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.

We made a special trip to Rustic Spoon for my husband's birthday because their website listed…read morescotch eggs, which was something he'd been craving forever and that we hadn't been able to find anywhere around town. It happened to be Restaurant Week, which made us a little nervous, but it ended up being totally fine. The dining room never felt overly crowded, the noise level was comfortable, and having the Restaurant Week prix fixe, drink specials, and regular menu all available gave us plenty of options without feeling overwhelming. One small note: the plastic logo cups served with the water decanter felt a little out of place. They were a bit sharp on the lips and didn't quite match the rest of the dining experience. Minor detail, but noticeable. The drinks, however, were excellent. On our server's recommendation, my husband ordered the Gingerbread Old Fashioned and I had the Salted Caramel Martini. Both were seasonal specials and both were fantastic. When we asked about the scotch eggs, our server explained they're normally a brunch-only item. We were a little disappointed (and may have made a few pouty faces while explaining we'd come specifically for them for his birthday), but we quickly let it go, it obviously wasn't her fault. What we didn't realize was that she went back and told the kitchen manager that it was his birthday and that we'd made the trip just for those scotch eggs. Since the kitchen wasn't slammed, they decided to make them anyway and surprised us with an order. We were honestly floored. My husband was thrilled. That kind of thoughtfulness is rare. And the scotch eggs were exactly what he'd been hoping for! They were crispy on the outside with a rich, savory center. For entrées, his Nashville Hot Chicken was juicy with the perfect amount of heat without being overwhelming. My Haystack Burger was stacked and delicious, though the BBQ sauce was strong enough to overshadow the pickled green tomato a bit. The fries were fantastic - crispy, battered, and perfect from first bite to last. Our server checked in at all the right times and kept drinks refilled without us needing to ask. The fact that she went out of her way to do something special during one of the busiest weeks on a restaurant's calendar says a lot about both her and the restaurant. Rustic Spoon is the kind of place that works just as well for a casual date night as it does for a birthday dinner or a night out with friends.

We were here on assignment and a friend recommended this place for good comfort food. It was quiet…read moreTuesday so we were greeted and widely seated. The place has a bar feel and casual. Upon seating, our waitress Faith came, introduced herself, and took our order drinks while we look over the menu. We decided both brunch & lunch. In a short wait everything came out hot. Overall the service was great, food delicious & great for group casual dining.

A couple months ago I went to the Stockpot location in VA Beach, so when in Norfolk and walking by…read morethis one I stopped in. I was taken care of by the chef and she was very helpful with the menu. They have so many appetizing options on their mostly healthy, all fresh menu. I love soup, so I love that they offer several each day, with some standards, plus a soup of the day, which on the day I visited was cream of potato. Where I sat at the counter, I could watch them making all the food and I was impressed to see that they don't just ladle soup into a bowl to serve it, they actually cook and prepare, then dress it to plate it perfectly. Their cream of potato was really good and not the traditionally made where the potato is pureed into the soup - rather they make a creamy soup base and then add potatoes to it. The combo of the soup, a small piece of potato, scallion, and a small piece of bacon really made for a great spoonful in each spoonful I enjoyed!! My coworker got their Asian Chicken Noodle and that looked amazing! He said it was incredible. Next up was the entrée and we both got their lamb gyro.... It's not the traditional gyro, it's an openfaced style, just like their chicken salad toast. It was really good! The tzatziki was great on it! And we also got a side of their cucumber feta salad... this tasted fresh and the feta was vibrant, with the combo of the cucumber and feta together being incredibly tasty. Overall, another very nice visit to a Stockpot restaurant... Looks like I need to try their Chesapeake location to get the trifecta of Stockpot! Highly recommend stopping in!

If you're only in Norfolk for a few days like I was, finding a place that actually sticks with you…read morecan feel like luck--but The Stockpot is exactly that kind of find. I ended up ordering the southwestern skillet with a lamb burger, and honestly, it was one of those meals you don't forget. The flavors were just... dialed in. Everything tasted intentional--perfectly seasoned, balanced, and comforting without being heavy. And the lamb? That slight gaminess added just the right amount of depth and richness to the dish. It didn't overpower anything--it completed it. What really stood out to me, though, was how effortless the whole experience felt. The staff were genuinely friendly--not in a scripted way, but the kind that makes you feel welcome right away. And the service was quick, which I appreciated since I was trying to make the most of a short trip. There's something about this place that feels like a local gem you almost don't want to share--but at the same time, you know people need to know about it. If I had more time in Norfolk, I would've gone back without hesitation. It's the kind of spot that makes you wish your trip was just a little bit longer.

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.

I did delivery so I can't speak on the store and service but the food was delicious. I had the…read morehella Fitzgerald with hot sauce added and the gravy on the side. I love the hot sauce but I couldn't tell if it was what they use to call Lupo hot sauce. I loved lupo hot sauce but it's been years since I've had a chance to. Anyway, the sandwich was delicious. Excellent crunch on the fried chicken. I had this place over 12 years ago and I felt like everything was under seasoned. Since than I've seen them get better and better. Looking a little more corporate now but hanging in there. I just hope they don't take a dive like dirty buffalo did. The OG spot for them was on fire before expanding but that's a review for them. I also got the Sticky Situation, and indeed it was. Everything I could dream up in a dessert. Gooey marshmallow and cookie butter on a biscuit! I don't care that I looked like a baby feeding themselves for the first time, it was SO GOOD. I let my husband have a bite, but I ate all of it and licked the paper. Lord, help me, now that I know that's there I'm gonna dream about it. Cheers to you Handsome Biscuit. I emailed you about the Lupo sauce!

Order was placed in-person and became available quickly. Plenty of parking and seatings available…read moreoutside the store. Bathroom right near the register. You can place an order in-person using the kiosk or online. My biscuit looked like the dough was twisted during the cutting so it never rose properly during the baking. It was hard, dry, and stale tasting too. The chicken was ok but rather bland and underwhelming. The tater tots were ok. Fresh but under seasoned and bland too. Unless I'm in the area and nothing else is available, I wouldn't be going out of my way to revisit.

I'll start by saying this: I am not someone who typically writes reviews. In fact, I'm known among…read moremy friends and family as a very critical eater--some have even jokingly called me a food critic. So for me to take the time to write this says a lot. From the moment we walked into Oceanview Diner, we felt at home. There was an immediate warmth--like stepping into what America is supposed to feel like--people talking, laughing, and genuinely connecting over good food. The attention to detail was impossible to miss. Fresh-cut flowers sat on each table, adding a simple but thoughtful touch. Before our meals even arrived, we were served homemade herb focaccia with olive oil--an unexpected and appreciated gesture. And yes, even the water stood out. Being near the ocean, you often get that slightly earthy taste, but this water was clean, crisp, and clearly filtered. Now, the food. I ordered the Parmesan-crusted chicken with roasted potatoes and collard greens. The chicken was juicy (not dry at all) and cooked perfectly--something that sounds simple but is rarely executed this well. The collards were good, though I personally would've liked just a touch more salt and a splash of vinegar to bring them fully to life. My partner ordered the fried flounder with asparagus and mashed potatoes and had nothing but praise. Not a single morsel was left on the plate, which tells you everything you need to know. Oceanview Diner delivered not just a meal, but an experience rooted in care, pride, and hospitality. Thank you for an amazing visit--continued success to you, and a huge job well done to the kitchen staff.

Good home style breakfast. Fast service…read more I have to come back for lunch. I got their skillet, which is scrambled eggs, cheese over hash browns. I ordered mine with bacon. Got to my table in less than 5 minutes. Now that's a real short order cook.

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

It's been a while since I last reviewed the No Frill Bar and Grill located just off Colley Avenue…read morein the Ghent section of Norfolk. This local favorite has maintained a loyal following since opening its doors in 1987, and after one visit it's easy to understand why. Having grown up in Norfolk, I still make the trip over from Chesapeake from time to time because some places are simply worth returning to. Our favorite bartender Lauren is always friendly, attentive, and helpful with menu suggestions if you're undecided. She also happens to make a fantastic drink, which certainly never hurts. My wife ordered the Sesame Shrimp Salad consisting of fried butterflied shrimp, organic mixed greens, fresh vegetables, mandarin oranges, crispy wontons, and their house Red Dragon dressing. The presentation alone was impressive, but the flavor balance is what truly stood out. In fact, she enjoyed it so much that I never even managed to get a taste myself, which is saying something. I decided on the Shrimp Platter and the portion size alone was enough to get my attention. The shrimp were fried to a perfect golden brown, served piping hot, and properly seasoned throughout. The crinkle-cut fries delivered that ideal contrast of crispy exterior and soft potato center, while the coleslaw brought a refreshing balance of sweetness and acidity that tied the entire plate together beautifully. No Frill continues to prove that you do not need unnecessary gimmicks when the food, service, and consistency speak for themselves. If you enjoy well-prepared comfort food served by people who genuinely care about the experience, this Norfolk institution remains well worth the visit.

My husband and I enjoy No Frill when you're in the mood for just that -- no frill, laid back, good…read morecomfort food. the portions are huge and it's always consistent. The service is always great and the hosts/servers are always friendly. Our go to is the meatloaf. when you're looking for a good ol' comfort food - that's the best. They also have amazing desserts that are worth a try. We found this restaurant good for families (including our toddler)! Food was toddler approved!

FANTASTIC! Vibes? Yes!…read moreFood? Yes! Wine? Yes! Thank you to John who welcomed us and recommended good wine for our food We came here with our son, who recently moved to Norfolk. He came here for his first meal in town and John treated him to a glass of wine with his gourmet grilled cheese He brought us to the experience : Brussels sprouts -- delicious with sweet and spicy and hazelnut Goat cheese and beet salad: good dressing, nice mix, exactly what I wanted for dinner Truffle tots: yeah, tots are good, but with truffle and Parmesan? Wow!! The vibes here are great. There's music on but you can still talk to people. Seating at the bar or tables or, if the weather is nice, on the front porch. It has an elegant but relaxed feel that would make this place great for a date or friends ( or family!) We will be back And yep, we are back for tapas Tuesday where all small plates are $2 off Hummus -- ok Duck egg rolls good Lamb meatballs : GREAT flavor!! Roasted Carrot beet with labneh and dukkah : delicious Dumplings-- good but spicy for me Miso butter gnocchi with mushrooms-- delicious Roasted salmon-- folks were split on this between "solid" and good Salad of farro and spinach with beets and goat cheese and pear -- this was amazing. The dressing had awesome spices in it that made the whole thing complex. 3 new wonderful wines ! Thanks to all at this restaurant for another amazing meal. You are our favorite Norfolk spot!!

From the moment we walked in, the ambience was warm and inviting. The service was truly…read moreexceptional--every team member was incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely seemed to care about making our visit perfect. The food was fantastic across the board, and the presentations were exceptionally creative, making each dish feel special. Everything came out beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious. A wonderful dining experience from start to finish. Highly recommended!