We are spoiled in Norwich when it comes to choosing a restaurant to eat out in, but are there still gaps in the market to be filled?

From global chains to independent eateries, new options appear all the time.

After being asked on Facebook which restaurants people would like to see open in the city, we explored seven of the top suggestions. 

1. Mowgli

With 24 restaurants across the UK, Nisha Katona opened the first branch of Mowgli in Liverpool in 2014. 

Her aim is to bring the food Indians eat at home and on the streets to the UK and the dishes are cooked fresh every day with flavourful herbs and spices. 

The closest Mowgli to Norwich is Bury St Edmunds, and dishes on the menu include "food roulette" tiffin boxes, "street meats" such as chicken thighs and chicken poppers and curries. 

2. An all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet

Riverbank Chinese Buffet Restaurant has left a gap in the market since it closedRiverbank Chinese Buffet left a gap in the market when it closed (Image: Archant) It seems the void of the Riverbank Chinese Buffet still hasn't been filled since it closed in 2022.

The restaurant sat by the city waterside for 18 years serving unlimited amounts of traditional Chinese dishes and was perfect for all occasions.

Cosmo in London Street does all-you-can-eat world cuisine which includes Chinese food with prices starting at £19.99.

3. Miller & Carter

Steakhouse chain Miller & Carter has 122 restaurants across the UK.

Its beef is sourced from British and Irish farmers and matured for a minimum of 30 days.

Chefs are trained at the chain's ‘Steak School’ to ensure they know how to professionally prepare and cook each cut.

If ribeye, fillet, sirloin and chateaubriand aren't your thing, they also have options such as burgers, lamb, chicken, salmon and sea bass on the menu.

4. Harvester 

A family favourite, Harvester is best known for its grills, rotisserie chicken and famous salad bar.

Popular for its good value, customers can enjoy a free and unlimited salad with every main meal.

There are currently no Harvester pubs or restaurants in Norfolk with the closest in Lowestoft. 

5. A Sri Lankan restaurant

People from Norwich would like a Sri Lankan restaurant in the city, with some suggesting London chain Hoppers. 

Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its fiery curries and the powerful flavours of seeni sambal (onion relish) and sour lime pickle.

The city previously had a Sri Lankan restaurant when Cheese Kottu opened in Catton Grove Road in October 2021. Sadly, it has since closed. 

Amma's Kitchen, a street food vendor serving authentic Sri Lankan food from converted horseboxes, attends various events across the county.

6. Toby Carvery

Toby Carvery has 158 restaurants across the UK but is still lacking a Norwich branch. 

It serves delicious roast dinners with all the trimmings all week long - so the big family meal doesn't have to be reserved for Sunday.

The closest Toby Carvery to Norwich is currently in Sidegate Road in Gorleston.

7. Wahaca

Serving traditional Mexican small plates designed for sharing, the restaurant was co-founded by Thomasina Miers, the 2005 winner of Masterchef.

There are currently 14 restaurants across the UK, mostly located in London and the south of the country.

The chain prides itself on capturing "the vibrancy of Mexico" in its menu and dishes include nachos, tacos, quesadillas, burritos and enchiladas.