Food review: Jive Kitchen in Exchange Street, Norwich

Located in the heart of the Norwich Lanes - Exchange Street - we arrived at 5.30pm when the kitchen opens for its evening service and were seated without delay. 

After a few minutes to look over the menu, our server came over to take our order and was more than accommodating, returning in only a few short minutes with the drinks. 

The frozen strawberry margarita was much needed on a warm summer evening (Image: Newsquest)

I decided to go for one of their "frozen" cocktails, a strawberry margarita (£9) and was pleasantly surprised to find out it was essentially an alcoholic slush puppy - which for my sweet tooth was an excellent decision - and my partner tried a half of the raspberry beer which she found refreshing.

Around 10 minutes later our food arrived in full, piping hot and presented stylishly upon some lovely stoneware plates. 

Inside, the decor perfectly suits the food on offer (Image: Newsquest)

To start, we had the patatas bravas (£7) and chorizo nachos (£9), with the buttermilk fried chicken wings (£9) and sesame-coated crispy tofu (£7) as sides. 

Both the wings and the patatas bravas utilised a spicy sauce that lent well to the milder tastes of chicken and potato.

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While some restaurants that focus heavily on spice can lean a little too heartily into providing overpowering heat, Jive's spicier options rode the perfect line between a little bit of fire and maintaining flavour.

The patatas bravas was an excellent side (Image: Jive Kitchen)

In my own opinion, the nachos could have done with some more cheese but the handmade tortilla chips are nothing but fresh, crispy and authentic.

The decor inside would have you believe you were in a New Orleans bolthole, going for a rustic, sun-bleached wood facade look, with large windows overlooking the Market and Jarrolds. 

The wings brought an equal level of spice and flavour (Image: Jive Kitchen)

Soon upon opening the place was busy and had a lively atmosphere inside, with the sun streaming in through the windows. 

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The highlight for my partner and me was the picadillo supreme crunch burrito (£14), a wonderful balance of rich flavours and generous servings of each ingredient, loaded with aged ground beef, cheese sauce and rice. 

For mains, we had the picadillo supreme crunch and OG fried chicken burritos (Image: Newsquest)

Our other main, the "OG" fried chicken burrito (£13) was similarly flavourful and packed with tender cuts of high-quality meat. 

The menu changes regularly to offer new and exciting dishes, providing plenty of reasons for repeat visits. 

Follow the kitchen on social media to make sure you're always up to date on what they've got cooking next!