Dog friendly restaurants on the Norfolk coast Published 02 March 2025
The Norfolk coast is a haven for food lovers, and for those dining with dogs, there’s no shortage of welcoming spots to enjoy a great meal with your four-legged companion. From relaxed pubs with roaring fires to seafood restaurants serving the freshest local catch, these dog-friendly venues offer warm hospitality alongside quality cooking.
Whether you're stopping for fish and chips after a bracing beach walk or settling in for a leisurely lunch with sea views, the best dog-friendly restaurants on the Norfolk coast combine great food with a laid-back atmosphere. Explore our guide to find the perfect place to dine without leaving your dog behind.
Opened by Eric Snaith (of Titchwell Manor), this posh chip shop attracts tourists and affluent families from nearby Burnham Market in their droves. There’s a hatch for those wanting a takeaway; otherwise, sit inside (tiled w… Read more
Opened by Eric Snaith (of Titchwell Manor), this posh chip shop attracts tourists and affluent families from nearby Burnham Market in their droves. There’s a hatch for those wanting a takeaway; otherwise, sit inside (tiled walls, stools, basic easy-wipe tables) or grab one of the outdoor benches. Either way, you’re here for fish dipped in local batter and fried to perfection in beef dripping, with thick-cut chips and mushy peas on the side. Black-pudding fritters, crispy chilli cod, vegan ‘prawns’ and halloumi fries add some intriguing variety to the menu, while Eric’s now-famous deep-fried jam sandwich is always a temptation. Wines and local bottled beers earn bonus points, as does the children’s play area. There’s a branch in Holt.
It’s astonishing how Galton Blackiston has managed to keep Morston Hall at the top of its game for so long. Norfolk-born and self-taught, Blackiston refurbished and opened this 18th-century mansion as a hotel-restaurant in 1… Read more
It’s astonishing how Galton Blackiston has managed to keep Morston Hall at the top of its game for so long. Norfolk-born and self-taught, Blackiston refurbished and opened this 18th-century mansion as a hotel-restaurant in 1991 (while still in his 20s), and his exquisitely balanced take on haute cuisine continues to impress after more than 30 years. Despite a starry procession of head chefs by his side, things here are very much on Blackiston's terms: apart from Sunday lunch, you must come at 6.45pm (for canapés before a 7.30pm start) and dine from a no-choice, daily changing tasting menu of seven courses. Ingredient-dislikes and intolerances are catered for (let them know in advance), but if you follow a dairy-free or vegan diet head elsewhere. That said, some of the dishes at an inspection dinner were sublime. Tempura-battered hake (part of a trio of perfectly formed morsels to kick off the meal) displayed the most fragile of translucent batters around succulent fish; to follow, tomato consommé was a stunningly beautiful distillation of summer, including a little scoop of tomato sorbet, pellets of fresh courgette and globules of basil oil. Elsewhere, a supremely refreshing pre-dessert ‘soup’ of Champagne, elderflower and cucumber also hit the seasonal heights, although not everything scored a bullseye. Whether barbecued Brancaster lobster is ideally accompanied by a sweetish curry sauce and golden sultanas is questionable, but the peerless quality of the bread (there's no extra charge if you ask for more), and the profoundly flavourful gravy (in a dish of mouthwateringly pink Yorkshire lamb, with sweetbread, violet artichoke, local asparagus and black olive caramel) prove that the chefs take care – and show abundant skill – with the basics. See them at their meticulous work through a window in an anteroom. The dining area stretches over four rooms: three serene spaces within the main building and an even lighter conservatory where views of the glorious garden compete for attention with a portrait of Blackiston himself. Wine pairings are offered from from a suitably well-chosen list, and the waiting staff, though exhibiting differing levels of experience, are invariably polite and attentive.
The sea views might be distant, but Rocky Bottoms has made quite a splash on this stretch of the coast since opening in 2015. It is owned by a local fishing family, so the crabs and lobsters are of unimpeachable freshness, yet alm… Read more
The sea views might be distant, but Rocky Bottoms has made quite a splash on this stretch of the coast since opening in 2015. It is owned by a local fishing family, so the crabs and lobsters are of unimpeachable freshness, yet almost as diverting is the modern vibe of the place. The much-enlarged converted brick kiln has black-tiled flooring and bare-brick or dark-blue walls enlivened by local artworks. Staff are young and eager (if occasionally green) and cool soul provides the soundtrack. Outside, there’s a bar with decking, picnic-bench seating on an extensive lawn and a shop selling seafood. The cooking has a contemporary feel too, with expertly presented dishes arriving, perhaps, with a tongue-in-cheek retro garnish of cress. Seafood and genuinely local ingredients dominate the concise menu. Brancaster oysters make a popular starter, as do bowlfuls of salt-and-pepper crispy-fried cockles from Wells-next-the-Sea – crisped-up yet nicely chewy and replete with (unadvertised) chilli-heat. Although prices can be something of an eye-opener, compared to other local daytime venues, there’s no doubting the culinary flair manifest in the likes of, say, crab linguine: the pasta cooked to perfection, the dish replete with the flavour of fresh brown crabmeat. A tasty glass of Grüner Veltliner (from a drinks list that also includes Norfolk wines and beers) makes a happy pairing. To finish, lemon posset is a luxurious treat (creamy and tangy), its accompanying hard disc of shortbread less so. Overall, though, during the summer season, it's no surprise that Rocky’s is on a roll.
The beach at Salthouse, the other side of bird-rich marshes, is a bracing, shingly expanse of wild nature. Fuel your exploration with the generous fare on offer at this friendly pub, either at fire-warmed spots inside, at picnic t… Read more
The beach at Salthouse, the other side of bird-rich marshes, is a bracing, shingly expanse of wild nature. Fuel your exploration with the generous fare on offer at this friendly pub, either at fire-warmed spots inside, at picnic tables with their uninterrupted views or in a pretty ‘secret garden’ at the back. Some Brancaster oysters and a glass of manzanilla could slip down nicely before a devilled crab and pea tart or sardines on toast with tapenade. Steaks, burgers and sticky toffee pudding are always available, but check out the specials board for the likes of confit duck with braised red cabbage and polenta.
With its simple whitewashed interiors, this unpretentious roadside hostelry is a relief from the many designer-led pubs hereabouts. There are no airs or graces, just a warm welcome from the staff and all the ingredients for a… Read more
With its simple whitewashed interiors, this unpretentious roadside hostelry is a relief from the many designer-led pubs hereabouts. There are no airs or graces, just a warm welcome from the staff and all the ingredients for a please-all boozer: quizzes, music, a dog- and child-friendly attitude, beers at the bar and decent food (think pizzas, curries, salads and suchlike). Otherwise, look to the specials for generous helpings of local seafood – mussels in winter, crab/lobster in summer. To drink, Brancaster Brewery ales compete with a brief wine list and a mighty rum selection. Jolly by name…
There are stories of smuggling on these marshy edges of north Norfolk, and it’s easy to imagine them being shared over a pint or two of Wherry ale in this character-laden, fire-warmed hostelry. Food is of the hearty British … Read more
There are stories of smuggling on these marshy edges of north Norfolk, and it’s easy to imagine them being shared over a pint or two of Wherry ale in this character-laden, fire-warmed hostelry. Food is of the hearty British school, the better to brace you for beach walks – so come for fish and chips, a steak pie to share, or a heaped bowl of Brancaster mussels. Sunday is all about magnificent roasts – those Yorkshire puddings! Visitors who fancy settling in for a night or two can take advantage of the attractive bedrooms upstairs.
With its exquisite views over marshland on the north Norfolk coast, the White Horse is quite a grand place for what is essentially a country pub. Visitors will find a positive cornucopia of dining options, with a sun terrace, cour… Read more
With its exquisite views over marshland on the north Norfolk coast, the White Horse is quite a grand place for what is essentially a country pub. Visitors will find a positive cornucopia of dining options, with a sun terrace, courtyard garden and the Marshside restaurant, with its dioramic views of the sea. There are parasols to temper the sun glare, and if it's cold out on the terrace, help yourself to a poncho. As is only fitting, fish and seafood specialities are the leading cards on the menu: start with a clutch of oysters, Vietnamesed or à la Tabasco, before contemplating crispy squid with wild garlic aïoli, or the salmon and prawns that are smoked in-house. Cromer crab, immaculately dressed, is one of the obviously covetable mains, but best is probably a locked and loaded seafood platter, crowded with maritime bounty, served with sourdough and lemon mayo. Meat-lovers should raise their sights beyond steak and chips to something like ground wagyu beef crammed into a tortilla. Populist desserts ply a cheesecake and chocolate délice line, or try banoffee choux with mascarpone in rum and caramel sauce. Wines are an enterprising international grab-bag, with plenty available by the glass from £5.40 for appetising French blends.
Occupying a prominent site on the coast road, this attractive former Victorian farmhouse has for decades operated as a boutique hotel, bar and restaurant under the guidance of the Snaith family. Head chef Oliver Bacon-Hilton (ex-M… Read more
Occupying a prominent site on the coast road, this attractive former Victorian farmhouse has for decades operated as a boutique hotel, bar and restaurant under the guidance of the Snaith family. Head chef Oliver Bacon-Hilton (ex-Morston Hall) now works alongside chef-patron Eric Snaith, and they have put together a menu of ‘classics’ (ie classy versions of brasserie food, including local oysters) plus a short, seasonal list of more French-inspired dishes. Diners can choose between the convivial bar area, or walk through an elegant lounge into the restaurant, where two smaller spaces lead to a bright conservatory overlooking the lawn. Thick napery and ample space between tables signify the increased formality. Slices of just-baked focaccia made a great opening to a meal that continued with a fresh-from-the-pan fishcake, packed with fish and served with a vibrant green whirl of chive mayo. This won hands-down over a watery marinated beetroot with goat’s cheese cream and pesto. The main-course star was a beautiful piece of beef sirloin (complete with luscious fat and bone marrow), well-matched with a king oyster mushroom and served with blobs of parsley emulsion and caramelised onion purée. No complaints, either, about a sausage-like portion of pork tenderloin with hispi cabbage wrapped in a translucently thin slice of guanciale, or a ‘spring on a plate’ side dish of Jersey Royals in wild garlic butter. Finish, perhaps, with a creamy honeycomb bavarois, sweet macerated gariguette strawberries and sorbet (and banish all thoughts of Angel Delight). Our food was expertly presented throughout and delivered by well-meaning staff. The wine list is also worthy of scrutiny, featuring unusual choices from the likes of Japan and the Peloponnese. With more consistency, this kitchen could rival the area’s top destinations.
A mile or so inland from the coast, Wiveton is a peaceful village, though it's been put firmly on the map by the popularity of this little country pub with rooms (now part of the East Anglian 'Chestnut Collection'). The interior b… Read more
A mile or so inland from the coast, Wiveton is a peaceful village, though it's been put firmly on the map by the popularity of this little country pub with rooms (now part of the East Anglian 'Chestnut Collection'). The interior been modernised in bare-boards style and enlarged with a smart taupe-walled conservatory dining room; there's also an attractive marquee at the back ('with a wedding-reception feel to it') and outside tables for drinks at the front, overlooking the village church. The menu has its finger on the Norfolk pulse, with local ‘food heroes’ duly name-checked. There are plenty of interesting options for vegetarians, and a fairly priced set menu too. Binham Blue soufflé made a fine start to our visit (light, moist and cheesy, with crunch provided by a candied walnut on top and lightly pickled celery), while breadcrumbed cod cheeks arrived in a creamy curry sauce. To follow, pan-fried stone bass with Cromer crab 'dauphine' and vanilla velouté was outshone by a beautifully tender oblong of stout-glazed beef short rib, well-matched with charred baby gem and a king oyster mushroom. Puddings are definitely for the sweet-toothed, with complex offerings including lemon and lavender posset with white chocolate, pistachio, lemon curd, raspberry and Champagne sorbet. Presentation throughout is beautiful, and service is congenial. To drink, there’s a choice of four local ales at the bar, while the set menu comes with suggested pairings from a varied wine list that’s arranged by style.
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