The 20 best restaurants in Suffolk according to TripAdvisor
We've got your next meal sorted
We've looked at Suffolk's 20 best restaurants (Image: TripAdvisor)
There's nothing worse than heading out for a meal, getting dressed up and spending your hard-earned money, only to be let down by the quality of the food.
The result of this is that more and more people are banking on TripAdvisor - and the opinions of other diners - to help sift out the places that might not be deserving of your time, as well as discovering some hidden gems.
Regular visitors to Suffolk will know just how amazing some of the pubs and restaurants truly are, so to help you decide just where to go for your next evening meal, we've looked at the best 20 restaurants in the county, as voted for and reviewed by TripAdvisor users.
1) The Lowestoft Tandoori
176 High St, Lowestoft, NR32 1HU
The Lowestoft Tandoori prides itself on being more than just a curry house, claiming that the team "have strived to create an experience like no other".
It has also won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the last three years running.
One reviewer said: "The food was delicious, never tasted anything like it before. The lamb was tender and juicy at the same time.
"The customer skills were above and beyond, made me feel like I was at home. Definitely gonna make Lowestoft Tandoori our monthly date night hub."
2) Maison Bleue Restaurant
30-31 Churchgate St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1RG
An award-winning modern French restaurant, Maison Bleue has previously been named one of the top-rated fine dining institutions in the UK.
Specialising in fresh ingredients with a twist, the popular site also offers set menus for both lunch and dinner, starting at just £21 for a two-course lunch meal.
Turbot at Maison Bleue (Image: TripAdvisor)
One reviewer said: "Maison Bleue is an outstanding restaurant, both for food and service. We dined for my husband's birthday, from entering the restaurant to leaving we were greeted by a friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable team.
"The food is quite outstanding, the presentation is stunning and the service, well what can I say 5 stars all the way. "
3) Francela Restaurant
27 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1UZ
Branding itself as a "Mediterranean grill and mezze", Francela's trademark is their fresh ingredients and exceptional service.
One reviewer said: "This was my first visit but it won't be my last. Absolutely charming restaurant. The owner couldn't have done enough for us.
"There's a range of tasty dishes on the menu and we received complimentary amaretto and Turkish delight at the end of the meal.
"It's not the cheapest place but worth it."
Tortilla is opening in Cambridge and they are giving out free food
4) Edwards
59A Thoroughfare, Halesworth IP19 8AR
A traditional family-run restaurant, Edwards even uses home-grown fruit, salad and vegetables from the garden of one of the owner's fathers.
It is also a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner every year since 2015.
One reviewer said: "I had found Edwards when we moved to the area as it has brilliant reviews for gluten free food and my husband is gluten intolerant.
"We finally got around to visiting last month and had a brilliant experience. The owners are friendly and warm, they really made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
"The food was incredibly high quality and catering for my husband's dietary needs wasn't an issue at all."
5) The Wickhambrook Greyhound & Twenty One
Nunnery Green, Newmarket CB8 8XS
An award-winning, family-run pub and restaurant, located in the heart of a village on the outskirts of Newmarket, the site is divided up between the pub, The Greyhound, and the restaurant, Twenty One.
Both elements underwent major renovations following a takeover back in 2011.
One reviewer said: "We hadn't been here before so thought we'd give it a try.
The Wickhambrook Greyhound
"So glad we did. Everything homemade and really good.
"We had salt and pepper chicken to start and pie for main. Only trouble was we were too full for desert. Will definitely return and recommend."
6) Prandium of Southwold
35 High St, Southwold IP18 6AB
According to its website, Prandium offers "creative food, large portions and is phenomenal value for money in a town like Southwold".
It is a newcomer to the Certificate of Excellence scene, winning one for the first time in 2019.
One reviewer said: "A little patience is required to understand the offer here, but it's well worth it. There's no menu in the traditional sense with idiosyncratic boards instead.
"We visited for lunch on Saturday and very much enjoyed the individually prepared dishes. Good value for the quality of the ingredients and careful preparation - nothing reheated here."
7) Petite Pancakes
1 Market Place, Stowmarket IP14 1DT
A cafe offering sweet and savoury pancakes, it also has vegan and gluten free options while making use of fresh local ingredients.
One reviewer said: "We are so impressed with the quality of food and service at Petite Pancakes, that we bring all visiting members of the family to enjoy the excellent lunches.
"Petite Pancakes is one of the great highlights of a visit to Stowmarket.
(Image: TripAdvisor)
"There is always a excellent range of choices in the menu to suit all tastes; there maple syrup offering us a particular delight. "
8) Shillingfords
The Courtyard, Pebmarsh, Halstead, CO9 2NU
One of the most unusual entries on the list, Shillingfords is situated on the top floor of Sudbury's Quay Theatre.
It is described as a "wild food" restaurant with an eclectic and frequently changing menu.
One reviewer said: "These people really deserve success as they have worked so hard for it and the results speak for themselves."
The four best restaurants in Cambridge according to the Waitrose Good Food Guide
9) Rose & Mango
4 The Avenue, Newmarket CB8 9AA
A distinct and unique curry house, Rose & Mango brings dishes from the Kerala region of India.
It aims to combine the old and new, with a mix between traditional dishes and modern twists.
One reviewer said: "We've visited this place around 20 times now, sometimes as a couple, sometimes with friends, so I thought I'd write a second review.
"I'm happy to say that the standard of food and service has remained consistently high. The staff are all friendly and helpful, and the food is still very tasty."
10) The Lighthouse
77 High Street, Aldeburgh IP15 5AU
The Lighthouse first opened its doors in the late 90s and has proved a hit ever since.
There is an outdoor courtyard for summer al fresco dining with ingredients coming from the surrounding counties.
One reviewer said: "Fabulous food matched with brilliant service. A real gem of a place in Aldeburgh.
"Such a nice happy atmosphere, a real community feel to the place but welcoming to tourists too. You won't be disappointed, the delicious food matches the quality of the welcome."
11) Lavenham Blue Vintage Tea Rooms
6 Market Place, Lavenham, Sudbury CO10 9QZ
Less of a traditional restaurant than a cafe, these tea rooms are found in a Grade II listed 15th Century timber-framed cottage.
It is a family-run operation, offering a traditional afternoon tea that is beloved in the local community.
One reviewer said: "Delicious afternoon tea with generous portions of homemade coffee and walnut and lemon cakes.
"Warm friendly atmosphere with lots of information on the locality from the lovely owner."
12) The Brewers, Rattlesden
Lower Rd, Rattlesden, Bury Saint Edmunds IP30 0RJ
Describing themselves as "a proper pub, with proper food", The Brewers is a traditional dog-friendly village pub.
The Brewers re-opened in October last year and offers local ingredients from independent butchers and fishmongers.
One reviewer said: "It really is a gastro-pub in the truest sense of the description where the most splendid food is served in a casual environment.
"However, you can also have a pie and a pint, if you can resist the lure of the main menu. It is truly an excellent place in which to dine."
13) Gun Hill Beach Kiosk
Gun Hill Beach, Southwold IP18 6HQ
A cafe on the coast at Southwold, it offers drinks, cakes and sandwiches to break up your day dipping in the sea and lying on the sand.
One reviewer said: "Right on the prom and looking straight out onto the an extensive and sandy beach. We just popped in, relaxed and enjoyed a nice cuppa .
"It was nicely quite being midweek and off season so we had plenty of time to relax and do a spot of people, and dog, watching. Just the job."
14) Ash Smoked Fishes
Crag Path, Aldeburgh IP15 5BT
Another coastal entry, this time in Aldeburgh, Ash Smoked Fishes has won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2017.
You can either eat in or buy fish to take home with you.
One reviewer said: "Every time we visit Aldeburgh, we buy lots of fish to take home.
"Kippers, prawns, salmon, haddock, sprats, cods roe and much more, all smoked on site to perfection. They do nice individual pies, too, to take and munch on the beach or elsewhere."
The best restaurants in Haverhill according to Tripadvisor
15) The Bull at The Auberge
Old Ipswich Rd, Eye IP23 8BZ
A winner of two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, The Auberge is a family-run business which emerged from a traditional pub known as the Yaxley Bull.
The current owners took over the site in 1995 and have been making improvements ever since.
One reviewer said: "An atmospheric quality restaurant with home cooked delightful food served at table by an interesting parade of family members.
"What a find."
16) The Galley
21 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LX
An award winning family-run restaurant, The Galley combines fine dining and a relaxed atmosphere.
It is also a seven-time TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner, dating back to 2013.
One reviewer said: "The best seafood in town. It's been a while since we visited but it won't be long before we return.
"Great food, attentive service. Good selection of wines. All at reasonable prices."
17) Scutchers Restaurant
Westgate St, Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9DP
Scutchers is one of the most highly-decorated restaurants in Suffolk, having won several Good Food Guide awards as well as the Michelin Bib Gourmand.
It claims to specialise in traditional dishes with modern twists.
One reviewer said: "Being long standing residents of Long Melford we visited last Saturday evening with friends as a party of eight for what was to be an evening filled with culinary delight complimented with great selection of wine plus fabulous service from both bar & waiting staff."
The best takeaways in Newmarket
18) Oakfired at Royal Oak
The Royal Oak, 35, Ravensmere, Beccles NR34 9DH
The first specialist pizza entry on the list, Oakfired is based at The Royal Oak and offers authentic Neapolitan Pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven.
One reviewer said: "Pizza not on the menu? Not a problem. Great hospitality from people who care about their business.
"Excellent food, good beers and wines. We had two small children with us who were greeted and welcomed. Can't praise this restaurant enough. Go and find it, you won't be disappointed."
19) The Buxhall Crown Inn
Mill Rd, Buxhall, Stowmarket IP14 3DW
This quaint 17th-century pub prepares everything by hand, from bread to ice-cream.
It also offers al fresco dining in a patio garden.
One reviewer said: "Visited Buxhall Crown this evening for a family occasion and enjoyed another fantastic meal.
"Great atmosphere, friendly welcome, professional service and best of all, food to die for. Can't wait to return and do it all over again."
20) The Vegetarian Red Lion
Greenstreet Green, Ipswich IP7 7DD
A new-comer to the scene, The Vegetarian Red Lion has been serving veggie and vegan food since 2017.
The family-run business offers no meat-based products at all but claims to have converted "many carnivores".
One reviewer said: "The staff were helpful and very pleasant. The surroundings were very pleasant. The food was absolutely delightful; even my husband enjoyed it and he is not vegetarian.
"Well worth visiting and enjoying a very pleasant experience."