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Apelu Island Cafe is a Polynesian cafe with friendly service and unique drinks and pastries. It's clear that a lot of thought and effort went into the cute island decor. We enjoyed the flavor and creaminess of the mango matcha and toasted coconut latte. The only downside was the cup was half full of ice, even after we requested less ice. We appreciated the 5% military discount. As a suggestion, adding prices to the menu and labeling the pastries would make ordering easier.
One thing I love about Apelu Island is that it's not just "another cute coffee shop" that are a dime a dozen. It's Samoan-owned and you can feel the culture in the space and on the menu. The decor has Polynesian touches, the drinks and food nod to Samoan flavors (like taro and Spam musubi), and you can tell it's a true family business built with a lot of pride and hard work. My friend and I first heard about this spot and literally drove about 25 minutes from Ghent Norfolk over to Bel-Aire Norfolk just to try it out, and it still remains one of our favorite coffee shops in Norfolk. Totally worth crossing town for. On my first visit, I got the Apelu Island Iced Latte, a Taro Cupcake with vanilla icing and toasted coconut, and a Spam Musubi with egg. That combo right there? Dangerous. The latte was smooth and lightly sweet with that pretty taro purple, the cupcake was super moist with the coconut giving it that little crunch on top, and the Spam Musubi with egg was the perfect salty-savory bite to go with my coffee instead of the usual basic breakfast sandwich. Second visit, I pulled back up for their Taro Pumpkin Roll Latte with oat milk (one of their fall specials), and I'm still thinking about it. It tasted like fall but with that island twist; cozy, a little earthy from the taro, and not overly sweet. Just really well-balanced and comforting. The staff has been warm and welcoming every time I've gone in; smiling, chatting with customers, and making it feel like a neighborhood spot even if you drove in from across town. It's the kind of place where you can sit, catch up with a friend, get some work done, or just enjoy your drink and snack without feeling rushed. If you're anywhere in Norfolk and haven't tried Apelu Island Cafe yet, go. From the lattes to the taro treats to the musubi, it's one of those places that makes you want to become a regular. More people need to know about this place.
The coffee was top notch! We got a summer drink tiramisu with ube foam, mocha nut cold brew and their classic apelu island. All drinks were amazing not too sweet and not bitter. Highly recommend
Entering the villa with a nice island vibe coffee shop! A plus they open at 7am perfect for early bird like myself and definitely a warm welcome coming in. I got the matcha (iced) with cold foam for $6 plus tax for a large which is not bad at all and you get a good amount for the price . This my first time trying it and I'm definitely adding this to my collection of places to go get drinks and try out more options and the matcha was nice and smooth with some sweetness to it and if you like matcha this the place to go. the service is quick here if you need something on the to go to start the day right. And they have a variety options and the barista said she likes the matcha and definitely a good choice to start. Definitely will be back here more once we move into the area.
Coffee is great! Sometimes when a cafe uses premade syrups it is nothing special, but the espresso here is very good it makes up for that! Menu is huge and the cafe is spacious. The staff is very kind and willing to take their time to answer your questions. I would highly recommend the apelu latte, or just to try the taro foam!
I absolutely adore this café! It's a small business tucked into a strip mall, making it easy to find. I believe the café is family-owned and Polynesian-owned, which is wonderful to see for community staples like this one. If you love taro and ube, you'll definitely want to check it out. They offer a wide variety of taro and ube options, but those aren't the only flavors they serve. I can genuinely say I've never had a bad item here. I've enjoyed the drinks, pastries, and the spam musubi, which, in my opinion, is the best in the entire Hampton Roads area. The staff is always welcoming, genuinely happy, and helpful. The café is really cute and cozy, displaying cool art and facts reflecting various Polynesian islands. It makes for a great study spot or simply a chill place to hang out with friends or family. They are very family-friendly; if I'm not mistaken, they have puzzles and books for children. I love this café!
I visited Apelu Island while my daughter was getting her nails done in the area. I got an iced white chocolate blackberry mocha and it was delicious! The service was quick and friendly and willing to help me with my order decision (so many things sounded good!) It was really cute inside and even had a little play area for kids with a little kitchen setup. I really enjoyed my visit!
Another delicious trip to April Island Cafe. They never disappoint. Normally purchase a drink and bagel but today I was in the mood for something sweet but not excessively sweet. The coffee crumb cake truly hit the spot. Thank you Apelu Island Cafe
Apelu Island cafe has great food, drinks, friendly staff, and a wonderful ambiance. I definitely recommend checking it out!
Peaceful space with a KIDS PLAY CORNER! The only way I can enjoy my lattes these days. They are authentic with their flavors- Recommend the apelu island latte
Apelu Island Cafe is quickly becoming one of my favorite spots in Norfolk. Despite being open for a little over a year, they are already making a big impression! The seasonal latte flavors are phenomenal--they strike the perfect balance of creativity and authenticity, never tasting artificial. There's always at least one flavor I can't resist coming back for. Their spam musubi is a morning game-changer--small yet filling and satisfying every time. And the pastries? Delicious and distinct. I love seeing what new baked goods show up on the counter. I've yet to try one I didn't love. I'm not much of an energy drink consumer, but I recently branched out to try the "Volcanic Ash" Tsunami energy. I appreciate that the energy drinks are plant based with natural caffeine. They aren't too carbonated in a way that burns my throat. Just refreshing and delicious. Now I have a whole new section of their menu to work through because it was I also love how the cafe brings Samoan culture to the forefront, from celebrating Samoan national holidays to creating a space that feels so warm and inviting. The decor, especially the lovely purple tones, makes it such a pleasant place to relax. Families will appreciate the thoughtful touch of a designated play area for kids--a small but meaningful detail that makes everyone feel welcome. If you're looking for a place that serves amazing coffee, food, and culture, Apelu Island Cafe is a must-visit!
Talofa! I'm proud to call this cafe a reflection of my Samoan roots. You will feel good vibes right upon entrance and greeted with beautiful smiles and hearty hellos. With its mouth-watering food and incredible drinks, it's a true gem. My personal favorite is the Lava Flow, and I highly recommend giving it a try. Fa'afetai.
Usually coffee shops are a good place for quiet and getting work done. This coffee shop is not. For some reason they have a section for toddlers to play with toys. When I was here there were young kids playing very loudly with the toys (Banging stuff and yelling). It was very hard to get any work done in this environment. The service was good and the latte was great. Just very loud. Also when I was here there were like 4 staff members behind the counter all talking very loudly and laughing amongst themselves. Not sure why they need so many people in such a small place. Decent place if u have some ear plugs.
26 days ago
My first time in Norfolk, and I'm so glad I decided to give this place a try! The beautiful Samoan décor made me feel so much like I was back home, and that feeling alone made my visit so special. I also loved how thoughtful and welcoming they were, especially having organized toiletries and diapers available for babies. It was such a heartwarming touch and really showed how much they care about their customers and community. And of course, the pastries and drinks were AMAZING! Everything was so delicious, and the whole experience was warm, welcoming, and comforting. I absolutely loved this place and will definitely be coming back! Malo lava to this hardworking family!! read more
2 months ago
Amazing cafe!!! They have such unique beverages and love their taro cold brew! Highly recommend. They have ample seating and the interior is decorated with elements of Polynesian culture. Staff are super friendly and was very patient in answering my questions about their drink selection since it was my first time there. read more
3 months ago
Really enjoyed my visit! The island-inspired decor made it a fun, relaxing place to hang. The Taro-misu latte was sweet and unique, with actual pieces of tiramisu cake in the drink. The salted caramel cheesecake cold brew was also delicious, though a little on the sweeter side. I also got a spam musubi, which made for a great snack to go with the drinks. Looking forward to coming back and trying more drinks! read more
4 months ago
Apelu Island Cafe is a Polynesian cafe with friendly service and unique drinks and pastries. It's clear that a lot of thought and effort went into the cute island decor. We enjoyed the flavor and creaminess of the mango matcha and toasted coconut latte. The only downside was the cup was half full of ice, even after we requested less ice. We appreciated the 5% military discount. As a suggestion, adding prices to the menu and labeling the pastries would make ordering easier. read more
One thing I love about Apelu Island is that it's not just "another cute coffee shop" that are a dime a dozen. It's Samoan-owned and you can feel the culture in the space and on the menu. The decor has Polynesian touches, the drinks and food nod to Samoan flavors (like taro and Spam musubi), and you can tell it's a true family business built with a lot of pride and hard work. My friend and I first heard about this spot and literally drove about 25 minutes from Ghent Norfolk over to Bel-Aire Norfolk just to try it out, and it still remains one of our favorite coffee shops in Norfolk. Totally worth crossing town for. On my first visit, I got the Apelu Island Iced Latte, a Taro Cupcake with vanilla icing and toasted coconut, and a Spam Musubi with egg. That combo right there? Dangerous. The latte was smooth and lightly sweet with that pretty taro purple, the cupcake was super moist with the coconut giving it that little crunch on top, and the Spam Musubi with egg was the perfect salty-savory bite to go with my coffee instead of the usual basic breakfast sandwich. Second visit, I pulled back up for their Taro Pumpkin Roll Latte with oat milk (one of their fall specials), and I'm still thinking about it. It tasted like fall but with that island twist; cozy, a little earthy from the taro, and not overly sweet. Just really well-balanced and comforting. The staff has been warm and welcoming every time I've gone in; smiling, chatting with customers, and making it feel like a neighborhood spot even if you drove in from across town. It's the kind of place where you can sit, catch up with a friend, get some work done, or just enjoy your drink and snack without feeling rushed. If you're anywhere in Norfolk and haven't tried Apelu Island Cafe yet, go. From the lattes to the taro treats to the musubi, it's one of those places that makes you want to become a regular. More people need to know about this place. read more
3 months ago
The coffee was top notch! We got a summer drink tiramisu with ube foam, mocha nut cold brew and their classic apelu island. All drinks were amazing not too sweet and not bitter. Highly recommend read more
Entering the villa with a nice island vibe coffee shop! A plus they open at 7am perfect for early bird like myself and definitely a warm welcome coming in. I got the matcha (iced) with cold foam for $6 plus tax for a large which is not bad at all and you get a good amount for the price . This my first time trying it and I'm definitely adding this to my collection of places to go get drinks and try out more options and the matcha was nice and smooth with some sweetness to it and if you like matcha this the place to go. the service is quick here if you need something on the to go to start the day right. And they have a variety options and the barista said she likes the matcha and definitely a good choice to start. Definitely will be back here more once we move into the area. read more
Coffee is great! Sometimes when a cafe uses premade syrups it is nothing special, but the espresso here is very good it makes up for that! Menu is huge and the cafe is spacious. The staff is very kind and willing to take their time to answer your questions. I would highly recommend the apelu latte, or just to try the taro foam! read more
I absolutely adore this café! It's a small business tucked into a strip mall, making it easy to find. I believe the café is family-owned and Polynesian-owned, which is wonderful to see for community staples like this one. If you love taro and ube, you'll definitely want to check it out. They offer a wide variety of taro and ube options, but those aren't the only flavors they serve. I can genuinely say I've never had a bad item here. I've enjoyed the drinks, pastries, and the spam musubi, which, in my opinion, is the best in the entire Hampton Roads area. The staff is always welcoming, genuinely happy, and helpful. The café is really cute and cozy, displaying cool art and facts reflecting various Polynesian islands. It makes for a great study spot or simply a chill place to hang out with friends or family. They are very family-friendly; if I'm not mistaken, they have puzzles and books for children. I love this café! read more
6 months ago
I visited Apelu Island while my daughter was getting her nails done in the area. I got an iced white chocolate blackberry mocha and it was delicious! The service was quick and friendly and willing to help me with my order decision (so many things sounded good!) It was really cute inside and even had a little play area for kids with a little kitchen setup. I really enjoyed my visit! read more
Another delicious trip to April Island Cafe. They never disappoint. Normally purchase a drink and bagel but today I was in the mood for something sweet but not excessively sweet. The coffee crumb cake truly hit the spot. Thank you Apelu Island Cafe read more
Business owner information
Olive A.
Thank you so much for being our 1st review, and we're so glad you…
Apelu Island Cafe is quickly becoming one of my favorite spots in Norfolk. Despite being open for a little over a year, they are already making a big impression! The seasonal latte flavors are phenomenal--they strike the perfect balance of creativity and authenticity, never tasting artificial. There's always at least one flavor I can't resist coming back for. Their spam musubi is a morning game-changer--small yet filling and satisfying every time. And the pastries? Delicious and distinct. I love seeing what new baked goods show up on the counter. I've yet to try one I didn't love. I'm not much of an energy drink consumer, but I recently branched out to try the "Volcanic Ash" Tsunami energy. I appreciate that the energy drinks are plant based with natural caffeine. They aren't too carbonated in a way that burns my throat. Just refreshing and delicious. Now I have a whole new section of their menu to work through because it was I also love how the cafe brings Samoan culture to the forefront, from celebrating Samoan national holidays to creating a space that feels so warm and inviting. The decor, especially the lovely purple tones, makes it such a pleasant place to relax. Families will appreciate the thoughtful touch of a designated play area for kids--a small but meaningful detail that makes everyone feel welcome. If you're looking for a place that serves amazing coffee, food, and culture, Apelu Island Cafe is a must-visit! read more
1 year ago
Talofa! I'm proud to call this cafe a reflection of my Samoan roots. You will feel good vibes right upon entrance and greeted with beautiful smiles and hearty hellos. With its mouth-watering food and incredible drinks, it's a true gem. My personal favorite is the Lava Flow, and I highly recommend giving it a try. Fa'afetai. read more
7 months ago
Usually coffee shops are a good place for quiet and getting work done. This coffee shop is not. For some reason they have a section for toddlers to play with toys. When I was here there were young kids playing very loudly with the toys (Banging stuff and yelling). It was very hard to get any work done in this environment. The service was good and the latte was great. Just very loud. Also when I was here there were like 4 staff members behind the counter all talking very loudly and laughing amongst themselves. Not sure why they need so many people in such a small place. Decent place if u have some ear plugs. read more
Came here on an off day to finally try after multiple failed attempts (they were always closed when I wanted to visit lol) and do some planning. I loved the open atmosphere and everyone was very nice and friendly. I ordered a Spam Masubi with egg, an iced Apelu latte and a taro cupcake. The Spam Masubi was a warm yummy bite and I enjoyed it. The latte was solid and I was surprised and pleased with how light the cupcake was it was moist with more of a mousse like topping instead of traditional buttercream. I ended up not plugging in my laptop as there weren't any outlets accessible to where I was sitting. Instead I just did some work in my planner and notebook which was pretty productive. Overall I enjoyed my visit and can't wait to try other items. read more
Wow! You get an Island vibe soon as you walk in. Alot of Island decor, so you do get feeling. ,A local Pacific Islander hangout. Not to mention family friendly. They have a little spot where kids can play. I am an Ube lover so tried the Ube smoothie and Ube cream filled tart. Smoothie was tasty, but the pastry I really enjoyed. They have other yummy pastries that I do want to try when I come back. If you want to be transported back to the Island then this is the spot. Great drinks, pastries and the people are so wonderful, warm and welcoming! Definitely will come back! read more
2 years ago
This place is an absolute Oasis in 95° Virginia. Go over there and get one of the little fruit tarts, a large lava flow and a spam musubi. The three lovely ladies work in the counter will have you squared away shortly. For example, if you're already eating your fruit tart and halfway through the spam delight as well. Definitely a nice environment in here, families have their kids crawling around, some folks doing work and the rest. Rest just enjoying the good music and sitting down. Very happy to have found this spot. Hope to come back soon. read more
I've already given a review but I have to come back and give another one. The food is so good here. I haven't had not one bad drink in the house and I am going down the list to try everything. The staff is super friendly I've known of them for years in passing but had no idea they owned a restaurant. I'm glad I stumbled across it because the atmosphere is amazing. They even have a place for the kids to hang out for a bit while parents can come in and take a load off of girlfriend or even the guys can come in and hang. Literally the best coffee in town. Love them! Everything on that menu I posted was fire! read more
1 year ago
I come to Apelu Cafe often and its normally busy, which is good. Sometimes that makes it hard to find a spot and enjoy my drink and/ or food. Food: I love the taro cupcake. I am not a taro fan, but the cupcake has this cream on top and mixed with the cake is "chef kiss" it is moist and reasonably priced. Their bagel sandwiches are great as well. They can be a bit of a wait sometimes, especially if they are busy. They also have amazing drinks as well, but my favorite has been Spring Fling Matcha. The matcha is not sweet and blends really well with the lavender cold foam. Service: Their service is top notch. They are a family-owned business, and it shows. They greet everyone that come through the establishment. They also provide a stamp card and once you reach a certain amount a visit you get a free drink. Ambiance: It's a cozy coffee shop. The only issue is when it gets busy, you can't find a place to sit down. They also have a children place station, which is extremely thoughtful of the owners. Parents can come and enjoy their drinks while their kids are at the play station. read more
7 months ago
Walked into a beautiful and cozy coffee shop.. friendly staff with sweet smiles.. Apelu latte with coconut milk and a breakfast burrito that's better than any chain coffee shop I've been to.. and the price was more affordable than the chain coffee shops too! I'll be back! read more
Apelu Island Cafe is a new locally owned business in Norfolk, VA that offers an array of Polynesian inspired pastries, coffee, lattes, frappes and energy drinks. Ube tarts, taro cupcakes, & chocolate haupia pie line the glass cases. You will also find pastry classics such as muffins, macarons & their bread pudding , which I highly recommend! It's a moderately sweet thick piece of heaven. Their chocolate haupia pie instantly made me a fan! The soft, smooth texture and creaminess was a tropical explosion of coconut and chocolate. Not a sweets fan? They got your covered with some savory eats with musubi, & bagel sandwiches. The spacious cafe's atmosphere emanates a fusion of Samoan heritage & farmhouse chic with incorporation of biophilic interior design. One can sense that family is valued with a kiddie area available with kid sized seating & toys. Not only does the ambiance espouse feelings of calm & happy, but their eye pleasing, vibrant colored drinks exudes an unstoppable energy. Don't delay put them on your regular rotation! read more
I'm a fan of Apelu Island Cafe! I'm always on the hunt for a spot that will be nice for myself and my 2 year old. I knew that when we went, she would be getting a delicious treat. But I was surprised to see that she was able to play in a designated play area in the cafe. It made me feel happy to see that my daughter could partake in something at the cafe! Aside from that, my brother and I ordered from their cold brew menu. I got the French vanilla pistachio with almond milk and he got the salted caramel cheesecake. We loved both of our coffees. They weren't too sweet and they hit the spot. Food wise, we got the taro cupcake and a pistachio muffin to share. My brother got a spam masubi for himself. It was all so good. Literally have no complaints except for that I didn't get enough. lol. I have a reel about it on my foodie insta @joulesdafoodie ... I definitely forgot to take pics so all of these are just screenshots from my video. I'm definitely coming back to this spot when I'm back in town. This is on my list of favorite coffee places in the 757!!! A plus is that this is a Samoan-owned place... the decor is amazing and takes you on a mini trip to the islands. I love supporting minority-owned businesses!! read more
Business owner information
Olive A.
We loved your reel SO MUCH, but love that you all enjoyed your visit…
6 months ago
Love love love this place!! Customer Service was wonderful and tastes of the islands. Coffee was also great read more
My SIL found them through IG, and we came out on a Saturday morning. There is plenty of parking, and the interior is surprisingly spacious! The chairs as well are so comfortable, I'd imagine this would be a wonderful spot for those who work on laptops, etc. They have a nice variety of coffee, bakery items, and drinks in general. I went with their taro macchiato (hot) and I really enjoyed it. You get the taro but it wasn't too sweet or too overpowering. It was a very nice balance while also being very smooth. The staff were so wonderful and patient. The entire staff today were ladies (woo!) and they were ALL so sweet and kind. It took us a second to figure out what we wanted, and they were more than patient and made sure we knew what we were ordering. We sat to drink our drinks for a bit and they came over and gave us some cookies! They said they were including them with our purchase today. I thought that was so incredibly nice. The cookies were purple so I say they were ube/taro?? Some had white chocolate chips and they were all so delicious! These cookies had a chewy center and yet it was slightly crispy on the outside. I'd eat the entire little bag they gave us on my own if nobody else wanted one haha. Put these on your menu! My daughter got a drink from the case and it was a very nice lychee drink with pieces inside. It wasn't too sweet, and was very tasty from what I tried. I'm glad she had a fun option to try while we had coffee. She also had their spam masubi, and she ate the entire thing. She offered me a piece but I could see in her eyes that she hoped I'd say no LOL. She said 10/10 for her experience. I'd easily say we all really enjoyed our visit here. The drive is a bit far from us, but if we find ourselves in the area, we're more than likely going to have this on our radar. read more
Business owner information
Olive A.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this amazing review!…
1 year ago
This cafe was soooo good! Everything was so good and delicious!!! I got a Chai Matcha Tea and a Banana Pudding Cookie. It was so delicious and yummy! My sister and parents got a Mixed Berry Smoothie and my dad got a Ube Latte. My mom got a Dragon Fruit Drink. Everyone loved their drinks and cookies/desserts.The employees were so nice and friendly. This cafe has a play area for little kids and comfy seating.The decor for the cafe is so nice it gives a great island vibe! They also sell Pure Samoan coffee. I really recommend this cafe I'll definitely be coming back here! Hope this review helps other people check this great Cafe!!! read more
The highly anticipated cafe has finally opened! This Samoan owned business has been making an appearance at the Little Creek League fields and the community has been patiently waiting for this moment! The store is located in a shopping center where there's a significant amount of parking spots. When you walk in, the decor is beautiful! Modern, peaceful, and full of culture! One of my favorite parts of the decor is the word "talofa" right on the front counter. Not only is the sign etched with traditional patterns, but they sell coasters with them too! The store uplifts other business owners such as Jenellycakes and features her baked goods. They have breakfast sandwiches, which I have yet to try but I look forward future visits. When I ordered, I got the bread pudding and Apelu island latte. The drink is flavored with coconut and hazelnut, topped with taro cold foam. Delicious. I got the white taro mocha for my coworker and they enjoyed their drink as well! Visits back are a guarantee from me read more
Business owner information
Olive A.
We're so thankful that you took the time to leave us such a kind…
To start off Apelu has such a welcoming atmosphere from the interior decorating to the staff! My mom and I collectively ordered the Taro Cinnamon Bun, Bread Budding with raisins, Blueberry Lemon muffin, Island Time Latte, and the Caramel Apple Butter Macchiato. All the items were just the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor where every note shined through. Will definitely be back! read more
3 years ago
Wow! I just stopped by, and I'm in awe of how cute this little shop is. This place is the best place for all the mommas out there who are looking to drink coffee with their mini. The inside has a children's area full of toys to keep the little ones occupied if you're meeting with some friends. Which I just so happened to make today! I had the sugar cookie mocha which was part of their Christmas specialty menu. Along with the macarons that were Christmas themed. They were whimsical and delicious. There's a lot of options as far as drinks and treats. This location is conveniently placed, and near a variety of stores. You can pick up a coffee in your way to Thrift Store City, or even a quick stop to the neighborhood Walmart. The staff is friendly, and will definitely make your day. Go ahead and give this place a try! read more
Business owner information
Olive A.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this amazing…
Oh. My. Apelu! This place is beautiful, welcoming and unique! The inside furnishing is gorgeous, spacious and comfortable. There is even a small play area for little ones, equipped for a good range of kids, with a child friendly movie running on a wall mounted tv. There was a wooden tic tac toe game, plenty of seating for small and large parties and even a cute little spot of earrings for sale that totally match the island vibe of this cafe. Now to the good stuff- the coffee & food! When I say this was some of the BEST items I've had in a hot minute, I truly mean it. I got the Apelu Island Latte (iced), this sweet but not too sweet iced coffee was topped beautifully with a royal purple sweet cream cold foam that was Taro flavored! To me, Taro tastes like a sweet almond flavour. It was chefs kiss. The bagel, I can't recall the name, but it was a pimento cheese egg and spinach (has sausage but I removed it). It was incredible and HOT! 10/10, I've already raved about it to a ton of friends and I cannot wait to go back. The workers were so sweet AND during our visit, there was 2-3 other women that came in, individually. They were greeted warmly like they were old friends and the owner (I'm assuming) knew their orders right away. They confirmed they wanted "their usual" & were so happy leaving. You can tell they take pride in their art & their relationships they build at this cafe. I can't wait to be a regular with a "usual" order as well read more
1 year ago
Best cold brew in the 757. My husband and I have been here twice now on a Saturday morning. We love it. Very welcoming atmosphere. The staff is friendly and the service is quick. We have lived here for 3 years now and have yet to find a better coffee shop. read more
This place is a total gem. The atmosphere is welcoming. The staff is always accommodating and cheerful. The coffee is the best I've had in Norfolk. I am obsessed with taro everything. Taro cold foam? Yes please. The taro cupcakes are my new most favorite thing ever. I want them for my birthday! New goal is to try everything on the menu. read more
Apelu Island Cafe has quickly become one of my new and favorite happy places. It is a Polynesian specialty coffee shop that offers a wide selection of craft coffee and espresso beverages, frappes, loose leaf teas, lattes, and so much more. If you are not a coffee person, such as myself, you are still in good hands. They offer a variety of Lotus Tsunami energy drinks, craft lemonades, refreshers, and smoothies. A number of pastries and a few items from their food menu are also available. Apelu Island Cafe is a small family business that opened in November of last year in the Little Creek Square Shopping Center under the ownership of four Samoan sisters who are as nice as they can be. A Walmart Neighborhood Market occupies the same shopping complex. Apelu is stationed to the immediate right of an Army Career Center toward the left hand end. Parking spaces are abundant. Their front window is etched with the following message that gives you a clue for the type of vibe you will encounter inside: WE-RUN-ON-SAMOAN-TIME. I feel instantly more relaxed as soon as I enter. It feels like an indoor island paradise where time has slowed down. There is a communal sitting area to the right as you enter with a sofa and arm chairs. A number of tables and chairs are available throughout for dining. The decor is splashed with beautiful tropical touches on their walls and throughout their interior. There is a play area for children that adds to its family friendly vibe. A number of their customers have greeted me when I was inside, which made me feel right at home. The word TALOFA is displayed in front of their counter, which means HELLO in Samoan. This is where you place your order with their pastries also displayed and their menus shown overhead. One of the Samoan sisters is always there to greet me and answer any questions I may have. When my order is ready, they bring it out to me. I have enjoyed the following so far from different sections of their menu: THE PACIFIC: This one is listed under their TSUNAMI ENERGY menu with their drinks described as follows: "Made with Lotus! A plant-based energy blend of earth's 7 power plants, B-vitamins, amino acids, and natural caffeine!" This drink is made with Blue Raspberry, Green Apple, Coconut, and Cold Foam. Its flavors came together exquisitely while delivering a mild energy boost that was relaxing as well. My Rating: 5 Stars. TARO-LICIOUS : This is another drink from their TSUNAMI ENERGY menu and is made with Taro, Coconut, and Cold Foam. This one is my favorite of the two, mainly because I love all things made with Taro. Its flavors came through beautifully with a rich and foamy taro taste and texture that was heavenly, along with its gentle energy boost. My Rating: 5-Plus Stars. LAVA FLOW: This is an entry from their craft LEMONADE menu. This one is made with Pineapple, Mango, and blended with Ling-Hi Mui, which is a sweet and salty seasoning made with dried plums, sugar, and licorice. Ling-Hi Mui is popular in Hawaii and Asia and is often sprinkled on fruits, beverages, and other snacks for added flavor. In combination with the other ingredients, it sent this lemonade drink over the top for a uniquely sublime taste experience. My Rating: 5-Plus Stars. LUCKY LEPRECHAUN LEMONADE: This was a special craft LEMONADE drink made available in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. It consisted of Kiwi, Mango, and Cantaloupe Cold Foam, creating a colorful combination that was most fitting for this holiday and was profoundly delicious as well. My Rating: 5 Stars. TARO CUPCAKE: This is the only one of their PASTRIES I have tried so far, and it did not disappoint. It exhibited a moist and flaky texture with a cream topping and a taro flavor that came through with flying colors. My Rating: 5 Stars. SPAM MUSUBI: This was an entry from their FOOD MENU and consisted of Lightly Fried Spam, Rice, and Furikake wrapped in Seaweed. Spam Musubi is a snack dish that was created by Japanese Americans in Hawaii after World War 2. The version served here was a bit smaller than some I've had elsewhere, but its classic flavors came through with full force. The only thing I found missing for my tastes was a little bit of sauce to go with it. My Rating: 4.5 Stars. PIMENTO CHEESE BAGEL: Another entry from their FOOD MENU, this one is made with House Made Pimento Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Egg, Sausage, and Spinach in an Everything Bagel sandwich. The combination of ingredients was incredibly filling and delicious. It kept me full for the rest of the day, and I never got hungry for dinner. My Rating: 5-Plus Stars. My work here is nowhere near done. I've also got my eye on their Ube Tart, their Ube Cupcake, and their Guava Strawberry Cupcake for future visits, as well as a few more of their specialty drinks. This review comes with a slam dunk 5-star rating, and this wonderful Samoan family owned business can count me in as a regular customer going forward. read more
Business owner information
Olive A.
Such an AMAZING review, thank you so much for taking the time to…
2 years ago
Our favorite Sunday spot to go to! Love the kids area and the staff are always so friendly. The coffees are delicious as well as our go to the pimento cheese bagel. I die for the crumb cake....its sooooo delicious. Highly recommend for families with children or anyone just needing a coffee! read more
3 years ago
You get transported to the Samoan Islands as you step into this cafe. It's a wet gloomy day but it's a welcome change when your destination is this new gem. They offer pastries, macarons, breads, crumb cake. I brought home the taro cupcake and the pistachio muffin. They still showcased their Valentines Special drinks - told you Valentines is celebrated for a month (or longer) not just a day. On the walls are everything Polynesian - from the wallpaper of monsters to the framed write up about Samoa and Apia, garlands, Polynesian handcrafted earrings for sale, oh there's way too much for me to take in. Service is top notch, with friendly greetings and warm smiles, you can close your eyes and feel the breeze, palm trees swaying and lei adorning your neckline and ukulele playing in the background. The space is wonderful, open, bright, comfy with various seating available to you from A commune bench to arm chairs and sofa. Very trendy and modern and classy. Angela and Melissa are wonderful. Congrats with this community cafe that aims to bring the island warmth, hospitality, togetherness. read more
Business owner information
Olive A.
We're so happy you loved your visit with us and are so grateful for…
6 months ago
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1710 E Little Creek Rd
Ste 104
Norfolk, VA 23518
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(757) 338-6125
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Apelu Island Cafe - bagels - Updated October 2026
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