Two city restaurants were included in renowned food critic Jay Rayner's round-up review of 2022.

In Mr Rayner's article, in the Guardian, he recalled the places where he ate "stupidly well" and businesses that "led by shining example" despite a difficult year in 2022 amid the cost of living crisis. 

And among them were the XO Kitchen and L’ Hexagone in Norwich. 

Norwich Evening News: XO Kitchen in St Georges Street is run by Dani Mason and Jimmy PrestonXO Kitchen in St Georges Street is run by Dani Mason and Jimmy Preston (Image: Sonya Duncan/Newsquest)

At XO Kitchen, in St Georges Street, Mr Rayner wrote about the "hilarious use of Frazzles and Scampi Fries for the umami crumb on the hispi cabbage".

In his original review back in September, Mr Rayner said he "adored" their "face-slapping flavours".

Elsewhere, at L’ Hexagone in Lower Goat Lane, Mr Rayner said he also enjoyed an "impeccable steak tartare and crème brûlée".

Norwich Evening News: L'Hexagone French bistro in Lower Goat Lane, NorwichL'Hexagone French bistro in Lower Goat Lane, Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

He previously described L' Hexagone as "the tiny French restaurant that really can".

He wrote: "It is the sort of place we could all do with more of - when money is tight and we need to take our pleasures with care."