Best places to eat on the Suffolk Coast
Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Canteen at New Street Market, Woodbridge
Breakfast or Brunch
It’s all change at Canteen at New Street Market in Woodbridge. And that’s a good thing! A fantastic all day menu is served.. well.. all day (10-5pm)! Open Tuesdays to Saturdays (though we think it should be open Sundays too!) this laidback café at the back of a lifestyle shop is just what Woodbridge and East Suffolk needs. Pump Street Bakery bread and pastries are all gone by 11am so be quick off the mark and be at the door for opening. Eggs are served however you want them and we wanted them ‘Egg Shakshuka’ style with homemade flatbread. If you’re impatient this isn’t the dish for you but it’s well worth the wait; it arrives steaming hot, it’s tasty, warming and simply delicious. The cappuccinos are hot, frothy, without chocolate on top, just how we like them, Italian style. If you don’t like sharing a table then beware, you may have to as there are a few tables that seat 4 and only a couple that seat 2.
So busy are they at breakfast time don’t be surprised if you’re given the bill before you’ve asked for it (a tad rude in our book).
70 New Street
Woodbridge
IP12 1DX
TEL: 01394 388668
The Anchor at Walberswick
Lunch
The Anchor at Walberswick never fails to disappoint come rain or shine. Luckily for us it was shine so we sat in the garden and enjoyed the smell of the wood-fired pizza oven as it started heating up. Booking is absolutely recommended here throughout the year. During the summer months there is plenty of space outside at the front, the side and in the garden and on the terrace at the back so walk-in sittings are usually ok, but during the colder months and winter, you have to book, it’s too bloody good not to.
Instead of wondering what to have from the menu you’ll have difficulty making a short list. There’s a great variety on the menu from tender Tandoori Chicken to wood-fired pizza, steak, salads and delicious British puddings. All dishes are freshly prepared, full of flavour and perfectly proportioned. Simple, delicious food in a great atmosphere, complemented by local beers and ciders and a great wine list, what’s not to love?
Pet and child-friendly.
The St, Walberswick,
Southwold IP18 6UA
TEL: 01502 722112
L’Escargot sur Mer, Aldeburgh
Lunch or Dinner (Thursdays to Sunday)
Aldeburgh was blessed with the arrival of L’Escargot sur Mer during the summer of 2020. It’s location on 152 The High Street had never really succeeded as a restaurant though it had been a restaurant for years. I think many of us were wondering if these newcomers from Greek Street in London knew what they were doing and didn’t they know that this venue had never really worked as a restaurant, or a café or even a pop up shop? What works in London doesn’t necessarily work in Aldeburgh!
After the 4th time of trying to get a table (both in person and online) we knew that Aldeburgh had a fantastic new addition to the restaurant scene and that was before we had even eaten there. L’Escargot sur Mer is a breath of fresh air. It has got the simple formula spot on; fresh, simple interiors, great staff, great menu, great atmosphere and all just a hop and a skip from Aldeburgh Beach. The menu is short and sweet (3 starters, 3 mains, 3 puddings) and doesn’t change often but there is always a selection of daily specials. Snails are, of course, always on the menu as is the wonderfully tender lobster (half or whole) and there are a couple of puddings to choose from (though the lemon posset served in the summer is difficult to beat) as well as a cheese. Service is bustling and charming and there’s a buzz about the place that can’t be found in any other restaurant in Aldeburgh. Booking (online) is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL whatever the weather and it’s the only way to book unless you go there in person.
152 The High Street
Aldeburgh