Norfolk has lunch options for every occasion, whether you want a hearty midday meal at a Michelin-starred gastropub or a quick bite to eat in a relaxed café.

This list rounds up the best spots for lunch in the county, as chosen by you.

1. Thorpe Ferry Cafe

Eastern Daily Press:

This quaint café opened under new ownership in April and serves up a range of breakfasts, sandwiches, soups and cakes.

Owner Jaa Fisher has also launched a specials menu featuring a different Thai dish each day. 

It sits next to the River Yare and there is also a ferry service operated there which can take people on boating trips after enjoying a light bite to eat.

2. Bread Source

Eastern Daily Press: Bread Source has been named as the county winner for Norfolk in the National Bakery Awards 2023

The chain has seven locations across Norfolk and was voted one of the best bakeries in the UK in June.

Bread Source was founded in 2012 and has since gone from strength to strength. 

As well as its city centre locations, it can also be found in Marriott Close in NR2, at Norwich Cathedral's refractory and there is a branch in Aylsham. 

3. Rocket House 

Eastern Daily Press: Food at the Rocket House cafe in CromerFood at the Rocket House cafe in Cromer (Image: Archant Norfolk 2013)

Serving seaside classics such as Cromer crab and fish and chips, the coastal café is a treasured hotspot for both locals and tourists.

Owned by Robbie Kirtley, there's a wide variety of interesting vegetarian and vegan options and plenty of fresh cakes to choose from.

The café also has stunning views of the North Sea. 

4. The White Horse

Eastern Daily Press: The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe. Picture: Google Streetview

The north Norfolk gastropub has an outdoor marsh bar during the summer where people can go to enjoy the catch of the day in front of panoramic views of the coastline.

It has also been included in a list of the top 100 most romantic restaurants in the UK this year. 

Reader Sue Howlett said: "The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe always gets my vote."

5. The Waffle House

Eastern Daily Press: The Banoffe waffle at The Waffle House, Norwich. Picture: Stuart Anderson

A feature in Norwich for 45 years, this heavyweight of the city's food scene has remained one of the favourites of locals.

Opening in 1978, it was the first place in Norwich to make a cappuccino and now offers a huge variety of both sweet and savoury waffles alongside seasonal specials. 

Earlier this year it was visited by a celebrity guest when Hugh Jackman tucked into a 'cheat meal' consisting of a savoury waffle topped with pan-fried Norfolk field mushrooms and cheddar cheese sauce.

He followed it up with a sweet waffle topped with bananas, toffee and chocolate and a mixed berry milkshake. 

6. Kings Arms Fleggburgh

Eastern Daily Press: The Kings Arms, Fleggburgh. Picture: Nick Butcher

For those wanting a heartier meal, the Kings Arms in Fleggburgh has several lunch options to suit everyone.

Mark Dixon is the head chef at the pub which introduced a Tapas-style menu aiming to bring a taste of Spain to Norfolk with dishes such as patatas bravas and croquetas.

The award-winning venue also hosts guests in its three garden lodges, four en suite boutique bedrooms and has a two AA rosette restaurant.

7. Heydon Tea Room

Eastern Daily Press: An afternoon tea from Heydon Tea RoomAn afternoon tea from Heydon Tea Room (Image: Heydon Tea Rooms)

Maria Jary said her favourite place to get lunch is Heydon Tea Room, a small but idyllic café in the village near Aylsham.

Cindy Halls has run the tea room since 2011 and it has proved popular with locals and holidaymakers alike.

It was named the best café in Norfolk at the Muddy Stilettos 2021 Awards and its afternoon tea is regularly rated one of the best in the county.