Ipswich has become something of a foodie destination in Suffolk as more restaurants and places to eat have opened up in the town in recent years.

We asked readers of the Ipswich Star to suggest their favourite places to grab food on their lunch break.

Here are seven places they told us were the best in Ipswich.

Geek Retreat

Ipswich Star: Rob Harden and Sharon Lockhart outside Geek Retreat in IpswichRob Harden and Sharon Lockhart outside Geek Retreat in Ipswich (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Geek Retreat has been a huge hit in Ipswich ever since it opened in autumn of 2021, offering gamers a place to play with their friends in the town centre.

Its food offering is also a plus point - several readers said they love to grab food there.

Arlingtons

Ipswich Star: A look inside Arlingtons in IpswichA look inside Arlingtons in Ipswich (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Arlingtons is back in Ipswich after Zoe Cutting took over the bar in Museum Street last August, with the unit having been closed for some time.

As well as its cocktail offering, Arlingtons also has an extensive lunch and brunch menu.

Applaud

 

Founded by sisters Beth Titchie and Hannah Huntly in St Peter's Street, Applaud has been a popular spot in Ipswich since it opened in 2013.

As well as the usual coffee and tea choices, Applaud is one of the busiest spots in the town centre at lunchtime.

The Grazing Sheep

Ipswich Star: Cake available at The Grazing Sheep in IpswichCake available at The Grazing Sheep in Ipswich (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

We already knew The Grazing Sheep is great - the Waterfront spot was recognised in the Good Food Awards for 2023.

The Grazing Sheep offers a selection of sandwiches and salads for people who are either on-the-go or want to sit down with their food.

The Hot Sausage Company

Ipswich Star: The Hot Sausage Company is one of Ed Sheeran's favouritesThe Hot Sausage Company is one of Ed Sheeran's favourites (Image: Newsquest)

Anyone who has visited Ipswich town centre will be aware of The Hot Sausage's Company's stalls, which regulary have long queues at lunch.

Suffolk superstar Ed Sheeran has previously said how much he loves the company's hot dogs - if it's good enough for Ed, it's good enough for us.

Gandhi Pizza

Ipswich Star: Queues outside Gandhi Pizza on opening night last SeptemberQueues outside Gandhi Pizza on opening night last September (Image: Gandhi Pizza)

It may have only been in town for a few months, but Gandhi Pizza in St Peter's Street has some loyal fans already.

The takeaway's opening evening saw huge queues form in the street as almost 200 pizzas were given away.

Fresh Start & Coffee

Ipswich Star: The outside of Fresh Start & Coffee in Carr StreetThe outside of Fresh Start & Coffee in Carr Street (Image: Archant (Matthew Earth))

A special mention among our readers was for Fresh Start & Coffee, which opened in the unit formerly occupied by Hank's vegan supermarket last year.

The charity café and store has Paddy & Scott's coffee and other snacks on offer, with money raised to help 16-24 year olds gain work experience.