The best places to eat in Aldeburgh: a food and drink guide
There are several things that the charming town of Aldeburgh is well known for. Music, arts and culture, the iconic scallop sculpture on the beach… and food. The town even has its own annual food and drink festival (usually held in September), but all year round it is bursting with all manner of fantastic places to eat and drink, leaving visitors with abundant choices during a stay there.
Given its position on the Suffolk coast, it probably won’t be a surprise that fish and seafood feature heavily, but if that isn’t for you, you’ll find plenty of other options to enjoy.
Here is our round up of the best Aldeburgh restaurants, takeaways, cafés and other brilliant places to eat.
Alde Café
Category: Café
Location: Hall Farm Lane, IP15 5JD
We can’t rave more about Alde Café, a fantastic breakfast spot serving delicious home cooked fayre Wednesday to Sunday. Based on the ethos of a British breakfast café, the focus is on cooking a great breakfast every time, using local ingredients sourced from East Anglia – and most of which from within a 25 mile radius. Choose from a full breakfast, a variety of butty and toast options, or other classic breakfast dishes like Kedgeree.
Opening hours and food service
9am – 2pm, Wednesday – Sunday
The Suffolk
Category: Restaurant
Location: 152 High Street, IP15 5AQ
With a focus on seafood, panoramic views of the North Sea from a charming roof terrace, and a fantastic cocktail menu, it’s easy to see how The Suffolk has garnered a host of excellent reviews since opening, including from the likes of The Observer. Choose from locally sourced fish, oysters and meat, or opt for their signature snails dish from George Pell and his team. A really special place that’s ideal for an occasion or just a good treat, whether you dine in the restaurant or on the terrace.
Opening hours and food service
12pm – 2:30pm, Monday to Sunday (lunch service)
6pm – 9pm, Monday – Sunday (dinner service)
The White Hart
Category: Pub/Pizzeria
Location: 222 High Street, IP15 5AJ
The atmosphere of a Suffolk pub, homemade pizza, and friendly service combine at The White Hart. This traditional spot is an Adnams pub with a twist, where you can enjoy pizza cooked in their wood-fired Italian Pizzeria in the beer garden during summer. They also allow guests to enjoy fish and chips from their neighbours, Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop, in their garden. Dogs are welcome (and treated to biscuits) and there’s a lovely open fire to warm up by over the winter months.
Opening hours and food service
11:30am – 10pm, Monday – Thursday
11:30am – 11pm, Friday – Saturday
12pm – 10:30pm, Sunday
Thai Street Café
Category: Restaurant/Takeaway
Location: 106-108 High Street, IP15 5AB
Considered to be something of a hidden gem but popular with both locals and visitors, Thai Street Café offers a variety of delicious dishes to eat in or takeaway, all cooked to order in their authentic courtyard kitchen. Look out for Thai dishes with a local twist, like their Thai Street Curry with Aldeburgh Cod, as well as tempting classics like their popular tempura and other sharing starters.
Opening hours and food service
5pm – 9pm, Tuesday to Saturday
Regatta Restaurant
Category: Restaurant
Location: 171 High Street, IP15 5AN
The proud recipient of both an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence and a Harden’s Certificate of Achievement for High Quality Food, Regatta Restaurant is owned by local twins who have always lived and worked in the area. With their welcoming location on the High Street, this spot prides itself on great customer service, seeking to offer a friendly and professional experience each and every time.
Opening hours and food service
12pm – 3pm, Monday – Sunday (lunch service)
6pm – 9pm, Sunday – Thursday (dinner service)
6pm – 10pm, Friday and Saturday (dinner service)
Ash Smoked Fishes
Category: Takeaway/Deli
Location: Crag Path, IP15 5BT
If you’re looking for something casual but perfectly suited to the location, do not miss Ash Smoked Fishes. This unassuming spot right on Aldeburgh’s shingle beach offers minimally processed local fish, lightly smoked and utterly delicious. As well as smoked fish, they offer pastry tarts and fish patés.
Most of what they do is ready to eat, so you can choose to make use of their outdoor seating and eat it there, or take it away to enjoy later, whether back home or in your holiday accommodation.
Opening hours and food service
8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday
The Lighthouse
Category: Restaurant
Location: 77 High Street, IP15 5AU
The Lighthouse restaurant opened on the town’s high street over 25 years ago now and has been an Aldeburgh institution ever since. Their talented chefs create dishes using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible, including, of course, fish straight from the North Sea. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and offers an excellent Á la carte menu, with both vegetarian and vegan options.
Opening hours and food service
12pm – 3pm, Monday – Sunday (lunch service)
6pm – 9:30pm, Monday – Sunday (dinner service)
Aldeburgh Fish and Chips
Category: Takeaway
Location: 226 High Street, IP15 5DB
How could we possibly round up our Aldeburgh food and drink suggestions without a mention of fish and chips?
Famed for their excellent service, well-priced portions and of course taste, Aldeburgh Fish and Chips is thought to be one of the best fish and chip shops in the country. This is the place to head to for golden chips with lashings of vinegar, and flaky fish battered to perfection – perhaps even eaten on the beach, although watch the seagulls if you do (they enjoy them too!).
Opening hours and food service
11:45am – 2pm, Monday to Saturday (lunch)
12pm – 2:30pm, Sunday (lunch)
6pm – 8:30pm, Monday and Tuesday (dinner)
6pm – 8pm, Wednesday (dinner)
5pm – 8pm, Thursday (dinner)
6pm – 9pm, Friday (dinner)
5pm – 8pm, Saturday (dinner)
5pm – 7pm, Sunday (dinner)
The Cross Keys
Category: Pub
Location: Crabbe Street, IP15 5BN
Sometimes you just can’t beat great pub grub, and if that’s the type of spot you are looking for on your trip to Aldeburgh, look no further than The Cross Keys. Owned by Suffolk brewery Adnams, it is both relaxed and atmospheric, and offers a seasonal home-cooked menu accompanied by Adnams beers, wines and spirits. Their Sunday lunch goes down very well with visitors, if you happen to be visiting on a weekend!
Opening hours and food service
12pm – 3pm, Monday – Sunday (lunch service)
6pm – 8pm, Monday – Sunday (dinner service)
Aldeburgh Munchies
Category: Café
Location: 163 High Street, IP15 5AN
A cute and colourful café, Munchies is the place to be for homemade toasties, sandwiches, breakfasts, cakes, muffins, pastries and much more! Munchies is truly part of the Aldeburgh community; a fun, friendly and welcoming spot where owner Susie Medland knows customers by name.
Opening hours and food service
7:30am – 3pm, Monday – Friday
Two Magpies Bakery
Category: Bakery
Location: 183A High Street, IP15 5AL
The ever-popular Two Magpies is an excellent option for lovers of baked goods and coffee. Pop to their high street location for freshly baked sourdough bread – perfect for taking back to your accommodation as part of a cooked breakfast – or morning pastries, savoury treats and sweet bakes if you’re on the go or packing a lunch.
You can also eat in, choosing from a range of brunch and lunch dishes that look just as beautiful as they taste.
Opening hours and food service
8am – 6pm, Monday – Sunday
Stay in Aldeburgh
Whatever your tastes and however long you are staying for, there are certainly plenty of fantastic food and drink spots in Aldeburgh. Ready to plan your next stay? Browse our range of holiday homes in Aldeburgh to find your perfect property, or get in touch if we can help.
