This was an awesome experience: I me too great servers and the food was certainly in the top…read morescoring realm. My phone was about to die and believe it or Not Anna and Madison went above and beyond to at least find a charger for me. My review for restaurants and servers are now on a different platform in Italy. But for those who remember me do know that I don't hesitate to be blunt. Well this place is ligit. And thanks to these 2 angels. I was very satisfied all around

Came to Freemason abbey for the first time for lunch and absolutely enjoyed…read more Inside, it looks like an older building, full of history, but still nice. We had a reservation, so we were seated immediately upon arrival. It was fairly empty in there as it was lunch time. Once seated, the waiter took our drink orders and bought out complimentary bread and butter which was so good! I wasn't super hungry so i got the soup and salad combo. I was told they are known for their she crab soup, and now, i see why! It was so good. There was plenty of crab meat in the soup as well. I wasn't a fan of the bread/cracker in the soup, but the soup itself was a 10/10.

We held our command social at The Ghent in Norfolk on January 29, 2026 -- about 80 of us showed up…read morehungry, picky, and wearing name tags. Raina and her husband were absolute legends throughout the whole planning circus. They were patient, flexible, and somehow managed to make our half-formed ideas sound like genius event plans. If event-planning were a sport, they'd have a trophy case. The food? Delicious. The variety? Phenomenal. They accommodated every dietary restriction thrown at them (gluten-free, vegan, keto, "I only eat food that looks like it was prepared by a wizard") -- seriously impressive. No one went home hangry or disappointed. The Ghent itself is gorgeous -- cozy enough for a date night but spacious enough for 80 Perfect for date night, nights out with friends, or casual command socials where you want great food and zero drama. Final verdict: five stars across the board. Highly recommended

Great Place to host an event for any occasion!!!!!…read more We hosted our Command "After the Holiday" Party. We have remote workers throughout the US and Norfolk is where we call home. We decided to host it at this beautiful event and thet did not dissapoint. Everything was done so well from the food to the staff. They made us feel so comfortable and we were even able to have familes with there little ones join. They made sure everyone that was there was able to enjoy and have a great time. The Managers Mr and Mrs. Mayhung made us feel welcomed and taken care of. The staff was tryly remarkable and we are looking forward to many more events with them. Lisa Debouse

We were in town and a friend recommended the Kobros coffee so we went to Toast. I'm glad we did…read more It's a cute place with an outdoor space with benches and lots of plant life. The place inside is very cute and reminds me of a nice punk pop bar. The bar wraps around and there's some tables and a side table that we sat at to eat. I ordered one of their specialty coffees and it is quite the journey but I enjoyed it with the ginger beer and the coffee. My quiche was fluffy and delicious. It jiggled when I tapped it and the side salad tasted great with dill in it and it brightened up things. The combination of both was great. The crust on the quiche was nice as well. My spouse enjoyed their sandwich but didn't realize there was mustard so he ended up just using the chips to eat his egg and sausage. His egg was also fluffy. The patrons that came seemed friendly and you can tell who are locals since they greeted by name often. I love that this place is open. They also have local wine you can purchase. Next time we're back in town, we will visit again.

The vibe of the place is really chill and comfy. They have a really cool outdoor patio area that…read morewould be amazing to hangout at when the weather allows. Food was mid for me unfortunately. I had the midnight cowboy and wouldn't order it again. It's a turkey sandwich topped with pulled chicken, but the chicken was inedible and got taken off. Seemed like they took it from the fridge and mega nuked the chicken. It ended up being a crunchy topping on a basic turkey sandwich.

Located near Ghent and downtown Norfolk, this restaurant was a really pleasant find. The parking…read morelot is small, but we had no trouble finding street parking nearby. It was a little chilly tonight, but I imagine the outdoor seating would be perfect on a warmer evening. We didn't have a reservation, but luckily we were seated within seconds. The space itself is on the smaller side, but it's thoughtfully designed and perfect for a cozy date night. Every employee who passed by greeted us, which made the atmosphere feel especially welcoming. We started with the octopus, served with potato foam, pickled pear, and chorizo. For entrées, he ordered the duck and I had the pork bolognese. Both dishes were full of flavor and cooked perfectly. We also ordered drinks. I do wish they had come out a bit earlier so we could enjoy them sooner, but the selection was impressive. We chose the bartender's choice, which was a really fun experience. The waitress asks a few questions, and based on your answers the bartender creates a drink they think you'll love. We were too full for dessert, though they did offer four different options. Overall, we were really happy we tried this restaurant and will definitely be back.

Had dinner at Four Eleven York and sat on the patio, which was such a nice vibe--relaxed but still…read morefelt a little special. Started with the oysters, super fresh. The octopus was probably my favorite--really tender and full of flavor. I had the salmon for my main and it was cooked perfectly and everything on the plate worked well together. Service was great without being over the top. Overall just a really solid dinner spot in Norfolk, would definitely go back

Codex, its menu and its employees are wonderful…read more The Granby Street eatery is a cozy, welcoming space that combines modern and vintage decor. Because of the lack of street parking, my son chose to take a Lyft on our recent visit. It was a good choice. We were greeted and taken to a comfortable table. Service was prompt and helpful. Our last visit to Codex had been late January during Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week. But when I ordered my cocktail, telling my server my need for a cocktail straw, I was surprised at the answer. She told me that the bartender Addie remembered me, my cocktail preference and my need for a straw. I looked up and she waved at me. It felt wonderful that I has been remembered. The Vodka Martini was presented in the vintage glass so familiar to me. It was the pattern I inherited from my Mother & Aunt, so popular with the WWII generation. Addie remembered how excited I was when I first saw the glass. The menu was awesome as usual. We started with Oysters, Raw with a Citrus Mignonette. Also from the starter section we chose the yummy House Made Pimento Cheese and Everything Crackers. My entree was the Gnudi with Ramps, Chestnut, Black Pearl Mushrooms, & Asparagus in White Wine Lemon Sauce. My son chose the Tuna. Both were amazing with perfect presentation. We shared the Roasted Cauliflower, which was a culinary masterpiece. When time for the dessert menu came, my son first declined. But I remembered there was a choice that I can never pass up, When the menu arrived I was excited to see that one of my favorite desserts was still on the menu. Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Curd on the side, you are wonderful. My son first declined to share but decided to take a bite. And....that was all it took. He shared the entire cake with me. It looked so good that I took a bite before taking a picture. It was a delightful evening when I needed one the most. Both my server Laurel-Manette and Addie were welcoming and friendly. I promised to return with one of each of the many types of glasses in the vintage stemware pattern. The small one used for my cocktail was the only size they had seen. Laurel-Manette made my night when she told us that dessert was on the house. If you've never been to Codex it's a must go! There's nothing about it that I would change.

Came into codex on a very cold January night of restaurant week and was blown away by our…read moreexperience! The servers do a great job of explaining the restaurant week menu and were very open and knowledgeable about their menu. Codex itself isn't much, very much modern and industrial but still finds a way to feel warm. Our food was next. level. We really enjoyed our appetizers- the pimento cheese dip and the oyster mushrooms. I'm STILL thinking about the oyster mushrooms. Our entrees were good too! Very different in portions- I only had three scallops but my husband had a good sized steak with a PILE of fries. I was happy with my meal but something to note for sure. The sticky toffee pudding. I am speechless. Some of the best dessert I've ever had, but like that doesn't even do it justice. I can't believe we've had Codex in our neighborhood for so long and I've been sleeping on it. Don't make the same mistake as me!

Our extended family, all 13 of us, descended upon LeGrand Kitchen after enjoying a performance at…read morethe Wells Theatre, and what an incredible decision it turned out to be. A quick heads-up for first-timers: the turnoff for the parking lot behind the restaurant is easy to miss if you're relying on GPS. Several of us had to make a U-turn after the bridge. Thankfully, we had a reservation, which I highly recommend since the restaurant is not large. I'm not sure what prompted our host to choose LeGrand Kitchen, but every single one of us was glad they did. I honestly can't recall a single complaint from the entire evening. Despite our large group, the atmosphere never felt cramped. Instead, it was cozy and intimate, perfect for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or even a business meal. The menu offered a great mix of options, including both their regular menu and a seasonal specials menu, and several of us ordered from each. We shared a variety of appetizers, all of which were outstanding: pork belly with candied jalapeños, a salad with the most delicious pickled onions, a winter salad with goat cheese, pecans, and roasted squash, and pimento cheese. Every bite was a hit. Entrees ranged from regular menu favorites to specials, including the LeGrand Burger (which we later discovered was named one of Yelp's Top 100 Burgers in America), short ribs, tender and flavorful pork chops from the specials menu, and the ribeye. Every guest at the table thoroughly enjoyed their meal, so much so that we all took leftovers home. The server and kitchen were also more than willing to accommodate individual taste preferences by exchanging sides, which was appreciated by a few in our party. Dessert was just as impressive. We ordered a variety from the menu, including the Blonde, Atlantic Beach Lemon Pie, which was fresh, light, and absolutely delightful, Chocolate Pot de Crème, and Carrot Cake. Every dessert was outstanding. Our server was attentive and pleasant throughout the evening. Drinks were always full and plates were cleared promptly, and service never felt rushed or intrusive. Overall, this was one of the best dining experiences our family has had in years. Bravo, LeGrand Kitchen, we will definitely be back!

Run, don't walk to this hidden gem. Located on Granby Street in the Riverview area, it's easy to…read moremiss. They have black blinds to shield the direct sunlight as it goes down to the west. This gives the appearance of being closed. Parking is limited and located behind the restaurant and the adjacent law office. When making reservations my son was told to watch for the law office. The restaurant seating is relatively small with a large, spacious bar behind a separating wall. We were greeted by a friendly & jovial host who immediately seated us. Our two person table was comfortable with padded seats. My seat was next to a window ledge which was the perfect spot for my purse. The menu options were an absolute "WOW". Once I saw the daily specials, I knew exactly what I would order. The House-made Venison Sausage with White beans, Sea Island peas, kale, persimmons in country ham jus came with two large sausage links and an ample amount of the rest of the dish. It was a delicious mix, definitely enough to have served two. My son's entree was the Tile Fish with squash grocchi, mushrooms & brown butter vinaigrette. He proclaimed it excellent. We began the meal with appetizers. I chose the Grilled Cabbage with garlic yogurt, apples & castelvetranos. My choice was excellent. But when I saw my son's Oyster Stew with potatoes & thyme, I immediately craved it. After the meal we first declined dessert. But I decided just to take a look. What I saw sounded amazing. There was no way I could pass up the Combread Pudding in Toffee sauce with whipped cream & encrusted with candled pecans. Begging my son to share it with me, he promised only to take a bite. When he tasted that wonderful concoction he changed his mind and shared. The Cornbread Pudding is absolutely amazing. The restaurant changes their menu often. The menu items are unique dishes that offer options you won't find elsewhere. There is absolutely nothing I found wrong with LeGrand Kitchen. It was perfection.

What a GREAT meal. The service was amazing. The site is beautiful. Thank you to the staff and thank…read moreyou to Chef T who recommended the chef's counter for our special evening. Every course was delicious. The tuna tartar was luscious. The burrata salad was rich. The duck was succulent. The octopus was crispy and delicious. And, the desserts.... I couldn't eat anymore but there was no way I was leaving any behind. The cocktails were delicious- the green and amber were our favorite. Would recommended, 5 out of 5.

I can't say enough about Glass Light. When I walk in the door it feels like I'm in a big city; New…read moreYork City or Chicago or San Francisco! It's teeming with eye candy (the art! lol) yet is cozy, inviting, and mysterious. The menu is full of tantalizing and unique options. And the service is top tier! If you want a a swanky experience, you've found it!

You can NOT beat the Happy Hour app prices! Til 6 PM weekdays, dine- in only. Where else will you…read moreget this scrumptious pizza for $8??? Service is always great. I added some photos of other faves I regularly enjoy here. The Pork Chop is AMAZING, BTW! Note: if a menu item says "spicy", that means SPICY!

I met with a group of friends here before seeing a band perform inside the casino. It was very…read morecrowded, so it took longer than they predicted to be seated, and although the staff were working hard, it also took long for our food to come out. So, keep that in mind if you have plans after dining. We all enjoyed the Brussels Sprout appetizer- yummy! My cheese burger sliders were ok, maybe a little overdone, but those and the fries hit the spot. In the area? Check Them Out!

This is an excellent restaurant! The food, the service, the vibe is awesome!! Our server was great…read moreat telling us what could be made gluten-free...I really appreciate his knowledge of food allergies as it relates to ilo's menu. I started with the tuna crudo, which had a drizzle of mint. It was excellent, and the mint wasn't overpowering. I tried some of the mixed greens, tossed perfectly, and the blue cheese and dates were a great accompaniment. For my entree, I had the flounder. It was in a curry broth with peas, which was melded wonderfully with the flakiness of the fish. There were also homemade potato chips atop the fish...perfection!! For dessert, we shared the flourless chocolate cake with coffee ice cream. The cake was not as moist as some other flourless cakes I've had. I also had the violet hymns cocktail...yummy! They have several tables, and I highly recommend making a reservation. It was an excellent dining experience!!

Vibes - excellent Service - exceptional…read more This place is really intimate, cute, thoughtful, inspiring. It plays with antique vibes, but then food and cocktails are so new and bright. What an experience. Clay makes some pretty awesome drinks. Check this place out. Great date night spot or just a spot to grab a fantastic cocktail. Will have to try their wines sometime! Particularly the orange wine sounded really lovely.

We found ourselves in downtown Norfolk and opted for dinner at Gershwin's on Granby Street…read more Gershwin's continues to deliver a polished dining experience, pairing New Orleans-inspired cuisine with attentive, professional service. It's the kind of establishment that understands both execution and consistency--two qualities that are increasingly rare and always appreciated. The shrimp and grits remains a signature highlight. The Creole sauce offers a restrained heat, balanced by a layered depth of flavor that speaks to careful preparation rather than excess. The shrimp are properly cooked, retaining a delicate snap, while the stone-ground grits provide a well-seasoned, creamy foundation. Each component is thoughtfully prepared, and together they form a cohesive dish that feels both composed and satisfying--an authentic nod to Cajun tradition without unnecessary embellishment. Gershwin's stands as a reliable fixture in the downtown dining scene. For those seeking a refined take on Southern and New Orleans classics, it is well worth the visit--and a strong example of the quality found within Norfolk's local restaurant community.

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.