Four restaurants in Norfolk have been listed as finalists for a major national food award.

Benedicts in Norwich and Wells Crab House in Wells-next-the-Sea are both in the running to be named 'Restaurant of the Year (South & East)' at the Food Awards England 2024.

Jorge's Restaurant in Norwich and Shelly's Bistro in Swaffham also got the nod in the shortlist for the 'Best Mediterranean Establishment (South)' and the 'Cafe/Bistro of the Year (South)', respectively.  

Jorge and Eleanor Santos of Jorge's Restaurant (Image: Victoria Pertusa) The finalists were revealed today, with the winners set to be announced on October 7 at an event in which some of the country’s top professionals will come together to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and the food industry as a whole.

READ MORE: Michelin-starred restaurant to close after losing head chef

Jorge's is a Portuguese restaurant situated in Orford Yard off Red Lion Street, offering a modern menu which includes charcoal-grilled meats, tapas and wine. 
Richard Bainbridge outside Benedicts (Image: Danielle Booden) It was opened in 2018 by Jorge and Eleanor Santos and has previously been a finalist in the Food Awards England 'Restaurant of the Year' in 2023 and 2022. 

READ MORE: Local restaurants shortlisted for 'the Oscars of the curry industries'

Richard and Katja Bainbridge opened the modern British restaurant Benedicts in 2015, aiming to make fine dining more accessible.

Scott Dougal with a seafood platter outside Wells Crab House (Image: Archant 2022) Shelly's Bistro in Swaffham was named the best cafe/bistro at last year's awards and will hope to snag the title of region's best this year. 

Wells Crab House is another business hoping to repeat last year's success where they were named 'Best Seafood Establishment' and 'Restaurant of the Year'.

Food Awards England looks to honour talent, dedication, and passion displayed by those working in the industry across the country.

A spokesman for Food Awards England said: “It’s exciting for us to once again shine a spotlight on the top establishments and businesses that have managed to stand out in such a busy food scene.

"This year’s finalists have all been distinguished as the real masters in their field due to their hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction."