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Best of Norfolk

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THE PEOPLE’S LOCAL FAVORITES

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A starting point for exploring Norfolk

Explore a shortlist from our researched local directory. Each group explains how its places were selected. These suggestions are separate from the community votes above and do not represent a citywide award.

Each profile links to its sources. Ratings, where available, can change. Use the heart on a photo to save a place for later.

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Local restaurants to get to know

Independent kitchens, neighborhood cafes and places for your next meal.

An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.

Seafood restaurant

A W Shucks Raw Bar & Grill

Seafood restaurant · 2200 Colonial Ave

A W Shucks Raw Bar & Grill is a seafood restaurant located in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia. The restaurant serves delicious seafood, drinks, and more, using local and regional seafood for their entrees and fresh oysters for their raw bar. The menu at A W Shucks Raw Bar & Grill features a variety of handmade items, including burgers, crab cakes, and a brunch menu. The restaurant also carries a selection of craft beers, wine, and has a full bar. As a family-owned business, A W Shucks Raw Bar & Grill aims to provide a great experience for its customers, focusing on fresh, good food and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, making it a great spot to visit any day of the week, whether coming from the office or enjoying a casual weekend in the neighborhood. Reservations are welcome for parties of 5 or more, although they cannot accept reservations for parties larger than 15. Customers can also order online or contact the restaurant through email or phone. A W Shucks Raw Bar & Grill can be found on Facebook for updates, and customers can also find them at their location in the heart of Ghent, where they are considered a local favorite raw bar hangout.

Italian restaurant

Amale Tre Focacceria & Italian Deli

Italian restaurant · 440 Monticello Ave suite #120

Amale Tre Focacceria & Italian Deli is located in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The business offers a variety of Italian dishes, including focaccia sandwiches and pasta. Customers can enjoy authentic Italian flavors in a welcoming atmosphere. The deli serves freshly baked focaccias, both open-faced and as sandwiches, alongside Italian deli offerings. The menu features a range of options, including appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes. Gelato, espresso, and affogato are also available. Amale Tre Focacceria & Italian Deli is a family-owned business, with a name that reflects the owners' love for their three daughters. The business is proud to offer high-quality, authentic Italian food to the community. Customers can visit the deli for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and catering services are also available. In addition to its regular menu, the business hosts monthly Sunday events, such as blindfolded dinners. Customers can sign up for these events by texting 757-822-3231. The business also offers private chef services, allowing customers to enjoy an intimate dining experience in their own home. Amale Tre Focacceria & Italian Deli is located at 440 #120 Monticello Ave in downtown Norfolk. Customers can contact the business by emailing AmaleTrefocacceria@gmail.com or by calling or texting 757-822-3231.

Coffee roastery

Bear House Coffee Roasters

Coffee roastery · 6700 Azalea Garden Rd

Bear House Coffee Roasters is a coffee roastery located in Norfolk, Virginia, with a mission to cultivate connection through creative coffee experiences and exceptional service. The business has a mobile espresso trailer that is suitable for large, high-volume events, as well as an espresso bar and cafe located at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Bear House Coffee Roasters is one of the only mobile coffee roasting companies in the U.S. and serves Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. The company offers 100% organic and micro-batch roasted coffee, with various options available for purchase, including Costa Rica La Alianza, Mexico Chiapas, and Colombia Tolima Del Rio.

Coffee shop

Bellarissa

Coffee shop · 216 E Plume St

Bellarissa is a coffee shop and non-alcoholic bar located in Norfolk, Virginia. It specializes in espresso and tea beverages, as well as non-alcoholic cocktails, beer, and wine. The coffee shop menu includes a variety of drinks such as drip coffee, espresso, Americano, Cortado, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha, and Cold Brew. They also offer tea options like Loose Leaf Tea, Chai Latte, and London Fog Latte. In the late afternoons and evenings, Bellarissa transforms into a non-alcoholic cocktail bar, serving drinks like Peach Ginger Fizz, Hibiscus Mule, and Honey Old Fashioned. They also offer non-alcoholic beer and wine options from brands like Athletic Brewing and Leitz. The owner, Andrea Sewell, named the business after her grandmothers, Isabella and Nerissa. She aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space where customers can enjoy their drinks and food with friends, coworkers, or alone. Bellarissa is located at 216 E. Plume Street in Norfolk and can be contacted at (757) 937-3747 or bellarissanorfolk@gmail.com.

Brewery

Benchtop Brewing Company

Brewery · 1129 Boissevain Ave

Benchtop Brewing is a craft brewing company established in the Chelsea neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia, founded on scientific innovation. The company embraces new brewing techniques to produce a creative and bold beer experience. The Norfolk Tasting Room is the original tasting room and brewery, located at 1129 Boissevain Ave, Norfolk, VA 23507. It features a bar made of reclaimed dairy barn wood and offers a collaborative atmosphere for all to enjoy. Benchtop Brewing uses local ingredients to create a diverse array of delicious flavors, with twelve revolving taps. Some of their beers include Quick Pickle Gose, Oyster Gose, and foeder conditioned lagers. The Richmond Tasting Room, located at 434 Hull Street, Richmond, VA 23224, is the company's second location. It features a Baltic birch bar and a classic Czech Lukr side pull tower. The kitchen in this location serves gourmet hot dogs and tasty snacks to be paired with options from one of their 12 beer taps.

Restaurant

Black Spice

Restaurant · 244 Granby St

Black Spice is a restaurant located at 244 Granby St, Suite A, in Norfolk, Virginia. The menu features a variety of dishes, including fondue, mac and cheese, wings, and egg rolls. The restaurant offers a range of handheld options, such as burgers and sandwiches, as well as main courses like lamb chops, short ribs, and lobster pasta. There are also several side dishes available, including fries, sautéed spinach, and mashed potatoes. Desserts at Black Spice include bourbon butter pecan bread pudding, banana cake, and housemade ice cream made with unique ingredients like fennel, turmeric, and ginger. The restaurant also serves brunch and cocktails. To make a reservation or contact the restaurant, customers can call (757) 931-9166 or visit the website. The restaurant is located in the heart of Norfolk and offers a convenient way to reserve a table online. The Executive Chef at Black Spice is General Lewis, who brings his expertise to the kitchen to create a unique dining experience. The restaurant's atmosphere is inviting, with the table always set for a great night.

Independent shops worth exploring

Browse locally rooted shops and find something beyond the usual chains.

An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.

Home goods store

AlianabyDesign

Home goods store · 2428 Almeda Ave Ste 300

AlianabyDesign is a family-owned small business based in Norfolk, Virginia, that crafts premium-quality, natural candles. The company prioritizes eco-friendly living and maintains a strictly lead-free, dye-free workspace. The business offers a range of products, including organic beeswax taper candles, soy wax candles, and prayer candles. They also provide customization options for taper candles of different sizes and supply churches, private label companies, retailers, and resellers nationwide. AlianabyDesign has transitioned its website to focus on bulk and private label orders, with a minimum order quantity starting at 100 boxes. The company promises pure, natural ingredients, exceptional craftsmanship, and uncompromising safety and sustainability in its products. For retail items, customers can visit the company's Etsy Shop. AlianabyDesign also offers flexible, cost-effective shipping solutions for its business-to-business clients worldwide, with options for global B2B shipping and seamless duty-free shipping to certain countries. The company is located at 2428 Almeda Avenue, Suite 300, Norfolk, VA 23513, and can be contacted at 757-276-1471 or sales@alianabydesign.net. While they do not maintain a public storefront, they offer convenient pickup options at their office/warehouse on Saturdays and by appointment on weekdays.

Florist

Belinda Florist

Florist · 3240 Tidewater Drive

Belinda Florist is a florist in Norfolk, Virginia, that provides floral and gift services. The business is family-owned and operated, and it has been serving the area for a long time. It offers a wide range of flower arrangements, including traditional and contemporary designs, for various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. The florist specializes in live and silk floral designs and creates arrangements that are meant to encourage, inspire, and soothe the soul. It also offers custom flower design services, where talented designers create beautiful and eye-catching arrangements tailored to the customer's needs. In addition to its floral services, Belinda Florist also offers assorted house plants, gift ideas, and other products such as plush stuffed animals, balloon bouquets, and scented candles. The business provides daily delivery services to local hospitals and funeral homes, making it a convenient option for those who need to send flowers or gifts to loved ones. Belinda Florist has a strong online presence, allowing customers to place orders and make payments securely. The business is committed to providing transparent and fair pricing, with additional fees such as delivery and service fees clearly outlined. It also has a returns and replacement policy in place to ensure customer satisfaction. The florist is located at 3240 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA 23509, and can be contacted at (757) 724-2199. It accepts various payment methods, including American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.

Arts crafts and hobby store

Bernstein's Gallery

Arts crafts and hobby store · 4000 Colley Ave #400

Bernstein's Gallery is a shop located in Norfolk, Virginia, and is listed under the category of arts, crafts, and hobby stores. The gallery describes itself as Norfolk's oldest frame shop, indicating a long-standing presence in the community. The business has a website, although it is currently under construction, and visitors can subscribe for updates or contact the gallery directly. Overall, Bernstein's Gallery appears to be a unique and established business in Norfolk, with a focus on framing and potentially other arts and crafts-related products or services.

Flowers and gifts store

Bloom OV

Flowers and gifts store · 9547 Shore Dr

Bloom OV is a floral studio located in Ocean View, Norfolk, Virginia. The studio is owned by a Latina, veteran, and LGBTQ+-owned individual. They specialize in creating arrangements using sustainable and locally sourced flowers. The studio partners with local flower farms and producers to source the freshest seasonal blooms. They prioritize locally grown flowers to deliver thoughtful and eco-friendly floral designs. Bloom OV offers same day delivery and pickup, but deliveries are limited to certain zip codes and do not occur on Sundays or Mondays. They also host workshops and events, including floral design and craft workshops. The studio is located at 9547 Shore Drive, Norfolk, VA, 23503. They can be contacted through their website or by visiting their store. Bloom OV is committed to providing high-quality and sustainable floral arrangements to their customers.

Clothing store

Cardi

Clothing store · 735 Granby St

Cardi is a premier men's lifestyle boutique located in Norfolk, Virginia, offering luxury streetwear with cutting-edge designs and exclusive pieces. The boutique features a curated collection of high-end and premium apparel, as well as must-have accessories, allowing customers to elevate their wardrobe and discover endless style possibilities. Cardi's product range includes clothing options such as t-shirts, pants, hats, and more, from various brands like Balenciaga Eyewear, Gucci Eyewear, and Momotaro Jeans. The boutique aims to provide an opulent experience for its customers, ensuring they receive quality apparel and goods that signify both status and style. Cardi is situated at 735 Granby Street in Norfolk, and customers can contact them via email or phone for any questions or concerns.

Arts crafts and hobby store

Clean Cut Graphics

Arts crafts and hobby store · 5652 E Virginia Beach Blvd

Clean Cut Graphics is a Veteran-Owned and operated professional supplier of Direct To Film Transfers, HTV, Adhesive Vinyl, and Apparel. The business serves the Hampton Roads Community and offers custom solutions tailored to individual needs. The company provides a range of products, including DTF Custom Single Prints, DTF Gang Sheet Builder, HTV, and Adhesive Vinyl. They also offer machines and tools, such as Vinyl Cutters, Heat Presses, and Cutter Accessories. Clean Cut Graphics strives to be a one-stop shop for all project needs, providing customers with the latest trends, techniques, products, and tutorials. The company prioritizes customer service and aims to treat customers with care. The business offers a refund policy, secure payment methods, and a newsletter that keeps customers up-to-date on new products, tutorial videos, and sales. Customers can also find helpful resources, such as how-to videos and application instructions, on the company's website. Clean Cut Graphics is located in Norfolk, Virginia, and is categorized as a shop local business, specifically an arts, crafts, and hobby store. The company's goal is to provide excellent customer service and support to its customers.

Make a day of it

Museums, galleries and cultural stops from our city directory.

An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.

Historic site

220 West

Historic site · 220 W Brambleton Ave

220 West is a music project rooted in the spirit of historic 220 West, a family home where music was always part of the atmosphere. The project blends Southern Soul music with blues and R&B, and features relatable storytelling in its songs. The music project is built around original songs and soulful sound, with each song taking on the voice that fits its story, while the writing and creative vision remain the thread connecting it all. 220 West is located in Norfolk, Virginia, and its story began with a place where generations gathered under one roof to listen to music and share stories. The project can be found on various music platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, where listeners can follow along, save songs, and stay connected as new stories are released.

Performing arts venue

Ambrosia Quartet

Performing arts venue · 1709 Colley Ave Ste 302

Ambrosia Quartet is a group of fully professional and classically trained musicians based in Norfolk, Virginia. They are a string quartet that performs a wide range of music, from classical favorites to contemporary compositions. The quartet consists of four members, each with a diverse background. Violinists Simon Lapointe and Mayu Kuroda Cipriano hail from Québec and Tokyo, respectively, while violist Beverly Kane Baker is from Hampton and cellist Rebecca Gilmore is from Charlotte, North Carolina. They have all studied at prestigious conservatories, including the Peabody Conservatory and the Juilliard School. Ambrosia Quartet has performed in various venues, including churches, museums, and concert halls, both locally and internationally. They have also worked with composers from the Hampton Roads area, recording and premiering their works. The quartet is currently the Quartet in Residence for The Academy of Music, a community music school in Norfolk. The quartet's performances have been well-received, with critics praising their chemistry and elevation of playing. They strive to reach diverse audiences and share their love of chamber music with the community. Ambrosia Quartet's name is inspired by classical mythology, where ambrosia is the food of the gods, and they aim to share this 'ambrosia' with their listeners.

Art gallery

Aspire Art Gallery

Art gallery · 645 Church St

Aspire Art Gallery is located at 645 Church Street in Norfolk, Virginia, and showcases contemporary art, exhibitions, workshops, cultural programs, and community events. The gallery features original artwork, rotating exhibitions, and opportunities to purchase art, take classes, and engage with the local creative community. Aspire Art Gallery offers a range of programming, including arts education, art exhibitions, community arts, and literary activities, with the goal of stimulating arts creativity, awareness, education, and diversity for the residents of Norfolk and the Hampton Roads community. The gallery provides hands-on artistic opportunities, with skilled artists sharing their knowledge and exploring new ideas with students, and offers classes and workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels. Aspire Art Gallery is also a place to purchase art prints, with a collection of original paintings and prints by local, regional, national, and international artists available for sale.

Art gallery

Clayton Singleton Fine Art

Art gallery · 208 E Main St

Clayton Singleton Fine Art is an art gallery located in Norfolk, Virginia, showcasing uplifting visual art by Clayton Singleton. The gallery features a range of artistic mediums, including acrylics, ink, graphite, paper, and found objects. The artist's inspiration comes from everyday living and the lives of everyday people, as well as the juxtaposition of images and words that provide a metaphor for the reality of our lives and the possibilities of our dreams. Clayton Singleton's style is a blend of realist-expressionism, which is both academic and freestyle. He believes that working in a single medium is restrictive to his artistic process, and each idea manifests in its own individual message with its own material needs. The gallery offers commissioned paintings, and Clayton Singleton is available for shows and loves to hear what viewers think of his work. He can be contacted through his website or social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To get in touch with Clayton Singleton Fine Art, visitors can send a message through the website or call (757) 797-6221. The gallery is located in Norfolk, Virginia, and provides a space for art lovers to discover and appreciate uplifting visual art.

Art gallery

d'Art Center

Art gallery · 740 Boush St

The d'Art Center is a non-profit community art center located in Norfolk's NEON District, offering classes, studio space, exhibitions, art events, and venue rental. The center has a mission to make the visual arts welcoming and accessible to all. The d'Art Center features three galleries, resident artist studios, and multiple activity rooms. The Main Gallery and Vault are rotated monthly with new and nationally curated exhibitions, while the Artist Wing displays frequently updated community artists' work. The center provides opportunities for people to create, learn, and enjoy art together, with classes and workshops offered in a variety of mediums and skill levels. It also offers summer camps for kids and hosts national exhibitions that generate over 4,000 submissions annually. The d'Art Center is supported by private donations, events, and workshops, and the City of Norfolk supports 8% of its budget. The center also has a boutique shop that sells items from local and national artists, including artwork, jewelry, and home decor. The d'Art Center is located at 740 Boush Street in the heart of the NEON District, with a 2,200 sq ft gallery that has incredible visibility to Boush Street traffic and pedestrians. The center is also close to a thriving new apartment community and other creative small businesses and arts partners.

Music venue

For Creatives

Music venue · 271 Granby St

For Creatives is a hub for people to gather, celebrate, learn, and create in Norfolk, Virginia. It offers unique event spaces, community experiences, and entrepreneurial resources. The business has two spaces, Elevate and Deluxe, which can be booked for private events. Elevate is an intimate setting that can accommodate up to 70 guests, while Deluxe can accommodate up to 125 guests. For Creatives also hosts signature functions, such as The Living Room Worship Experience, and provides resources for entrepreneurs and innovators to help their businesses thrive. The business is located in Downtown Norfolk, with two addresses: 255 Granby Street and 271 Granby Street. It offers a curated marketplace experience, where brands can showcase their products and services. For Creatives provides a prime downtown location, curated marketplace experience, and increased exposure for partner businesses. It also offers flexible partnership options, including daily and monthly partnerships, and revenue share partnerships.

Want a different neighborhood or cuisine? Search all 279 places in our directory →. These selections are not paid placements.