50 Best American Restaurants in Norfolk

“One of my ABsolute favorite spots & I'd give 10 stars to The 10 Top! I cant say enough about this low key hidden gem. Their unique dishes, homemade soups & croutons etc. is some of the best food/retro atmosphere in Norfolk, and I dont say that lightly. Yums & noms!! Consistently something unique and interesting on their specials/soups and menu that intrigues and makes you want to try it all - makes choosing what to order tough bc it all is so amaze! Hats 🎩 off to the chefs, owner and employees.“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“This is by far the best restuarant in Norfolk. Chef Ticha is a magician with food. The prawns were the best I have ever had in the USA. All the Food prepared and presented beautifully. I come here without exception when I’m in Norfolk. The bartenders are fabulous as well and create some fabulous cocktails.“

“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!“

“Brandon is the best bartender ever. His talents are unmatched. I saw him make 5 drinks in under a minutes like 150 times, it’s absolutely incredible. Blue Moon Brandon is what’s up Dudley.“

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

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“Great little find! Friendly and fast!“

“Food is delicious and great price. The atmosphere is pretty great too! They have arcade games, board games, puzzles, and blocks. Staff was incredibly nice. We didn’t get any desserts but those looked yummy so we will be back to try!“

“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“

“Food is great but 12$ for burger without drink or fries . If you make it a meal one meal is 20$ . This place is more than five guys and the portions are way smaller. Five guys large fries is a whole bag. And the burger is worth the dollar value these are small and way under portioned“

“Good food for everyone, vegetarian and kids.“

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

“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!“

“Food is made to order and delicious 😋“

“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. 🥰🤗❤💯👍🏽🤌🏾🙏🏽🤳🏾“

“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!“

“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.“

“Great food, great service“

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

“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.“

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

“The best burgers and mozzarella sticks!! Highly recommend!“

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

“Great food and awesome service I highly recommend it“

“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.“

“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. ;)“

“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.“

“Go Ninerssssssssssssssssssss“

“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!!“

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

“First time, really good!! Our server was Justin and he made sure we enjoyed the experience. Definitely would go again!!!“

“Great place with good food and good service! Very unique fare. Highly recommend it. Upscale bar also.“

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

“Friendly, knowledgeable staff. killer drinks, and great food. hats off .. 🤙“

“This was my first time here. First person I talked to was security about where I could park. I parked in the section she was at and she walked me up to the door, told me who to see and to have a great time. I had a great time! I had two great waitresses Brittny and Cris. But to have someone walk me to the door and explain everything, I knew I made the right choice. Oh she said get the prime rib or steak…the security lady. I got the prime rib, boy she was right on everything!“

“Friendly staff and a very attentive waiter even though we dined at a time most tables were occupied. The she crab soup comes full of large and succulent hunks of crab. The entrees were all cooked exactly to order. Excellent dining experience. Would only wish for 1 - 2 additional wines available by the glass.“

“Called in my order to surprise my fiancé with breakfast for his birthday. 🎂 I mentioned this to Karen, when I picked it up she told me she put a candle in his pancake. Such a kind gesture. She even wrote Happy Birthday 🎉 on the container. So very sweet. Excellent customer service. I always encounter a great experience whether I’m dining in, calling in, or ordering online. But I most definitely wanted to shout out The lovely Caring Karen. As always I highly recommend Belaire Pancake House.“

“Destiny was an excellent server. She was prompt with her greeting and informed me my dinner option was available in a smaller size . The salad bar had one disappointment. The pasta salad tasted sour. Dinner was asiago grilled chicken. Had I known the zucchini would be so good, I would have skipped the mashed potatoes and doubled up. My only problem was being seated. The hostess seemed more interested in customers at the bar than seating guests. Overall, a pleasant experience.
Today, a different story. While the salad bar was fresh and delicious, the service was mediocre at best. Mahogany introduced herself and she seemed very hospitable. She was definitely not attentive. Salad plates sat dirty on the table, menus never picked up. Such a shame because she seemed nice. The restaurant only had a half dozen seated tables and there was another server there.“

“Great place to grab a drink and hang with friends.“

“I've stopped by this establishment a view times during my stay in the city. Now the dishes have flavor and the restaurant has a vibe especially at night. Be respectful and have a good time while eating some good food! If you haven't tried it yet it is worth the visit.“

“I was greeted warmly and seated immediately. Julia S. Was my server and she was lovely. The restaurant was clean. My cheeseburger and onion rings were delicious. My only complaint is if I’m asked how I want my burger cooked, it needs to be thick enough to actually cook it to the desired temperature. The burger was super thin so there is no way to cook it medium. However, it was tasty. The salad bar looked amazing so I’ll be back.“

“One of the last bar's for OV locals to enjoy. Smoking at the bar, non smoking beyond the french doors leading to the pool tables. Plenty of TVs for your sports needs, cheap drink prices made with love, decent food menu with daily specials. Older crowd during the day, mostly regulars, but very welcoming atmosphere to all. Open 365 even today Christmas Day 11am.“

“great welcoming place. good food for a bar! friendly and attentive staff. nice atmosphere.“