As one of Virginia’s biggest cities, Norfolk is one of the easiest regions to travel to because of its constant bridges, highways, and tunnels.
Famous people that lived in Norfolk include Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons, Daytime-Emmy winning actor John Wesley Shipp, former Super Bowl-winning wide receiver Plaxico Burress, and mixed martial artist Brandon Vera.
When it comes to food, Norfolk residents usually find themselves going out for some grub. For them, it’s all about supporting local businesses trying to become a local success.
Norfolk restaurants bring a diverse selection of food to those who enter their establishment. From Mexican food to Middle Eastern dishes, there’s something for all kinds of food lovers. If you’re looking for a new spot for food, these are 12 of the best restaurants in Norfolk.
1. The Grilled Cheese Bistro
$$ | (757) 233-2512 | WEBSITE
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The Grilled Cheese Bistro is perfect for those who can’t get enough of grilled cheese in their lives. There’s a slew of grilled cheese sandwiches available, including the GCB BLT, Fall For Giuseppe, and Don Quixote, which won the title of Best Grilled Cheese in Virginia.
French fries and fried pickles with chipotle aioli are among some of the great side orders available. The Grilled Cheese Bistro is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
2. Mr. Shawarma
$$ | (757) 962-9966 | WEBSITE
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Avi Eli opened Mr. Shawarma after not being able to find Middle Eastern food in Virginia. Since opening, the restaurant has become one of the city’s premier restaurants. Patrons can order customizable pitas, wraps, and bowls to their liking.
The restaurant also offers catering for big events. Mr. Shawarma is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., so this means anyone can grab tasty food any day of the week. Mr. Shawarma also has hats, hoodies, and T-shirts for sale online.
3. My Mama’s Kitchen
$$ | (757) 233-0433 | WEBSITE
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Remember the feeling of eating your mom’s delicious dinners? That’s the purpose behind My Mama’s Kitchen, which wants you to have that grand feeling all over again each time you visit.
Their specialty is chicken wings, and there’s a slew of flavors available, such as General Tso’s, lemon pepper, and classic buffalo.
My Mama’s Kitchen also offers gift cards for your friends and family, so they can try out some great food. My Mama’s Kitchen is closed on Mondays.
4. Handsome Biscuit
$$ | (757) 222-4990 | WEBSITE
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Are you down for some biscuits? Well, Handsome Biscuit’s is the perfect spot for you! All of their sandwiches are made on biscuits, but you can swap it for a bun.
Some sandwiches available include the chicken classic, the dill na na, and the classic peanut butter & jelly sandwich.
When it comes to catering, the restaurant offers biscuits in either sandwich or slider sizes, and they’ll deliver a massive 36-count chicken nugget tray.
5. Yorgo’s Bageldashery
$$ | (757) 623-6609 | WEBSITE
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Bagels are an important part of breakfast for many people. Yorgo’s Bageldashery offers some of the best bagels in town.
The restaurant also includes some tasty sandwiches, including the chicken breast club, So Cal, and grinder. If you’re setting up a big party, Yorgo’s Bageldashery has catering services.
Yorgo’s Bageldashery is closed on Tuesdays. Because this is a bagel-based spot, Yorgo’s Bageldashery closes at 3 p.m.
6. The Dirty Buffalo
$$ | (757) 226-7851 | WEBSITE
The Dirty Buffalo delivers some fine wings, but, as their slogan states, they’re “more than just a wing joint.” The restaurant features a slew of sandwiches, subs, dishes. There’s also the good old hot dog for those looking for something quick at The Dirty Buffalo.
Patrons can also create their own plate filled with a meat choice and two sides. The Dirty Buffalo is one of the few restaurants to sell sauce and dry rub to customers for their own cooking adventures at home.
7. Toast
$$ | (757) 226-9655 | WEBSITE
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Properly named Toast, the restaurant offers a great selection of toast, but it doesn’t end there. Toast also has some great sandwiches, including meatball sub, pork scallion, and veggie melt.
All sandwiches come with pickle and chips. From Fridays through Sundays, the brunch menu features smoked salmon, eggy dub (two soft-boiled eggs), and French toast bread pudding.
Toast is closed on Mondays. Toast is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for those late-night cravings.
8. AW Shucks Raw Bar & Grill
$ | (757) 664-9117 | WEBSITE
AW Shucks Raw Bar & Grill is one of the biggest raw bars in Norfolk. The main menu features dishes such as a scallop platter, steak and shrimp, and oyster stew.
Each dish comes with two sides, and the selection of sides available are simply amazing. Mac and cheese, corn on the cob, and mashed potatoes are among the sides offered. AW Shucks Raw Bar & Grill is closed on Tuesdays.
9. A World of Good
$$ | (757) 904-1729 | WEBSITE
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With a name like A World of Good, you can expect nothing less than amazing. Fortunately, this restaurant, which is owned and operated by husband and wife team Greg and Sara Barnhill, has earned high praise from frequent patrons.
A World of Good features a diverse food selection from Asia, the Mediterranean, Latin America, and North America.
There’s also a VIP rewards program, which features special offers, invitations to secret events, and some hidden food items. A World of Good is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
10. The Ten Top
$ | (757) 622-5422 | WEBSITE
The Ten Top offers a variety of tasty sandwiches and vegan options in Norfolk. Served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the dinner menu features food such as pan-roasted salmon and bone-in pork chop.
Dinners come with a side salad and bread. The restaurant also has a slew of catering options for those looking for some food at a major event.
Some catering options include the grilled vegetable platter, Rick’s famous meatloaf, and the ten top chicken wrap sandwich platter. The restaurant is open from Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
11. Press 626 wine bar
$$$ | (757) 282-6234 | WEBSITE
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The Press 626 Wine Bar brings food and drinks together for a fantastic experience. The lunch combo features half of a sandwich alongside a side order.
For dinner, patrons can have dishes such as orange glazed salmon, cast iron crab cake, and roasted duck breast.
Aside from food, the restaurant includes some fantastic wine options, including Domaine de Villargeau Coteaux de Giennois Sauvignon Blanc and Pecchenino Dogliani San Luigi Dolcetto.
Because of its phenomenal wine, The Press 626 Wine Bar earned the 2022 Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Advisor.
12. Jessy’s Taqueria
$$ | (757) 531-0033 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for some Mexican food, Jessy’s Taqueria has some of the best around in Norfolk. Opened in 1996, the restaurant became so popular in the town, Guy Fieri had to stop by to check it out.
The restaurant has a slew of specials available, including Dollar Taquitos on Tuesdays and Thursdays and all-you-can-eat taquitos and Quesadillas on Mondays and Wednesdays. There’s also great catering for those looking for great Mexican food at their following event.
Summary
The best restaurants in Norfolk are waiting for you. The only thing you need to do is find out which ones are interesting to you.
Go check out these amazing restaurants by yourself or bring a group of friends along for the journey. We guarantee you won’t regret a thing!
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
