Fine Dining, Special Occasion, and Fancy Restaurants
Date night, a show, anniversaries, reunions, birthdays, or just a much-needed fancy night out, Downtown Norfolk is home to so many chef-inspired and unique restaurants, there is one for every special occasion. Here are 11 one-of-a-kind places to spend a special night out in Downtown Norfolk.
1. Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse
116 Brooke Avenue
757-222-9191
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5pm-9:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 5pm-10:30pm; Sunday, 5pm-8:30pm
A traditional Steak & Chophouse Restaurant creating memorable dining experiences.
Great For: A fancy, romantic evening with someone special.
Something Extra Special: Really make the evening special with some caviar, served with truffle oil relish, diced eggs, capers, diced red onion, and toasted baguette slices. You can also request a tour of the private wine cellar.
2. Texas de Brazil
300 Monticello Avenue #147
757-622-3113
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5pm-9:30pm; Friday, 5pm-10pm; Saturday, 4pm-10pm; Sunday, 4pm-9pm.
A continuous eating experience combining traditional Brazilian cooking and Texas hospitality to satisfy your carnivorous craving.
Great For: A larger party out for a celebration.
Something Extra Special: We know there is a lot of meat to try, but don't forget to visit the salad area. There are so many amazing additions to take your meal to the next level. We love the pineapple carpaccio and the marinated artichoke hearts.
3. Todd Jurich's Bistro
150 West Main Street, Suite 100
757-622-3210
Hours: Lunch Monday-Friday, 11:30am-2pm; Dinner: Monday-Saturday. 5:30pm-10pm.
A cornerstone of Downtown Norfolk and a wonderful place to see and be seen while enjoying a high quality meal.
Great For: A fancy night on the town.
Something Extra Special: The Hereford Filet Mignon is stunningly beautiful, served atop polenta, creamed spinach, and with bistro steak sauce.
4. Luce
245 Granby Street
757-502-7260
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4:45pm-Midnight; Friday-Saturday, 5pm-1:30am..
Upscale and contemporary twist on traditional and classic cuisine from all the different regions of Italy.
Great For: An small, intimate gathering.
Something Extra Special: We love getting both a cheese plate and a salami cold plate to eat along with a nice glass of wine. Be sure to make reservations!
5. Chartreuse Bistro
205 East City Hall Avenue
757-965-2137
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, Noon-2pm & 5pm-10pm; Friday, Noon-2pm & 5pm-10:30pm; Saturday, 5pm-10:30pm.
A husband and wife owned modern bistro with European-inspired farm-to-table delights.
Great For: A chic outing to try something new and different.
Something Extra Special: What makes Chartreuse Bistro so special is that the menu changes daily, so be prepared for a little adventure.
6. Gershwin's
332 Granby Street
757-226-0814
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4pm-11pm; Friday-Saturday, 4pm-2am; Sunday, 4pm-11pm.
Sophisticated 30's & 40's era bistro with nightly music, featuring classic American standards like Sinatra and Cole Porter.
Great For: A fun, but fancy night out with a small group dressed in their vintage best.
Something Extra Special: Gershwin's has amazing old school cocktails like Sidecars and Martinis, or try the fan-favorite Dark and Smokey, featuring smoked whiskey.
7. 456 Fish
456 Granby Street
757-625-4444
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4pm-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 4pm-11pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm.
Refined seafood and cocktails in a gorgeous corner bistro.
Great For: Seafood lovers looking for a great date night.
Something Extra Special: One of 456 Fish's must-try signature dishes is the Crab Stuffed Flounder with garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, and a Tabasco Beurre Blanc.
8. The Restaurant at Four Eleven York
411 York Street
757-625-8193
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-9:30pm; Friday, 5pm-Midnight; Saturday, 5pm-11pm; Sunday, 5pm-9:30pm.
A cozy yet luxurious restaurant focusing on fresh, local fare located in the Historic Freemason District.
Great For: A fancy night out to see and be seen.
Something Extra Special: Enjoy a themed cocktail on their beautiful patio. VIP status achieved.
9. Varia
100 East Main Street
757-763-6281
Hours: Mon-Sun, 5pm-close.
Trattoria-inspired Italian restaurant and piano bar.
Great For: Lovers of wine.
Something Extra Special: Varia not only features a 200+ bottle wine list, but is also home to an impressive 24 bottle wine cruvinet.
10. Voila Cuisine Internationale
509 Botetourt Street
757-640-0343
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 5pm-10pm.
A romantic nook serving eclectic international dishes and craft cocktails.
Great For: A cosmopolitan experience right in Downtown Norfolk.
Something Extra Special: Voila offers a 3-course prix fixe menu for $35 from Monday-Thursday night — perfect for your mid-week celebrations.
11. Omar's Carriage House
313 Bute Street
757-622-4990
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 5pm-10pm.
Historic site turned casual bistro with global accents.
Great For: A cozy, intimate setting for a special occasion.
Something Extra Special: The building that houses Omar's Carriage House is filled with history, as it was originally a carriage house built in the 1840s.
