A mecca for food enthusiasts, the many excellent cafes, pubs and restaurants in Bury St Edmunds, are rapidly growing in both popularity and number. Have you paid a visit to any on the list?

East Anglian Daily Times: Tuck into seasonal dishes at Maison Bleue. Picture: ArchantTuck into seasonal dishes at Maison Bleue. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Maison Bleue

The award-winning Maison Bleue has an elegant ambiance, however its open kitchen allows diners a glimpse of owner and chef Pascal at work. Seasonal meat, fish and vegetarian dishes and mouth-watering puddings are all perfectly created at Maison Bleue, with updated renditions of French classics proving to be Pascal’s signature dish.

1921

Independent restaurant 1921 Angel Hill has made a highly successful name for itself in the town. The unique fine dining experience offered at 1921 sets this establishment apart from its competitors. The dishes served here, by chef patron Zack Deakins, are outstanding. A selection of canapés along with an aperitif can be enjoyed by guests in the lounge, before moving into the dining room for an expertly crafted starter, main course and dessert. 1921’s unconventional approach and relaxed service ensured the restaurant took first place in this year’s EADT Suffolk Food and Drink Awards ‘Best Restaurant’ category.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tuddenham Mill's strawberry dessert. Picture: ArchantTuddenham Mill's strawberry dessert. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Tuddenham Mill

The restaurant at Tuddenham Mill is one of only two establishments in Suffolk to be awarded the coveted three AA rosettes for its food and service. A genuine passion for great food and wine ensures that whenever you dine at this multi award-winning restaurant, it’s a special occasion.

Mings

Inspired by family heritage and crafted in house, the recipes at Mings never compromise on taste. Specialising in authentic Chinese dishes, Mings’ renowned chef gives rich Chinese home-style cooking a modern twist, using daily-delivered, fresh ingredients, serving a variety of Sichuan, Dim Sum and Cantonese style cuisines. From a number of artisan oriental teas to superb wine and beers, specially selected drinks also always deliver on quality.

East Anglian Daily Times: Enjoy authentic cuisine at NanaThai. Picture: Gregg BrownEnjoy authentic cuisine at NanaThai. Picture: Gregg Brown

NanaThai

Juggling disparate taste senses to create a harmonious dish, Nanathai’s cuisine is a mix of strong aromatic components, with an added spicy edge. Serving traditional authentic Thai food, the an independent family run restaurant offers delicious dine-in menu – which is also available to take away – made up of favourites such as Thai red and green curries, Panang curry and Pad Thai.

Casa Del Mar

This Mediterranean inspired restaurant specialises in tapas and meze, with a menu bursting with fresh, vibrant flavours. Dishes are designed to share, however a selection of mains are also on the menu for those who prefer keeping their dish all to themselves. The relaxed music and beautiful decor in Casa Del Mar both add to the restaurant’s holiday feel.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ben's restaurant, Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Paul W CookBen's restaurant, Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Paul W Cook (Image: Paul W Cook)

Ben’s

Putting great importance on the ‘Farm to Fork’ ethos is Ben’s on Churchgate Street. This restaurant focuses on using only the highest quality local ingredients, and as a result sources its produce from independent Suffolk producers and suppliers. Ben’s even raises some of its own Oxford Sandy and Black pigs and Jacob sheep on its family smallholding. With almost everything on your plate (and in your glass) at Ben’s being locally sourced – from Halesworth guinea fowl to Rattlesden eggs and Giffords Hall wine – it is no surprise this restaurant has received a large amount of praise, including the 2017 EADT Suffolk Food and Drink Awards ‘Field to Fork’ award.

The Angel

The elegant two AA rosette restaurant, Eaterie, at The Angel serves superb British cuisine, and is another highly popular dining choice in the town. After senior sous chef David Coyne won ‘Chef of the Year’ at the 2017 Suffolk Food and Drink Awards, The Angel’s Eaterie now boasts four award-winning chefs in its kitchen, who have each been formally recognised for their work over the past two years.

East Anglian Daily Times: Justin Sharp, Jurga Sharp, Anna Murray and Filipe Araujo from Pea Porridge. Picture: Gregg BrownJustin Sharp, Jurga Sharp, Anna Murray and Filipe Araujo from Pea Porridge. Picture: Gregg Brown

Pea Porridge

A produce-driven approach to cooking in the kitchen, and a cosy, homely, laid back ambiance front of house are what give Pea Porridge its unique appeal. Hands-on owners Justin Sharp (head chef-proprietor) and his wife Jurga (front-of-house), like to keep things lively, fresh and exciting, while prioritising local, seasonal produce and cooking the foods they love to eat themselves. As well as three charming dining rooms, with rustic tables and exposed brick work, the restaurant also has a gorgeous one of a kind feature, an original baker’s oven from days before Pea Porridge graced the building, which dates back to the early 1800s.

Café Kottani

This little cafe in the town centre offers a wide selection of tasty, delicious healthy Greek and Mediterranean meals. The menu includes mousakka, pasticcio and Greek Meze plates, such as tzatziki, hummus, halloumi, aubergine imam, falafel and more. After something a little smaller? Café Kottani also has a selection of Greek coffees and frappes, which are perfect enjoyed with an indulgent dessert like baklava, kantaifi or kourabiedes.