Where To Eat In Suffolk, According To A Local Chef

Defined by its picturesque coastline, large swathes of countryside and quintessential English villages, Suffolk is one of the most charming parts of the country. Its bountiful natural larder means the region’s restaurants, cafes, bakeries and farm shops have plenty to work with, from fresh seafood to local cheese and home-brewed ciders. But which spots are a must-visit during a weekend there? We asked local chef Alice Norman, head chef and owner of farm-to-table eatery Pinch, to share her favourite places to eat in Suffolk, from Orford to Aldeburgh.

Alice Norman

Alice honed her craft working in the London restaurant scene for over a decade, but in 2021 she decided to return to rural Suffolk. She set up camp on Maple Farm, a pioneer in regenerative farming, and quickly became known for her farm-to-table pastries. Last year, she extended her offering by opening Pinch 2.0, a relaxed cafe serving Roman-style pizzas, baked goods, pastries and gelato. 

Best Places To Eat In In Suffolk: Alice Norman’s Pick

The Greyhound Inn, Woodbridge

‘Much like Pinch, this spot is slotted right in the middle of nowhere. Housed in a 500-year-old building, this pub is cosy, always candlelit and brilliant no matter the season. After a year or so of running the kitchen, chef Adam Spicer has truly found his feet. Thankfully, he keeps his menu simple – focusing on classics and highlighting the best of Suffolk’s most renowned ingredients. 

The St, Pettistree, Woodbridge IP13 0HP, greyhoundpettistree.co.uk

The Suffolk, Aldeburgh

We’re incredibly fortunate that London restaurateur George Pell chose Suffolk for his post-lockdown restaurant project. This is our go-to spot for special occasions, and I usually opt for the lobster and chips, their flagship dish. Although the atmosphere here is quite refined, enjoying cocktails on their terrace in the summer offers a wonderfully relaxing way to spend time here.

152 High St, Aldeburgh IP15 5AQ, the-suffolk.co.uk

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Fish and Chips, Walberswick

On sunny Sunday afternoons after work, I sometimes head to Walberswick to get fish and chips from the Anchor. The trick is to pre-order and then head to the beach to enjoy it. Unlike most fish and chips, there is no cloying, oily aftertaste to this one. It also comes with a winning jalepeño tartar sauce.

Anchor at Walberswick, The St, Walberswick, Southwold IP18 6UA

Alde Cafe, Aldeburgh

This is the place for a no-frills fry-up and a cup of tea. After breakfast, I tend to take a walk from Alde Cafe, to Brickdock Bay and along the sea wall, which ends up in Aldeburgh right by the White Hart – for those who like a midday pint after a long walk.

Hall Farm Ln, Saxmundham Rd, Aldeburgh IP15 5JD, aldecafe.co.uk

Pinney’s of Orford, Orford

Another no-frills option. The menu here hasn’t changed since it opened 40 years ago. I love it for its simplicity. Although it’s not technically on the menu, I always order sole meunière with boiled potatoes.

Quay St, Orford, Woodbridge IP12 2NU, pinneysoforford.co.uk

Pump Street Bakery, Orford

I head here for a pain au raisin to take away and eat while walking along the muddy Orford sea wall.

1 Pump St, Orford, Woodbridge IP12 2LZ, pumpstreetchocolate.com

Restaires, Halesworth

Gem Boner (formerly of Soho House) and her husband Thom have recently relocated from London to Suffolk, where they’ve renovated a 16th-century farm into a collection of luxury accommodations. Each building is totally unique. When hanging out with Gem and Thom, I often bring some dough from Pinch to cook in their pizza oven. 

Cox Common, Westhall, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8RH, restaries.com

Marlesford Mill Antiques, Woodbridge

This is truly my favorite antique shop in the world. There are several nooks, each organised by different collectors and updated weekly. Half the contents of my house come from Marlesford Mill. You have to be patient to sift through the treasure and the clutter.’

Main Rd, Woodbridge IP13 0AG

Find out more about Pinch 2.0 at eatpinch.com