Dereham and the surrounding area provides hungry customers with a vast array of choices when it comes to finding a place to eat.

Dereham Times: Elmham Tea Post is the Dereham's area's best place to eat, according to TripAdvisor. Picture: ArchantElmham Tea Post is the Dereham's area's best place to eat, according to TripAdvisor. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant © 2014)

Here's a rundown of the top 10 according to TripAdvisor, whether in the centre of this Mid Norfolk town or tucked away in nearby villages.

1) Elmham Tea Post

This quirky post office in North Elmham is the Dereham area's best place to eat according to TripAdvisor, with an average rating of five out of five.

Having been partially converted into a cafe by postmaster Ben Grainger back in 2014, posting your parcels here will inevitably result in stopping for a cup of tea and slice of cake.

Dereham Times: Elmham Tea Post is a post office-cum-tearoom that was created by postmaster Ben Grainger. Picture: ArchantElmham Tea Post is a post office-cum-tearoom that was created by postmaster Ben Grainger. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant © 2014)

2) Tabnabs

Hidden away in the village of Mattishall, Tabnabs takes its name from the Merchant Navy term for a small cake or biscuit eaten during coffee break aboard the ship.

Reviewers say the cakes are "to die for", while staff are "friendly and attentive".

3) The Brisley Bell

Dereham Times: The Brisley Bell won 'Pub of the Year' at the Eat Norfolk Food And Drink Awards 2019. Picture: Denise BradleyThe Brisley Bell won 'Pub of the Year' at the Eat Norfolk Food And Drink Awards 2019. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant)

The proof's in the pudding with The Brisley Bell which, in 2019, was crowned Norfolk's 'Pub of the Year' at Eat Norfolk Food and Drink Awards and listed in The Good Food Guide for the first time

With its cosy snug, selection of real ales and stunning rear garden, The Bell has developed a reputation as a pub for everyone.

4) The Mermaid Inn

The Mermaid Inn, Elsing, is pretty close to the definition of a traditional countryside pub.

Dereham Times: The Mermaid Inn, Elsing, is one of the Dereham area's best places to eat, according to TripAdvisor. Picture: ArchantThe Mermaid Inn, Elsing, is one of the Dereham area's best places to eat, according to TripAdvisor. Picture: Archant (Image: © Archant Norfolk 2015)

While examining the extensive menu, those partial to a pie should consult the 'pie chart' for a selection of "delicious" creations.

5) The Lodge Griddle and Grill

Situated just off the A47 in North Tuddenham, recent reviewers have lauded The Lodge Griddle and Grill for its exemplary service and generous portions.

One said they "couldn't fault anything", while others recommended The Lodge as a good place for a birthday meal or wedding reception.

Dereham Times: The Lodge Griddle and Grill in North Tuddenham, pictured in 2015, is one of the Dereham area's best places to eat according to TripAdvisor. Picture: ArchantThe Lodge Griddle and Grill in North Tuddenham, pictured in 2015, is one of the Dereham area's best places to eat according to TripAdvisor. Picture: Archant

6) Rani's Indian Dining

Started by cousins in early 2018, Rani's in Yaxham has quickly developed a reputation as a great place to go out for an Indian meal.

The former pub won the 'Family Dining Award' at last year's Eat Norfolk Food and Drink Awards, where it was also noted for its efforts to help those in need across the community.

7) The Railway Arms

Dereham Times: Rani's Indian Dining, in Yaxham, is one of the Dereham area's best places to eat according to TripAdvisor. Picture: Supplied by Musa AliRani's Indian Dining, in Yaxham, is one of the Dereham area's best places to eat according to TripAdvisor. Picture: Supplied by Musa Ali (Image: Archant)

North Elmham's second top 10 entry, The Railway Arms has notched a host of rave reviews for its food.

Many reviewers have pointed to the "superb" Sunday lunch, with one saying recently it's "one of the best I've ever had".

8) Yaxham Waters Cafe

This characterful cafe in a "lovely setting" is fast becoming a not-so-hidden gem, amassing 431 reviews on TripAdvisor - 343 of them either 'excellent' or 'good'.

Dereham Times: Yaxham Waters is one of the Dereham area's best places to eat according to TripAdvisor. Picture: Google Street ViewYaxham Waters is one of the Dereham area's best places to eat according to TripAdvisor. Picture: Google Street View (Image: Archant)

Situated on the edge of a popular holiday park, it offers far more than a conventional cafe including a range of pub classics.

9) The New Inn

There was much sadness a decade ago when The New Inn at Beetley closed and looked primed for housing redevelopment.

But a couple swooped to buy the pub and £45,000 was spent on transforming it into a Thai restaurant, while also retaining the traditional bar area for drinkers.

Dereham Times: The New Inn, Beetley, pictured in 2011 when it was first transformed into a Thai restaurant. Picture: ArchantThe New Inn, Beetley, pictured in 2011 when it was first transformed into a Thai restaurant. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant © 201101603 772434)

10) Spice Fusion

Despite its relatively substantial selection of places to eat, Dereham itself has just one entry in the top ten.

Spice Fusion, on Wellington Road near the town centre, is noted by regular customers for its "consistently good" food and "friendly and efficient" service.