Norfolk is renowned not just for its breathtaking landscapes and charming seaside towns but also for its delectable culinary offerings, with the local crab standing out as a must-try delicacy. From Cromer’s famous brown crab, celebrated for its exquisite flavour, to the creative crab dishes served up at Congham Hall, this guide will take you on a gastronomic journey to the finest spots to enjoy Norfolk’s crab.
7 Best Places to Eat Crab in Norfolk
1. Cromer
What’s not to love about this traditional seaside resort, with its famous Victorian pier and golden sands. Cromer is also well known for the local brown crab, which live on a chalk shelf in shallow waters – conditions said to produce a delectable flavour and plenty of white meat. No wonder the town hosts the World Crabbing Competition. Try Cromer crab at Upstairs at No1, the seafront restaurant by renowned Norfolk chef Galton Blackiston. Dishes such as Thai green crab burger with mango and avocado salsa promise a cut-above experience and are best enjoyed at a table by the window with sea views.
No1 Cromer, 1 New Street, Cromer NR27 9HP
T 01263 515983 / www.no1cromer.com
2. West Runton
Stride out on the Norfolk Coast Path and you’ll find Rocky Bottoms on the clifftop between Cromer and Sheringham (although you can cheat and come the back way by car). The setting is a 19th-century kiln, once owned by the London Brick Company and restored and extended in 2015 by the present owners to provide atmospheric dining spaces. But in summer, we’re sure you’d prefer a table on the terrace to enjoy the big skies and sea air (there’s a safe area of grass for children to run around in). Weybourne king crab salad is one of the stars of the menu. Alternatively, gather a picnic featuring dressed crab from the seafood counter.
Rocky Bottoms, Cromer Road, West Runton NR27 9QA
T 07848 045607 / www.rockybottoms.co.uk
3. Sheringham
Sand, sea and bracing air have drawn visitors to this old fishing village for many years. They also come to ride the steam train on The Poppy Line to Holt and to wander the uplands cloaked in heather and gorse for fine views from the cliffs. Another vantage point is the terrace of Whelk Coppers Tea Rooms. But before your sit down with a plate of crab sandwiches and uninterrupted sea views, take a closer look at the building, former fishermen’s cottages, which has wrought-iron gates said to have been designed by Walt Disney, a friend of the original owner, and interiors clad with Indian teak panels from a Royal Navy frigate. Alternatively, eat crab on the move from family run Joyful West’s Shellfish Bar.
Whelk Coppers Tea Rooms, 25 The Driftway, Sheringham NR26 8LD
T 01263 825771 / https://whelkcoppers.com
Joyful West’s, 23 High Street, Sheringham NR26 8RE
T 01263 825444
4. Salthouse
They used to pan salt on the wild marshes here. Today, you’re more likely to see birdwatchers roaming Salthouse’s nature reserve to spot redshank and skylark in the summer months. Among the clutch of houses set back from the seashore is Cookies Crab Shop, an established favourite of locals, who come here to stock their larders and will whisper in your ear about how the seafood is excellent and you really must try it. There’s a large menu to consult. Order one of the hearty crab sandwiches and head out into that elemental sandscape.
Cookies Crab Shop, The Green, Salthouse NR25 7AJ
T 01263 740352 / www.salthouse.org.uk
5. Brancaster Staithe
Once a busy port, where sailing ships decanted cargoes of coal and grain for the biggest malt house in England, now the harbour at Brancaster Staithe welcomes a fishing fleet and sailing boats. The mudflats, carved with channels by the insistent tidal waters, also offer rich pickings for birdwatchers and scenic subjects for painters and photographers. Join the orderly queue outside the jolly little shack, The Crab Hut, which serves up baguettes stuffed with crab salad.
The Crab Hut, Brancaster Staithe PE31 8BW
T 01485 525369
6. Wells-Next-The-Sea
Pack your crab tackle – line and weight, bucket and bacon (their favourite snack) – and join the hopeful fairweather fishermen on the quay. There are plenty of the crustaceans to go around, but you must be sure to pop them back in the sea when your fun is done. Other diversions in this seaside town include the arts hub at Wells Maltings on Staithe Street. Eat in at Wells Crab House – Frary’s Wells Dressed Crab keeps it local – or have a snack on the quay, with a sandwich made of crab fresh off the boat from The Picnic Hut.
Wells Crab House, 38 Freeman Street, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1BA
T 01328 710456 / www.wellscrabhouse.co.uk
The Picnic Hut, 73 Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AN
T 01328 710436
7. Congham Hall
We’ve rustled up something very special for diners at our 2 AA Rosette restaurant, The Samphire Kitchen, this summer to celebrate the Congham Crab Crawl. Our Executive Head Chef, James O’Connor, has brought together the finest seasonal ingredients – locally sourced where possible, even from our own garden – for this special addition to the menu: Dressed Cromer crab with plum tomato, lime, crème fraîche, dill and, for that indulgent touch, caviar. Now, that’s a taste of North Norfolk with the wow factor.
Congham Hall Hotel, Lynn Road, Congham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE32 1AH
T 01485 600250 / www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk
Conclusion
Our culinary tour across Norfolk, in search of the finest crab dishes, reveals much more than just the exceptional taste of the local seafood. It’s a journey that intertwines the rich tapestry of Norfolk’s culinary traditions with the vibrant life of its seaside towns, nature reserves, and historic sites. Each stop on our crab crawl offers a unique blend of delicious food and memorable experiences, from the historic atmosphere of Wells-Next-The-Sea to the artistic charm of Sheringham and the natural beauty of Salthouse.
As you plan your next visit, or if you’re simply dreaming of the delicate flavours of Norfolk crab, our guide is here to lead the way. We invite you to download our comprehensive guide to dining on Norfolk’s finest crab and to explore the fun activities that accompany these culinary delights. It’s your passport to a world where good food and great adventures go hand in hand.