The best restaurants in East of England

If there’s one thing I know from my first-class days, it’s how to spot top-tier service and great food—and the tapas evening at Cap & Feathers in Tillingham did not disappoint. Four of us touched down for a night of food and fun, and we were in for a treat! Every table was packed, and yet the service was smooth, with friendly staff and that fire roaring away, adding the perfect cosy touch. Now, onto the food: prawns, chilli chicken, beef, and a paella that made us want to stay grounded for more. Those dishes were the stars of the night, bursting with flavour and seriously good value. It’s not every day you find a menu that matches the quality you’d expect at 35,000 feet! A special shout-out to Dave, the chef, who came out for a chat, making sure everything hit the spot. It’s those personal touches that make all the difference. And with the music and buzzing atmosphere, it felt like a full-on fiesta—no turbulence here! Honestly, it was an evening where everything came together perfectly—great food, great company, and even better service. I’ll definitely be booking another seat at this culinary flight!

The stall was selling wraps at a great price comparied to neighbouring stall & my chicken wrap was stuffed full & very tasty. The owner kindly allowed us to sit outside his shop in the market.

A wonderful afternoon tea in beautiful surroundings, lovely traditional tearoom and excellent service . Couldn’t fault it . Can’t wait to return.

Had the most amazing steak here for lunch cooked exactly how I like it. Full of flavour and all fresh cooked to order. Wheelchair accessible too. The staff were friendly and helpful.

Visited on Saturday lunchtime with a walking group. Really nice small local cafe - excellent snack type lunch. Friendly, helpful staff/owner. Sensible prices. (Helpful with advance booking, table ready etc - nice to see !!)

Visited before and always been happy with service and coffee. This time had cake too... most delicious lemon cake... so good went back and had another slice the next day! Coffee very good, purchased coffee beans too, to take home.

Absolutely love this place! Boris is such a kind man with a gentle soul x Food is top quality as well.. not just frozen to frying pan! Definitely a nice place to stop by with a lots of options on the menu!

Sadly the place seems to have closed, it was a nice place for a hot drink and a pastry , and the girls were always friendly. It will be missed

After a long walk on the beach we decided to go for a takeaway on our long drive home and it was possibly the best decision we made. Food was amazing! The portions were spot on (I’d say they are larger portions than I expected) and excellent value for money. Even the packaging was brilliant! We had the mixed grill, chicken pita and grilled halloumi. 100000% recommend. Best takeaway in Fakenham by miles!!!

We had spent some time looking for a cake and coffee stop and found this hidden gem by chance. We came quite late in the day so there was not as much choice of cake as there could have been but the rocky road we had was the best we have ever tasted. Absolutely amazing. The man who was looking after us was so friendly and made our visit very very enjoyable. Thank you

I called in for lunch with a friend, when we were shopping in the area, as it was the nearest cafe. Well, what a little gem of a place; it was cosy, staff and clients were friendly, the coffee was fabulous, which always helps, and the food was scrumptious. We’ll definitely be back!

A lovely cafe with home cooked food. A hidden gem to be sought out, staff friendly and helpful and service excellent. Nothing too much trouble. Shelves of secondhand books, some rare and very old. Local artists sell and exhibit their wares in store. Handmade gifts to purchase. Prices reasonable.

Nestled in Leigh on sea we have truly a hidden gem. With great food, amazing service and fantastic prices I really was blown away. Leigh has a great coffee scene and for me Tea and Tiffin encompasses the very best of the local area. A perfect blend of a family friendly cafe whilst being able to cater for even the fanciest of coffee connoisseurs it can really do it all.

This place is a hidden little gem tucked away in the cemetery grounds on mersea road (located near to the exit). The staff are always welcoming and happy to see you. (Many are volunteering so makes it that even more special). I have attended two wakes here and both times was so impressed. I also have had afternoon tea which was amazing and sometimes pop in for a lovely coffee and slice of cake. Can’t recommend this place enough.

Great Fresh Pizza. Very nice welcome from 'Shumon' to the shop and he prepared a great King Pepperoni Pizza for my Son...and he absolutely loved it and says the pizza was better than the the other big franchises. So will differently be back very soon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 😀🍕🍕👍