I’m not quite sure why it’s taken me so long to write this review. I’ve been a big fan of Yard in Norwich for years, yet somehow it’s only just occurred to me to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
Here’s what you need to know: Yard makes its own pasta and sauces – and that’s pretty much the whole of the mains menu.
Yes, there are a few sides, but the star of the show is the pasta. So if you’re not a pasta fan, this probably isn’t the place for you.
The pasta types tend to include pappardelle (wide ribbons), rigatoni (short tubes), bucatini (like spaghetti but with a hole running through the centre) and casarecce (short twists).
These are paired with one of their sauces – there’s a core selection of classics like cacio e pepe, puttanesca and slow-cooked tomato, and often a specials board with something new to try.
I do have my favourites, though. The pappardelle with beef shin ragù is one I keep going back to – tender, melt-in-the-mouth beef in a deep, rich tomato sauce. I also love the pappardelle with nduja, mascarpone and lemon. It’s spicy, creamy and just the right amount of indulgent.
The pasta is always perfectly cooked, with just the right bite to it.
Portions are generous enough for a meal on their own, but I often add a salad on the side – something fresh like heritage tomatoes or mixed leaves. It makes me feel a little more virtuous about the whole thing.
And then there’s the tiramisu. Honestly, it’s one of the best I’ve had. Soft, light, and soaked with proper coffee. The last time I ordered it, the portion was big enough to share.
The only small gripe we had this time – and Yard’s not alone in this – was that The Chap’s pint came up a bit short, thanks to a generous head of foam. We’ve noticed it happening more and more in pubs and restaurants around Norwich. Whether it’s due to a busy service or a slightly off-hand pour, the pint often doesn’t reach the top of the glass – or even the pint line, if there is one. It might seem a bit tight, but when you’re paying over £6, getting short-changed on every pint starts to grate. I’ll report back on this in future reviews of other eateries and bars!
Yard Norwich vibes
The team at Yard are always warm and welcoming. Even when it’s busy, they take time to greet you with a smile and are happy to answer questions about the menu. If you’re not sure what to order, they’ll talk you through the sauces and help you choose something you’ll enjoy.
The restaurant itself is cosy – there are only a handful of tables upstairs, so it can feel snug. There are more tables downstairs, though it’s a bit darker as it’s in the cellar. On sunnier days, you might be lucky enough to grab one of the outdoor spots – either just outside the front door or across the road in the grounds of St John Maddermarket Church.
It’s worth knowing that you can’t book at Yard – it’s first come, first served so you’ll need to take your chances. But in my experience, it’s almost always worth the wait.
Find out more – visit the Yard website.
