Benedicts is a perfect example of a successful and relaxed neighbourhood restaurant that prides itself on friendly, informal service. The food, however, is a cut above anything else you can find in Norwich, taking familiar flavours and evolving them into seriously accomplished dishes which show flashes of masterful technical skill.

Opened in June 2015 by Richard and Katja Bainbridge, Benedicts almost instantly became the shining light of the city’s food scene. Often fully booked weeks in advance (especially at weekends), the restaurant is now nationally renowned, thanks in part to Richard’s appearances on Great British Menu in the past. The simple, stripped back décor, full of bare wood and white walls, puts Richard’s food in the spotlight – which is precisely what draws so many diners through Benedicts’ doors.

There are plenty of menus to choose from. As well as the à la carte, there’s a very affordable set lunch menu plus two tasting menus (six and eight courses). Vegetarians and vegans are more than catered for with bespoke dishes, although dietary preferences should be noted at the time of booking.

The majority of the dishes on offer at Benedicts make the most of Richard’s relationships with Norfolk-based suppliers, and his ability to take amazing produce and cook it simply has garnered many fantastic reviews from national critics. His time spent in the kitchens of The Waterside Inn and Morston Hall means he has an incredible classical background, but his own cooking style is much more relaxed and playful than what you’d see in French-influenced classical restaurants.

A meal at Benedicts isn’t only full of wonderful flavours and food – it’s a fun, relaxed place where you can spend time with family and friends enjoying incredible cooking without the pomp of fine dining.