This place is no longer in business. Now it is a sub shop. Parking was great, however they only had…read moreless than 10 spots for customers. The parking is open until 6, after that it is only for a restaurant named ilo

GET READY FOR A HONKER SAMMY…read more Fantastic place in downtown Norfolk, by the USS Wisconsin. I had the largest Mufulletta in my life and boy I did not eat the rest of the day. Cheeses galore. The vibe is airy and open and it's such a great place to sit down and ponder. I Focaccia is fantastic here along with getting their myriad selection of cheeses.

My friend invited me out to Crystal Palate for a wine tasting on a Wednesday and I couldn't wait to…read morestop in. As a wine lover, I love trying new places where I can indulge in a variety of different wines. I was pleasantly greeted as soon as I walked in and I couldn't help but notice how beautiful this place was. They not only offer an assortment of wine, but also a variety of crackers, cheeses, olives, honey and other treats as well. We were offered a sample of the Sage Derby Cheese and it was so good, I bought two lol. Once everyone arrived, we went into the Wine Tasting Room to learn about the wines of the Pacific Northwest and to sample wines from that region. The class was very educational and I learned quite a few things. For example, Cabernet Franc is the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, which is my favorite wine. Once the tasting wrapped up, we were able to socialize with the group and the staff. We inquired about the membership and they even shared that they offer opportunities to wine school as well. Overall, I had the best time at Crystal Palate! The staff were extremely personable and the wines were great! Wine Wednesday EDUtastings are a great way to learn about different wines from specific regions so definitely stop in if you are a wine lover like myself! You will not be disappointed!!!

Okay... I officially have a new favorite spot, and it's Crystal Palate…read more At this point, my Wednesdays might as well be reserved because their wine tastings are THAT good. Each week they feature a different region and really take you on a full deep dive -- this week was the Pacific Northwest, and between the four wine samples and the education behind each one, I left feeling like I actually learned something (while still having a great time, of course). I brought a friend with me this time -- the same one who originally introduced me to Cooper's Hawk -- so it felt a little full circle being able to put her onto a place for once. And let me just say... she was impressed. Like, immediately texting people about it impressed. Now let's talk about that in-house herb cheddar. I don't even remember exactly what herbs were in it, but I DO know it was so good I had to buy some to take home... and my friend liked it so much she bought two. That should tell you everything you need to know. What really sets Crystal Palate apart though is that it's not just a tasting -- it's an experience. They offer classes, events, and even certification programs if you want to really get into wine and learn how to educate others. You can tell they genuinely love what they do, and it shows in every part of the experience. Honestly, I loved it so much I even asked if they were hiring -- that's how you know it's real. Great wine, great atmosphere, great energy... this place is a whole vibe. So if you're wondering where I'll be on Wednesday nights... you can find me and Lexi right here at Crystal Palate

Ahh Birch.... still killing it like usual. The draft selection nice with the awesome GM that was…read moresuper friendly and informative. We enjoy coming out here for our rare date night. Even though we've been dabbling in more liquors, this place continues to step it up in exclusive meads and beers that are just practically impossible to find anywhere else. They've kicked it up a bunch of notches with their continued amazing grilled cheese sandwich menu. I wish I could elaborate more than just 'grilled cheese' but if you wanted to elevate a grilled cheese to fine dining, this is about what you'd expect. I appreciate this place as it's hard to believe I was there on day 1 when it opened. A lot has happened since then but it has definitely kept the core of it's intent - serve high quality beer. Food Taste: 5 Overall Service: 5 Value of food to cost: 5 Facility: 5 Ambiance: Small bar area that is nice in ambiance as I'm a big fan of the low-key vibe. Repeat customer: yes Dog Friendly: patio

Great selection on drafts. All the snacks were good. Especially liked the pickled okra & pickled…read morecauliflower & hummus. 10 out of 10. I did a cider/mead flight. And hubs got a sours & stout. Staff was super friendly and I loved the vibe in their. Such a cool spot.

We came for paella night to the Chesapeake location. What a cute spot! The team was very helpful in…read moregetting our reservation confirmed, and settling us in for the experience. They have a wide variety of wines available, and feature different regions throughout the month. They also plan international trips to explore the various regions from which their wines originate! Love their passion for wine education. Looking forward to a return visit.

Let me preface the review with this- This review is limited to their paella night. We've been twice…read moreand both were wonderful. The wine pairings were unique and enjoyable. (On at least one occasion we left with several bottles). The atmosphere is cozy and very family like. The service was excellent both times. Really need to go back for a "regular " evening.

Came here a few weeks ago with some girl friends, and we enjoyed! All 3 of us got the wine flight…read moreand chose our own flavors. The flight was more than enough for me. We ate prior to coming here so we didn't get any food, but i did end up getting a skillet cookie which was sooooo good. Thankfully we came on a warm day, so we were able to sit outside on the patio. The inside was super cute as well, but slightly cold. Which i understand because the weather has been super back and fourth. Our waiter was super nice and helpful. Next time i go back i would like to try their food to see how it is.

Mermaid Winery in Norfolk has been a good experience for me. It doesn't feel like a loud bar or a…read morepressure-to-drink environment. It reads much more like a cozy restaurant with wine, not a wine tasting room where everyone is hovering around flights. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the space itself is interesting and comfortable. It's an easy place to sit, talk, and actually enjoy the people you're with without feeling out of place because you're not drinking. No one makes it weird, no one questions your choice, and you're not the odd one out. The food is the real anchor for me. I go for the meal, the setting, and the conversation, and that's more than enough. It feels like a legitimate dinner spot, not somewhere you're just tagging along while others drink. If you're sober or choose not to drink but still like going out, being social, and enjoying good food in a relaxed environment, this place works. I'm comfortable here, I enjoy the experience, and I'd go again without hesitation.

Very unexpected ambiance (in a good way!) that this restaurant gives off a cozy yet upscale feel…read more Booths provide for enough privacy with high backs and dividers, making the ambiance conducive to both family gatherings and romantic dates! Can't say that am partial as the owner is an acquaintance but I do know that he works hard and has a presence in the kitchen himself and comes out to mingle to make the ambiance friendly and personable. The service is very friendly. I was immediately greeted at the door not only by the wait staff Sarah! but those in the kitchen. Giving very local neighborly vibe! With the weather being 100 degrees, I wanted to start off with the gelato bomb. It was vanilla and chocolate gelato enrobed in chocolate that was thin enough to crack and enjoyed with a spoon. IG has maraschino cherry in it. I also decided to order something light, so ended up with the caprese salad. In other places they use large heirloom tomatoes but use of cherry tomatoes here works as well. Love the balsamic dressing, seems authentic with it being a great balance of sweet and tart, not watered down. Would definitely come back for a pizza next time.

Came here for dinner with a friend and overall had a great time! Service was great, they weren't…read moretoo busy, and it had a nice chill vibe. Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini 5/5 - I asked for a little extra blueberry and it was delicious Americano Pizza 5/5 - Crispy cup pepperonis and just enough sauce & cheese Fettuccine Alfredo - 3.5/5 - The pasta was good but i like my pasta a little more al dente and the sauce tasted extra creamy rather than cheesy

Food was really good! The lobster gnocchi was flavorful. They have a huge assortment of whisky so…read moreif you're a whisky lover I would recommend getting the whisky flight. The restaurant was really small and I recommend making a reservation in advance if you want to go. Otherwise, they will turn you away.

This was kind of a meh dining experience. I called the restaurant to make a reservation for 3…read morepeople on a Tuesday evening. I was told that there was no availability for the evening and I should try to walk in for bar seats. Upon arrival, the bar was not busy so we took three seats and noticed that the table behind us never got sat the entire time we were there. To me, this is a pretentious restaurant that falls below the bar in every way. Second time dining here and would not return because service from Branice C. was a C- in her caring that she was even at work, to the upcharges for extra marinara sauce to go with the greasy overbreaded calamari appetizer. The oil saturated flavor was almost nauseating. Please change the oil in your fryer! Prices were not excessive but the upcharge for using a credit card was. Who really walks around with $300 cash in pocket to pay for dinner without a credit card fee. JUST ADD IT IN YOUR MENU PRICES!!!! The Boar Ragu was truly not boar but probably run of the mill ground beef and the four tiny slices of steak on the Caesar salad was a joke. There are so many other lovely restaurants along this block that this is a skip right past for the future.

Was looking forward to coming back here after the fire! Glad to see them back on their feet with a…read morefull house. First noticed that it seems visibly smaller. Not sure if that's because of the damage caused so am okay looking past it. Just be aware that there are maybe 5-6 tables inside and you will be close to your neighbor, or sitting at the large bar. Drink list seems great but wine list is in Spanish? (my silly bad for not understanding it fully) and wish there was some more details/flavors on the wine by the glass listed. Food was decent. Not sure it blew us away this time. They were certainly understaffed for a Friday night. Food was slow but our waitress was kind and appreciative of us so that was nice.

Crudo Twudo! They're so back - excellent atmosphere (if…read morebrighter), great food and drinks, and the staff couldn't be more thrilled to be back. Go get your tapas fix!

FANTASTIC! Vibes? Yes!…read moreFood? Yes! Wine? Yes! Thank you to John who welcomed us and recommended good wine for our food We came here with our son, who recently moved to Norfolk. He came here for his first meal in town and John treated him to a glass of wine with his gourmet grilled cheese He brought us to the experience : Brussels sprouts -- delicious with sweet and spicy and hazelnut Goat cheese and beet salad: good dressing, nice mix, exactly what I wanted for dinner Truffle tots: yeah, tots are good, but with truffle and Parmesan? Wow!! The vibes here are great. There's music on but you can still talk to people. Seating at the bar or tables or, if the weather is nice, on the front porch. It has an elegant but relaxed feel that would make this place great for a date or friends ( or family!) We will be back And yep, we are back for tapas Tuesday where all small plates are $2 off Hummus -- ok Duck egg rolls good Lamb meatballs : GREAT flavor!! Roasted Carrot beet with labneh and dukkah : delicious Dumplings-- good but spicy for me Miso butter gnocchi with mushrooms-- delicious Roasted salmon-- folks were split on this between "solid" and good Salad of farro and spinach with beets and goat cheese and pear -- this was amazing. The dressing had awesome spices in it that made the whole thing complex. 3 new wonderful wines ! Thanks to all at this restaurant for another amazing meal. You are our favorite Norfolk spot!!

We sat at the bar. They have a large wine selection but their cocktails were also very good. I got…read morethe lamb with the chimichurri sauce. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce complimented the food well.

I had dinner recently (2/7/24) with friends in order to check out Green Onion's ayce mussels night…read more Although The Green Onion has had better days, I enjoyed my experience at one of Ghent's longest-tenured businesses. We came across TGO's Wednesday ayce mussels deal via social media (maybe Instagram), and since we're always looking for excuses to dine together, we opted to check it out. I always look forward to hanging out with my Yelp peeps, so I was excited for this event. Upon entering, I noticed TGO changed up their interior. It's not as bright as it used to be, it's more minimal, and as you're walking past the bar to the dining room, there is a foul smell that permeates for a 3-5 foot stretch. I was immediately turned off after that, but luckily it's confined to just that area. Toni E. helped us - she was a sweetheart and was eager to answer our questions. She informed us up front of items that were sold out of (which turned out to be an unusually high amount), but all of us ordered the mussels. In addition, we drank a little, just because we could (ha!). After trying it out, I can tell you that ayce mussels isn't as cool as it sounds. They serve it in a bowl and you keep ordering until you're full. Ayce mussels would be great if there were different preparation choices, but that's not the case. But for $20, this is a decent route to go if you're hungry. Another plus is that the mussels were pretty good. So overall, I wasn't disappointed because I got exactly what was advertised and Toni was great. I hope to return and order something outside of mussels, and something needs to be done about that odor. Regardless, this was a decent night out. Thank you, Green Onion! JV

Beautiful place with a very impressive menu. Staff was personable, knowledgeable and friendly. Went…read morefor lunch with an old friend and we loved everything. Highly recommended.