37 Best American Restaurants in Norfolk

“I’ve eaten here now 5 times. Gone for an evening date, family gathering of 8, and a regular dinner for 4 out and about in town. They can accommodate anything. The food is excellent, creative and unique. Staff is nice and helpful, and hardworking. This is a staple for me. Parking on the street hasn’t been a problem but also garages are available or uber if you are enjoying the neat drink menu.“

“We came here as a group of 6 on a Tuesday evening, and we were seated at their smallest table. When we asked to be moved to a larger (there were 3 open larger tables) we were told that the "wait" was too long. All 3 tables sat empty the entire time we ate. 3 of the 6 people in our party ordered the blackened sword fish at $34/plate. The orders came as grilled and they were severely over cooked. When we mentioned that the orders were wrong, we were told that they could take that fish back add blackened seasoning and re cook the same (already overcooked) fish. We asked to speak to the manager, whose immediate solution was to take off the automatic gratuity and just not tip our server. We never got an apology for the food being wrong, and the manager was completely rude the entire time. The manager's final solution was to take $4 off of a $80 bill. We will not be back.“

“After a show at the Naro Theater we walked over to the No Frill Bar and Grill for a late lunch. Four in our party, we had the Famous Meatloaf platter, Teriyaki Tuna pita, French dip, and Funky Chicken sandwich. The food is truly exceptional, everyone raved about their choice. My wife said the house made mushroom soup was the best she ever had. I also had a 'martini' with gin, lemon, St. Germaine, and topped with Sauvignon Blanc. To DIE For! This will be a go-to for us from now on!“

“The food at Swell is the best restaurant food I have had in a long time. It was so good that we went back the following night. Rob is always a gracious host, and the waitresses were very nice, polite and make you feel welcome. Great experience!“

“Unexpectedly delayed in Norfolk and happened to find this gem! Absolutely delicious! This is stuff you dream about. So freaking good!“

“We visited Glass Light to celebrate my wife’s 30th birthday, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. We booked the Chef’s Course, which turned out to be one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had. Each course was creative, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious.

What really set the evening apart was the personal touch — we had the opportunity to talk with the chef and learn more about the inspiration and techniques behind the dishes. The staff made us feel truly celebrated, and the atmosphere struck the perfect balance between upscale and welcoming.

From the food to the service to the setting, everything about Glass Light exceeded expectations. It’s the kind of place that turns a special occasion into a lasting memory. Highly recommend!

—Please talk to the valet though as it started us off rough. They were no where to be found and when we did find them they told me to leave my truck on the street running and they will get to it. Doesn’t make sense to me“

“The food here is excellent and the owner is very welcoming and friendly. We would definitely recommend!“

“Another excellent meal at Omar's Carriage House. The pork belly fried rice had just enough heat to it but not so much as to overwhelm the flavor.“

“Gorgeous spot! Amazing Service! The food was pretty good as well! I got the tuna melt and had them add lettuce, tomato, and onion to it since I've really been craving vegetables, and I had the potato salad for my side. The tuna was a little too salty for me, but that potato salad.... that potato salad.... lemme tell ya, it was made with love, devotion, and a promise to honor and protect. Going through their menu and seeing all the other options they have, has solidified my decision to come back and try a few more things. If you're ever in Norfolk and want a sandwich (or potato salad) that will make you feel the love, definitely try Ten Top!“

“Great people, food, atmosphere and affordable. I love the blueberry coffee by the way ❤️“

“We were in town for the night and a friend told us a out this place. OH MY I am so glad we went. Its a plate of big flavor. My husband had the chicken I had the filet..We talked to the chef after, very impressed and alot of experience under his belt. Wow is all I can say. We wish this place the best of luck“

“kim was awsome! congenial and talkative but not too much !“

“The food never ceases to amaze! The menu changes frequently, a few mainstays, but a lot of seasonal adjustments, and regardless of when I walk in and what I order, I always have a great time.“

“My new go-to lunch spot! Food is always fresh and amazing!“

“We stopped there yesterday for My Daughters First Birthday and The whole Experience was great the Food the People the Service was very good We will be back thank you“

“Good food for everyone, vegetarian and kids.“

“Best Smasburger! No questions!
The Instagram is 🔥 HOT, and totally the reason I had to visit. WILL BE GOING BACK! they are within 15 minutes of me and highly recommend the double cheeser with errrthang!!
Be sure to SMASH that 👍 & ❤️ and suscribe!“

“Always Amazing!! Best homemade bread! Had the softshells tonight incredible! Love the syds barrel cocktail whiskey! The mudpie is maddeningly scrumptilicious“

“Great little find! Friendly and fast!“

“We could not have asked for a better experience for our daughter’s wedding at Vista Point! Mara’s expertise was instrumental in bringing about a perfect weekend from the rehearsal to wedding to reception. The guests are still talking about the exceptional food and service provided by banquet manager Terri and team. And the bartenders developed and served signature drinks that were outstanding. When you combine incredible water views with some of the best people in the hospitality industry, you get the wedding of your daughter’s dreams!“

“I don't know why this place isn't always full. It's wow nice inside and somehow always has open seats. It feels like a real bar. A classy bar even. Pool tables on the back. This is a place to spend a nice evening with friends hanging out. Slightly off the beaten path on Colley Ave, but near everything.“

“Food is made to order and delicious 😋“

“Great food, great service“

“OMG! When I say I love chicken. I LOVE CHICKEN. Where I live for 10 wings starting price 10.99 - 15.99. I got 10 wings and steak fries for 10.49. it was amazing and i didn't have to say fried extra hard. I will be back my new corner store when I'm in VA. Thanks again to the cook. I loved it all. 🥰🤗❤💯👍🏽🤌🏾🙏🏽🤳🏾“

“best juiciest burgers by far! love this hole in the wall restaurant!“

“Leah was awesome! Thanks so much!“

“Shout out to Yummo Bucko! A party of 4 we all spent close to $100, please know a 15% gratutity is added to each person no matter the size of group. This place will fill up fast (small and quaint), opens at noon on Sunday. I checked online to see if reservations could be set up and didnt see where that was an option, upon entering we were asked if we had a reservation. Even though we didnt we were told to select wherever we wanted to sit.

Food ordered: Sampler - grits where stiff and saudage links appeared and tasted as if straight out of (brown & serve box)

Fried shrimp - seasoned well and fried perfect

Eggs Benedict (2x) - one with fried, one scrambled it comes with two crab cakes and 2 lamb chops (lamb chops were supposed to be grilled medium well. Lamb chops was a new born baby lamb chop and so tough to bite)

Side order of original French Toast - ( one piece of bread cut in half $6.00)

Lamb chop brunch meal - comes with 3 lamb chops, smothered in brown gravy (I missed that part on the menu, I just wanted med well grilled lamb chops which came out the same as above. The menu stated mashed potates came with; however received cheesy grits with lobster meat. NO on the grits and the lobster was OK).

Lemon Pepper wings to go - brought order out and gave to the wrong person with no bag, just plopped down and walked away.

4 Mimosas which was ok.

Will we try this place again??? - Possibly on another day, just not BRUNCH.“

“My family and I went there today for lunch the staff were very friendly the service was quick and the food was delicious (my 6 month old baby was hollering for more food) on top of everything was affordable and well worth the price. We will be back soon!“

“Great food and awesome service I highly recommend it“

“Great! I will be back! Nice atmosphere!“

“Great burgers n fries. The waitress is there by herself 4 nights a week but makes the magic happen. She is a wonder. Thanks Amy K. Dont know how you do it but you do. ;)“

“Cece our server was so nice and attentive!! Honestly, all of the staff was really great! They constantly came by to make sure we were good, bused plates off the table and made sure we were comfortable . It was a good place to watch the game in the AC out of the extreme heat.
The food wasn’t really good, even for buffet food.“

“Totally awesome atmosphere and service. Food was great too!“

“Gem. We had kimchi patty melt. Dumplings. Goat cheese. Everything was exquisite. I am a diner patty melt purist... I generally object to patty melts that are not the 70 year old recipe. The kimchi patty melt actually gave patty melt and PACKED with layers of flavors. (A touch sloppy) Dumplings were delicious and flavorful and goat cheese was so insta worthy but I failed to let phone eat first . We are in the hood and have eaten here multiple times... Always upscale first class. The vibe at the bar is super hip. We have never been able to sit here until tonight. We don't come here enough it is such a fab place with a great creative menu.“

“This is disgruntled employee that has been posting slanderous and fictitious reviews on multiple sites. She has been contacted to cease and desist.“

“Had the Cajun chicken cheesesteak. Was delicious and had the perfect amount of heat! Would highly recommend it if you like spicy food!“

“After a long day driving we enjoyed a 12oz Rib Steak & Penne Pasta DELICIOUS!! Make sure you are hungry the portions are large. Renee was our gracious host, she made us feel relaxed and at home! Thank you Renee, we loved your stories! Now write that Book!!“