Top 15 Suffolk restaurants and pubs

Suffolk is a beautiful county in the East of England which is not only known for its charming villages, coastline and rich history, but also for its thriving culinary scene. The county is home to a diverse range of restaurants that cater to a large variety of guests.

In this guide, we will take a culinary tour through Suffolk’s hotspots, from a Michelin-star restaurant in Bury St Edmunds to one of the best restaurants in Suffolk in Aldeburgh, which was also voted one of the best restaurants in the whole of the UK.

Continue reading to find out about the best Suffolk restaurants and pubs. Alternatively, click the button below to start searching for a cottage to rest in after a delicious meal out.

Skip to the best Suffolk restaurants:

Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmunds

Situated in the beautiful market town of Bury St Edmunds, Pea Porridge is an independently owned restaurant that gained its Michelin-star status in 2021. The restaurant is renowned for its distinctive approach to fine dining with a focus on seasonal, local and sustainable ingredients.

Established chef-owner Justin Sharp and his wife Jurga opened the restaurant in 2009, the name of the restaurant derived from the location of the restaurant which used to be named ‘Pea Porridge Green’.

Mark G, Lowestoft

Image credit: Mark G

If you’re looking for an exceptional seafood dining experience during your visit to Lowestoft, Mark G has gained its reputation as being one of the most celebrated Suffolk restaurants. Inspired by British and European cuisine, the restaurant offers a menu made from fresh, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, with many delicious seafood dishes to choose from.

Mark G’s dedication to his craft has made the restaurant a go-to destination, attracting both locals and tourists eager to enjoy a memorable meal in a coastal setting. He invites his guests to lunch and dinner with Italian coffee, fine wine and local beers.

The Suffolk, Aldeburgh

Image credit: The Suffolk

Dinner at The Suffolk in Aldeburgh has been described as ‘its own sweet celebration’ by Jay Rayner from The Observer and it has recently been named not only one of the best Suffolk restaurants but also among the best restaurants in the UK. It’s situated in the heart of the beautiful coastal town of Aldeburgh, known for being the home of famous composer Benjamin Britten and a stunning beach.

The Suffolk offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining environment where visitors can enjoy the finest local produce such as oysters and fresh fish. Its dishes showcase the very best of British cuisine with innovative twists.

The Crown, Southwold

Image credit: The Crown

The Crown is a popular pub in the heart of Southwold; a charming seaside town known for its warm and inviting atmosphere. The pub is one of the best places to eat in Suffolk and serves dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a menu inspired by traditional British cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic dish or something more innovative, The Crown offers a variety of options for everyone.

The Crown also has a great selection of fine wines and locally brewed Adnam’s Ale to enjoy while taking in the venue’s cosy and stylish interior. It is an ideal spot for visitors exploring the town’s beautiful beaches, historical pier, and scenic surroundings.

East Point Pavilion, Lowestoft

Image credit: East Point Pavilion

Inside this Victoriana-style glass pavilion at Lowestoft seafront is a range of independent street food vendors, barista coffeemakers, and a bar serving craft beer, wine, and cocktails. It has been named ‘The East’s newest foodie community’ and is one of the most unique places to eat in Suffolk. It is the perfect spot to take in the sea views whilst eating delicious food, browsing artisan crafts, and enjoying performances from live DJs and musicians. 

There is a range of street food vendors serving Mexican vegetarian dishes, Indian street food and freshly baked cakes and pastries, meaning there is something for everyone at East Point Pavilion.

The Queen’s Head, Blyford

Image credit: The Queen's Head

The Queen’s Head is a beautiful country pub in the charming village of Blyford. The pub itself has been serving customers for over 800 years and still has many original features present to this day. The pub focuses on using the best local and independent suppliers, complementing their dishes with produce grown at the pub in its extensive gardens.

All dishes are homemade, and their ever-changing menu features a range of delicious meals such as the Harissa chicken pitta and Kiln roast salmon salad with new potatoes. The Queen’s Head has a large beer garden perfect for sunny days, and a cosy log fire to keep everyone warm in the colder months.

Leaping Hare, Stanton

Image credit: Joe Prescot

Located in a converted 400-year-old barn at one of the country’s oldest vineyards, the Leaping Hare is one of the most highly regarded Suffolk restaurants and serves a blend of modern and traditional European dishes. It has maintained a spot in the Good Food Guide for 26 consecutive years in addition to being a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for 21 years.

There are many award-winning wines to enjoy with your meal, and guests often praise the quality of dishes and amazing service, making it a favourite destination for those seeking a memorable meal in a picturesque countryside location.

The Unruly Pig, Bromswell

Image credit: The Unruly Pig

In the traditional village of Bromswell sits The Unruly Pig, a quirky Suffolk gastropub that serves delicious Brit-Italian food in a stunning venue. It has an ever-changing monthly menu and scrumptious daily specials to choose from. The Unruly Pig is the first pub in Suffolk to take the top spot on the Estella Damn Top 50 Gastropubs list and is listed in the Michelin Guide.

All produce comes in fresh from the coast or other local suppliers. The restaurant serves more than 60 wines/fizz available by the glass in addition to hand-pulled and craft beers; it is one of the best places to eat in Suffolk.

The Galley, Woodbridge

If you’re searching for an informal fine-dining atmosphere in a Suffolk restaurant, then look no further than The Galley in the middle of bustling Woodbridge. This popular, family-run restaurant is situated at the top of Market Hill and offers a unique dining menu that always includes fresh, seasonal and local produce.

The Galley has been a huge part of Suffolk for 30 years and is popular with both locals and tourists, operating a one-page daily menu that caters to every taste with unusual twists. Whether you fancy a crispy filo feta cheese parcel or some traditional Scottish smoked salmon, The Galley has something for everyone.

The Brewers, Rattlesden

Image credit: The Brewers

The Brewers in Rattlesdon is a cosy Suffolk pub set in the peaceful village of Rattlesden. Since opening in 2018, they have achieved a Michelin Plate, 2 AA Rosettes and are listed in the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Red Book. Named one of the best gastropubs in the UK, this delicious restaurant is just one of three pubs in Suffolk recognised for their delicious food.

Whether you want to sit by a cosy log fire or enjoy the Suffolk sunshine in their beer garden, The Brewers promises a warm welcome. Their menu uses the best local produce with each dish reflecting the season and celebrating the farmers and fishermen of Suffolk.

Butley Orford Oysterage, Orford

The Butley Orford Oysterage is a simple and uncomplicated restaurant in Orford. Their specialities are delicious oysters, smoked delicacies, and fresh local fish and shellfish which keep people coming back again and again. The establishment has a relaxed and informal feel, with the location tucked away on the market square.

The oysters on their menu are sourced from Butley Creek, and are still caught and sowed using traditional Portuguese rocks. The restaurant has been reviewed by both The Independent and The Guardian, giving an ode to the delicious flavours and rustic dining experience.

The Swan, Lavenham

Nestled in the historic town of Lavenham known for its medieval charm and picturesque streets, The Swan is a celebration of classic British dishes. Their menu emphasises locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and adds a modern twist to traditional British dishes using fresh seafood, Suffolk pork and locally grown vegetables.

The restaurant's atmosphere is timeless, warm and welcoming, and has two main dining areas. The Gallery features oak beams, a grand fireplace and a minstrel gallery for added elegance, whereas the Brasserie offers a relaxed, cosy setting perfect for a casual meal or afternoon tea.

The Rumburgh Buck, Rumburgh

Image credit: The Rumburgh Buck

Voted Suffolk’s pub of the year for 2024, The Rumburgh Buck is a 16th-century, family-owned Suffolk pub set in Rumburgh. It has been commended for its warm, friendly atmosphere, delicious food and range of up to five cask ales from local breweries. The restaurant itself spans five separate areas including a games room and beer garden.

The Rumburgh Buck’s menu includes dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Every item on their menu is prepared themselves to adjust their meals to suit many allergens, such as a gluten-free fish batter.

The Jockey Club Rooms, Newmarket

Image credit: The Jockey Club Rooms

The Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a fine dining experience in Suffolk. Newmarket is known to be the home of horseracing, and The Jockey Club Rooms specifically has been graced by historical racing legends and enjoyed by royalty.

The restaurant offers guests open-house fine dining once a month, giving you the chance to sample many different flavours including a delicious Sunday lunch which can be enjoyed while taking in the array of equestrian art displayed across the walls. The Jockey Club Rooms also hosts live jazz nights every Friday in a beautiful setting, allowing you to experience everything that this amazing venue has to offer.

The Anchor, Walberswick

Image credit: The Anchor

The Anchor in Walberswick is an award-winning inn and restaurant across the river from Southwold that sits in an acre of garden overlooking the dunes and beach huts. The team at The Anchor are dedicated to sourcing flavourful ingredients right on their doorstep, such as oysters from West Mersea, smoked fish from Lowestoft, pork from Blynthburgh, beef from Westleton and vegetables grown in their own allotment.

They serve many delicious and traditional dishes such as beer-battered fish and chips, tempura oysters and other irresistible seafood dishes.

Map of places to eat in Suffolk

Find all the restaurants and pubs mentioned in this guide on this handy map.

Self-catering cottages in Suffolk

Suffolk offers a wealth of exciting activities, so why not indulge in a cosy stay at one of our self-catering cottages? With a variety of accommodations to choose from, ranging from properties with hot tubs to holiday homes with wood burners, and many with ground-floor bedrooms, a visit to Suffolk is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the charm of this coastal county.