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    Mea Culpa Cafe

    4.7 (102 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Mea Culpa Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    MEA CULPA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Mea Culpa Cafe

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    Amir N.

    Amazing food! Service is great! Ambiance is extravagant. They have outdoor seating next to jasmine trees and the sweet smell of jasmine combined with the amazing taste of their coffee makes you feel like you're in heaven. Best breakfast spot without a doubt.

    Outside donation fridge
    George N.

    From start to finish, everything about this place was exceptional. Tucked away outside of downtown Norfolk, this charming little coffee shop offers a cozy ambience and a refreshingly creative approach to breakfast. The menu--posted on the wall--is small, with just 6 or 7 items, but it's a perfect example of "quality over quantity." We ordered nearly everything on the menu, and each dish somehow outdid the last. The inventive combinations--like corn pancakes topped with parmesan, cilantro, and egg--gave every plate a unique and memorable twist. The French toast was among the best I've ever had: perfectly crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with just the right amount of sweet, fresh cream cheese frosting. The lemon curd on the waffles was delicious. And the BLT sandwich was crispy and had a delicious sauce. Even the coffee impressed us. The flavor options were both unique and natural-tasting--not overly sweet or artificial. The staff was warm and welcoming, rounding out what was a truly outstanding experience. If you're in the area, this is an absolute must-visit for a standout breakfast. Oh they even had an outside donation fridge which I thought was really cool. Great way to help out the community.

    london fog
    Esha R.

    Love love love this little cafe hidden on a street in Norfolk. It is such a cute little house that has an amazing food pantry right outside of it and has a wrap around porch that has seating outside as well as inside! An amazing place for a cute hang to catch up with friends during the few days they are open during the week and even an amazing study spot! The artwork for the drinks are gorgeous! I always get a london fog because I don't drink coffee (I wish they had more chai/decaf options would be my one request). I especially love their brunch food items. I think they are so unique and so well decorated with the plating and knife through the unique waffle sandwich with amazingly welled cooked veggies and eggs! Highly recommend trying this place and getting food here! The service us a bit slow but that is because they take their time to make everything very fresh! I will definitely be back!

    Stephanie S.

    Good to know before you go: You can order to-go, but they don't carry plastic utensils. Overall, I do enjoy Mea Culpa. Unfortunately, I don't know if I'll be back because it's out of the way from my house and I just didn't have a great experience today. It took 45min to get our order. After about 35min of waiting, I asked if we could change our dine in order to-go because we had an appointment we needed to be at. Last time I was there, the service was quick. Today, they were busy, only had 2 employees, and it was very slow. When we got out to-go order, I asked for utensils. They said they don't carry plastic utensils. So we had to leave for our appointment, and I couldn't eat my breakfast on the way because I didn't have utensils, and I had been looking forward to this meal all week. I left feeling hungry and frustrated. The food and coffee are good though. If you have the time, I'd still recommend giving Mea Culpa a try. I really like the community fridge outside, and the aesthetic inside is really cute and cozy.

    Menu
    Jorge I.

    What a sweet spot! Make sure to pay attention when trying to find this place because it's a literal HOUSE! It's super adorable and the baristas were sweet! Hands down, probably the best Dirty Chai I've had so far, it had the right amount of sweetness and spice!

    French Toast.
    Tony B.

    This is probably my favorite Norfolk coffee spot! Love their heart for the community with the community pantry outside. The vibes are artsy. Conversations with friends are great here, but also you can go solo and get into a book. As a coffee lover the coffee was legit and the brunch was very good. Each time I've been, Josh has taken my order and he is awesome. Josh is very kind and will chat with you about anything if you want, seems like he loves what he does. There is also a covered outside area if you prefer that. Would recommend this to anyone!

    Indoor Decoration
    Jessica L.

    We were able to find parking right by the cafe. It has a chill atmosphere. We enjoyed the horchata syrup waffle and goat cheese waffle. We also got mocha lattes. It took a while for the food to come out but we weren't too bothered about it as we were just hanging out and catching up.

    Entry
    Fina K.

    Hidden gem! It show the care they give to the community. Plus the food is great! Not a big menu, but the dishes are super yummy! Will definitely go back!

    Interior
    Allison N.

    Favorite coffee shop that I visited in Norfolk! They use local beans and the coffee was made with care. They use house made syrups and their vanilla oat milk latte was so good I came back and got it a second time. Drip coffee comes with a free refill. They have a limited food menu with unique items that were all very good. We tried the banh mi and liege waffle and both were hot, fresh, and delicious! Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and the place itself is cute and quaint. Employees are friendly and service was great. Would definitely recommend if you're in Norfolk!

    Waffle sandwich (zucchini, egg, lettuce, sun dried tomatoes)
    Sikoya A.

    Came because the (very cute) name caught my eye. A heads up, don't walk past this place, it's looks like a regular two-story white house on the outside. Loved the ambiance, decor, and outdoor seating options. Plenty of outlets inside if you decide to sit and work. Owners were very kind and offered great food recommendations. The waffle sandwich was well seasoned and balanced. I'm glad I had the chance to stop by.

    London tea
    Mary-Ann L.

    I have seen reviews which really peaked my interest to discover Mea Culpa. There's nothing to profess Mea Culpa for, as the ambience, the food and the service were all wonderful. From the outside, it is just like any other houses, very simple sign that easily could be missed. But when you enter, there is nothing typical about this place. It is very light and airy, very clean lines and modern decor. You look to the side you immediately know there were very deliberate thoughts to making the customers feel welcomed to stay and enjoy their menu items. There are tables on a covered porch facing a very serene and private side of the restaurant. The food is deliciously complex and unique. The liege waffle is unlike any other waffle. I ordered the waffle breakfast sandwich which had egg, zucchini, micro greens, secret sauce. My friend ordered the savory oatmeal which she said was really good with raisins and walnuts. The specialty lattes and teas were equally phenomenal and uniquely complex. I ordered the coriander caramel latte and my friend ordered The London Tea. We both loved loved loved our beverages! If you haven't been to Mea Culpa then that's what you'll be feeling because you'll truly be missing on a fantastic experience.

    Horchata waffle
    Annabelle P.

    After tasting the first bite of these waffles, you'll need a moment to process the flavor explosion happening inside your mouth. Both the horchata waffle and the goat cheese waffle are well balanced and complex. The atmosphere is great for studying (plenty of outlets). The staff are so friendly and I can't wait to come back to try their entire menu!

    Iced vanilla oat milk latte
    Deni B.

    Honestly, not sure what I could write in this review that hasn't already been mentioned here. Mea Culpa is an incredible addition to Park Place. From ambiance to food to coffee, it's an all around wonderful experience. I stopped by to catch up with a friend on a gray rainy day. After going inside to order, we opted to try to sit on the porch regardless of rain for better air circulation. Thankfully, the porch was well covered and provided a lovely oasis from the water. We didn't get wet, but were able to listen to the rain and passersby. My iced vanilla oat milk latte was delightful and refreshing. I'm a notoriously slow coffee drinker, but downed this whole glass before the ice melted. Some of that is definitely due to the fact that they have paper straws and I wanted to finish it before my straw disintegrated - next time I'll remember my metal straw! We shared the corn pancakes and waffle with goat cheese, honey, and pistachios. Wow!! I went for the pancakes first, so the waffle wasn't warm anymore by the time I got to it. But it was definitely the star of the show!

    Caramel Latte

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    1 month ago

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    4 months ago

    normally great experience ; complete opposite today. New menu ; not the regular staff. Quality went way down in just a month.

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    Wow this place is cool with great service, good vibes and tasty waffles. Good mix between brunch and coffee shop.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Mea Culpa Cafe

    Are the corn pancakes gluten-free?

    Do they really not open until 8:00 on weekdays?

    Their current hours are listed as from Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm.

    Are the waffles vegan-friendly?

    I don't believe so, I think Tina uses milk with them, but they are fluffy and delicious!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Apelu Island Cafe - Match Chai Tea and Banana Pudding Cookie

    Apelu Island Cafe

    4.9(81 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    One thing I love about Apelu Island is that it's not just "another cute coffee shop" that are a…read moredime 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.

    I visited Apelu Island while my daughter was getting her nails done in the area. I got an iced…read morewhite 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!

    Photos
    Apelu Island Cafe - Seating area with tic tac toe to enjoy while you socialize!

    Seating area with tic tac toe to enjoy while you socialize!

    Apelu Island Cafe - White chocolate macadamia nut ice latte with ube cold foam, taro cupcake with vanilla icing and toasted coconut; spam musubi with egg

    White chocolate macadamia nut ice latte with ube cold foam, taro cupcake with vanilla icing and toasted coconut; spam musubi with egg

    Apelu Island Cafe - Iced matcha with vanilla foam

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    Iced matcha with vanilla foam

    Vessel Craft Coffee

    Vessel Craft Coffee

    4.5(21 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    Date of Visit: Tuesday, March 3…read more Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you aren't looking for. I was actually on my way to Chelsea Bakehouse when I happened upon Vessel, and I am so glad I did. The Atmosphere: A Coffee Lover's Dream The second I walked in, I was hooked--they have their own roaster right there in the shop. There's something special about a small business that roasts its own beans rather than pulling bags off a shelf. You can tell they take the craft seriously, and as someone who has been diving deep into the world of small-batch roasting lately, it was an immediate win. The Order: Off-Menu Customization I decided to go off-script. I saw a Brown Sugar Espresso on the menu but was really in the mood for something chilled, so I asked for a Brown Sugar Cold Brew. The barista (I didn't catch her name, unfortunately!) was fantastic. She was incredibly informative about their coffee profiles and didn't hesitate to customize my drink. We even chatted about the roasting process--I'm really hoping they follow through with the idea of hosting classes on different beans and roasting techniques in the future! The Verdict The Taste: The cold brew itself was excellent. The brown sugar flavor was subtle and not overly sweet, which I appreciated. It let the quality of the coffee shine through. The Kick: Whatever they're roasting works. That cold brew hit the spot and kept me alert and productive for the rest of the day. Vessel was well worth the detour. If you're a fan of fresh, house-roasted beans and staff who actually know their stuff, this is a must-visit. I'll definitely be returning.

    Came here with my friend for a coffee class which was so insightful. This class was about coffee…read morebrewing 101 and all the factors from temperature, to water to vessels used. I learned quite a bit that was unexpected. For example they sent Norfolk tap water to France for testing and it received great ratings on its cleanliness and lack of particulates. After the class I spoke to the staff before ordering a drink. They close at 2 and it was almost that time so they were out of the drink I initially wanted to try. Instead I tried a blueberry lime espresso tonic which was different and I enjoyed it. (I have even started making them at home). Overall I recommend this shop it has a nice open feel and positive vibe. They also sell their own coffee blends, they roast beans in house and make their own syrups from scratch for the drinks.

    Photos
    Vessel Craft Coffee - The roaster

    The roaster

    Vessel Craft Coffee - Cranberry Orange Muffin

    Cranberry Orange Muffin

    Vessel Craft Coffee - Peppermint Mocha w/ Oat Milk

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    Peppermint Mocha w/ Oat Milk

    Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse - Ube vanilla latte, coffee cake, chocolate pastry and hot Vietnamese coffee

    Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse

    4.4(109 reviews)
    6.1 mi
    $$

    What a gem of a coffee shop in ocean view! Stopped in on a recent Friday for a morning pick me up…read morebefore venturing through the tunnel. I love this area of the city - feels a little small town/a little suburban. I have the coffee passport and was excited to try this new-to-me spot. Mudita sits just off Ocean View Ave practically on the beach. On this visit, there was ample street parking, but I dare say it is tricky on weekends and during the summer. It is in a pedestrian-friendly area, which is a plus, so it's easy to walk to. They do make a point to remind you not to park in the lot belonging to the adjacent shopping center or risk being towed. When I stopped in, it was empty except for one table. I let them know this was my first visit and the staff was happy to tell me about seasonal specials. They have a variety of teas and coffees. I do wish they had a sample of their food menu where they take orders. I didn't notice it until I picked up my drink, so I'll have to return when I have more time to peruse it. For my first visit, I wanted to try a seasonal special drink and opted for the Vietnamese Egg Coffee. It was described as an Americano style drink with egg custard foam. They offer decaf which is a plus so I selected this. It was ready in about 5 mins and was absolutely delicious. The only downside was the size. I wasn't expecting an espresso sized beverage for the price, but probably because I'm used to a Starbucks Americano which is bigger (even for a tall) and has slightly more hot water. The flavor was impressive and I much prefer the espresso Mudita uses! Overall, a great experience. I don't often venture out to OV, but I'll definitely stop back in when in the area!

    During the last two visits, I've discovered my new favorite go-to breakfast in here. It's called…read moreThe BELT. It is served on their waffle-like bun with bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato and their special sauce. It is terrific. I wish the bacon was not the microwave thin stuff but the vegetables make it crunchy and juicy. I also wish the business would consider creating a similar item using their delicious sausage. It could be called The LETS. (smile)

    Photos
    Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse - Interior

    Interior

    Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse
    Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse - Bloody Mary & Sunrise on the Beach Smoothie

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    Bloody Mary & Sunrise on the Beach Smoothie

    The Bird - BYO Omelette

    The Bird

    4.3(117 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    First of all can I just say WOW!…read more We were excited at the first because we thought the Neat Bird from Chesapeake had a new location in Norfolk Colley Avenue but there chicken sandwich was even delicious here too with a different owner! We met the owner, he is a cool band guy with a mustache name Dand. The drinks he made for us were so good and so was the way he talked with his staff and the way they worked together. My parner and I had seen that they pride themselfes on Scottish eggs, which we were lucky to try and it was also very delicious! We like that they have the vibe and also a board with many events of the community on the wall to check out while you sip on a delicious expresso martini. Good job to the Bird! now dont go opening another restaurant in Chesapeake or we will all be very confused!

    Had brunch at The Bird on a Monday morning a couple of weeks ago, and it was amazing. The ambiance…read moreis cozy and homey, with a few tables outside, some high-top tables inside, bar seating, three half-booth tables, and even a couch area. You order at the register, and the staff brings the food out to your table. Everyone was attentive, and we had no issues with the service. We ordered the waffle plate, which came topped with fruit alongside eggs and their house sausage. We also tried the Huevos Rancheros, the Sausage Egg & Cheese sandwich, and a build-your-own omelette. For drinks, we ordered the brown sugar cold brew, dulce de leche cold brew, drip coffee, and an espresso martini. The waffle was huge, and the sides were great. My only complaint was that it could have used more fruit, as there were only a few small pieces. The Huevos Rancheros were delicious and came with a generous serving of avocado. The only thing that caught us off guard was the lack of salsa, since in traditional Huevos Rancheros the salsa is a key component. Even so, the dish was still flavorful and filling. The omelette was excellent, and the breakfast sandwich was equally delicious. I was especially impressed by the house-made jam, house-made hot sauce, and the perfectly seasoned home fries. As for the drinks, the brown sugar cold brew was excellent, but the dulce de leche version was far too sweet for my taste. From what I understood, they use two flavored syrups to make it, and I think using smaller portions of each would create a better balance. We ended up adding oat milk and some drip coffee to tone it down. The drip coffee itself was solid and came with free refills. The espresso martini really tied brunch together for me -- strong, well-made, and delicious. Overall, we really enjoyed both the food and the experience, and we'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    The Bird - Nice clock on the wall

    Nice clock on the wall

    The Bird - Chicken & Waffels with a side of home fries and scrambled eggs with cheese.

    Chicken & Waffels with a side of home fries and scrambled eggs with cheese.

    The Bird

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    Mea Culpa Cafe - cafes - Updated May 2026

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