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The King's Head Hotel in Dereham is a traditional 17th century coaching inn that has been refurbished adequately to provide excellent accommodation and delicious food that reflects a love for seafood and local flavours. Its proximity to the coastline makes this hotel a perfect base from which to explore the beauty and tranquillity of Norfolk and there is much in the form of entertainment and historical expeditions to keep you occupied. Head out to the smart restaurant at King's Head after a day of sightseeing to bolster your spirits, and a look at their menu is likely to revive your spirits.

Simply speaking there might be a prawn and crayfish vol-au-vent served with a bloody Mary salsa or maybe a grilled sea bream fillet on oven roasted courgettes and carrots with a caper sauce. For dessert, the homemade strawberry ripple cheesecake served with a fruit coulis and fresh cream is refreshingly delightful and the wine list offers choices from around the world.

After a major overhaul this traditional Norfolk Inn, located in one of the lushest parts of that very special county, has emerged with an image rather more in keeping with the times. However, you don't dispose of the 18th century easily and the feel of antiquity has been skilfully retained.

Inside, the pub has been opened up into a large cheerful space, a conservatory extension added on to the back, outbuildings pressed into use, all with a décor that is warm and friendly without being chic. Those who are not over-keen on conservatory additions for eating out could pass on this one which can claim to be so much a part of the original as to be a really pleasant experience, with large handsome candlesticks dividing the spaces. In winter a thoroughly genuine fire radiates heat from the inglenook. An energetic staff of comely girls and friendly, efficient young men see to it that service is up to the mark.

This handsome house is part of the Somerleyton Estate in Suffolk, a lively place where thousands of people every year come to enjoy unspoiled countryside and genuine entertainment in this idyllic piece of England. The hotel backs on to Fritton lake, a major feature of the estate, and has a nine hole pitch and putt golf course, waterbased and childrens' activities in plenty including pony riding and an adventure playground. The menu in their restaurant consists of typical brasserie food, without leaving any doubts as to its English origins and inspiration.

A typical three-course meal might consist of potted crayfish spiced with nutmeg, piquant mayonnaise and char grilled toast followed by slow roasted lamb shoulder served with creamy mash, pea and mint gravy. The list of desserts includes such delights as the baked white chocolate and orange cheesecake and a good selection of cheeses with homemade chutneys and oatcakes. The association between a decent wine cellar and stately homes is not lost here and a good selection of sensibly priced wines grace the cellars of Fritton House.

The 2 AA rosette winning Dove Restaurant in Harleston offers delightful French country style cuisine, rustic dishes prepared using the best ingredients and without a trace of pretension. So what you have before you is honest, simple food, flavourful to the last bite, served in a genuinely warm and comfy atmosphere. Their accommodation is excellent but it is the food which draws people to this restaurant which has been in the Oberhoffer family since 1980.

The lounge is perfect for a pre-dinner drink while the dining room is cosy and intimate. The menu strives to remain within the realm of the known, so expect dishes such as snails with garlic butter followed by sea bass with mussel ratatouille and basil sauce finishing with crêpes Suzette. The wine list at Dove is populated by selections from small and independent growers, which complements the meal excellently.

Located at the gates of Wolterton Hall, one of Norfolk's best hidden historic homes, the Saracen's Head comes as a pleasant surprise with an ever changing menu and a lively range of dishes with which to delight those prepared to hack their way into the more remote parts of this idyllic county.

Robert Dawson-Smith and his kitchen team produce some interesting dishes, changing even between lunch and dinner each day, starters or snacks could consist of Morston mussels with cider and cream or the addictive regulars' favourite of crispy fried aubergines with garlic mayonnaise or crostini of marinated anchovies.

Main courses always include several fish, meat, and serious vegetarian options, such as medallions of Gunton venison with red fruit or seared scallops with rosemary and cream or baked avocado, apple, tomato and mozzarella. Those in the know keep room for their wonderful, though highly calorific, puddings, like old fashioned treacle tart; brown bread and butter pudding or rich baileys and dark chocolate pot with orange jus.

There is a world ranging wine list on a bottle. And if you can't face the drive home through the lanes there are rooms at the Inn too!

One of the AA top 200 hotels with three AA red stars, Norfolk's highly acclaimed Congham Hotel at Grimson near King's Lynn comes with a restaurant to match. The Orangery Restaurant, overlooking the lawns and parkland beyond offers a splendid setting for any occasion. Family celebrations, romantic dinners, business lunches or light snacks at the lounge, the kitchen at Orangery never disappoints. With exceptionally talented chefs who table imaginative preparations made from fresh local produce, the restaurant's success and popularity comes as no surprise.

The cellars are impressive offering a wide selection of rare wines as well as vintages for special occasions. Dining at the terrace is magical with a panoramic view of horses grazing in the historical parkland. Begin with the Jerusalem artichoke veloute, followed by the terrine of Norfolk goose and an assiette of Scottish lamb for mains. Conclude with the raspberry soufflé as you continue to revel in the aroma of herbs wafting from the kitchen garden. The service is attentive and the mood, relaxing. Book your table at the Orangery and it will be yours for the evening.

Located in a quiet courtyard setting, in the heart of Fakenham, D'Inacios offers a modest and tranquil ambiance to enjoy a relaxed and meditative dining out experience. The interior, done up in whites with contrasting dark furniture, creates an airy and spacious feel.

A seasonal à la carte is to hand for lunch and dinner and encompass well the modern interpretations of classic British and European dishes infused with world flavours. Begin with a platter of prosciutto, chorizo, pickled onions and olives, served with a salad, or a goats' cheese and a red onion bruschetta. Follow with baked cod loin or pan seared supreme of local chicken for a hearty meal. Amongst light lunches seared sirloin minute steak and the beer battered fillet of haddock are two good options.

D'Inacios serves exclusive coffees all day, in a south-facing courtyard under, perhaps, the most ancient wisteria to be found in East Anglia.