With the holiday season in full swing, many will be meeting up with friends and family to enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping and a festive bite to eat.

And luckily Norfolk is spoilt for choice when it comes to cafes - from cosy coffee spots to indulgent lunches.  

But if you’re struggling to make up your mind, some of Norfolk's best cafes have been named in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards for 2022.     

Based on reviews and opinions from customers, these businesses have been highly rated on Tripadvisor for their service, quality, customer satisfaction, and more. 

1. Darling Darlings Cat Lounge

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Maverick is one of the resident felines at Darling Darlings Cat LoungeMaverick is one of the resident felines at Darling Darlings Cat Lounge (Image: Darling Darlings Cat Lounge)

Where: 57A Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2EJ 

Cat lovers will be in for a treat at this quirky cafe based in Great Yarmouth, with its resident felines include Teddy, Stanley, Maverick, and Ernie.

It claims to be the only cat cafe on the East Coast offering a retro, quirky, vintage home-from-home experience.

One reviewer on Tripadvisor said: "We travelled almost two hours for a visit to this cafe specifically and we were not disappointed.

"The cats were absolutely adorable, the decor was like revisiting my childhood and the milkshakes were delicious."

2. Scooters Cafe

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Scooters Cafe in AcleScooters Cafe in Acle (Image: Scooters Café)

Where: The Street, Acle, NR13 3QJ

This family-run cafe has been a firm favourite in Acle for many years.

Owner Laura Skene believes the reason for her eatery's success is its approach to only serving the freshest ingredients and the hard work of her head chef

A reviewer on Tripadvisor said they had "the best bacon sandwich" they had ever tasted, adding: "Lovely cafe, staff very friendly, food is delicious and not over priced.

"I always visit when I come to Norfolk. I used to be a local and always go to Scooters."

3. Old Town Beach Cafe

Where: 50 Sea Lane, Old Hunstanton, PE36 6JN

This "delightful" cafe is the perfect pit-stop to warm up after a walk along the beach at Old Hunstanton.

Whether you're after breakfast, lunch, brunch or a hot drink, there is plenty on offer.

A Tripadvisor reviewer said: "We walked along the beach to find this gem. We enjoyed a delicious brunch here, sitting outside to enjoy the views."

Another person commented: "What a find to finish off a wonderful holiday in Norfolk. We headed to the cafe for some lunch and it was absolutely delicious."

4. Cafe Charlotte

Where: 118 High Street, Stalham, NR12 9AZ

This family-run cafe is in the heart of north Norfolk's Stalham.

It serves up lunches, cakes and light bites including sandwiches baguettes and paninis.

A Tripadvisor reviewer said: "Amazing cafe, great coffee, friendly staff and a reasonably priced menus with a good selection of cakes.

"This was a great find in the quaint little town of Stalham."

5. Elmham Tea Post

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Elham Tea Post is named among the best cafes in Norfolk Elham Tea Post is named among the best cafes in Norfolk (Image: Elham Tea Post)

Where: 62 Holt Road, North Elham, NR205JQ

Why not try some of the winter classes currently on the menu at Elmham Tea Post. 

Enjoy a turkey, brie and cranberry panini, a pig in blanket ciabatta or a baileys hot chocolate.

A Tripadvisor reviewer wrote: "Elmham Tea Post always deliveries. My partner and I always try to visit here when we're in Norfolk as a treat.

"The staff are wonderful, the freshly baked sausage rolls and scones that morning did not disappoint and my full English was superb, with local farm produce."

6. Pedlars Hall Cafe

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Pedlars Hall Café in SwaffhamPedlars Hall Café in Swaffham (Image: Google)

Where: 50A Market Place, Swaffham, PE37 7QH

This "gem" in Swaffham is best known for its "double bubble" English breakfast and tasty roast dinners. 

And visitors can also choose from its specials board which is updated regularly.

A reviewer on Tripadvisor said: "Absolutely brilliant place.

"Proper English food cooked to perfection and piping hot. Lovely friendly staff led by Al.

"We loved it so much, booked for Sunday roast next week. Superb."

7. The Black Apollo Coffee House

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Black Apollo Coffee House in HoltThe Black Apollo Coffee House in Holt (Image: Black Apollo Coffee House)

Where: 24 High Street, Holt, NR25 6BH

This cafe offers a "relaxed environment" where you can enjoy locally roasted artisan coffee and the "finest local cake". 

One Tripadvisor reviewer wrote: "The best coffee house in Holt. 

"An absolute hidden gem. Jamie and his staff are absolutely amazing, very accommodating and the coffee and cakes are top-notch."

Another person wrote: "If you want a very good cup of coffee then you need to come here, they clearly know what good coffee is and how it should be made."

8. Doggie Diner Cromer

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Doggie Diner Cromer has been named the Most Dog Friendly Café in the UK for the second year in a rowDoggie Diner Cromer has been named the Most Dog Friendly Café in the UK for the second year in a row (Image: Neil Didsbury)

 

Where: 16 Mount Street Limetree Court, Cromer, NR27 9DB

The Doggie Diner was recently named the most dog-friendly café in the UK for the second year in a row at the DogFriendly Awards 2022.

The café, with a menu for both humans and hounds, opened three years ago and has taken off with its canine catering. 

A Tripadvisor reviewer said: "Visited for the first time today after hearing wonderful reviews for Doggie Diner.

"And I was not disappointed. Loved the fact dogs were served first and all given their own individual water bowls."

9. The Kitchen

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Kitchen in SheringhamThe Kitchen in Sheringham (Image: The Kitchen)

Where: 17 Station Road, Sheringham NR26 8RF

This coffee shop and cafe serves up home-cooked food using "the best, locally sourced and quality ingredients".

A Tripadvisor reviewer said: "Fantastic coffee, lovely sandwiches, breakfast and cake.

"Great friendly service. They are really nice people. We had three visits here. It just can’t be beaten."

The cafe is also dog-friendly.

10. Number 14

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Number 14 in HovetonNumber 14 in Hoveton (Image: Google)

Where: Norwich Road Hoveton, NR12 8DA

This "reliably perfect" family-run coffee shop and sandwich bar is located in Hoveton.

It offers an all-day brunch menu as well as light lunches.

A Tripadvisor reviewer said: "We’ve been coming to this lovely coffee shop since it opened. The staff are always friendly and helpful.

"The coffee, drinks generally, cakes and all meals have always been delicious. Thoroughly recommend both dropping in and takeaway."