Fino

The story

Fino Cromer: Modern British and European Dining in Norfolk | WattAFork

A converted butcher's shop with a coastal focus

Fino brings a focused approach to modern British and European cooking to a small neighbourhood spot on Cromer's Garden Street. The venue fills a converted butcher's shop with a newly created intimate dining room painted in smart blue tones. Colourful paintings by co-host Ruth Butler decorate the walls, adding personality to the space. The Good Food Guide named this establishment the Central and East of England winner in its 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025, noting the effortless cosmopolitan cool it brings to the seaside town.

Short menus driven by daily changes and local catch

The kitchen publishes a short menu that changes daily, focusing on prime produce from Norfolk and the surrounding coast. Diners might encounter whole grilled lemon sole accompanied by anchovy and tarragon butter and braised fennel. The local crab salad offers a lighter option with fennel, crème fraîche, and roast cherry tomatoes. Hearty mains include fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef served with salsa verde or chalk stream trout prepared with samphire and anchovy dressing. This European kitchen also highlights seasonal game, though the seafood selection remains a core strength of the offering.

Unfiltered sherries and a curated wine programme

The restaurant's name signals a serious commitment to sherry, with a collection of en rama bottles that remain unfiltered and unclarified. Staff recommend exploring styles like Manzanilla from Bodegas Hidalgo for salty undertones or deep Palo cortado from Barbadillo. The broader wine list extends to sparkling wines such as Preamble No 2 from Oxfordshire and crisp whites like Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Bartenders craft cocktails around the sherry theme, including a Fino martini blended with Gyre & Gimble Gin and Fino en Rama.

Sweet finishes and accessible value

Desserts provide a refined conclusion to the meal. The dark chocolate pot arrives with macerated strawberries and almond meringue, while a burnt Basque cheesecake pairs with blueberry compote for those preferring baked textures. Daytime visitors can access daily lunch specials priced at £17. This rate includes a main course and a drink choice, delivering high-value European cuisine during the midweek service.