A taste of meaty heaven at a popular city restaurant, overlooking Norwich Cathedral.
Interior/atmosphere
When you step into the Edith Cavell you first go through the downstairs bar area, which has a chilled lounge vibe.
Upstairs is the cosily-lit restaurant, called Prime.
It has an almost Tudor kitchen feel, with wooden tables and dark blue and maroon velvet chairs, and steak arriving in a dumbwaiter at the back of the restaurant – the enticing waft of good quality meat encompassing the room.
Food
We shared two vegetarian starters, in anticipation of the forthcoming meaty main: Baked camembert, infused with rosemary and garlic, served with toasted ciabatta and crispy halloumi, roasted red peppers and caramelised red onion salad.
The rosemary and garlic gave the camembert a real kick, and it was gooey and tangy – just how the French cheese should be.
Although not specified on the menu it came with a ramekin of sweet red onion chutney, which complemented the dish perfectly.
However, it could have done with a bit more ciabatta.
Our other starter was light and tasty; the bite-sized halloumi chunks crispy and squidgy on the inside, and the roasted peppers were sweet and soft.
However, my friend said she would have liked a bit more pepper, and we both agreed the chutney didn't really belong in the salad.
For the main I ordered the 280g ribeye steak, which comes with thick-cut chips, rocket salad and a choice of butter and sauce – I chose garlic and peppercorn.
My friend ordered the slightly smaller 225g fillet steak, with the same sauces, and we added some onion rings to share.
The steak comes out rare on a hot rock in the middle of a chopping board, giving you the option to cook it to your taste.
The steak tasted divine, tender and juicy and melts in your mouth, and when combined with tangy peppercorn and oozing garlic butter was a taste of meaty heaven.
My friend said it was the best steak she had ever eaten, and the triple-cooked chips were crisp Jenga bricks of joy.
My only criticism would be that some instructions on how long to leave the steak on the rock for different grades of cooking would be beneficial for first timers.
As my friend was driving we both had large soft drinks, but there is a good selection of red and white wines, and a fully stocked bar downstairs if you want to have a drink before heading up to the restaurant.
Water is in a glass bottle with a stopper, which is a nice touch.
Service
The lady that served us was polite and attentive, without being intrusive, and happily obliged with our request for side plates to share the starters.
The gentleman downstairs in the bar was friendly, and said goodbye when we left.
Loos
There were two ladies' toilets which were small but clean.
I got a bit confused for a while as the handryer is in a separate room.
Parking
The restaurant is located in the centre of Norwich, so it's better to go in the evening if you intend to drive into the city.
I'd recommend taking public transport if you're going for lunch.
Rose Lane Car Park is the nearest, a 5-10 minute walk, which was recently named the best car park in the UK at the 2017 British Parking Awards.
Location
Great location next to lots of bars and pubs on Tombland, and a short walk from Fye Bridge across the River Wensum if you fancy a post-steak walk to burn off your dinner.
The Edith Cavell looks out on Norwich Cathedral, and in the evening when it's illuminated, the floodlights spill through the open window of the restaurant.
Price
The final bill came to £64.40 for two steaks, two starters and drinks, which was reasonable considering the size of portions and quality of the food. The steaks range between £19 (280g sirloin) and £27 for a 340g Angus sirloin.
Highlight
There are a range of other main options on the menu, including pan fried salmon and roasted lamb fillet, but the steak is the real star of the show.
In Summary
The meal was one of the best I've ever eaten in Norwich, and that's saying something. Great location, humongous portions, and relaxed atmosphere.
The restaurant is perfect for a special occasion, such as a graduation meal or anniversary celebration.
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