generations, you are sure to find something for everyone on their extensive menu. The restaurant is open seven days a week, with a great value family buffet every Sunday.

Mediterranean Cuisine in Suffolk

Cafe Bencotto

Cafe Bencotto is a modern and chic yet friendly and informal restaurant, located in Felixstowe. The menu is filled with pastas, pizzas and grills prepared in the open-plan kitchen, so you can enjoy the delicious flavours of Arabian, Greek, Spanish & Italian origins. There are many dishes that can be shared at your table in the traditional Mediterranean manner, and the wine list is impressive to say the least.

Traditional English Food

The King’s Head Inn

The King’s Head Inn is located in Orford. Offering the charm and character of a traditional English village inn, they serve classically food, Sunday lunch, and a range of specials.

The Crown & Castle

For high quality English and Italian inspired food, visit The Crown & Castle in Orford. This 2AA Rosette winning restaurant also has a dog friendly terrace area, where you can enjoy your food and drink whilst taking in views of the nearby castle.

Unique Restaurants in Suffolk

Allen Gardiner & Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurants

Enjoy the wonderful Suffolk Riverside views from a whole new vantage point aboard a River Cruise Restaurant. Based at Ipswich Marina, the historic Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant offers brunch, lunch, supper or dinner cruises including an interesting commentary about the sights and sounds of the River Orwell. Meanwhile, the Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant is situated at Orford Quay offers brunch, a la carte lunch, and a la carte supper cruises, also with an informative commentary. Both are equipped with coal fires for a cosy experience in the winter months.

Mariners Restaurant

Another unusual option is Mariners Restaurant in Ipswich Marina, which serves fine French cuisine on board a 110 year old Dutch boat moored at Neptune Quay.

The Brudenell Hotel

If you enjoy seafood but you prefer to keep your feet firmly on land, the 2AA rosette winning Seafood & Grill restaurant at The Brudenell Hotel is a great choice. What makes The Brudenell special is its unique panoramic views. Savour the fresh fish, seafood, or free range meats that The Brudenell is known for, and on warmer days, enjoy the coastal views from the outdoor terrace.

The Eaterie Restaurant

If you’re in the mood to go somewhere quirky, the Eaterie Restaurant at The Angel Hotel may be just the right thing. Its unique, stylish decor wouldn’t look out of place in an artsy neighbourhood in Paris. Expect inventive combinations and creative cuisine.