Norwich has a thriving foodie and caffeine scene which stretches across coffee roasters, delectable pastries, mouth watering brunch options and so, so many fabulous independents to stop in at. Whether you’re spending a weekend city break in Norwich, visiting friends or you’ve lived here for years then make sure to check out these options and there will absolutely be something for you. I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few times and have ended up living here for the last year and it has been my mission to try as many as possible, so hopefully you’ll see this list grow as I add more coffee shops and cafes to your guide!
1. Bread Source
Bread Source is a staunch favourite on the Norwich artisan bakery and coffee house scene and has six different outlets around the city. My favourite is the one at Bridewell Alley as I love to get a window seat with a pastry and a coffee and watch the world go by (when I’m supposed to be writing new blog posts oops!). Bread Source produces artisans loaves, pastries & cakes and the time that they spend sourcing their ingredients and perfecting techniques pays off in delicious food. I’m a particular fan of the pistachio and raspberry swirl.
2. Strangers Coffee Company
There are three Strangers (Coffee Co) dotted around the city centre of Norwich and this is one of the original indie coffee houses of Norwich. Strangers roasts their beans at their Dove Street premises where you can grab your coffee of choice to go. For some of that Norwich atmosphere, opt for their branch at Pottergate in the heart of the laneways. Don’t miss Strangers on your visit to Norwich because it’s not just one of the best espressos in the city, it’s one of the best in the country!
3. Billy’s
Billy’s Coffee House is a relatively new kid on the Norwich cafe scene and opened towards the end of 2025. It’s situated on St Gregory’s Alley in the city centre and it’s bright coloured facade is a wonderful splash of colour. The inside is bigger than you expect with three stories of seating and it’s a handy spot to rest when you’re indie shopping in Norwich. It’s super aesthetic with beautiful cutlery and coffee cups. The iced coffees come in Insta worthy clear cans and even better, they’re stockists of cinnamon swirls from Swirl Norwich – you can’t visit the city without tasting one!
4. Kofra
I first visited Kofra in 2021 when I came to Norwich with a friend and head a caffeine pit stop at their outlet on Upper St Giles. I’m fairly certain that their other two locations came after this one (although this could be incorrect!) and you can find Kofra in both NR2 & NR3 as well. These are both corner locations and with their grocery store produce on display as well, give very friendly neighbourhood vibes. They also stock wine as well so grab a coffee for now and a bottle for later 😉
5. OP’s
OP’s (Oliver Peter’s Coffee Company) may have only been founded in 2025 but it’s making a splash on the Norwich cafe and coffee scene. I love their interior which has a Scandi minimalist type aesthetic yet at the same time feels homely. They also have a fun mural on their window which makes OP’s stand out on Bank Plain. The story behind OP’s gives it a personal touch as they were inspired by their grandfather and his enjoyment of a perfect cup of coffee. The beans are sourced seasonally and from the Arabica variety which are then roasted using their knowledge to create perfect cups of coffee. You can also buy beans or filter ground coffee to take home as well.
6. Devecchio Bakery
Visit Devecchio on a saturday and you may find yourself in a long queue and the pastry you’re craving disappearing one by one as you wait. This bakery became a viral hit on social media and leap frogged it to the top of Norwich’s bakery stops when it opened in 2025. It’s located in the heart of the city and the pastries and bread are baked on site. This means the space is cosy and there’s not space to sit in (although there is a bar at the back that maybe has space for 4/5 people standing) but what it lacks in seating areas, Devecchio makes up for in warmth and charm. Not just the soft lighting but also the warm reception from the staff!
I visited at opening time on a Wednesday and had my full pick of treats. They’re well known for their cruffins and other sweet treats tend to be rotational with seasonal specials. I had to get the lemon meringue pie cruffin which was massive…and delicious! Paired with a coffee it was well deserved after a long walk into the city centre.
7. Blue Bear Coffee
Blue Bear Coffee Co. has been serving up espresso and a fight against human trafficking since 2023 where it settled into its turquoise blue home on Tombland. This is an incredible business to support as Blue Bear gives 100% of its profit to charities which fight against human trafficking. You can read more on their website. The coffee is also incredible and they purchase from a variety of coffee growing countries. Buy beans to take home with you and know you’ve been part of the Blue Bear story.
8. The Merchant’s House
The Merchant’s House is technically a cafe bar since it swaps flat whites for ales as the day wears on but either way it’s a cosy and inviting space. I love to stop here for an hour or so either with a friend in a comfy arm chair or with my laptop to spend a little time working. On warmer days, there are some tables out at the front where you can sit near the river and there is a hidden courtyard through the cafe as well which is a sheltered spot to enjoy.
9. Flock
Flock is a charming coffee shop on the southern edge of town, just beyond St Stephens roundabout. It’s worth going out of your way for as it has a cosy interior and friendly staff as well as making a pretty great cup of coffee! Flock is also known for its sweet treats so take a book or a friend and enjoy unwinding for an hour or so.
10. Wright’s
Wright’s is located in an old bank building (on Bank Plain!) and it’s got a lovely open atmosphere because of its many windows and it has plenty of space. I’ve enjoyed a couple of working coffees here but they also stay open late on a Friday & Saturday with the coffees turning into cocktails! Plus, they often have events on like pub quiz, Burns night and more, depending on the month.
11. Cafe 33
Cafe 33 is THE brunch spot in Norwich. Every time I’ve been, there’s been a long queue although it rarely lasts more than 10-15 minutes, which is testament to its popularity but also the speed of the kitchen and staff inside. The turnover is quick yet I’ve never felt rushed – a brilliant balance to be able to manage.
The menu is vast and every time I go, I find something I can’t wait to try next time plus they always have specials to keep it interesting even if you have gone through everything you want to taste. Special shout out to the pulled pork roll which is so filling and so well priced. You can also visit a smaller Cafe 33 in Chapelfield Gardens.
12. Buffalo Coffee Brewers
Owner Giles is a true coffee expert, having first started as a barista in 2011. He’s taken his years of experience and knowledge to create Buffalo Coffee Brewers on St Benedict’s Street. A perk for oat milk lovers is that they don’t charge extra for oat milk (Giles used to work at Minor Figures). I’ve only had one takeaway coffee here but it was excellent and since the guest coffee rotates I’d better head back!
13. Mitre House
Mitre House is a little further out of the city centre compared to the other locations on this list but if you’re looking for somewhere to work mid week then this is the one for you. Mitre House has a specific co working room which you can book to work in for a morning, afternoon or the whole day and includes a hot drink of your choosing as well as a further discount on food and drinks for the rest of your time. It’s a crisp, fresh space which juxtaposes its historic exterior and despite being a busy cafe, the co working space is nicely quiet.
14. J. C. Pinto
J.C. Pinto is my other favourite brunch cafe in Norwich (although it does call itself a Brunch Bistro rather than cafe) and positions itself quite differently to Cafe 33. J.C. Pinto is in a higgledy piggledy building and the kitchen is smaller. This means the service is purposefully slow and lets you unwind and catch up with friends at a leisurely pace. This is a great place for long brunch chats served with dishes that are twists on brunch classics (eg the whipped feta röstis). Just make sure you don’t arrive hungry or in a hurry!
For more Norwich content check out my other posts about this Fine City!
Cat x