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Black Spice

3.9 (42 reviews)
Closed • 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

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Shrimp and grits
Shilisa D.

Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon for Brunch, and we were seated immediately. It wasn't crowded at all, only about six were seated. Parking can be an issue off or on Granby Street so plan accordingly. Jenny was our server and she seemed a little discombobulated and new to serving. It took her forever to take our order and her attentiveness was lacking. Now to the food, chef Tonya did her thing. The banana-pecan waffles were delicious. The waffles were light and fluffy. The shrimp and grits were scrumptious. The grits were cooked to perfection and not gritty.

Black Spice Burger
Jackie S.

10/10 must visit. Don't judge a book by its cover haha. There isn't a ton of seating, but the food is absolutely crazy good! Best Burger I ever had! The portion size for the fries was small, but they were so good and filling I ended up not caring haha. The cocktails were amazingggg. Their special spices are killer. Service was super friendly, a touch slow, but seriously a must stop!

Bread pudding
Thiane G.

I visited this restaurant during restaurant week and loved the food. I decided it would be great to visit with friends for a brunch. We were seated right away when we arrived. The brunch menu had a lot of great options. I went with the shrimp and grits with a side of breakfast potatoes. It was amazing! One of the best shrimp and grits plate I've had. The food is flavorful, fresh, and presented nicely. We finished the meal with some of their bread pudding. Looking forward to my next visit!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Braised Short Rib
Leira S.

Was recommended this place and it has been on our date night bucket list since then. Unfortunately it did not surpass our standards which I did not believe are far too high to reach. The atmosphere is really cute and artistic as there is a mural and a consistent vibe throughout the restaurant. Our service was definitely not the best as we have received being that the hostess was also the bartender, waitress, and working the entire floor by also going in to the kitchen. We ordered : Black Spice Wings - Deliciously seasoned and not overly salty to which I have experienced far more often than not. These are our favorite to what we had ordered. Parmesan Crusted Chicken - This dish was oddly wet upon arrival? It seems as though this dish was prepared and/or frozen ahead of time then baked. Considering the hardened ends of rice that the chicken was stuffed with. Braised Short Ribs - The meat in this was extremely tough to which only having received a fork in a napkin was not helpful in the slightest. The mashed potatoes it was accompanied by were also not seasoned in the slightest. I would like to note that it was incredibly noticeable how we were not put in regards of our waitress as she did not check in on our table once we had received any of our items. As the night went on and the restaurant emptied , the singular waitress seated another couple directly next to us, which would not have been an issue had we received the same type of care as the rest. We also did not receive any type of napkins or silverware until asked , especially once receiving finger foods which I find that very odd.

Red snapper  Blackberry margarita
Zie B.

This plate was $35. Not worth the price at all. The greens tasted liked canned greens. The fish was okay. The service was okay. We were a party of 3 and we all received our plates at different times. The decor was nice, but the lighting was too bright. Overall, honestly I do not recommend.

Dominique M.

This place did not disappoint. For girls night last night me and my homegirl had a great time in this establishment. Cookie our waitress was excellent. We even meet the chef DJ and he was awesome. But the food was great too. We ordered the crab fondue and the lobster eggrolls. Cookies suggested to dip the eggroll in fondue and that was great. For an entree I got the lamb chops and the glaze on them was on point. This is a great lil date night spot .

Crab mac and cheese
Chastity C.

Black Spice is truly a hidden gem in downtown Norfolk. While it's a smaller, more intimate spot, the atmosphere feels welcoming and cozy. The bartender--who also served our table--was fantastic, offering friendly, attentive service that made the experience even better. Their happy hour is a great deal, featuring 50 % off appetizers that are hard to pass up. I ordered the seafood mac and cheese and the wings, and both were absolutely delicious--rich, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. I'll definitely be returning to enjoy more of what this spot has to offer.

Strawberry Thyme Margarita
Kristen T.

Black Spice has been on my list of restaurants to try, so we decided to check it out during Downtown Norfolk restaurant week! Food, drinks, and service were 10/10! We dined off the restaurant week menu and had a 3 course meal. We tried the shrimp toast, curry chicken eggrolls, the rib eye, seafood stuffed salmon, and the lemon blueberry bread pudding. EVERYTHING was amazing! We also had the strawberry thyme margarita and the burnt orange smash (both tequila based), and neither disappointed. The bartender, Tam, knows how to make a drink! Everything came out fresh and fast. The restaurant has a nice, relaxing vibe to it. I took a look at their regular menu and definitely plan to visit again!

Lobster egg rolls
Keani W.

I loved everything that came to the table! It is a small restaurant and I believe the person working up front was both waitressing and bartending. With that being said service was a little slow but we weren't in a rush and my party was enjoying the jazz music playing and each other's company. Both the waitress and the chef were cool and made sure to check in anytime they walked by. The chef brought out something they had created and let us try. If they add it to the menu I would definitely order it. We came during happy hour and their lemon drops and appetizers were half off. We ordered lobster egg rolls, wings, crab Mac and the salmon fondue for the table. I ordered the Jerk Snapper for my entree and subbed the plantain mash for regular mashed potatoes. Everything came out hot and the flavors were on point! I took the rest my entree for lunch today and it just as good reheated. I'm definitely going back to try more menu items. The only thing I wish was the egg roll was a little crispier. I think the juiciness of the filling played a big part in that but I still enjoyed it and the sauce that came on the side. I really don't think you can miss by going to Black Spice.

Entry
Candice P.

Black Spice truly shines in its culinary offerings. We started our meal with the Lobster Egg Rolls which were sweet little bites of heaven. They are packed with succulent lobster meat, perfectly seasoned, and wrapped in a crispy shell. They come with a sweet dipping sauce that perfectly compliments the flavors. For my entree I had the Salmon which was cooked perfectly and served on a bed of the best sweet potatoes I've had this year. Black Spice is a must visit for anyone visiting the Waterside district looking for a delicious experience.

Braised short rib that was delicious. Incredibly tender and the mash potatoes and gravy were delicious.
Todd V.

They have been opened for about a year. The first time we tried going there they asked us to come back in 30 minutes because the staff did not show up. So we went somewhere else. Tonight, the bartender was also the entire wait staff, food server, bus person, bar back, and janitor. It took 15 minutes to place our drink and food order. 20 minutes later we got our espresso martini and Diet Coke. Another 20 minutes to get our food. We had to flag down the bartender to get our check, but it came out immediately. The restaurant was really warm and even the bartender was fanning herself along with a couple of customers. The food, however, was very good. My wife ordered the jerk snapper. They were out of snapper and offered salmon instead. It was really good, but the snapper would have been a better fish for the jerk sauce. Not a lot of salmon running in Jamaica. I had the braised short ribs with nothing but positive comments on that. It was flavorful and fall off the bone tender. I picked Black Spice because they had bread pudding on the menu. Unfortunately, they did not have it tonight. I was really disappointed. My recommendation is this. They are obviously having staffing issues. Go for the good food, and be prepared for the slow service.

Garlic Parmesan Fries

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Reviews are mixed. Many highlight the creative menu options, friendly and attentive staff, and a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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Saltine - P.E.I. Mussels

Saltine

3.9(933 reviews)
0.3 mi
•$$$

Stopped in for brunch on a Saturday when my friend was in town staying in Norfolk, and had such a…read moregreat experience! They have an awesome brunch menu with $3 Bloody Marys and mimosas, which is always a great way to kick off the weekend. I went with an espresso martini, and it was delicious! Our bartender was phenomenal, super friendly and attentive, and really made the experience even better. For food, my friend ordered the she-crab soup and a Caesar salad, while I went with the Blue Crab Benedict. It came with a lump crab cake, poached egg, hollandaise, a tender butter biscuit, grilled tomato, and Old Bay. If you're a fan of seafood and brunch, this is definitely a dish worth checking out! The combination of crab, egg, and hollandaise is such a classic, and I loved seeing a local seafood twist on a brunch favorite. Between the food, drinks, and service, this was a great spot for a Saturday brunch. I always appreciate a restaurant that has a solid brunch menu and a fun drink selection without making the experience feel rushed. Our bartender really stood out and deserves a shoutout for being so great! I'll definitely be back! I was eyeing the Moules Frites on the menu and already know that's what I'll be trying next time. There were several other things that caught my attention, so I have a feeling this won't be my last visit. If you're looking for a fun brunch spot with great drink specials, seafood options, and fantastic service, add this one to your list!

Wonderful place to get great cocktails! I highly recommend the ole' fashion. You get what you pay…read morefor. Noah was our server and he went above and beyond to make our social gathering even better. The Red Snapper, trout and the crab cakes were beautiful. Very cool environment! Eclectic and trendy. Definitely going back! BTW: She Crab Soup is extremely good.

Photos
Saltine - One of the several dining areas

One of the several dining areas

Saltine - Oysters were wonderful

Oysters were wonderful

Saltine - Old Fashioned

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Old Fashioned

Grain - chicken Brussel sprouts and sweet potato

Grain

3.5(866 reviews)
0.2 mi
•$$

We lucked out and stayed in one of the nicest Hiltons in the area. Three of the popular restaurants…read morereside in this Hilton. The one that stands out is Grain. Located on the 5th floor of this high rise hotel, Grain has indoor and outdoor space. The outdoor space is super cute with its comfy couches and yard games. In the winter(not now) there are table top fire pits. The view is of the surrounding buildings. Inside is the sweet spot because the staff excels. We were there during the day and then at last call in the evening. Both times, the staff went out of their way to make sure we were serviced. We only came for drinks but prices were very reasonable. Since we had F&B credit, we used it for cocktails.

This was my 2nd visit and will likely be my last... at least for food. I ordered the mahi mahi…read moretacos. They were unseasoned and rather dry. They were served with a side of cucumber kimchi. As I cannot eat kimchi, I requested to switch the side for another side on the menu and wasn't permitted to do so. I was told the side that came with the meal is only a portion of a regular side on the menu so it wouldn't have been an even trade. Note, the cucumber kimchi is listed as a side option. I'd have to pay extra. [Could you not have made a smaller portion like you do the cucumber kimchi?] I was turned off by the inability to accommodate a dietary restriction. My friend got the happy hour smashburger and a side of fries. They were both just alright to her. The ambiance is always nice. It's spacious with a large balcony, decent bar area, & cute photo booth. I really enjoyed the live music the first time I went. And the view! The beer & drink selection is good as well. We had a happy hour Cab and Grain Royale and were pleased. Note, on the bill, the tip suggestions are calculated based on the regular menu prices, not the happy hour prices. Luckily, we caught it because it wasn't conveyed anywhere.

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Grain - Chicken tenders Appetizer

Chicken tenders Appetizer

Grain - Inside area

Inside area

Grain - Easter Sunday 2023

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Easter Sunday 2023

Gershwin's - French onion soup

Gershwin's

3.7(344 reviews)
0.1 mi
•$$$

The bartenders were very friendly and the drinks were great. I loved the short rib, it doesnt have…read morea gravy with it, so I asked for the stew/sauce it is cooked in. They gave me a side of it and it was excellent! My husband loved the lamb and the truffle fries were great. We were bummed no piano player showed up, but the food, drinks and great service means we will be back.

It would be zero stars if possible. And I can honestly say that I've eaten in restaurants across…read morethe world and the US, at many different price points and this was hands down the worst culinary experience of my life. If this restaurant was in an area that was even moderately competitive they would have been put out of business. The bar seems adequate but it was almost like they stopped serving food and forgot to tell anyone. I swear I'm not making this up, this actually happened: 1) it took over 2.5 hours for the entrees to come out. One came out so early that by the time the second set came out they were already done. 2) The only appetizer that was ordered that actually came out, arrived after the entree was done. 3) One person's order had to be changed 5x because the waiter kept coming back to say they're out. When his pork chop finally arrived, it was undercooked and not eatable. 4) Nothing was offered in any way as a comp, nor any real apology If you go, be wary. There is no way they were this thoroughly incompetent in every single aspect of the food services industry without practice.

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Gershwin's
Gershwin's - Filet mignon and green beans

Filet mignon and green beans

Gershwin's - Pre concert drinks

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Pre concert drinks

Vang Go Bistro - Gift Certificate The Experiment

Vang Go Bistro

4.7(99 reviews)
1.6 mi
•$$
Family-owned & operated
Free parking

This was a great dining experience with great food, a nice atmosphere and a very good server!…read more We stopped into try a few bites and loved the food that we tried: The mojo pork taco The shredded Jamaican jerk chicken taco The spring rolls Everything had great flavor and was fresh! Want to go back and try more of their delicious food! It's not overly large inside so coming at an off time (right at 4) we were able to get a seat but I bet it can get busy! They do have outside dining so if it's not too hot or cold there is that option!

We visited on a Wednesday evening around 7pm with a party of three. We ordered two Sapporos, a…read moreshrimp sandwich, an order of Vang rolls, and two garlic noodles. The restaurant was fairly empty, with only three other tables occupied, so we were surprised by the length of the wait. Our two canned Sapporos didn't arrive until about 30 minutes after ordering. The shrimp sandwich took approximately 45 minutes, and the Vang rolls arrived after about an hour. After waiting an hour, we were informed that the garlic shrimp for our garlic noodles was unavailable, despite it being part of our original order. Unfortunately, the Vang rolls were so salty that we couldn't finish them. Throughout the meal, our water glasses were never refilled, and there was little communication about the delays or unavailable menu items. After roughly 90 minutes of waiting, multiple delays, and learning that several items were unavailable, we decided to pay for what we had received the two Sapporos, the shrimp sandwich, and the Vang rolls, which came to about $70. Perhaps we visited on an off night, but the combination of the slow service, poor communication, unavailable menu items, and disappointing food quality made for a frustrating experience. Based on this visit, I don't see myself returning. +1 Vibe +0 Taste +0 Presentation +0 Service +0 Value

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Vang Go Bistro - Gift Cert $25

Gift Cert $25

Vang Go Bistro - Gift Certificates

Gift Certificates

Vang Go Bistro - Side of Pickled Bean Sprouts

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Side of Pickled Bean Sprouts

Luce - This delightful dessert is served warm

Luce

4.5(606 reviews)
0.0 mi
•$$$

Date night with hubby before seeing a play, so Luce was the perfect location. We didn't have…read morereservations but only a 30 min wait. The hostess / waitress was great. We ordered bruschetta, mussels and the tenderloin. Everything was delicious, especially the mussels, but the tenderloin was medium rare when we asked it to be medium, the sauce was STRONG - so we scraped it and used the left over sauce from the mussels. Not sure if I'd order the tenderloin again but highly recommended the rest.

The food at Luce was absolutely phenomenal! We started with the toasted goat cheese and pesto,…read morebruschetta, and clams in brodo. Everything was delicious, but the goat cheese with pesto was easily our favorite! For our main courses, we ordered the pinsa margherita, hunter's sausage, and lobster and prosecco gnocchi. The hunter's sausage was the standout for us, but honestly, you can't go wrong with any of these dishes! The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, but that adds to its charm. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes it perfect for a date night or a nice evening out. We were lucky enough to grab seats at the bar without a wait, but next time we'll definitely be making reservations in advance to get a table. Overall, the food, ambiance, and entire dining experience were amazing. Luce is absolutely worth a visit, and we'll definitely be back!

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Luce - Bar

Bar

Luce - Prosciutto pinsa

Prosciutto pinsa

Luce - Old fashion

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Old fashion

Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas - Bison sliders

Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas

4.2(499 reviews)
1.1 mi
•$$

Our friends have been raving about Still and we decided to make reservations for a date night. It's…read moretime to bring some spotlight to this hidden gem, nestled in Olde Town Portsmouth. The vibe is whatever you want it to be, as some were dressed up & others were casual. We made reservations a few days ahead of time for a Friday night, but walks in were welcome & it's wasn't crowded when we arrived. When it comes to the parking situation, avoid the lot beside Still that's is labeled for the Mustard Seed Place. (We almost were towed but came back in the nick of time). We thought the open spaces without signs were open parking spots since the other spots were clearly labeled for Mustard Seed Place & Bon Secours. We entered the side door and were instantly transported into a basement speakeasy feeling restaurant. The host asked if we had reservations & then we were immediately seated. We enjoyed a small table lit candle and were surrounded by other couples without feeling too close or subtracting from the intimacy. We started with drinks: ~A Pineapple Bourbon Honey Sour - a well balanced drink that was tastefully sweet. ~Lavender 75 - I was initially cautious of gin, but the waitress assured me it was delicious & she was right. ~Old Fashioned - perfect! For Tapas we ordered: ~ Cornbread - cooked to absolute perfection, crispy on the outside, but moist & cake like on the inside. As a lavender girly, the lavender butter was delectable and subtle. I need inquire about buying some of that to go! ~Brussels (my FAV) - this was the largest plate and the Brussels were cooked to perfection and sauced in a tasty concoction. ~Bacon Wrapped Tots - served with 4 on a skewer. We initially were going to skip these because the name sounded like bacon and tater tots, but were pleasantly surprised that the tot was a homemade, cheesy, delicious latke like creation. (Another fav) ~Beef Filet - served with mashed potatoes and mustard seeds. This was also cooked perfectly & tasted delicious but was gone after we both shared a bite. All in all, this restaurant is a must visit, keeping in mind that the portions are intentionally smaller so you can share and try multiple items. The items do not come out in the sequence you order them, so I'm glad we ordered everything at once. The service was great and we look forward to visiting again. One small note, would be to fix the table legs. We ended up stuffing a napkin under a leg to keep it from wobbling. But that didn't finish our experience.

If the food could talk, it'd have a lot to say... mostly about eating its peers. Every dish was…read moremeaningful, elegant, and downright divine. And those duck tacos? Easily getting my vote for president. Cozy, cave-like atmosphere, genuinely personable staff, dreamy drinks, and every bite worth it. Magical, welcoming, and absolutely date-night approved. 11/10. Would eat here again and campaign for those tacos.

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Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas - Amazing bar

Amazing bar

Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas - Mussels fra diavola... good but not spicy

Mussels fra diavola... good but not spicy

Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas - Bread pudding

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Bread pudding

Black Spice - seafood - Updated October 2026

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