10 of the Best Places to Wine and Dine in Suffolk

At Woodfarm Barns and Barges, we’re committed to providing the best possible experience for couples looking to get away for a holiday in Suffolk. Situated amidst beautiful countryside surroundings and equipped with hot tubs and cosy bedrooms, we’re fairly sure that our accommodation has everything you could possibly require for a memorable romantic break.

We’re confident, too, that the location of our Cottages, Barns and Barges make it easy for guests to do all of the things they could possibly want to do when taking a break, whether they’re celebrating a special anniversary or simply enjoying a summer holiday.  

Recently, we provided readers of this blog with everything they need to plan the perfect romantic staycation in Suffolk. Demonstrating how it’s possible to enjoy everything from horseback riding to long walks along the beach all in the comfort of the county, we did a pretty good job of showing how well Suffolk stacks up against the more renowned romantic hotspots of the world.

In this blog, we suggested that Suffolk is a great place to wine and dine, and in an earlier blog, our list of 6 romantic restaurants in Suffolk, we touched on the wining side of the wine and dine equation a little bit.

Now we’re going into even more detail for you here, as we’ve gathered a list of our favourite places to wine and dine when taking a couples holiday in Suffolk.

1. The Highwayman:

A truly historic wine and dine spot in Suffolk, the Highwayman has been treating travelers to a warm welcome since the early 17th century. A beautifully maintained grade II listed building, this establishment is certainly the best in class when it comes to wining and dining in the form of home cooked food and real ales.

2. Maison Bleue:

We’ve recommended Maison Bleue in previous articles, but it certainly deserves a second, a third, and a fourth mention. Serving up a rich variety of French and modern dishes in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, this award-winning restaurant is absolutely one to check out when enjoying a holiday in Suffolk.  

3. Wyken Vineyard:

Another truly historic wine and dine spot, the Wyken Vineyard earned a mention in the Domesday Book and was previously occupied by the Romans. Stretching over 1200 acres, the estate that the vineyard is situated on captures all of Suffolk’s natural beauty. Naturally, their signature wines are served up with the dishes available at their restaurant and visitors can also purchase a few bottles to take home. Only a half hour drive from our Cottages and Barns to rent, Wyken Vineyard makes for a superb day and evening out.

4. Shawsgate Vineyard:

Producing a spectacular range of red, white, and rose wines, the Shawsgate Vineyard also hosts tours and tasting sessions. Providing visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at life at a Suffolk vineyard, a visit to Shawsgate is sure to please wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. 

5. Gifford Hall:

Another Suffolk vineyard offering tours and tasting sessions, Gifford Hall is a fantastic place for couples to pass a balmy summer afternoon. Located in the picturesque village of Hartest, and just over half an hour drive from our cottages, this vineyard offers informative and small group tours to demonstrate exactly how their fine wines are created. As a bit of a bonus, Gifford Hall is near to the Crown, a traditional pub serving traditional grub. When it comes to wining and dining, it doesn’t get much better than this.

6. Greene King:

Pumping out delicious ales for more than two hundred years, it would be no stretch to suggest that Greene King is one of the finest producers of beers in Britain. Whilst this article is all about wining and dining, we thought it would only be right to suggest a way of beering and dining, too. Here, couples are able to discover the historic brewery for themselves, with guided tours taking them through the process that crafts their signature drinks. Winding up in the beer cafe, a visit to this Bury St Edmunds brewery makes for a properly entertaining day out.

7. The Ramsholt Arms:

Providing riverside views and superb food, the Ramsholt Arms is a beautifully secluded pub a short distance from Woodbridge. Around 350 years old, this fine establishment serves us fresh food and is the only south facing pub along the River Debden. This means it’s the only place that couples can truly enjoy the sunset in this part of the world. It’s a great place for lunch after a morning looking around the Anglo-Saxon burial grounds down the road at Sutton Hoo, made even more famous by ‘The Dig’ on Netflix, starring Ralph Fiennes.

8. The Mariners:

Found aboard a one hundred year old Dutch boat docked in the Ipswich mariner – stick with us – the aptly named Mariners is a fantastic French restaurant that has everything couples need to wine and dine amidst unique surroundings. Indeed, it’s possible to sample all the delights of a mouth-watering A La Carte menu whilst enjoying pleasant waterside views.

9. Lady Florence Orford:

For couples who are keen to push the boat out – sorry, we couldn’t resist that one – the Lady Florence Orford provides a unique cruising dining experience that transports couples along the River Alde and Ore whilst they tuck into their dinner. Complete with a fully stocked with an eye-catching selection of imported wines, this is wine and dining done in style. Departing from Orford Quay, guests at our cottages and barges will have no difficulty accessing this restaurant on the water.

10. The Salthouse:

Another unmissable restaurant in Ipswich, the Salthouse boasts a wine list with over thirty selections. No wonder, really, that it has made its way onto our list of ten of the best places to wine and dine in Suffolk. With a menu serving up fresh dishes using fresh ingredients and fresh ideas, this is somewhere that all couples are sure to enjoy.

To conclude then, Suffolk offers an impressive selection of destinations to indulge in fine food and exceptional wines. For wine lovers, Wyken Vineyard Suffolk stands out as an award-winning venue, combining stunning scenery with exquisite dining. The Wyken Vineyard Restaurant delights visitors with a menu crafted from locally-sourced ingredients, and the Wyken Vineyards menu pairs beautifully with their renowned red wine selection.

Another must-visit is Gifford Hall Suffolk, where Suffolk wine tasting experiences showcase the finest local offerings. Visitors to Giffords Hall Vineyard can also enjoy wine tours, making it a perfect outing for connoisseurs and casual tasters alike. These venues capture the charm of Suffolk wine, ensuring a memorable experience for anyone exploring the area.

For those seeking more, Bury St Edmunds provides a backdrop of rich culture and history, complementing the region’s gastronomic delights. Many venues include extras like a country store or gift shop, perfect for taking a piece of Suffolk home with you. Reviews from Tripadvisor members, reflecting their subjective opinion, consistently praise these destinations. Platforms like Tripadvisor ensure authenticity as their system performs checks on reviews to maintain quality.

Whether enjoying a day of wine tasting Suffolk, touring vineyards, or savouring delicious food, Suffolk’s wine destinations offer something truly special. Don’t miss the chance to explore these award-winning locations that perfectly combine relaxation and indulgence.

Some of the best holidays happen on impulse. If you’re feeling spontaneous, check our last-minute availability page—we often have discounted stays that are too good to miss!

Developed an appetite?

If any or all of these restaurants sound like somewhere you’d like to sample when holidaying in Suffolk, get in touch with us today to book a luxurious cottage or barge for your next getaway.