Mariners

An Ipswich institution (formerly known as Il Punto), Regis Crépy’s sprightly tribute to the entente cordiale continues to cast its spell. One of a trio of Gallic restaurants that also includes The Great House in Lavenham & Maison Bleue in Bury St Edmunds, Mariners offers robust brasserie cooking in the comfortable, high-gloss surrounds of a revamped Belgian gunboat built in 1899 & moored just minutes from the town centre. The menu sticks to time-honoured French traditions, so kick off with fish soup or coarse rabbit, chicken & pork terrine before ordering grilled halibut with chive & shrimp sauce, or perhaps slow-cooked beef in red wine with bacon & mushrooms. Naturally enough, crème brûlée & Normandy apple tart loom large on the list of desserts.