Following the AA Hospitality Awards 2023 in September, this is the updated list of Norfolk restaurants that hold three or four AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.

These fine dining spots in Norfolk are part of an exclusive group of eateries across the UK and The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross has been bumped up this year. 

The Rosettes are awarded by a team of AA inspectors and places with three "demand national recognition well beyond their local area".

Those spots with four AA Rosettes are "among the top restaurants in the UK where the cooking demands national recognition". 

The highest ranking is five and this is where the "cooking compares with the best in the world".

3 AA Rosettes

Dereham Times: L-R Connor Baines, chef, Mortimer Fraser, chef, and Fabio Miani, head chef, at The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross Picture: Tori O'ConnorL-R Connor Baines, chef, Mortimer Fraser, chef, and Fabio Miani, head chef, at The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross Picture: Tori O'Connor (Image: Tori O'Connor)

1. The Wildebeest, Stoke Holy Cross

The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross, near Norwich, was bumped up from two to three AA Rosettes this year and it has seen a boost in bookings since the awards ceremony. 

Under the guidance of chef-patron Daniel Smith, also of The Ingham Swan, and head chef Fabio Miani, it has been recognised for its outstanding food, drink and service. 

Dereham Times: Richard Bainbridge, chef-patron of Benedicts in St Benedicts Street, NorwichRichard Bainbridge, chef-patron of Benedicts in St Benedicts Street, Norwich (Image: Archant 2022)

2. Benedicts, Norwich

Known for its seasonal tasting menus, this award-winning Norwich restaurant is run by Richard Bainbridge, who won BBC Two’s Great British Menu in 2015, and his wife Katja.

It was also named restaurant of the year and best for front-of-house experience at the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2023 and it underwent a huge refurbishment in 2022. 

Dereham Times: Hannah Springham and Andrew Jones at the Frozen Food Awards 2023, where they won the Retail Gold Award and Retail Innovation AwardHannah Springham and Andrew Jones at the Frozen Food Awards 2023, where they won the Retail Gold Award and Retail Innovation Award (Image: Farmyard Frozen)

3. Farmyard, Norwich

Run by dynamic duo Hannah Springham and chef Andrew Jones, Farmyard is a top-notch bistro located in vibrant St Benedicts Street.

The pair also run the award-winning Farmyard Frozen nationwide delivery service and champion the four-day working week. 

READ MORE: 7 of the best Norfolk pick-your-own pumpkin patches in 2023

Dereham Times: Roger Hickman's Restaurant holds 3 AA Rosettes Picture: Denise BradleyRoger Hickman's Restaurant holds 3 AA Rosettes Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant 2012)

4. Roger Hickman's Restaurant, Norwich

This long-running restaurant is located in the bustling Upper St Giles Street at the top of the Norwich Lanes and it offers a range of tasting menus. 

Hickman earned his culinary stripes at the same address when it was home to the Michelin-starred Adlard's.

Dereham Times: Kevin and Jacki Mangeolles at The Neptune, HunstantonKevin and Jacki Mangeolles at The Neptune, Hunstanton (Image: Archant)

5. The Neptune Restaurant with Rooms, Hunstanton

Couple Kevin and Jacki Mangeolles relocated to Norfolk to open this coastal gem in August 2007 in an 18th-century former coaching inn.

The restaurant serves a modern British menu and it has also retained a coveted Michelin Star since 2009. 

Dereham Times: Daniel Smith, chef-patron of The Ingham Swan which holds 3 AA RosettesDaniel Smith, chef-patron of The Ingham Swan which holds 3 AA Rosettes (Image: Ingham Swan)

6. The Ingham Swan, Ingham

This award-winning fine dining spot with rooms is run by chef Daniel Smith and, along with The Wildebeest, both his restaurants now hold 3 AA Rosettes.

The Ingham Swan offers a very popular stay-and-dine package, which includes a seven-course taster menu and bed and breakfast. 

READ MORE: 5 new openings and refurbs in Norwich's most foodie street

Dereham Times: Eric Snaith is the chef-owner of Titchwell ManorEric Snaith is the chef-owner of Titchwell Manor (Image: Titchwell Manor)

7. Titchwell Manor Hotel, Titchwell

Titchwell Manor has held 3 AA Rosettes since 2013 and the chef-owner is Eric Snaith, also behind budget-friendly favourites Eric's Fish and Chips and Eric's Pizza.

Under the guidance of Mr Snaith, the talented kitchen team has created a refined menu utilising local produce. 

READ MORE: Eric's Pizza in Thornham introducing brunch and roasts

4 AA Rosettes 

Dereham Times: Galton Blackiston at Morston Hall Picture: NewsquestGalton Blackiston at Morston Hall Picture: Newsquest (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2012)

8. Morston Hall, Morston

Morston Hall, near idyllic Blakeney, is the only restaurant in Norfolk to hold 4 AA Rosettes, which makes it part of a very exclusive club.

It boasts a coveted Michelin Star and the award-winning chef-patron is Galton Blackiston, who is also a regular on the BBC's Saturday Kitchen with James Martin.