It’s international dining week. And what better way to celebrate than by recognising some of the best eateries in the county offering flavours from all four corners of the globe?
Charlotte Smith-Jarvis lists 12 brilliant places to taste foods of the world in Suffolk.
From the aromatics of Asia, to the vibrant colours of Mediterranean cuisine, we really are spoilt for choice here in Suffolk.
Greek: Café Kottani, Bury St Edmunds
Just off the marketplace, this small but perfectly formed taverna bursts with Greek delights and is inspired by owner Aise’s father who had a restaurant all her life.
All the Greek favourites are there – homemade of course – including moussaka, stuffed vine leaves, spanakopita and Aisa’s homemade baklava made to a family recipe. Try out the Greek coffee, mountain tea and frappe too.
Italian: Crown and Castle, Orford
The Trinity restaurant at this hotel has a distinct Italian vibe that’s made it a real hit with diners. Use of local produce is at the heart of the menu, examples from which include slow-simmered proper ragu, braised baby squid stuff with garlic, spiced salami and tomatoes, and pork cheek ossobucco.
See here for more information.
Pizza: Suffolk Stonehouse, Bungay
Voted best pizza place in the UK, the doughy delights here are proved in the cellar and stonebaked with locally-sourced toppings, inspired by local places.
The Hoxne, for example, is sprinkled with spinach, free-range egg, green olvies, garlic, tomatoes and mozzarella, and the Flixton oozes with Baron Bigod brie, crispy Parma ham and red onion jam.
See here for more information.
Mexican: Momentum, Ipswich
This is authentic Mexican food, inspired by owner Ahidel’s Mexican heritage and husband Mark’s travels in the country.
There’s no Tex-Mex on the menu. Everything is freshly homemade, including the cremas and salsas.
Expect to find seabass tacos, scallop ceviches, real Mexican mole, quesadillas, and delicious tacos filled with spiced pork, served with pineapple salsa.
Open at lunchtimes and for dinner Tuesdays to Thursdays by reservation and on Fridays and Saturdays – booking advisable.
See here for more information.
French: The Great House, Lavenham
Regis’ restaurant has recently been awarded AA Inspector’s Choice and a Gold Award for 2016.
It really is quite a special dining experience, taking you on a journey of the senses.
Set menus and a short a la carte are available to choose from, making the best of the finest ingredients.
Dishes served have included roasted sea trout with black quinoa, saffron and chervil crisps, sea trout and chive mousse, and a salted butter caramel mousse with speculoos biscuit, cider gel, granny smith apple gel and cinnamon ice cream.
The legendary cheese trolley is not to be missed either.
See here for more information.
Turkish: Alaturka, Ipswich
You can expect a genuinely warm welcome at this very popular Ipswich eatery. The mezze are great – especially the mixed selection – and the grilled meat dishes are expertly cooked.
A good bet is the Alaturka Special of grilled chicken and lamb served over warm pide bread and smothered in a moreish tomato-based sauce.
Puddings are lovely as well. A favourite is the sutlac – a thick, cinnamony/lemony rice pudding served in a clay pot.
See here for more information.
Mediterranean: Casa Del Mar, Bury St Edmunds
Enjoy a slice of your holiday in Suffolk at this restaurant, where the lit trees above, and Azurian colours, will remind you of suppers in sunnier climes.
The menu broadly traverses the cuisines of the Med, offering little mezze and tapas dishes, salads and heartier plates of Spanish fish stew and Persian lamb.
There are plenty of options for vegetarians.
See here for more information.
Thai: Thai Pavilion, Sudbury
While simple in décor and setting, there’s no denying the expertise in the kitchen at this family-run restaurant.
All dishes are cooked freshly – and it shows.
Try the authentic curry puffs, jungle-style curries and deftly seasoned stir fries.
A must to sample is the larb – a type of Thai salad. Made with minced meat, ground roasted rice, chillies and selected herbs and spices, it encapsulates all the elements of Thai cuisine – hot, sweet, sour, salty.
See here for more information.
Moroccan: Casablanca, Ipswich
A newcomer on the Suffolk dining scene, Casablanca is beautifully decorated and boasts absolutely gigantic portions. The falafel are almost fist sized!
Definitely order the lamb pastries to start, and the flavoursome hummus which comes with loads of smoky grilled flatbreads.
The mixed grill platters to share are absolute feasts, including lamb chops, two types of chicken and lamb kebab, tender chicken wings, a bowl of salad and your choice of lentil-flecked rice or buttery sweet cous cous.
See here for more information.
Spanish: Upstairs at Baileys, Beccles
Set above the deli, this is a pretty special little place for dinner on a Friday and Saturday night. The Spanish chef really knows his flavours and uses modern and traditional techniques to put together inventive and delicious plates such as octopus carpaccio, suckling pig and langoustines with poached pineapple and pickled beetroot, and a variety of tapas for special tapas evenings.
See here for more information.
Pan-Asian: Aqua Eight, Ipswich
This is Asian food, but not as you know it. Forget greasy chow mein and dried up egg fried rice- the food here is the real deal. Served in super-cool surroundings, the dishes are impeccably served with great attention to detail, and the flavour profiles are wonderful.
Soft shell crab is a favourite, as is the organic sweet and sour pork, Aqua prawns and the mixed selection of starters – including fantastic gyoza.
The wine list is excellent and there are lots of cocktails to choose from too.
See here for more information.
Indian: Blue Naan, Felixstowe
The Blue Naan has a good reputation for both the taste and the presentation of its food, and offers something a little bit different with its oriental fusion section of the menu.
Fusing Indian and Chinese flavours dishes including cashew murgh (chicken cooked with honey, soy, fresh ginger, cashew nuts and spring onions in a medium sauce).
Specials range from chicken marinated in mustard oil with coriander and special sauce, to king prawns and peppers in a hot West Indian chilli sauce.
See here for more information.
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