Why Ipswich's Bistro on the Quay is home to a tasty roast

My partner, Michael, and I were looking for a Sunday roast in Ipswich town centre. Google told us that Bistro on the Quay may be the perfect choice for us. 

We gave it a go, and... we totally loved it! 

I am not surprised that the place was named one of the best restaurants in the UK, as it absolutely deserved it. 

But let’s start from the beginning. We arrived at the bistro just after 2pm on a hot Sunday afternoon. 

There were many empty seats outside, so we chose the ones that had at least a bit of shade.  

First of all, the view on the marina was magnificent. I usually tell Michael that living in Ipswich feels like being on holiday (you do not have to agree with me), but at that moment I honestly felt like I was in sunny Spain. 

The staff at Bistro on the Quay deserves a big shout-out. They were very attentive and welcoming, while managing the inside and outside of the restaurant and the bar.  

They quickly took our drinks order, which was a mandarin and cranberry gin from Suffolk Distillery for me and Adnams ghost ship beer for Michael. 

I really enjoyed my cranberry gin from Suffolk Distillery, Michael Marron (Image: Michael Marron)

The drinks were brought to us after five minutes, and the waiter also offered us a jug of water, which was a very nice gesture, especially in this hot weather. 

We ordered king scallops and confit chicken with pepper ketchup, smoked aubergine, charred sweetcorn and crispy Parma ham to share as a starter, which was delivered to us very quickly. 

Our starter: king scallops and confit chicken with pepper ketchup, smoked aubergine, charred sweetcorn and crispy Parma ham, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

It is known that there is a fine line between undercooking and overcooking scallops. Those we got were a bit undercooked and not as big as I imagined king scallops would be. 

On the other hand, the chicken was delicious, very juicy, and full of flavour.  After 25 minutes after we received our starter, we got our mains.

I went for lamb rump with quinoa, heritage tomatoes, mint and basil vinaigrette and tender stem.

My main: lamb rump with quinoa, heritage tomatoes, mint and basil vinaigrette and tender stem, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Michael ordered a Sunday roast, which included roast beef with gravy, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, tender stem and cauliflower with cheese. 

Michael's Sunday roast: roast beef with gravy, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, tender stem and cauliflower with cheese, Michael Marron (Image: Michael Marron)

Both dishes were absolutely amazing. We loved every bite of them.  Michael, who does not like cauliflower, admitted that the bistro’s cauliflower with cheese was the best side dish he has ever tried. 

You just have to try it when you are there! 

Cauliflower with cheese side, Michael Marron (Image: Michael Marron)

He also said that the gravy was a bit too sweet, but the cauliflower evened it out.  My lamb was tender and perfectly blended with quinoa, which had a very nice taste to it thanks to tomatoes and herbs. 

I will repeat this once again, the staff was very attentive despite the workload they had. They asked us if we liked everything and if we needed anything. 

We were so full that we decided to skip dessert.

If I had space in my stomach, I would go for a date and nut crumble or cognac ice cream.  

I am sure we will visit the place again soon, so I will definitely go for them.  The toilet located on the bar side of the restaurant was very clean and cozy, as well as the whole interior of the bistro. 

The whole experience at the Bistro on the Quay was very pleasant. We felt cared for by the staff and left the place with tummies full of delicious food. 

We paid £62.90 for our food and drinks, which seems like a fair price for the quality of the dishes and the service we received. 

I can truly recommend this place. 

Our food reviews are always independent.  They are the opinion of the reviewer based on their experience of the venue when they visited.   

The establishment is not aware of our visit, is not informed we intend to write a review, and bills are paid by the reviewer.  

The choice of places reviewed is also independent and is not based on venues which do or do not advertise in our publications.