From pot to plate
20th September 2026
The Bay, Jarrolds Norwich
Sarah Hardy shares six of her favourite fish dishes from local eateries
FISH PIE AT THE BAY, JARROLDS, NORWICH
This fish restaurant, on the second floor, has a lovely menu with everything from boards to salmon served various ways, oysters, caviar and a very good lobster bisque. The classic fish pie is just that – it’s not mucked about with too much at all. Plenty of chunks of fish, topped with creamy mash and served with sprouting broccoli. It’s nice and filling, too. The restaurant has great views over the outdoor market and a selection of Flint Vineyard wines from South Norfolk.
FISH SOUP AT THE MOORINGS, BLAKENEY
The tasty fish soup has been on the menu for as long as anyone can remember and the restaurant has been open for more than 20 years. Served with rouille, gruyère and croutons, it’s almost a meal in itself. It pretty much sums up all that this family-run restaurant is about – unpretentious yet thoroughly delicious food served in a relaxed setting. Situated just a stone’s throw from the quay, chef patron Angela Long has lovely attention to detail and a very good wine list!
FISH AND CHIPS AT UPSTAIRS AT NO 1 CROMER
No 1 Cromer is well known for its great fish and chips takeaway, but the first-floor restaurant is a treat – with a really nice seafood menu and fab sea views. There are some fancier offerings such as Maldon oysters, seared scallops, crab and lobster plus roast monkfish or grilled sea bream, but their classic fish and chips is hard to beat. Cod, plaice, haddock and pollock are offered and there’s even mushy peas – and minted at that!
SEAFOOD TART AT ROCKY BOTTOMS, WEST RUNTON
Many of us can’t resist the crab salads here but the seafood tart is quite the thing of beauty. Made with the freshest of eggs and creamiest of milk – plus an abundance of crab and lobster – it’s just the ticket for a warm summer’s day, especially if you opt to eat outside. The tart is often on the menu and also available from the adjoining Crab Hut to enjoy at home. The family-run restaurant, which has its own fishing boat, the Anna-Gail, is one of the best places for fish in the area and has outstanding coastal views, too.
SEAFOOD PLATTER AT RANDY’S SEAFOOD, VARIOUS LOCATIONS
George Randell, aka Randy, a trained chef, rocks up around the area with his very popular seafood trailer, created from a converted horsebox. Expect garlic lobsters, crab cakes, seafood tarts and a selection of platters which offer an abundance of seafood, most locally caught by George’s fisherman brother Henry.
Find them on Instagram
PICNIC BOX AT HOOK SOME SEAFOOD, WELLS
Run by its big brother, Wells Crab House, which is just a few steps away, this is a less formal cafe with a strong takeaway offering – with everything from filled rolls to platters, salads, half garlic buttered lobsters and various pots of say mussels, smoked mackerel and more. The Picnic Box is great to take to the beach. With a seafood roll, crab quiche, salmon cigar and more, it will keep you going all day long! You can pre-order on their website – and there’s a selection of local beers and wines, too.
