Suffolk restaurants, cafés and takeaways have celebrated being named among the UK's best by a national newspaper. 

The Observer Food magazine, published by The Guardian, is no stranger to the Suffolk food scene. 

Food critic and columnist Jay Rayner named Lark in Bury St Edmunds his restaurant of the year as 2023 drew to a close. 

Now, five more restaurants, cafés and takeaways have been listed as the best eateries in Suffolk, selected by The Suffolk's head chef Tom Payne and Lark's owner and chef James Carn.

Peck

East Anglian Daily Times: Peck Fried Chicken can be found on St John's Street in Bury St EdmundsPeck Fried Chicken can be found on St John's Street in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Peck, via Instagram)

"Peck on St John's Street in Bury St Edmunds uses Suffolk chickens and buns from a local bakery to make tasty buttermilk fried chicken burgers, costing £7 to £8.50," reads the article.

"A welcome treat on the weekends!"

The fried chicken shop rose in national fame at the end of 2023 after going viral on a food review TikTok.

Pea Porridge

East Anglian Daily Times: Pea Porridge is the only restaurant in Suffolk with a Michelin starPea Porridge is the only restaurant in Suffolk with a Michelin star (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Pea Porridge is Suffolk's only Michelin-starred restaurant and is also one of the cheapest with a star in the country to enjoy a meal. 

"The Moorish-influenced cooking is outstanding," reads the recommendation in The Observer.

Alde Café

East Anglian Daily Times: Alde Café specialises in doing traditional breakfasts wellAlde Café specialises in doing traditional breakfasts well (Image: Sean Kyne)

Sean Kyne opened Alde Café on Hall Farm in Aldeburgh in May 2023.

The café bases itself loosely on a typical British greasy spoon - simple food, a limited menu, and not an avocado in sight.

"Absolutely delighted to be mentioned in Observer Food this weekend by Tom Payne, head chef at The Suffolk, Aldeburgh," read Mr Kyne's announcement on the Alde Café social media.

Pinch

East Anglian Daily Times: Pinch specialises in crullers, a deep-fried choux pastry treatPinch specialises in crullers, a deep-fried choux pastry treat (Image: Newsquest)

"Pinch on Maple Farm in Saxmundham is where I'll go for a black coffee and a cruller, which is a deep-fried choux pastry with a nice glaze," read the article written by Tom Payne. 

Pinch is currently closed for the winter but will reopen in February.

The Anchor

East Anglian Daily Times: The Anchor is located near the quayside in WoodbridgeThe Anchor is located near the quayside in Woodbridge (Image: Google)

The Anchor is an 18th-century pub on the quayside in the market town of Woodbridge.

"The Anchor in Woodbridge, where I grew up, is a classic pub - not too fancy, not crazy expensive, and full of locals," reads the article by Tom Payne. 

"*I always go for the burger and chips, which is consistently good."