Dog friendly restaurants on the Norfolk coast
Published 02 March 2025

Opened by Eric Snaith (of Titchwell Manor), this posh chip shop attracts tourists and affluent families from nearby Burnham Market in their droves. There’s a hatch for those wanting a takeaway; otherwise, sit inside (tiled walls, stools, basic easy-wipe tables) or grab one of the outdoor benches. Either way, you’re here for fish dipped in local batter and fried to perfection in beef dripping, with thick-cut chips and mushy peas on the side. Black-pudding fritters, crispy chilli cod, vegan ‘prawns’ and halloumi fries add some intriguing variety to the menu, while Eric’s now-famous deep-fried jam sandwich is always a temptation. Wines and local bottled beers earn bonus points, as does the children’s play area. There’s a branch in Holt.

The sea views might be distant, but Rocky Bottoms has made quite a splash on this stretch of the coast since opening in 2015. It is owned by a local fishing family, so the crabs and lobsters are of unimpeachable freshness, yet almost as diverting is the modern vibe of the place. The much-enlarged converted brick kiln has black-tiled flooring and bare-brick or dark-blue walls enlivened by local artworks. Staff are young and eager (if occasionally green) and cool soul provides the soundtrack. Outside, there’s a bar with decking, picnic-bench seating on an extensive lawn and a shop selling seafood. The cooking has a contemporary feel too, with expertly presented dishes arriving, perhaps, with a tongue-in-cheek retro garnish of cress. Seafood and genuinely local ingredients dominate the concise menu. Brancaster oysters make a popular starter, as do bowlfuls of salt-and-pepper crispy-fried cockles from Wells-next-the-Sea – crisped-up yet nicely chewy and replete with (unadvertised) chilli-heat. Although prices can be something of an eye-opener, compared to other local daytime venues, there’s no doubting the culinary flair manifest in the likes of, say, crab linguine: the pasta cooked to perfection, the dish replete with the flavour of fresh brown crabmeat. A tasty glass of Grüner Veltliner (from a drinks list that also includes Norfolk wines and beers) makes a happy pairing. To finish, lemon posset is a luxurious treat (creamy and tangy), its accompanying hard disc of shortbread less so. Overall, though, during the summer season, it's no surprise that Rocky’s is on a roll.

The beach at Salthouse, the other side of bird-rich marshes, is a bracing, shingly expanse of wild nature. Fuel your exploration with the generous fare on offer at this friendly pub, either at fire-warmed spots inside, at picnic tables with their uninterrupted views or in a pretty ‘secret garden’ at the back. Some Brancaster oysters and a glass of manzanilla could slip down nicely before a devilled crab and pea tart or sardines on toast with tapenade. Steaks, burgers and sticky toffee pudding are always available, but check out the specials board for the likes of confit duck with braised red cabbage and polenta. 

With its simple whitewashed interiors, this unpretentious roadside hostelry is a relief from the many designer-led pubs hereabouts. There are no airs or graces, just a warm welcome from the staff and all the ingredients for a please-all boozer: quizzes, music, a dog- and child-friendly attitude, beers at the bar and decent food (think pizzas, curries, salads and suchlike). Otherwise, look to the specials for generous helpings of local seafood – mussels in winter, crab/lobster in summer. To drink, Brancaster Brewery ales compete with a brief wine list and a mighty rum selection. Jolly by name…

There are stories of smuggling on these marshy edges of north Norfolk, and it’s easy to imagine them being shared over a pint or two of Wherry ale in this character-laden, fire-warmed hostelry. Food is of the hearty British school, the better to brace you for beach walks – so come for fish and chips, a steak pie to share, or a heaped bowl of Brancaster mussels. Sunday is all about magnificent roasts – those Yorkshire puddings! Visitors who fancy settling in for a night or two can take advantage of the attractive bedrooms upstairs.

It could be just another whitewashed roadside inn, briefly glimpsed along the A149 as you drive past, but the White Horse is something special. Set on the marshes, it provides one of the best views along the coast and manages an impressive balancing act between pub and restaurant. A rustic public bar caters for drinkers who can spill out onto the front courtyard when the sun shines, while the light-filled conservatory dining room and terrace maximise the views – big skies, tidal creeks, little boats.

Here, chef Fran Hartshorne presents a strong 'when in Norfolk' case for choosing the exceptional mussels, half a dozen oysters served classically or tempura, dressed Cromer crab or delicious smoked salmon from the tiny Staithe Smokehouse on the premises. Elsewhere, pan-seared sea trout with leeks, local cockles, clams and brown shrimps, smoked cream and potato is a straightforward pleasure, as is marsh-grazed sirloin with Café de Paris butter and skin-on fries – one of the few meat options. For afters, the signature lemon tart with blueberries, Dann's Farm yoghurt sorbet and poppyseed crumb beckons.

If you want something more casual, head down to Marshside, the pub’s seasonal, alfresco hangout for a cocktail, glass of wine or beer plus a few small sharing plates – a robata-grilled scallop, devilled mussel crumpet or Cheddar doughnuts, say. You might, however, like to keep large plates of grilled lobster and chips or crayfish poutine to yourself. In both dining areas, the well-targeted, international wine list offers plenty by the glass.

Just a brisk, bracing walk from the local saltmarshes and north Norfolk’s designated National Landscape, this modernised pub with rooms overlooking the village green is a must for twitchers as well as getaway weekenders with kids (and dogs). Solid sustenance comes in the form of a seasonal menu with its finger on the local pulse, so expect anything from Brancaster mussels with chorizo and fries to Houghton Hall venison ragù with whipped polenta, via smoked seafood boards and hefty steaks with sauces. We have received mixed reports since the current regime took over, although there’s no arguing when it comes to the ‘fabulous’ Sunday roasts, the buzzy vibe or the local ales at the bar.