Originally opened in 1966, Orapax is a Tidewater mainstay and has greatly expanded over the past few decades while still remaining in the Seratis family. Now run by the son of the original owner, the restaurant is best known for it's pizza and Greek subs. The family establishment has gotten rave reviews for many years and it is a popular lunch destination with the locals. They cater for special events, offer delivery and take-out.
Many believe that Abe Doumar, founder of Doumar's Cones & Barbecue, gave the world its first ice cream cone. Doumar was a traveling salesman retailing paperweights at the famous St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. When an ice cream seller exhausted his stock of paper dishes to hold the ice creams, he got a nearby waffle maker to roll his waffles into cones and thus invented the waffle cone. While not all hold this story true, he certainly popularized the ice cream cone widely. Doumar created this ice cream parlor in Norfolk in 1907, and it continues to roll the cones by hand using the original four-iron waffle machine that he invented. While it shifted premises to the current location in 1934, it still sells ice creams that use early 20th Century recipes and hand-rolling techniques. You can also enjoy delicious hot dogs and vinegar-soaked pork barbecue with desserts like Hawaiian Sunset Sundae and refreshing limeades. This diner feels old-fashioned, complete with a drive-in parking area where you can order and eat in your car. The prices too are from another era and leave you feeling satisfied. You can actually watch them roll the waffle cones by hand, just like in the past. Indeed, you haven't really been to Norfolk until you've eaten at Doumar's.
Established in 1995, Del Vecchios prides itself on bringing authentic New York and Chicago pizzas to Norfolk. Everything about their pizzas and their sandwich rolls, from the dough to the sauces, are homemade with their secret recipes. Del Vecchios is some of Norfolk's favorite pizza for dine in, take out or delivery.
Omar's Carriage House is an elegantly furnished outpost in the heart of Norfolk's Ghent, welcoming diners to devour appetizing New American grub. The restaurant is set up on a historic site and offers an expansive menu of lunch, dinner and brunch preparations. This Freemason district eatery features Moroccan décor elements, hardwood floors, white-washed brick walls and cozy dining booths, all radiating a convivial vibe. Along with the standard New American preparations, menu also offers a choice of seafood and steak dishes. For Mondays, Omar's has an all-Moroccan bill of fare featuring a fixed three-course dinner and à la carte affair.
MJ's Tavern is a cozy, gay-friendly hangout and neighborhood bar that also serves up some great food. American comfort food is the highlight of the menu along with the array of draught beers and wines. In addition to the full bar, there is also a pool table for your entertainment. There are different food specials every night of the week, whether it be all-you-can-eat spaghetti Tuesdays or Sunday brunch. A number of lively events also take place quite regularly. Tea dances and karaoke nights are common and much-loved by the local patrons.
Voila has an eclectic yet subdued feel that makes it easily enjoyable for a quiet dinner or a celebratory dinner date. The menu is filled with European dishes, mainly French cuisine, and the chef is constantly updating and adding the freshest dishes to keep the buzz alive. An extensive wine list, full bar and soft lighting make for a perfect date night out.
Chocollage can serves sandwiches and other dishes for a great lunch, but they are most renowned for their sumptuous desserts. Their Peanut Butter Bomb is as sweet and rich as it sounds. Other favorites on the dessert menu include NY Black and White Cookie, Eclairs and Triple Chocolate peppered with pumpkin, almonds and coconut. Chocollage is a great place to bring your kids if you are inthe mood to pamper their sweet tooth.
A quaint cafe, Crema is located in downtown Norfolk. Great choices in coffee and breakfast specials that include frittata or breakfast sandwiches make it a worthwhile spot to swing by in the morning. Then show back up in the afternoon and feast on dishes like the turkey burger, Itlalian wedding soup, or maybe a grilled cheese sandwich.
Mission BBQ, located on South Independence Boulevard, is known for serving delectable BBQ delicacies. Opened in September 2011, the restaurant is locally owned and operated by Bill and Steve Newton. The food is absolutely delightful and is made with the freshest of ingredients. Loyal patrons swear by their Pulled Pork sandwich, Maggie's Mac N Cheese, Texas style Brisket and Garden Greens salad. Little ones enjoy a fine fare too. They also offer gluten-free menu. Mission BBQ provides catering services for various occasions as well. The restaurant has a tie up with Wounded Warrior Project and supports the armed forces through various activities; national anthem is played at the restaurant daily at noon and patrons gladly participate!
This coffee shop is a haven for vegans and vegetarians and is a great place to drop for breakfast, lunch or brunch. The interiors feature a chic and comfortable vibe, making it a great hangout spot for friends. While it is a sin to leave this place without trying the chocolate waffles, you can also order an aromatic roasted coffee, latte or hot chocolate if you please. The delights are not just delectable but also quite reasonable and do not put much weight on the pocket.
The brainchild of John and Cheryll McLaurin, Mangia Qui on Independence Boulevard specializes in serving traditional Italian eats with an American twist. The restaurant sits within an elegantly-embellished space that features vibrant crimson-lacquered walls, charming wooden furnishings, and well-spaced dining tables. The Sea Scallop, Porcini New York Strip, and Maple-Glazed Pork are some of the restaurant's signature dishes. Do leave some room for the restaurant's decadent dessert - the chocolate and strawberry-filled Bomba being a certain favorite.
Yorgos is seriously loved by the Norfolk community for serving up fresh and fluffy bagels (with all the toppings you could want including flavored cream cheeses and lox), vegan and vegetarian options and gourmet deli sandwiches. This is a popular breakfast and lunch spot for many of the surrounding businesses and families and everyone raves about the family-like atmosphere.