The Rising Sun was a welcome sight when we visited on a cold and wet day in December.
With little else to do during a weekday lunchtime, we thought it was about time we tried the food here after discovering the eatery during the summer when we stopped for a quick drink.
Situated on the water’s edge of the Norfolk Broads in the picturesque village of Coltishall, this is the perfect setting for good food and drinks with friends.
We were spoilt for choice by the menu and very tempted by the specials, which my partner dived straight into. The Rising Sun also offers traditional wood-fired pizza and local Swannington steaks from the chargrill.
For a starter, my partner ordered wood-fired garlic and 'Nduja tiger prawns with toasted coriander flatbread and garlic and lemon aioli (£10) and for a main, the ambitious dirty foot-long bratwurst hot dog, with barbecue pulled pork, crispy panko mozzarella, streaky maple bacon, nacho cheese, salsa and skinny fries (£14).
I opted for choices from the main menu and ordered classic Brancaster mussels marinière with warm bread and confit garlic and lemon aioli (£8) and, with eyes bigger than my belly, a slow-cooked brisket of beef lasagne with sundried tomato and red onion salad and stone-baked garlic bread (£14).
What a feast.
The prawn dish - with the Italian soft, spicy pork 'Nduja - was the highlight of the meal, with delicious flavours running through the entire dish which had been cooked to perfection. The meal peaked there for my partner who said on a return visit he would request this as a main, it was that sublime.
My mussels took me back to a holiday spent many moons ago in the south of France, where the rich, creamy sauce was easily comparable and the mussels were huge. What a treat to enjoy along the Norfolk Broads.
The dirty foot-long hot dog was an impressive sight to behold and because of the generous portion size, my other half could not finish his meal. There were lots of delicious and naughty flavours running through this dish and it would work well with a light starter before it, or perhaps just delving straight in.
When my main came, I was so pleased as the brisket did not disappoint. The flavour was smoky and meaty and worked well with the layers of sauce and pasta. The bread was a welcomed accompaniment as the sauce was plentiful and went nicely with the sundried tomato and red onion topping.
I saved some room for pudding, as an orange and cinnamon crème brûlée with honeycomb side (£6) had caught my eye. It was the perfect finale to what had been a wonderful meal with good food right at the centre of it. We spent the entire meal talking about the dishes put in front of us, which is testament to the thought and skill which had gone into the menu and cooking.
Too full to eat another bite, my partner asked to take away the Black Bomber Cheddar and Cashel Blue cheese board (£6) which was presented beautifully in a box filled with plenty of crackers to enjoy later that day.
Unfortunately, because of Tier 4 restrictions, The Rising Sun is now closed, but we will be one of the first customers booking a meal with them once it reopens the doors.
Setting
It doesn’t get much better than this. The Rising Sun is both beautiful on the inside with a chic and modern country house style and is blessed with the stunning backdrop of the Norfolk Broads. A great place to enjoy a meal or spend an afternoon relaxing with a drink and taking in the scenery.
Price
We paid a very reasonable £69.50 for a three-course meal and a drink each. Considering how extensive the quality and quantity of the ingredients were, this was great value for money.
Drinks
The Rising Sun has an extensive wine list ranging from £19 a bottle to around £33, and more for champagne. We kept things simple with a diet cola and a pint for my other half, but there is also a speciality coffee and tea section on the menu. Local real ales are on offer too.
Toilets
They were as you would expect. Clean with all the amenities.
Accessibility
The car park is rather bumpy and there are different floor levels inside, but there is seating for those unable to use stairs.
There are some delicious vegetarian options including a plant-based burger with pulled barbecue Jackfruit, roast squash and coconut dhansak, and a tagliatelle dish. The website also states that they can modify many menu items to cater for those on special diets such as gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan.
Service
The staff were exemplary. Social distancing was at its best and they were very accommodating when we asked if we could take away our dessert.
Highlight
It has to be a tie between the food itself and the location. Both complement each other beautifully. This is definitely the type of place where I’d love to work my way through the menu.
In summary
Well worth a visit when things return to some type of normality.
If you like that, then try these...
The Golden Fleece, Wells
Situated on the town's famous seafront, it feels like a cosy village pub and you forget that right outside is a stunning view of the quayside and a mile or so ahead is one of the best beaches in the country.
The Fox Steakhouse, Hevingham
This spectacular eatery is still offering weekend takeaways during the lockdown, but you'll have to be quick as it gets booked up very quickly!
The Fat Fox Pizza Den, Norwich
The owner of this pizza takeaway that launched during the first lockdown has enjoyed a slice of success, Based on Prince of Wales Road, the menu takes classics toppings and gives them a twist, with options such as a BBQ Chicken Tailgate, with added brie, and You Stay Classy San Diego, with sliced sausage, bacon and tomatoes and an egg on top.
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.
How you can support your favourite restaurant in lockdown
Takeaways - While more places have opted to stay closed for the next few weeks, plenty are still open and offering takeaway meals for delivery or collection.
Vouchers - A valuable way to help businesses, you can buy yourself - or a loved one, as a gift - a voucher now to enjoy when it's safe to do so down the line.
Shop local - Make sure to support restaurant and pub suppliers, including beer, cheese and fruit and vegetables, by shopping local.
Social media - It's not an easy time for many people financially. A simple like on Facebook or follow on Instagram shows support for traders, though, and can help them build exposure.
Don't forget them when they reopen - It might feel like it, but this lockdown isn't forever, and our support should be consistent.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here