Belgian Restaurants

Restaurants reviewed on this page:

* Belgian Monk

Guest Review!!! 26th March 2006 - Belgian Monk (Ruth Blomiley, Norwich)

7, Pottergate, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1DS
Tel: 01603 767222

Smoking: Yes

Parking: No - Nearest car park St. Giles or Castle Mall

Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 for three courses with drinks

The evening was undoubtedly going to be tinged with sadness as we went to The Belgium Monk to say farewell to close friends who are moving abroad. A large group of us sat upstairs and I was surprised how busy it was; I believe you have to book to get a table upstairs as it is almost a secret restaurant.

The menu is substantial and there is also a specials menu. I always find a large menu slightly over bearing and, with a low attention span, this does encourage me to plump for the easy option. Paul and I both had mussels. I had Moules Marniere and Paul opted for Moules Normandes (white wine, bacon and mushrooms). I have to say the mussels are very good here and it is a safe option because you know you’ll get a good meal.

Really, The Belgium Monk is famous for its Belgium beer. I’m not a big beer drinker but the cherry Kriek is fantastic and goes down a bit too easily. Paul finds the Grimbergen very nice too! You can try any of them and they are tasty but strong (some are 12.5%)

The atmosphere is fine; it isn’t a posh place but it is hearty and relaxed. The food is reasonably priced and the service is pretty good.

Food *** Atmosphere *** Service *** Menu *** Wine /Drink ****

OVERALL = ***

28th October 2004 - Belgian Monk

7, Pottergate, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1DS
Tel: 01603 767222

Smoking: Yes

Parking: No - Nearest car park St. Giles or Castle Mall

Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 for three courses with drinks

This had sort of been arranged at my birthday party. Two friends and their partners, myself and Catherine going out for a meal together. We, well I to be honest, decided to go here.
I'd wanted to go here for dinner for ages. I'd heard the food is very good but I also knew the beer was excellent and they recommended one to go with every meal.
I love the fact that this place is not a chain, the decor is superb, the atmosphere just right and, although they were quite busy, the service was very pleasant.
The food was very good and a lovely night was had by all.
I had: For starter I had a pot of mussels with chilli and tomato sauce. Lovely big plump mussels in a very juicy and spicy sauce. It came with a perfect clump of freshly baked bread.
For main course I had the duck in peach sauce with Belgian potatoes. What an interesting combination! I really fancied duck and this took my fancy. It was delicious. My only criticism would be that the duck was ever so slightly underdone for me.
For dessert I shared a Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce and cream and a chocolate brownie with Jason. All washed down with a cherry beer. It was fantastic! I have to admit I felt a bit ill afterwards but totally satisfied.

Rating:

Food **** Service **** Atmosphere *** Wine/Drinks ***** Menu *****

OVERALL = ****1/2