Where to eat in Southwold: a food and drink guide
Southwold is a charming quintessential town, brimming with character on the Suffolk Heritage Coast. From its sandy beaches, beautiful pier and iconic lighthouse to its fabulous food scene, independent shops and promenade lined with pretty beach huts, it’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Located between Aldeburgh and Lowestoft, just off the A12, it’s easily accessible and attracts visitors across all generations.
In this blog, we recommend the best food and drink spots to help you make the most of your time in this popular part of Suffolk. If you’re looking for more information about making the most of a trip to one of the most charming towns our county has to offer, check out our guide to visiting Southwold. Whether you’re planning a fun day out or an adventure fit for a foodie, Southwold has something for everyone.
Loaded
Category: Restaurant
Location: 6 Victoria Street
Loaded is a popular restaurant in the town known for its variety of tasty “Loaded” dishes. There’s a fantastic range of delights on the menu, including loaded fries, dirty dogs, juicy burgers and giant Sunday Roast Yorkies. With a lively atmosphere and a great selection of locally produced beer, cider and wine, grabbing a bite at Loaded is a real treat.
Open every day during the summer season between 11.30am and 8.30pm.
Ninedeli
Category: Deli
Location: 9 Pinkney’s Lane
If you want a low-key and relaxed environment, Ninedeli is the place to go. Known for fantastic coffee, quality home-cooked food and excellent customer service, value for money takes centre stage. The breakfast menu has various options, from hearty full English breakfasts to lighter options like granola and yoghurt. You just need to remember to book ahead. For lunch, however, you can simply walk in, and grab sandwiches and drinks. Ninedeli also provides a cosy dining experience that feels like home.
Opening hours are 8.30am until 11.30pm every day of the week. Evening bookings must be confirmed by 4.30pm, otherwise, they may close their doors early.
Jakery Bakery
Category: Bakery
Location: 38 High Street
Having relocated from Devon to Suffolk, owner Charlotte O’Bryen opened Jakery Bakery three years ago. Serving only gluten-free options, this is the place to go if you’re a coeliac. Popular goodies include raspberry Bakewell, millionaire’s shortbread, brownies and stem ginger cake, as well as scrumptious savoury bakes. A selection of hot and cold drinks is also available.
Closed on Tuesdays and Sundays – opening every other day of the week between 9.30am and 3pm.
Two Magpies Bakery
Category: Bakery
Location: 88 High Street
Two Magpies Bakery was established in 2012 and has since been a much-loved spot in Southwold. This venue, serving freshly baked morning pastries, sourdough bread, celebration cakes and savoury and sweet treats, is family and dog-friendly. Plus, from 3pm on Saturdays, they serve their mouthwatering pizza.
Open seven days a week, between 8am and 5pm, with extended hours on Saturday from 8am until 8pm.
The Little Fish & Chip Shop
Category: Takeaway
Location: 2 East Street
If you want great fish and chips, the Little Fish & Chip Shop is one of the best takeaways in Southwold, with their fish freshly caught from their boats, ‘Our Carol II’ and ‘Suzie P’. They serve all the classics such as cod, haddock, plaice and skate, all cooked in traditional batter using beef dripping. Their chips are cooked the same way, and they also offer battered sausages, luxury fishcakes, scampi and homemade tartare sauce. To complement your meal, beer, Aspalls cider, and wine are available.
Open 11.45am until 8.30pm, seven days a week.
Harbour Inn
Category: Pub
Location: Black Shore
Sitting right on the water’s edge, The Harbour Inn is a popular venue serving great pub food. Full of character and nautical charm, this Fisherman’s pub offers a warm welcome to visitors. Here, you’ll find a wonderful selection of dishes, from the freshest and finest seafood to tasty burger options, along with Adnams beer, wines and spirits. With vegetarian and gluten-free choices available and a children’s menu, the Harbour Inn caters for everyone.
Open 11am until 10pm, with food served between noon and 9pm.
Duchies
Category: Café
Location: 63 High Street
If you want a wholesome breakfast, brunch or lunch, head to Duchies. Founded in 2021, Duchies is run by Laura, Dan, and their friendly team, serving delicious dishes, home-baked cakes, locally roasted Paddy & Scotts coffee, and superb seasonal specials. With a wide selection of plant-based and vegetarian dishes, this child and dog-friendly café is a great place to satisfy your cravings before wandering through the town. Enjoy a variety of tasty toasties, paninis, bagels, and salads, all while staying connected with complimentary Wi-Fi.
Open 8am until 5pm, seven days a week.
Southwold Boating Lake Tea Room
Category: Café
Location: North Parade Car Park
This delightful tea room, which sits right next to the boating lake and just a stone’s throw from the shore, serves homemade breakfasts, lunches, snacks and afternoon teas throughout the day. From scones and soups to sandwiches and cakes, everything is made fresh. The venue can comfortably seat 16 people inside, with extra seating available outside. Perfect for families and older couples alike, it’s a great spot to grab something to eat before exploring what Southwold offers.
Open daily between 10am and 5pm.
Sutherland House
Category: Restaurant
Location: 56 High Street
Sutherland House is an adult-only fine dining restaurant in Southwold, on the Suffolk coast. Awarded two rosettes by the AA for their exquisite food, it’s a wonderful place to experience gastronomic delights. Their menu offers seafood and plant-based dishes, with a smart casual dress code.
Open Tuesday to Saturday between March and October and open Thursday to Sunday between November and February. Dining start times are either 6.30pm or 7.00pm.
The Black Olive Delicatessen
Category: Deli
Location: 80A/80B High Street
Known for its array of fantastic local food including pies, cakes, bread, cheeses and salads, as well as the delicious smells coming from it, The Black Olive Delicatessen is a fantastic spot for picking up treats to take to the beach or for a picnic lunch for a day out. Visitors rave about their sausage rolls and pies, and the range of delicious flavours available.
Opening hours are 9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am until 4pm on Sundays.
Jack’s Burgers & Friends
Category: Restaurant
Location: 5 Market Place
Fans of smash burgers will want to make a beeline for the recently-opened Jack’s Burgers & Friends, where you’ll find their signature burgers as well as steaks, kebabs, and children’s meals for little visitors. Jack’s does not require reservations, which can be particularly handy when visiting during peak seasons! The restaurant also offers takeaway, and dogs are welcome too.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, between 12pm and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays and between 12pm and 9pm on every other day.
Doh Pizzeria
Category: Restaurant
Location: 51A High Street
A family-run pizzeria serving Anglo-Italian pizzas, Doh is a small and relaxed spot with outdoor seating available. With options available for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike (and gluten free options too), their pizza is freshly cooked and made using excellent quality ingredients. It’s an ideal spot for a date night or meal out with friends, with unique cocktails on the menu as well as playful, quirky desserts.
Open daily between 12pm and 10pm Tuesday to Sunday, and between 4pm and 10pm on Mondays.
Your Southwold adventure awaits
From cafés to pubs to restaurants and bakeries, there are plenty of places to visit to experience great food in this British seaside town along the sweeping Suffolk coast. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, artisan treats, a fine dining experience, or hearty British pub grub, Southwold has everything and more. If you’re looking to extend your visit, check out our range of holiday homes in Southwold.
