Highest-rated brunch restaurants in Norfolk
Highest-rated brunch restaurants in Norfolk
The word brunch first appeared in a 1895 issue of "Hunter's Weekly," according to the Smithsonian Magazine. In the article, which was titled "Brunch: A Plea," author Guy Beringer suggested swapping out heavy, post-church meals for lighter spreads served later in the morning.
"Brunch… is cheerful, sociable, and inciting," Beringer wrote. "It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper; it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings. It sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week." As a post-script to the piece, he writes that at brunch, "Beer and whiskey are admitted as substitutes for tea and coffee."
Fast forward 130 years, and brunch is now one of the most popular meals in the U.S. According to a 2025 industry report from Bar & Restaurant News, brunch is the #1 meal for both Gen Zers and parents: 39% of the former go out to eat during that time, and 47% of the latter.
Many brunch locations offer the same type of spread Beringer promoted in his article—pastries and marmalade, coffee and tea (or beer and whiskey), and main courses that include fish or other meats. However, a host of other trends like internationally inspired cuisines, pizza, and mimosa flights have come along to add a little variety.
Whether your preference is for a classic brunch or something with a little more spice, Stacker compiled a ranking of the highest-rated brunch restaurants in Norfolk using data from Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor ranks places using a combination of metrics, including overall rating, reviews, and number of page views. As a result, a restaurant with a 5 out of 5 overall rating might rank lower than one with a 4 out of 5. Most chain restaurants were excluded from the ranking. Data is as of Sept. 16, 2025.
Read on to find out if your favorite local spot made our list!
#27. Stony's Dockside Bar & Grill
- Rating: 4.1/5 (40 reviews)
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#26. Granby Bistro & Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (48 reviews)
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#25. Mack's Barge
- Rating: 4/5 (67 reviews)
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#24. Alatte Cafe
- Rating: 4.8/5 (25 reviews)
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#23. Green Onion
- Rating: 3.8/5 (186 reviews)
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#22. The Stockpot Norfolk
- Rating: 4.4/5 (25 reviews)
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#21. Karla's Beach House Restaurant
- Rating: 4.4/5 (30 reviews)
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#20. Cafe Stella
- Rating: 4.2/5 (93 reviews)
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#19. The Public House
- Rating: 3.7/5 (139 reviews)
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#18. Starving Artist Cafe
- Rating: 4.4/5 (50 reviews)
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#17. The Restaurant at Four Eleven York
- Rating: 4.6/5 (32 reviews)
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#16. Yorgo's
- Rating: 4.3/5 (99 reviews)
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#15. Mermaid Winery
- Rating: 4.1/5 (119 reviews)
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#14. Little Dog Diner
- Rating: 4.3/5 (58 reviews)
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#13. Baker's Crust Artisan Kitchen
- Rating: 4.2/5 (166 reviews)
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#12. 219 Bistro
- Rating: 4.1/5 (322 reviews)
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#11. PRESS 626 wine bar
- Rating: 4.5/5 (140 reviews)
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#10. Omar's Carriage House
- Rating: 4.4/5 (182 reviews)
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#9. Sandfiddler Cafe
- Rating: 4.5/5 (154 reviews)
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#8. d'egg diner
- Rating: 4.1/5 (369 reviews)
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#7. Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.3/5 (198 reviews)
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#6. A.W. Shuck's
- Rating: 4.2/5 (377 reviews)
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#5. Captain Groovy's Grill and Raw Bar
- Rating: 4.2/5 (493 reviews)
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#4. Handsome Biscuit
- Rating: 4.5/5 (370 reviews)
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#3. Freemason Abbey Restaurant
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1321 reviews)
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#2. Grilled Cheese
- Rating: 4.6/5 (306 reviews)
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#1. No Frill Bar and Grill
- Rating: 4.5/5 (871 reviews)
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