The Norfolk market town of King’s Lynn isn’t short on chain eateries. But there’s more than Nando’s and Pizza Express to dining out — and here are five great options to keep your spirits high.

Bank House

Owned by the folk who run the well-regarded Rose & Crown pub in Snettisham, the Bank House is a boutique hotel in a classic Georgian building set just back from the water. An eclectic modern menu includes plenty of local favourites, such as Hanseatic seafood and game in season, as well as crowd-pleasers like ye olde steak frites and fish and chips.
Bank House
King’s Staithe Square
01553 660 492

Mem’s Kitchen

Owned by the eponymous Mem (Mehmet) and his Bulgarian wife, this unassuming frontage on the High Street serves up Mediterranean — mainly Turkish — fare at very reasonable prices. Big, bold flavours arrive with style and verve, wines are reasonably priced, and the baklava, like the lamb chops, is to die for.
Mem’s Kitchen
69 High Street
01553 777 624

Pearl River

For a blowout, look no further than this spacious Chinese restaurant, which serves up all ye Anglo-Cantonese favourites, from crispy Peking duck and chicken-sweetcorn soup through to sweet and sour pork or salt and pepper squid. The buffet option is the way to go, with unlimited dishes served to your table: the only constraints are that you work through the menu in order and don’t waste food.
Pearl River
John Kennedy Road (by Central Road)
01553 773 288

The Rathskeller

With its sunny waterfront garden plus a dining room with exposed beams, The Rathskeller makes for a charismatic place to eat. The all-day food offer features local favourites from Norfolk mussels to Cromer crab, creative seasonal combos set around everything from celeriac to beef cheek, and beautifully presented desserts.
The Rathskeller
1 Hanse House, South Quay
01553 773 713

Soul Café and Restaurant

For a taste of the Caribbean, look no further than this friendly, unfussy space owned by a Norfolk-Caribbean couple. All the favourites from jerk chicken to curry goat appear, and all are done well, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Live music and DJs liven up the weekend evenings.
Soul Café and Restaurant
15-19 Tower Street
01553 775 248

Thanks to Paul Stephenson for his image Kings Lynn on Flickr’s Creative Commons.