Gem of Norwich: What did our restaurant reviewer think?

It wasn’t what I was expecting.

We’d emerged from the cold and rain into Gem of Norwich’s warm and welcoming interior and quickly made our drinks orders.

I had gone for the ‘Turkish/Greek coffee (£3.25) to warm me up, anticipating a large, comforting mug.

The Turkish/Greek coffee at Gem of Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

What I got was a diminutive cup with just a dash of milk and a cube of Turkish delight floating above the tray on a little stick.

Needless to say, it came with a caffeinated kick and the sweet was chewy and fruity - just what I needed to wake me up and get my senses primed for the feast to follow.  

Cultural ignorance aside, I was ready to embrace the delights of the eastern Mediterranean at this city centre venue.

The borek at Gem of Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

Even though it was busy and we arrived without a reservation the host was good enough to look around for a spare table. We were taken upstairs to a window nook looking towards Riverside and the railway station opposite.  

The garlic mushrooms at Gem of Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

We eagerly greeted our starters, which we chose from the ‘hot mezze’ range of small plates that are roughly equivalent to Spanish tapas and so much a part of the food culture around the Med.

I got the borek (£6.90) which was served as three fried pastries alongside a little garnish.

The pastry was light and buttery but perfectly flakey and it came apart easily to reveal its warm filling of feta, halloumi, spinach and herbs. 

It was like biting into a cloud of cheesy goodness, and I couldn't get enough of it.

Bec went for the garlic mushrooms (£7.90) which was served in a shallow bowl. 

The mushrooms were so juicy and plump and the white wine sauce was rich and flavourful.

There was a definite hint of peanut in this dish, and there was so much cheese melted over the top that it was almost sinful.

I could smell the garlic from across the table, but it was so good that I didn't even mind.

The menemen at Gem of Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

Next up was my main, the menemen (£12.50). This Turkish dish is similar to shakshuka - they’re both essentially eggs and fresh tomato served in a pan.

But while with shakshuka you get baked eggs, menemen is more of a hodge-podge of scrambled eggs and other ingredients. 

This was a heady mix of green peppers, onion and herbs, and (because I paid an extra £1.50) well fried buy silky smooth chunks of halloumi. 

The pork belly at Gem of Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

I got a side plate of pipping hot and fresh pita bread which I used to mop up the remains.

The sauce was spicy and tangy, and peppers added a nice crunch. It was like a party in my mouth, and I was sad when the bowl was empty.

Bec chose the pork belly (£16.50) for her main. This was beautifully presented: two large medallions of pork, served with a ramekin of apple sauce, a tub of chips and a bowl of salad. 

She said the pork was so tender that it practically melted in her mouth, and the portion size was so generous she struggled to finish it off. 

In fact, I had to finish her chips, which was no problem - they were so crispy and seasoned that I could have gladly kept on going long after the tub was empty. 

Although our bellies were starting to groan with all that wonderful food, we opted to carry on and order dessert. 

The mixed plate dessert at Gem of Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

Everything on that part of the menu sounded so tempting I was glad there was a ‘mixed plate’ option for £6.70, allowing me to try a little bit of several different things - it was like a mini vacation to the Mediterranean.

READ MORE: Food review: 'No1 Cromer does superb fish and chips with a twist'

I got two servings of baklava, a pot of sobiyet ice cream and a slice of delicious warm brownie, covered in a dusting of powder sugar. 

The little squares of baklava were sweet and delicious and came on a bed of crunchy pistachios.

The brownie gave me the chocolate boost I often crave after a big meal and the ice cream was as cool and smooth as an afternoon breeze.

The cheesecake at Gem of Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

Bec had the cheesecake (£5.50) and her portion was huge. It was a New York-style slice, smothered in strawberries.

I got to try a little and it was so creamy and decadent that it should have come with a warning label.

READ MORE: Food review: 'Great value dining in Holt'

The total bill for two starters, two mains, two desserts and a couple of drinks came to £73.59 which I thought was decent value. The overall experience was one we won’t forget in a hurry.

Gem of Norwich is just opposite Norwich's railway station, in a building that used to be Prezzo (Image: Stuart Anderson)

Our waiter was friendly and attentive, occasionally checking in on us and making sure that we had everything we needed. 

If you're in the mood for some Middle Eastern comfort food, this is the place to go.

Inside Gem of Norwich (Image: Stuart Anderson)

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.