The Suffolk — Restaurant in East Suffolk

The birthday celebration at Suffolk sur-mer was a disappointment, earning a 1/5 star rating. The restaurant failed to respect and understand dietary restrictions despite prior communication and confirmation. The service was lackluster, and sadly, it didn't seem like they liked tourists.

The general presentation of the restaurant was rushed and confusing, with the staff suggesting dishes unsuitable for our guests with dietary restrictions. They also informed us that they could not prepare any dish without dairy. The front of house service was also disappointing, with our drinks orders forgotten and our table reservation overlooked. We waited 30 minutes at the bar for a drink and ended up just asking for a table to eat.

The main concern was due to the serving staff being unable to accommodate a guest with gluten and dairy allergies and a vegetarian who abstains from eggs. By default they served wholemeal bread and butter to a gluten and dairy-free guest without explanation and then recommended a cheese-heavy dish, assuring it was lactose-free, which once it arrived, was clearly not. The only vegetarian option was a basic side salad that they called a garden salad... it was just iceberg lettuce and some arugula.

While the food two starters and one main that we did manage to consume was delicious, it did not make up for the overall experience. The management acknowledged their mistakes and compensated us with free starters and mains. However, we hope they take these criticisms to heart and improve their service and training: it is not safe or okay to present a dish that clearly isn't diary free as lactose-free- lucky that nothing...

All Style, Zero Substance: A One-Star Experience

I was really looking forward to visiting this place; it looks absolutely adorable with a fantastic atmosphere. However, as charming as the decor is, it was impossible to leave satisfied, and I have to give it a dismal 1 star.

I completely understand that the restaurant was packed and they had no tables available, so we went up to the terrace for a drink, happy to soak up the vibe. That’s when the problems started. We saw a table nearby happily eating fish and chips that were clearly from the shop across the street. Since the restaurant wasn't serving us food, I politely asked if we could do the same, hoping to at least get a simple bite to eat while having our drinks.

The answer was a flat "No." I then asked about bar snacks or any alternative, and again, the answer was a simple refusal. The kicker came when I asked why the other table was allowed to have the outside fish and chips. The waiter's explanation? "They are the owners."

Seriously? It is beyond ridiculous to create a two-class system for your customers. To have an owner-operated table openly flaunt delicious-looking food from another establishment, essentially "teasing" every other customer with a smell and sight of what they can't have, is just poor form. It's even more insulting when you refuse to allow your paying customers to do the same, especially when your own establishment is too busy to serve them anything at all. Cute place, nice view, but the lack of customer focus and the frankly absurd double standard makes this an experience I can't...

We dined here in the evening. The staff are professional, welcoming and have a sound knowledge of the menu. Our table was well presented and the seating comfortable. The decor is tasteful and of good quality. We were given the menu and a choice of daily specials. We shared a half dozen escargot that were most delicious in garlic and herb butter. There is good quality complimentary bread and butter provided too. My partner had the halibut with caviar on a bed of leeks for a main course which was perfectly cooked with a lovely texture and flavour. We also had a side dish of griddled half cabbage which was fabulous. The halibut was so fresh and a good size fillet. I had the hake special which was on a garlic veloute with wild garlic leaves draped across it. This dish was superb too and again very fresh and substantial in size. Very reasonably priced at £20 too. There is a very good wine list to accompliment the dishes. Our main waiter was attentive but not intrusive and gave us time to enjoy our meal and wine at leisure. He was knowledgeable and personable and obviously wants to go far in the catering/hospitality industry which we think he will. This restaurant is perfect for a romantic meal or a business one. We went here on our final night of a 3 night trip to Aldeburgh and would return just to...