If you are looking for an unforgettable vegan fine-dining experience in Norwich then look no further than Benedicts.
Me and my partner have both been vegan now for three years and we’ve been working our way through Norwich, trying all of the different vegan offerings available and we feel so lucky to live in such a brilliant city filled with so many plant-based options.
We were both left astounded by the exceptional quality of the food and service provided by Benedicts.
It’s worth noting that if you are booking for a vegan menu, you need to pre-order at least one day in advance which we did in the notes of our booking request online.
Benedict’s is located on St Benedicts Street which is one of my favourite streets in Norwich filled with cosy pubs and unique cafe’s so there is plenty of things you can do before or after a meal at Benedicts.
We were greeted warmly by a member of staff, who proceeded to seat us and take our coats and the vegan menu we had requested when booking was already on the table.
The restaurant is decorated beautifully with dark features that look elegant amongst the large windows of the building. The restaurant is intimate and before we knew it, we looked up from our conversation and all of the surrounding tables had been occupied.
To drink, I ordered the Benedicts Gin with lemonade and my partner ordered a glass of Duration ‘Cutting Grass’ which is a regular favourite of his. The Benedicts gin was fresh and lightly citrusy which made for a perfect palette cleanser.
Prior to the arrival of our tasting menu, we were kindly asked if there were any dietary requirements or allergies which made me feel at ease knowing that they take such matters seriously. I had requested a slight modification to one of the dishes, substituting mushrooms and was told it could be accommodated without any issue.
To kick off our culinary journey, our first of nine courses arrived named ‘The Tease’ an impressive trio of individually plated delicacies, each boasting a delicious and unique flavour profile.
We savoured every bite of the butternut squash, fried to perfection with a buttery richness and a naturally sweet taste that blended seamlessly with the accompanying sweet chilli sauce.
The Mushroom Twist followed suit, offering a satisfying crunch and an earthy flavour that balanced the sweetness of the previous sweet potato dish.
The finale of the opening course was the Kimchi sandwich, artistically crafted into a delicate flower with a tart tang that elevated the dish to new heights.
The combination of sweet, spicy, sour, and umami flavours in the first course was a symphony for the senses, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. With each dish hitting all the right notes, we knew we were in for a truly indulgent experience.
The Aperitif course came next and was an explosion of flavours. The crispy and delicate Rice Cracker was a perfect match for the rich and velvety Sherry Mousse that possessed a subtle hint of sweetness. The flavours and textures complemented each other beautifully, creating a harmonious balance that left us wanting more.
Equally impressive was the Vegan Bread with Wild Garlic Butter. The bread was crispy and delicate accompanied with the bright deep green of the wild garlic butter which had a savoury and herbaceous profile that elevated the bread to new heights.
Next, we were presented with the Charlotte Potato - a true feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The dish was beautiful, featuring a glistening golden potato crowned with a shallot garnish with crisps stacked on top. As we eagerly sliced into it, the potato emitted a satisfying crunch, revealing a tantalisingly soft and creamy tofu filling inside.
The caramelised shallot added a subtle sweetness that perfectly complemented the dish's complex flavours. To top it all off, the dish was accompanied by a rich and velvety Sherry Jus that added a luxurious depth of flavour to every bite.
The Leek Vinaigrette with Perigord black truffle was a tangy, fresh, and flavorful dish. The leeks were cooked to perfection, providing a delicate crunch, and the vinaigrette added a refreshing and slightly acidic tang. The Perigord black truffle added a strong, earthy aroma and a bold, umami flavour that elevated the dish.
The Asparagus with malted barley molasses and kale was a vegetable delight, usually made with mushroom. The asparagus was cooked just right, retaining its crispness and natural sweetness, while the kale added a unique bitter contrast. The malted barley molasses added a deep, nutty flavour that was perfectly balanced with the vegetables.
The Roasted Celeriac with umami puree and red onion jus was the star of the show. The celeriac was roasted to perfection, resulting in a soft, creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavour. Scattered with vegetables across the plate allowed for a freshness alongside the umami puree which was smooth and velvety, with an intense savoury taste that melted in the mouth. The red onion jus provided a tangy sweetness that tied all the flavours together harmoniously.
For dessert, the Quince Sorbet with caramelised apple was a refreshing, fruity treat. The sorbet was smooth and creamy, with a bright and tangy flavour, while the caramelised apple was sticky and sweet. The combination of textures was excellent, with the sorbet providing a refreshing contrast to the bitter notes of the apple.
The Dark Chocolate Pave with new season rhubarb was a decadent dessert that exceeded all expectations. The chocolate was smooth and creamy, with a velvety texture that melted in the mouth, while the rhubarb provided a pleasantly sour and fruity contrast that balanced the dish's sweetness.
Setting
The atmosphere in Benedicts felt calm and relaxing, I could have spent the entire evening there.
Price
It's definitely on the more expensive side when choosing somewhere to dine out, our total meal came to £186 which included two vegan taster menu and two alcoholic drinks each.
Service
The service at the restaurant was exceptional, in addition to the dishes being a delight to the senses. The staff were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable ensuring that the dining experience was flawless. The staff's extraordinary attention to detail and level of care truly enhanced the meal.
Highlight
Each dish presented itself as a work of art, and as the meal continued, it was as if the flavors and textures were in a friendly competition to outdo each other. I couldn't choose a favourite, even if I tried!
Summary
It was an unforgettable experience and I only wish that I had visited sooner.
DISCLAIMER
Our food reviews are always independent. They are the opinion of the reviewer based on their experience of the venue when they visited. The establishment is not aware of our visit, is not informed we intend to write a review, and bills are paid by the reviewer. The choice of places reviewed is also independent and is not based on venues which do or do not advertise in our publications.
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