While eating a bowl of fresh pumpkin cappellacci at Benoli in Norwich, I realised it had been about 10 years since I’d last travelled this way in search of food. That is shameful on my part, because good things are happening in this nook of East Anglia. The Assembly House, for example, one of the UK’s loveliest boutique hotels, offers a storming afternoon tea, the coffee shops around Elm Hill are fabulous, and restaurants such as Farmyard and Benedicts come highly recommended.

‘Benoli’ might have an Italian ring to it but this three-floored restaurant is actually named after chef-owner Oliver and his brother Ben. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and the appealing menu offers something for everyone – highlights include the homemade pastas and delicious desserts.

At the bottom end of Timber Hill in the centre of Norwich, this gem of an Italian restaurant looks nothing like the trattorias of yesteryear, but is instead a smart long room done in gentle teal, hung with pastel-hued paintings an… Read more. At the bottom end of Timber Hill in the centre of Norwich, this gem of an Italian restaurant looks nothing like the trattorias of yesteryear, but is instead a smart long room done in gentle teal, hung with pastel-hued paintings and furnished with unclothed, well-spaced light wood tables. Oliver Boon's menus reflect his lifelong love affair with Italian foodways, and highlighted names on his classy CV include Gordon Ramsay and Michel Roux Jr.

Situated at the bottom of Timber Hill, in the heart of Norwich, Benoli is an independently owned restaurant that serves modern Italian cuisine using high quality and local ingredients with a strong focus on fresh hand-crafted pasta.Experience their vibrant Italian trattoria style bar for casual dining and drinks, including cocktails or alternatively make your way upstairs for a more intimate dining experience, or book the private dining room for exclusive parties of up to 8 people.Enjoy simple but creative Italian inspired dishes that have been cooked with skill and care using the finest ingredients, Italian inspired cocktails and the best Italian coffee.

There's culinary creativity happening across Norfolk, from chef Shun Tomii's sushi and otsumami at Shiki in Norwich, a stone's throw from Thomas Aubrit's classic French cooking at L'Hexagone, Oliver Boon's modern Italian cuisine at Benoli, Iain McCarten's ethical, local flavours at The Last and the fusion flavours of Jimmy Preston's XO Kitchen. Further afield, there's the seasonal menus of Andrew Jones' The Dial House, Liam Nichols' tasting menu restaurant Store, husband and wife Aga and Lewis King's The Old Bank and plenty of brilliant chefs by the coast – but more on those below.

I love Benoli for a special occasion in the city,' says George who’s also a fan of Benoli’s tapas-serving little sibling, Bar Cerdita (www.barcerdita.com) over the road from Brix and Bones. 'We’ll go with friends and order all the starters and all the small plates and maybe a pasta dish to share. It’s a feast.' The contemporary Italian-influenced restaurant is run by chef-patron Oliver Boon who spent a decade in top London kitchens before returning to his home city.

You’ll get the benefits of seafood and olive oil delivering healthy unsaturated fats and cholesterol that’s great for your heart and omega 3 oils. Expect dishes dashed with fruits, vegetables and legumes with dairy products and a small amount of red meat if that’s what you fancy. As with all the restaurants on our list, this is another independent restaurant that uses local produce to create stunning dishes packed with sophisticated tastes.

Benoli Italian Restaurant in Norwich City Centre is supremely popular with locals and visitors alike. This is down to the fantastic, authentic menu which is created using top quality ingredients, as well as the warm, friendly and undoubtedly Italian welcome that you receive as you walk through the doors. The restaurant’s passion and dedication to its guest’s satisfaction is clear throughout the dining experience.

Benoli is an independently owned modern Italian restaurant in Norwich that focuses on Italian and local ingredients cooked with skill and care. Everything is made in-house from scratch, from the pasta to the choux buns. The menu takes inspiration from food across Italy, bringing a modern twist on classic recipes, and changes regularly and often with the season.

Much like Benoli, we focus on providing the very best, fresh produce, with our dishes being handmade in house. Bethany Mackay has been working with us since we opened Benoli in 2019 and she heads up the new kitchen at Bar Cerdita. She has a wealth of knowledge and works with Oli to create delicious Spanish dishes.

Benoli is the city's best Italian restaurant, according to the guide (Image: Newsquest). According to the Good Food Guide, Benoli is the city's best Italian restaurant. It was noted for its private dining room, separate bar and counter seating, with it being an ideal place to take friends and family.

Back in the city you’re spoiled for choice for dinner; from the tasting menu at Benedicts (owner and TV chef Richard Bainbridge is a local foodie superstar), to handmade pasta at Benoli, an intimate tasting experience at The (teeny) Corkscrew, and cocktails and trendy turkish food at Haggle.

Benoli is a short walk from the theatre (dinner from 5.30pm), and the pedigree of chef-patron Oli Boon is as notable as his menu is alluring: who’s for homemade pappardelle with iberico pork cheek and girolles, or stuffed courgette flower with Tuscan summer truffle and honey?

Searching for an authentic, independently owned Italian restaurant?. Benoli should be your first port of call. Since opening back in 2019, this three-floored restaurant hidden up an alley in Norwich City Centre, has become a favourite for students and locals alike.

Named after owners and brothers Ben and Oliver, this tri-level trattoria specialises in authentic Italian fare, from antipasti to homemade pastas and traditional desserts - all served in a welcoming and relaxed setting.

Owned by MasterChef professional finalist Oliver Boon, Benoli is one of the top dining destinations in Norwich. Benoli focuses on authentic Italian dishes with local ingredients