Top Rated Restaurants en Cafés in Norfolk

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.

Nestled within the boating resort, Long Bay Pointe Marina, One Fish Two Fish offers delectable food made from fresh catch straight out of the waters. Established in 2000 by Stephen Michaels, this restaurant offers tantalizing cuisine inspired by Californian cooking merged with a contemporary twist. A special feature of this restaurant is the exhibition kitchen located in the center, around which the guests are seated. Guests get the opportunity to watch their meal being whipped together. While watching your food being prepared or viewing the water, you can sip on a glass of cocktail or wine from their award winning list.

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.

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.

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.