Being an avowed cheese lover, it made perfect sense for me to discover the perfect little North Norfolk restaurant created as a tribute to the humble food group.
Fizz and Fromage, based in Hoveton near Wroxham, opened in November and quickly gained a reputation as a cheese lover’s paradise.
From fondue to grilled cheese sandwiches, it’s easy to see why this restaurant melts the taste buds of hundreds of diners with its tantalizing menu.
And while it may be based in a unit in Station Road Business Park, don’t be fooled by this somewhat unusual location choice.
The restaurant has been outfitted in an eye-catching yellow made even more vibrant with the lighting. The interior is classy. I don’t know who was more excited, me or Mr W.
Our orders were taken, including our choice of drinks (a £7 rose prosecco and a £4.20 bottle of Peroni) and we waited like excited school children.
We opted for an additional appetizer of caviar blinis with creme fraiche (£8) which was a delicious start to a meal and warmed up the taste buds for the main event ahead.
This was followed by our starters of whipped goat cheese and crispy pancetta, chosen by me, and a blue cheese tart with shallot marmalade. Either way, I’m a big fan of whipped goat cheese, so this starter was as delicious as expected – moist and creamy with a smoky flavor from the meat – while my other half tried to eat her piece of the pie as slowly as possible. possible, savoring every bite. Again, it was full of flavor with the cheese taking on both a nice texture and taste mixed with the other ingredients.
Next is the restaurant’s famous cheese fondue with all the trimmings (usually £17.50 pp) and it’s easy to see why it quickly gained a reputation. Served with rosy fir tied potatoes, Dollie’s sourdough (note we had two servings), smoked local ham, pickles, cocktail onions and cherry tomatoes, we had plenty of bites to dip in the rich Gouda, Comté and Raclette fondue. At that point, we both died and went to cheese heaven.
In addition, the first person to lose a piece in the fondue must kiss everyone, while the second must buy a tour. At this point I will say that I was happy with my lip balm but not with my resulting bank balance.
You would have thought that maybe we were a little melted after that, but no. Because we were eating on a special menu night, we opted for the restaurant’s not so famous but totally delicious chocolate fondue with strawberries, brownies and bananas.
Who knew that so much food could create so much happiness? In a nutshell – or should it be a brie crust? – this place is fun to eat because its menu is delicious. A must for all cheese-loving friends.
Setting
It might seem rather odd to have such a small niche restaurant on the outskirts of a small industrial area of a village, but don’t let that put you off. Vibrant colors make the place stand out from the roadside with a welcoming exterior and a chic, modern restaurant inside. It is spacious and elegant with plenty of atmosphere for every dinner party.
Assess
We enjoyed a three course set menu with extra finger foods, a glass of sparkling wine, and some Peronis, all at £83.50. We were stuffed to the gills and content with our happy bellies. Considering the quality of the ingredients too, I would say it was very good value.
Drinks
As well as an extensive wine and beer list, there is also a small selection of cocktails at £9.50 each. All drinks also come with recommended cheese pairing suggestions, which is very helpful.
Bathroom
Fully functional and as you would expect.
Accessibility
There’s plenty of space and the floors are nice and level, yet easy to maneuver. There is also a small parking lot outside.
Service
The staff were pleasant and accommodating, smiling throughout our meal and making sure we had everything we needed. They also explained the dishes to us and were knowledgeable about the ingredients.
Highlight
Fondue. Fondue. Fondue. Honestly, I can’t think of a better meal to enjoy in good company in this lovely setting.
In summary
You may need to start saving those pennies now, as this place is worth several repeat visits to peruse the menu. I have never seen so much cheese on one menu in my life! Although with a name like Fizz & Fromage, it’s more than fair to say that it lived up to very high expectations.
If you like it, try these…
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Sculthorpe Mill, near Fakenham
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This café-bar-restaurant with a touch of originality, located on the outskirts of the city center, is well worth a visit for all foodies.
Did you know…?
Fizz and Cheese offers a range of cheeses, wines and beers, and is the brainchild of Tim and Heather Ridley, of Ashmanhaugh, who also run the Station Smokehouse in Hoveton and Wroxham Station.
The couple took over the business park unit in early August 2021.
The menu has a range of cheese tapas pairing plates, with 25 varieties on offer, and it includes Hereford Hop with onion and beer chutney and more unusual pairings such as stilton and a dark chocolate brownie .
There are hot dishes like pecorino and black truffle spaghetti and a sourdough cheese fondue from Dollies Bakery, which recently moved from Coltishall to the business park.
There’s also a range of grilled cheese sandwiches, including a truffle, three-cheese and coppa croque-madame topped with a fried egg and grated truffle.
Fizz and Fromage is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 9pm – call 01603 927171 to book and visit fizzandfromage.com
Warning
Our food opinions are always independent. They are the opinion of the reviewer based on their experience of the place during their visit. The establishment is unaware of our visit, is not informed of our intention to write a review, and the bills are paid by the reviewer. The choice of places reviewed is also independent and not based on places that do or do not advertise in our publications.