ASK any foodie in Colchester to tell you what the best restaurant in the city is and I’m confident most of them would say North Hill Noodle Bar.

As a fan of the restaurant, it’s easy to see why it has amassed nearly 800 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, but is it even better after a six-week refurbishment?

Owners Ting Tsang and Christopher Andrews extended the cosy restaurant into the property next door and the popular eatery re-opened its doors in September.

When a friend planned to come back to Colchester for the night, it seemed only right that we booked a table at our favourite haunt.

Gazette: Revamp - the new seating areaRevamp - the new seating area (Image: Elliot Deady, Newsquest)

And it was good we did because, despite popping in in the middle of the week and the transformation from a tight and compact restaurant to one which is more spacious, it was still packed. It was great to see the expansion was worthwhile.

The quick and friendly service we were used to still exists – and quick it was, with food turning up at our table, in the newly opened area “next door”, within what felt like minutes.

MORE REVIEWS:

My friend ordered her usual trusty choice of kung po chicken, while I chose pork shoulder in a spicy oyster sauce – a new addition to the menu – and we shared a few starters.

It won’t come as a surprise to North Hill Noodle Bar superfans that the food was as delicious as ever. Like my friend, I am usually a creature of habit and stick to what I know, but I was delighted with my choice.

Gazette: Tasty - a selection of side dishesTasty - a selection of side dishes (Image: Elliot Deady, Newsquest)

Gazette: Excellent - I had pork shoulder in a spicy oyster sauce while my friend chose kung po chickenExcellent - I had pork shoulder in a spicy oyster sauce while my friend chose kung po chicken (Image: Elliot Deady, Newsquest)

So, is North Hill Noodle Bar still the best restaurant in Colchester? In my opinion, yes it is.

It’s perfect in so many ways. The speedy service makes it a great spot to grab some quick lunchtime grub, but the atmosphere and quality cuisine make it a superb choice for a night out or a catch-up with friends.

And with our mains costing just under £15 each, I can’t complain about the value for money either.

This has been one of my favourite restaurants for years now, and I can’t speak highly enough about the new and improved Noodle Bar.