Maria @ New Street Market, Woodbridge
At the time of writing Maria Elia had finished her residency at the Woodbridge lifestyle and fashion store...taking a much-needed break. We adored Maria’s moussaka croquettes, silky white beans in a broth with shredded ham hock, lobster emulsion and aioli, and an unusual but delicious skewer of shawarma sprouts. Wholesome, hearty and generous fare. She could return in 2023...otherwise look out for private dining events at her Suffolk barn. CSJ
Nourish, Newbourne
Owner Tracey, a former teacher, has put so much love into this sprawling country café. The dining areas are utterly charming. They make amazing speciality hot chocolates. And the breakfast offering is divine – I’m not a big avo on toast fan, but theirs, loaded with crunchy bacon, halloumi and chilli jam was something to behold. If it’s a cuppa and cake you’re after, their counter brims with homemade options. CSJ
The Unruly Pig, Bromeswell
Currently the UK’s number one gastropub. Service, fabulous food, and a very decent wine list combine here to make for a special meal. We adored every morsel, from bread with whipped anchovy butter, to the silkiest veloute with smoked eel, buttery mallard, and plum and pistachio frangipane tart. Just wonderful. CSJ
The Viet Street Food Company, Beach Street, Felixstowe
Despite being absolutely crazy with visitors on our trip, this place managed to get food on the table (via their buzz-when-ready service) sharpish. And very decent grub it is too. Aromatic, deeply savoury and nourishing pho is a must-try in the colder months. As are their loaded rice pots, strewn with fresh salad and crushed peanuts. Then there are the banh mi sandwiches. A must-try if you’re taking a stroll in the seaside town. And grab a beer from the Hopsters bar opposite! CSJ
Two Magpies, various locations
I guess everyone has their favourite TM product now. My choices fly a little under the radar, because I’m not picking their sourdough bread, pastries, doughnuts or even their rich brownies. On a visit to Aldeburgh in the summer to stay with a friend, I was blown away by the bakery’s scones. Yes – that's right, a simple scone. Two Magpie’s version (make sure you ask for jam if you’re getting a takeaway, they have pots available) reigns supreme for me. They are enormous, with a subtle sweet flavour, soft, pillowy centre, and delicate crunch on the outside. As for the rest? My other go-tos are the chocolate cookie, Marmite whirls, and caraway-flecked cheese straws. CSJ
The Woodyard, Woodbridge
I had a flipping brilliant meal here with my husband and son. A meal that undercut high street competitors on price (and quality) by quite some mark.
Forget your big-name brands, and support the small guys. Here pizzas are baked on Italian biscotti stones, and covered in the best crushed tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, and toppings.
Do order the bread with garlic butter dip – it is so worth it. And the house salad is delish too. We were slightly let down by dessert but if you want something sweet I highly recommend a scoop or two of H&J gelato from the counter. CSJ
Sur-Mer, Aldeburgh
A little touch of Soho, exported to the Suffolk coast. People are loving the simplicity of the restaurant’s classic lobster and chips. My stand out dishes (and make sure you order a Fishers Gin cocktail first), were the crispy cod cheeks with curried tartare, and the kitchen’s superlative take on a crab salad. Here, sweet ribbons of white crab meat were married with a light dressing and chives, served with a citrussy, smoky avocado puree, pickled cucumber and a quenelle of brackish brown meat. One of my favourite starters of the year. CSJ
The Anchor at Walberswick
Everyone always bangs on about fish and chips in Aldeburgh, and that’s fine if you fancy standing in a line for half an hour (at least) and dropping serious coin.
But for me, the best fish and chips in Suffolk reside a little further down the coast in the pretty little village of Walberswick, and specifically at The Anchor.
We go at least three or four times a year, always order the same thing – and the quality and consistency is always spot on.
A big chunk of fish, perfectly cooked, encased in a light batter coating, teamed with some cracking chips and top tier mushy peas.
Team it with a pint of Adnams Dry-Hopped and you are living the good life. MH
MID SUFFOLK
Watson & Walpole, Framlingham
Ruth and David Watson and chef Rob Walpole have created a slice of Italian heaven in Framlingham. Their unwillingness to compromise on ingredients, relaxed ‘neighbourhood style’ dining room, and earnest menu, where flavour not frills are the focus, have made this place a mecca for foodies.
We still rave about the whipped baccala mantecato with charred lemon, the airy courgette fritti, tender nuggets of octopus, and THAT tiramisu, dosed out into bowls at the table. An utter pleasure. CSJ
Retreat East, Hemingstone
Named as one of the most romantic places to stay in the country, Retreat East has it all. Gorgeous accommodation. A bijoux spa. And the Great Barn, where head chef Adam Spicer combines home grown herbs, fruit and vegetables with prime local produce to stunning effect. Stand outs included a sea bass fillet swimming in a warm tartare sauce with crispy oyster, duck with cherry hot sauce, and a chocolate tart with sea buckthorn sorbet. Rumour has it the afternoon teas are something rather special too. CSJ
IPSWICH AREA
16 Steakhouse at Venue 16
I’m a big fan of meaty dishes, and if you are too, this is the place for you. Steaks galore were on the menu, as the name suggests, but when I went, I had a beef burger as they were buy-one-get-one-free.
Succulent, cooked to utter perfection, and topped with a brioche bun – what more could you want?
But wait – there's more.
Dessert was amazing. Karl’s Melting Ball, featured a white chocolate ball with a shortbread biscuit crumb, vanilla ice cream, fruit and a milk chocolate ganache. When the waitress brought it over, she poured on a hot chocolate ganache. Simply divine.
And I’ve got to give a special shout out to the moules mariniere. I’m a sucker for seafood and the serving of mussels was generous and plentiful – with the creamiest sauce imaginable. Lapping up the remains with warm crusty bread is what winter dining is all about. DL
La Cueva
If you’re looking for a touch of glam in the centre of Ipswich, La Cueva fits the bill.
From the gorgeous interiors to its glittery cocktails, you’ll almost forget you’re in Ipswich.
The food was great when I visited earlier this year. What especially stood out for me was the fish sharing board - think smoked salmon, poached salmon, prawns, and crab (served of course with a marie rose sauce and a selection of freshly baked breads), it really set the tone for the evening.
The mains, I had the herb-crusted pork fillet with pork belly, which was absolutely delicious. Tender, soft, and with a bit of pork crackling on top, it was incredible. It was served in a delicious red onion jus, and accompanied with caramelised apple and a side of bubble and squeak.
That, washed down with a glass of wine and a glittery pornstar martini was a top-notch meal. DL
On The Huh
My most recent meal out was a Sunday roast at On The Huh; a small town centre café on St Peter’s Street.
I’m really not a roast dinner fan, but I’d heard a lot of buzz about the café's £12.50 Sunday lunches, so thought I’d give it a go.
And it actually ended up being great value for money. For just under £13, you got a generous serving of meat of your choice (I went for the beef), some pretty big Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, a side of veg, and an even more generous serving of gravy (thick, of course).
Eating at On The Huh felt like going to your nan’s for tea. No frills, friendly, and cute décor to match.
Oh, and the dessert. A huge helping of apple cinnamon and date crumble, served with ice cream or custard (we went for the former). Warming, tasty, and filling, it was the perfect lunch on a wintry afternoon. DL
Hintlesham Golf Club
I ate here at the beginning of the year with a friend, and we both were blown away by the lovely, country club-style dining room with its views out over the tees, excellent service, and very reasonable set Sunday menu (under £30 for three courses).
By far the best dish was the roast beef, which was perfectly cooked, and plated with one of the biggest Yorkshire puds I’ve ever seen, fresh, seasoned, nicely prepared veg, plenty of golden potatoes, and a really rather good gravy.
Excellent value and a nice family-friendly spot. CSJ
Storico, Ipswich
I have nothing but praise for this little family pizza joint in the centre of Ipswich. We were greeted like old friends, and the pizza (you can see the wood-fired oven from the dining room) was as good as anything we’ve eaten in Italy.
If pasta is more your thing, they handmade a few different varieties. Just pick your favourite, choose a sauce from the menu, and order away.
The only negative was the fact desserts didn’t appear homemade. But you probably wouldn’t have room anyway! CSJ
The Peacock, Chelsworth
The best place we ate in 2022, The Peacock absolutely blew us away and joined a short list of eateries in Suffolk which have utterly knocked our socks off over the years.
If I tell you the others were Tuddenham Mill, 1921, Pea Porridge and The Brewers in Rattlesden, you should get an idea of the sort of level I’m talking about.
Put simply, The Peacock's food - and overall package - is just on a totally different level to anything we’ve been lucky enough to sample in the county for years.
Once the favoured haunt of The Krays, the Peacock is now making waves under head chef Sam Clover and GM Jack Butler.
I don’t have space here to go into any great detail, but suffice to say the food was the best we’ve had this year, the service was superb and the surroundings and atmosphere absolutely spot on.
They offer rooms too, so make a night of it if you can. If you only take one thing away from this list, make it The Peacock. MH
The Angel Inn, Stoke By Nayland
Re-opened earlier this year, and named as one of the best small hotels in the country recently, a lot of money has been injected into this country inn, where every comfort has been thought of in the bedrooms, and where chef Ruben has created a stunning, inventive menu, with little nods throughout to his Spanish heritage.
Star of the show on our visit was toasted rice with hare, draped with a stock veil that melted into every crevice. Star cooking. CSJ
WEST SUFFOLK
The Edwardstone White Horse
I stand by my gushing praise of this country pub – I think, one of the best in the region. A pub with an almost un-ending book of beers (largely naturally fermented) to sample, an on-site brewery, and a short menu that hits the spot, without breaking the bank. Think billowing sourdough pizzas, and Dingley Dell charcuterie platters or cheese boards with homemade beer bread and pickles. There are plenty of board games to get stuck into too. CSJ
Squires Restaurant, Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket
A stylish dining room with a real sense of occasion about it – and food to match. My vegetarian dining partner found her goats’ cheese with barbecued pineapple and piquillo emulsion, and following course of celeriac steak in a wafu dressing faultless. My own main course of guinea fowl ballotine with Jerusalem artichoke puree, salsify, baby leeks and fresh truffle shavings was also outstanding.
Out of all the places I’ve had the pleasure of staying in during 2022, I can say unequivocally that Bedford Lodge’s breakfast was the best by quite a distance. An almost endless buffet of homemade granolas, cakes, smoothies and more, followed by a fabulous cooked full English. CSJ
The Three Blackbirds, Woodditton
We loved this Chestnut Inn property when we visited in February – a beautiful old building, all cosy and welcoming inside, with a real buzz about it.
It’s been voted as one of the top dog friendly pubs in the country, and I can report they very much make your hound feel at home.
The food was top notch too, with our highlights including the Claydon Farm chicken breast main, the burger and Phil’s homemade doughnuts.
I still don’t know who Phil is, but take it from me, the man knows his doughnuts. MH
Rustico, Bury St Edmunds
Quality independent Italian eateries are as rare as rocking horse dung, so we were delighted to discover this gem in April.
Rustico looks great – exposed timber beams in a beautiful 17th century building – and the welcome is tremendous, particularly from owner Michele.
The food, of course, is the main attraction – and these are the sort of authentic Italian dishes you rarely see on our shores.
Both our mains – oxtail ragu and proper Italian carbonara – were fantastic, as was our lunchbox-sized slice of tiramisu that we shared for dessert. MH
Worlington Hall
We popped along to the historic hall for a stay in June, and very nice it was too.
Beautiful grounds, featuring a pond and their own little jetty – very nice for a drink and a ponder on a sunny day – plus a character-packed old building.
I had soy-glazed duck and mushroom dashi as my main at dinner, which is one of the single best dishes I consumed this year – and I’ve consumed a lot!
It is expensive, but worth pushing the boat out if your budget allows. MH
SOUTH SUFFOLK
Fields Farm Shop & Café, East Bergholt
This place is tucked off the beaten track, immersed in Constable Country and surrounded by walks –perfect for dog rambles (it’s very dog friendly). We had one of the best Sunday roasts we’ve ever eaten in East Anglia here. Wibbling, melting pork belly with crunchy skin. Blush pink slices of beef. Puffy Yorkshires. Carefully prepared veg (including a vat of cauliflower cheese). And lashings of proper gravy. Great cakes too! CSJ
NORTH SUFFOLK
The Pink Tiffin, Bungay
This one’s a little bit different. Every single week the owner/cook conjures a menu of curries, sides and snacks for delivery in the Beccles/Bungay area. Everything is made from scratch, using locally sourced meat and veg – even Fen Farm’s butter for the incredible butter chicken. My advice, order one of everything and share between you as a group/family. Make sure you buy some of his sensational pickles. And his mum’s savoury Indian biscuits too. Those living out of area can buy Pink Tiffin dishes in the freezers at Earsham Street Deli’s Bungay and Snape Maltings shops. CSJ
OVER THE BORDER
The White Hart Inn, Mersea
I’m going to skip into Essex for a meal I have been telling everyone about since our visit in the summer. Revamped by the same folk behind The Sun Inn in Dedham, The White Hart’s food is uncomplicated, vibrant and overflowing with flavour.
Are the acoustics in the dining room a little invasive? Yes, it can get noisy, but I can absolutely overlook this for the sheer quality of what we ate – half the price, might I add, of the venue we dined at a few days later, and much much better.
I mean, where do I even start? With the dashi broth, secreting smoked eel, al dente leeks and a chilli kombu custard? With the battered hunks of chicken and pork terrine with their mustardy puree? Or with the main course that has beaten all others this year to be my most favourite – plaice in a caper sauce with split dill oil and a farce of insanely-good, spicy café de Paris mousse? I’m telling you, I have dreams about that dish – and they better bring it back in 2023! CSJ
MJP @The Shepherds, Fen Ditton
We finished the year in style with a stay at Michelin-starred chef Mark Poynton’s relatively new venture, a 16th century pub with rooms in the quiet Cambridgeshire village of Fen Ditton.
It’s a super place, offering both a lounge and restaurant while blending history and character with modern touches.
As you’d expect from a man with his pedigree, the food is wonderful – confident cooking with precision, presentation and flavour at its core.
Our steak main was perhaps the prettiest dish we ate all year, as well as one of the tastiest.
A real gem. MH
Where are the best places to eat in Suffolk 2023? - East Anglian Daily Times
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