Cities such as London and Manchester have thousands of restaurants, but Norwich punches well above its weight for the number of incredible spots in such a small area. 

The saying goes that Norwich once had a pub for every day of the year, which was actually double that with maps from the late 1800s showing a stonking 622.

The phrase would probably be more apt in recent years for the number of restaurants that have popped up.

Norwich Evening News: Dishes from Korean restaurant The Kimchi in Norwich. Dishes from Korean restaurant The Kimchi in Norwich. (Image: Newsquest)

You can truly eat around the world in Norwich - from authentic Korean dishes at The Kimchi to a taste of Italy at Benoli, owned by chef Oliver Boon who reached the finals of Masterchefs: The Professionals.

The fast-growing food scene has also attracted attention from renowned food critics, with Jay Rayner heaping praise on French bistro L'Hexagone in Lower Goat Lane last year. 

Talking of the Lanes, there are incredible spots around every corner, from Grosvenor Fish Bar with the seating area in a bunker to sweet and savoury sister businesses Figbar and Salt.

Norwich Evening News: Grosvenor Fish Bar serves delicious fish and chips in the Norwich Lanes. Grosvenor Fish Bar serves delicious fish and chips in the Norwich Lanes. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

If you are looking for a quick bite then Norwich Market is a haven for street food lovers, with the recently launched New York-style sandwich stall The Bodega a huge hit. 

A glowing example of collaboration on the market is between Sir Toby's Beers and Chilean stall Cocina Mia, with a joint seating area where you can enjoy empanadas and beer. 

If you want local produce then the newly-revamped Jarrold Food Hall is the place to go, complete with a cheese room and freezer packed with fine dining meals by the owners of city restaurant Farmyard, which can be delivered nationwide.

Norwich Evening News: The seating area at Norwich Market is a collaboration between Sir Toby's Beers and Cocina Mia. The seating area at Norwich Market is a collaboration between Sir Toby's Beers and Cocina Mia.  

Veganism is also huge in the city, with the likes of Tofueri, which recently featured on The Hairy Bikers, and One Planet Pizza is now stocked in Asda stores nationwide. 

Those wanting to keep up to date on foodie news can follow bloggers such as the Fry Up Inspector and Love Norwich Food, who have an almost infinite supply of content with all the new openings, revamps and menus. 

Norwich Evening News: Brix and Bones is located above Gonzo's Tea Room. Picture: Chris Harvey Visuals)Brix and Bones is located above Gonzo's Tea Room. Picture: Chris Harvey Visuals) (Image: Chris Harvey Visuals)

In terms of awards and accolades, the likes of Benedicts and Farmyard in St Benedicts Street are regular fixtures and rising star open-fire restaurant Brix and Bones, above Gonzo's Tea Room, was recently added to The Good Food Guide. 

And the cherry on the top was the two new food halls that opened in late 2022 - Yalm in the Royal Arcade and Castle Social in the Castle Quarter. 

Forget a fine city, Norwich is well and truly a food city.