In a bustling city brimming with diverse cultures and flavors, there is an undeniable allure to exploring the vibrant tapestry of its local food scene. From bustling food truck lines to cherished neighborhood eateries, there are culinary gems showcasing the heart and soul of our city’s gastronomic reputation in every corner. As Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week approaches, it serves as a powerful reminder of the profound importance of supporting and cherishing our local food scene, where flavors, traditions, and stories intertwine to create an unforgettable dining experience.

The sweltering heat of the summer hasn’t dampened the stream of foot traffic in Downtown. To many of the Downtown veterans, Granby Street appears even busier than it was before the pandemic. The constant parade of festivals, big events, and tourists has brought a flood of hungry patrons to the dozens of Downtown restaurants.

Town Point Park, Scope, the Norva, and baseball often get to be the main attraction, but next week, they’re taking a back seat. Downtown Norfolk’s Restaurant Week is returning, and it’s putting the spotlight on the culinary scene. Nearly two-dozen restaurants are preparing to put their finest works on display – and in the mouths – of thousands.

Delectable dishes will abound as the participating restaurants offer price-fixed multi-course dinners, lunches, and brunches. The diversity of offerings will be on full display. “Downtown Norfolk’s dining scene has something for everyone,” said Sam Black,  director of marketing and communications for Downtown Norfolk Council. “It’s a great  chance to try new places, revisit old favorites, and check out Downtown Norfolk’s other sites and attractions at the same time.”

Highlights of the week’s gastronomic odyssey include a Shrimp Radiatori from Codex with a ramp and pecan pesto, Pan Seared Grouper from Omar’s Carriage House stuffed with cornbread and chorizo, Crispy Local “Whale” Soft Crabs from Todd Jurich’s with an angry Thai peanut confit, and Prime 255’s Citrus Ponzu Pasta.

Beyond the mere pleasure of indulging in extraordinary dishes, Restaurant Week carries a deeper significance—a celebration of the symbiotic relationship between a city’s food scene and its local community. When we choose to dine at local establishments, we invest in the urban fabric that binds us, fostering a thriving ecosystem of restaurants, farms, suppliers, and culinary artisans who infuse life and vibrancy into our city’s dining landscape.

So, let us raise our glasses and embark on dining adventures through the city’s food scene. Discover new restaurants, connect with the chefs’ finest works, and fall in love with Norfolk again as you “Eat Your Heart Out.”

Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week runs July 16th through the 23rd. Participating restaurants and links to their menus can be found here.

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery.