Shortlisted: Nine Restaurants In Great Yarmouth That Locals Love!

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Last updated on October 18, 2022 by Wandering our World

The historic town of Great Yarmouth is known for being a perfect place for long walks thanks to its beautiful beach and promenade. It’s also known for the famous wooden rollercoaster that was built in 1932 and can still be enjoyed to this day – if you’re brave enough!

But after a day of riding ancient rollercoasters, enjoying the amusement arcades at Pleasure Beach, or just wandering around town, you better eat. And thankfully, the restaurants in Great Yarmouth won’t let you down.

As we know this place so well, we had to share with you our favourite Great Yarmouth restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a classic British lunch, some craft ale, or a fine dining experience with photo-worthy food, we’ve got you covered. Bon appetit!

Burger and fries
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/DGLimages

The Nine Best Restaurants In Great Yarmouth For Food & Experiences

1. Charlie’s Tapas

Maybe you’re after something a little more informal? Well why not tapas! At Charlie’s you can grab some friends and enjoy socialising and sharing some of the best Mediterranean and Spanish food in town.

This independent family run business has a passion for serving both traditional and non-traditional tapas. And you can enjoy it all by drinking some of the best cocktails you can buy.

You can’t really go wrong with any of the tapas here, but the garlic prawns and chorizo sautéed in red wine are some of the first items we always order. Grab some nachos to share as well or the fried Padron peppers – some are hot, some or not… the fun is finding out! 

Vegetarians and vegans are catered for too with many tasty options. And there’s even an eat as much as you like option on the menu! Perfect if you’ve been working up an appetite while enjoying the beach.

Just like all tapas places, it’s lively, friendly and conversation flows. Hours will pass away once you’re inside so savour the flavours and atmosphere. This really is a special place to be and easily one of our favourite restaurants in Great Yarmouth.

Address: 42 Regent Rd, Great Yarmouth NR30 2AJ

Spanish tapas
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2. The Smokehouse

Next up, the go to for American cuisine in Great Yarmouth – The Smokehouse!

This family friendly restaurant/diner has a focus on making sure no one leaves feeling empty. Portions are often so big your plate will struggle to contain it. It is American food after all, so you might as well go for American sizes!

On arrival you’ll receive a warm welcome from the very friendly staff who will promptly have you seated and get your order in.  

Mac and Jack Bites or the Smokehouse Blooming Onion are the perfect appetisers to get things going.

But you might want to skip the starters once you spot the real challenge on the menu, and one of this restaurant’s most popular dishes – the Bar-B-Q Blowout.

Slow Cooked Beef Brisket, Smoked Pulled Pork, Chicken Wings, and half a Rack of Ribs are served with a side of fries, onion rings, house slaw and corn on the cobb. This meal will easily be your starter, main and dessert!

If you fancy something a little smaller, there’s also 20 special burgers to choose from, hot dogs, lasagne, and many chicken and curry dishes too.

In the summer you can enjoy all of that food in their beautiful beer garden named ‘The Smoke Yard’. They often host BBQs and live acoustic music there too, perfect to enjoy with a drink. Can you imagine anything more relaxing than that?

In fact, every Thursday they have ‘Full Throttle Thursday’ a bike meet with live bands, BBQs and an outside bar! If you’re looking for big meals and lots of fun, this is one of the best restaurants in Great Yarmouth for you!

Address: The Grange Hotel, Yarmouth Rd, Ormesby St Margaret, Great Yarmouth NR29 3QG

Selection of bbq items
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3. Bar 1 and Restaurant

It’s Sunday and you want a gastropub to visit for the perfect roast dinner. Or a place to eat simple honest food and then unwind and listen to live music. Well that’s why we recommend Bar 1 and Restaurant.

The Sunday Roast is probably their most popular meal and we understand exactly why: generous portions of tender beef, pork or chicken with freshly cooked veg, roast potatoes and a lovely rich gravy. It’s safe to say we’ve never been disappointed when eating here.

Of course this place is worth visiting other days of the week too, and you’ll find a selection of international cuisine and British pub classics. Their burgers and curries are fantastic, but they’ve also got plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options too.

This friendly pub is a popular place to watch football as well, and they often host fun pub quizzes. The interior is cozy but so is their outside area which has great lighting, heaters and hosts good conversation. Sit outside, enjoy some good food and a local ale.

And if you’re looking for entertainment after dinner then keep an eye out for the live music they host frequently, as well as their open mic nights. If you’re lucky you may catch one of their sax evenings too.

Address: 1 Pier Walk, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth NR31 6DA

Sunday roast display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/CBCK-Christine


4. The Terrace

There’s no better way to start you day than with a breakfast that looks out on stunning views of the sea. Or no better way to end it, than with delicious seafood looking out at the very waters where your dinner was caught.

Well that’s exactly what you’ll get at The Terrace at the Imperial Hotel, which is located right on the seafront of Great Yarmouth and is known for its contemporary seafood and grill menu.

On sunny days they’ll retract the roof so you’re dining under the sky with fresh air and views. And should the weather turn chilly, they have wonderful outdoor heating and will even provide you with blankets!

Start your day here with a continental breakfast, grilled kippers or Eggs Benedict with a lovely coffee.

Afternoon tea, sandwiches and light bites such as soup and salad are available from midday. While more substantial meals for al fresco dining include a variety of seafood dishes, and some popular international classics.

If you’re not a seafood fan, the Thai Green Curry and burgers are highly regarded, whilst the most popular item on the menu is the steak. Of course, the chef will cook the steak to your exact requirements. Or you can take matters into your own hands and cook it yourself using a steak stone that they will bring to your table!

For al fresco dining with some of the best views of any of the restaurants in Great Yarmouth, it’s hard to beat The Terrace.

Address: 13-15 North Dr, Great Yarmouth NR30 1EQ

Burgers on board display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/karandaev

5. The Kings Arms

Looking for a more low-key, dog friendly place? Then the Kings Arms is a great choice.

This popular pub has a large bar, cosy restaurant area complimented with a wood burning stove, and an award-winning beer garden for those warm summer days.

This kind of establishment is the backbone of Britain. As the world gets more modern some places dig their feet into the ground and stay true to themselves – this classic English pub is just that. The prices are very reasonable and no request is too much for the friendly and attentive staff.  

So what about the food? The steaks are cooked to perfection, the burgers are amazing, the portions are large, the wine is moreish and there’s a large selection of local ales and lager available from the bar.

Often there will be soul or Motown music playing gently in the background while you eat, which just adds to that cosy pub atmosphere. If you head out to their beer garden there is a play area for children so they can run around and use up some energy, while you enjoy a well-deserved pint.

Address: 229 Northgate St, Great Yarmouth NR30 1BG

dog and food
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Finlay Buchanan

6. Planet Spice

If you’re like us, you love a bit of spice. So why not visit a planet of it!

Planet Spice is one of the best Indian restaurants in Great Yarmouth and beyond, and the authentic Indian and Bangladeshi dishes made with the highest quality ingredients here won’t leave you disappointed.

On entry you can sense the ambience, with the lighting coupled with frosted windows creating a sense of privacy and intimacy. This is Indian cuisine in a fine dining setting and the staff will warmly greet you as soon as you walk in the door.

You can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. But if there’s an Indian dish you’ve always wanted to try and it’s not there, just ask and the chef will see if he can make it for you. With each dish being made to order, feel free to request a little more or little less spice to suit your requirements.

With that cooking from fresh approach there may be a slight delay for your food, but it’s well worth the wait. Plus you’ll then have time to enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere. 

Address: 2 Filby Ln, Ormesby St Margaret, Great Yarmouth NR29 3JR

Indian food display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/LunaMarina

7. Cafe Ocean

If you are out for a morning stroll along Great Yarmouth’s beautiful beach and fancy a top quality breakfast then you’re in luck! As only a short walk away from the sand is Cafe Ocean. With a choice of indoor or outdoor seating all-year round, you can enjoy the views and food at this locals favourite.

Let’s start with the coffee. If you’re like us you’re always on the hunt for that perfect cup and this wonderful café doesn’t disappoint. Couple that with their full English breakfast or the American style pancakes with bacon and syrup, and you’re going to be properly fuelled for the rest of the day.

As this place sits right on the beachfront, it’s one of the best restaurants in Great Yarmouth to pop in for lunch if you’re out enjoying the town’s attractions. For lunch there are several options, including oven baked salmon, Suffolk pork steak, burgers, pizza and freshly made soup.

Once you’ve finished eating there’s no rush to leave. Order yourself a drink, and if you’re outside, bask in the sun and watch the world go by.

Address: 54 Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 2EJ

English breakfast display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Taninwat Pichitnapakul

8. Filby Bridge Restaurant

Every town needs that perfect romantic place to go and we think Filby Bridge is the ideal restaurant for those special evenings. Open till 11pm most days, you can catch the sunset by the water, and enjoy some drinks before tucking into great food.

With stunning views of the Broads and incredible food made from the freshest of ingredients this setting is perfect for an anniversary dinner. Or maybe you’ve got something to ask someone?

Expect traditional British cuisine with a fine dining experience. There is an array of options to choose from, and the lunch menu will allow you to fill up on homemade lasagne, burgers or the fresh fish of the day. All of which you can enjoy on their outside terrace which looks out on a manicured lawn and views of the water.

And if you pick up the a la carte menu you’ll find a variety of steaks, seafood dishes venison, lamb shank and Rogan Josh vegetable curry to name a few. To finish your meal, there’s a selection of special homemade desserts made daily.  

The staff are very welcoming here and are happy to attend to every need, and no issue is too big. Without a doubt this is one of our favourite restaurants in Great Yarmouth, and one with some of the best views too.

Address: Main Rd, Great Yarmouth NR29 3AA

beef steak display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/lisovskaya


9. Castle Carvery

Most carveries in Britain are a Sunday event – Castle Carvery makes it’s an everyday thing. 

This fun family friendly restaurant is housed in a stunning conservatory, but if the weather’s nice you can choose to take your food outside and enjoy it on their wonderful deck.

Offering a generous amount of meat of your choosing, along with locally purchased and freshly prepared vegetables, you might think things can’t get much better. But they can! The delicious Yorkshire puddings here are made in house.

The kids will be wanting to join you for lunch or dinner when they hear what’s for dessert. Castle Carvery is known as having some of the best ice cream sundaes around!  

As an added bonus there’s also a massive soft play area for the kids to enjoy. So they can have fun, and you can have a break. Sounds like bliss. In our opinion this is definitely one of the most family friendly restaurants in Great Yarmouth.

Address: Castle Freehouse, Norwich Rd, Caister-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth NR30 5JN

Roast dinner
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/EddieThomas

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    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.