The Scoop on Syd’s FishPig Café

There’s a new restaurant smack dab in the middle of downtown Norfolk that’s disrupting the restaurant scene. Nestled at the end of Selden Market, Syd’s FishPig Café is the ultimate Norfolk eatery.

Syd’s Exudes Norfolk Energy

While Norfolk offers many incredible spots to grab a bite, Syd’s brings its distinct flavor to the area. Owner Sydney Meers opened the doors to Syd’s FishPig Café in February 2021. The downtown spot isn’t Meers’s first rodeo as a restaurant owner, though. Syd is a well-known chef in the Hampton Roads area, having built his repertoire at establishments including The Dumbwaiter in Norfolk back in the early ’90s, then Cowboy Syd’s in Newport News in the early 2000s, and most recently, Stove in Olde Towne Portsmouth.

Syd’s latest dining establishment brings elements from past restaurants while offering a fresh and modern Norfolk vibe. Whimsical artwork adorns its walls, most of which Syd has created himself over the years. The decorations throughout the restaurant offer playful and eclectic energy complemented by classy and upscale features, including chandeliers and high-quality cuisine.

Syd’s Chef Skills at Work

Syd’s has some of the most delicious chow Norfolk residents will find not only within the city but across Hampton Roads. With Syd’s solid culinary background and rapport with local farmers, the menu offers daily fresh specials that constantly change depending on what meats and produce Syd has on hand that day. The menu offers simple yet sophisticated dishes with hints of southern spice. The quality local ingredients add a layer of depth to each plate. When customers take a bite, they know they’re enjoying the best ingredients picked with care by the owner himself.

The menu itself is also something to behold; it takes a controversial approach by allowing visitors to glimpse into the friendly and relaxed style that Syd uses throughout the entire dining experience.

As the name alludes to, Syd’s FishPig Café offers high-quality meats in each dish, from the catch of the day to a house aged strip steak, to the Meers-e-Cristo: Syd’s spin on the Monte Cristo that incorporates his pork meatloaf and a whole lot of cheesy, bubbling goodness. Many of his plates also use homemade smokey sauces that are available on-demand at the café or online.

Syd’s Spirits

The good news doesn’t stop with the fantastic food fare. The hand-crafted also incorporate fresh ingredients and twist classical favorites, from a vodka-infused mango margarita to a champagne old-fashioned. And if you’re lucky enough to get a seat at the bar, you’ll be greeted by a warm smile from Cat, who immediately makes visitors feel like old friends. Cat’s ability to have a conversation with any patron is topped only by her ability to whip up a mean cocktail.

To make one cohesive Norfolk masterpiece, Syd’s fuses it all – creativity, conversation, cuisine, and cocktails.

You can find Syd crafting his culinary creations at the café Wednesday through Saturday from 4 pm – 10:30 and offering Sunday brunch from 11 – 3. Check out the website for hours and upcoming events, or visit Syd’s Facebook or Instagram page.

Tiffany Frazier

Ghent, NFK

Tiffany grew up in Chesapeake but has called Norfolk home for the past seven years. She fell in love with the city while working with Festevents during college summer breaks. She graduated from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) with a degree in corporate communication. Tiffany now works as a digital marketing specialist and enjoys strolling and rollerblading her way around Norfolk. She lives in Ghent with her husband Trevor, and their two cats, Tux and Joe.