There’s something for everyone to love at this small franchise restaurant located in Ghent. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy a seat on their patio where you can watch patrons pop in and out of stores in the Palace Shops. As a bonus, see if you can spot the colorful mermaid “swimming” in the parking lot.

The Bird was formed out of a deep love for breakfast classics and craft cocktails. This fusion formed the core of The Bird’s brunch, cocktail, and small plates-based menu. Grab and go, or sit and stay for a while (including at a small outdoor section). Any way you want, it’s at The Bird.

Blanca Food+Wine is a convivial restaurant with a fun, old world focused wine list and thoughtful plates inspired by the rustic cooking of France, Spain and Italy. In warmer months, sit outside for the ambiance.

Aside from its already-famous Belgian-style beers, the Blue Moon TapHouse boasts 22,550 square footage and connects Waterside Drive to the Elizabeth River waterfront in the heart of Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Blue Moon TapHouse at Waterside District features three unique dining and entertainment experiences throughout the venue. The dining area of the venue, which opens up to beautiful, waterfront views along the Elizabeth River, features a large exterior patio for outdoor dining and second stage for live music.

Enjoy dining and craft cocktails in this casually-upscale yet affordable destination. Patio seating out front allows diners to enjoy the action of Colley Ave. (and gorgeous sunsets in the evening). A fire pit keeps diners warm during the cooler times of year.

Located in Norfolk’s Larchmont neighborhood, Elation brews stellar beers in a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating both indoors and outside. Larchmont Lager, Notice This, Rose Gose and Highland Park Hazy are all part of their flagships, but rotating taps include guest beers from around the world, ciders, meads and even four wines on tap. While you’re there, enjoy a pizza from Bakehouse at Elation, baked in their wood-fired oven on site.

Four Eleven York

This boutique inn and restaurant in the heart of Norfolk’s historic Freemason District is the pure definition of charm and beauty. It’s an incomparable experience to dine on multiple courses of elevated, locally sourced cuisine on their outdoor patio adorned with chic fire pits, greenery galore and whimsical strands of twinkle lights.

The Ghent is a self-pour gastropub and rooftop lounge. They use a state-of-the-art self-pour draft system that allows guests to decide how much of what beer, wine or batched cocktail they want to enjoy. Just get your pour card activated by a “beerista’ or manager and enjoy your favorite libation at your own pace. On a gorgeous Virginia day, nothing beats sitting on the Ghent’s rooftop bar and munching on a few Korean tacos and other assorted bar foods.

Grace O’Malley’s

How Irish is Grace O’Malley’s? Virtually everything in the bar and restaurant was handcrafted in Ireland, including the bar itself and the storefront. Enjoy Granby St.-side dining at the covered parklet/streatery in front of the pub year-round.

Grain

Water views? Check. Unmatched outlook of Downtown? Check. Rooftop beer garden, fire pits and cozy seating? Check, check and check. Grain is a go-to for some of the best outdoor seating in Norfolk, complete with an impeccable weekend brunch buffet, all your favorite beverages and a few strangers who are soon-to-be friends.

Grandiflora Wine Garden

Though not quite a secret, this place has got the secret garden vibe down pat. Norfolk’s only vegetarian natural wine bar is like a quiet escape from hustles and hassles. Owners Erin, Jason and Kenny have lovingly transformed this early 1900s house in Chelsea into a gorgeous inn, growing with it an inheritance of trees, herbs, flowers and local wildlife.

Hank’s Filling Station

Hank’s Filling Station features delicious barbecue and plenty of tasty beverages to go along with a plethora of outdoor lawn games, fire pits and oftentimes live music as well. It’s like the backyard you’ve always dreamt of! Grab a seat at a picnic table, start up a friendly game of something fun, and wait for your name to be called, signaling your food is hot and ready.

Leone’s Italian

Norfolk’s only rooftop Italian restaurant is truly a gem of Downtown. Whether you dine on the rooftop overlooking the bustling Granby Street below or take a seat on their lovely back patio, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the views and the authentic food.

Longboards

Longboards is found in the East Beach community of Norfolk, where dockside seating awaits! Enjoy a cup of she-crab soup or crab mac and cheese as you overlook the docks and yachts of East Beach Marina. 

Casual Latin American & vegetarian dining in a hip, loftlike setting with a patio & full bar. A spacious outdoor dining area allows diners to watch the comings and goings along Colley Ave. and 21st St. in the charming Ghent neighborhood.

Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant

It doesn’t get closer to the Chesapeake Bay than this. Walk out along a portion of the Ocean View Fishing Pier to reach this sunny, casual spot with pub-type fare and cool drinks. Get a glider table for your group, or opt for one of the high-top chairs looking out onto the glistening Chesapeake Bay.

The Public House

On the inside, the Public House offers upscale comfort fare with a Southern spin with Belgian ales and craft drinks in a dark-wood space. On the outside, seating along Colley Ave. and Princess Anne allow for some serious people watching in the height of summer.

Saltine

A full patio at Saltine signals a gorgeous day. It doesn’t get much better than indulging in some of the freshest seafood around while taking in a gentle breeze and doing some casual people watching from Saltine’s blissful patio overlooking Downtown’s Main Street.

Two of the best pairings come together in one of Norfolk’s greatest neighborhoods. Tacos y Tequila, located in Ghent, is a Mexican restaurant serving favorite dishes and Taco Tuesday specials. For much of the year, you’ll find crowds sitting in the adjoining streatery on Calley Ave. where people-watching never gets old.

Toast

Sail shades decorate Toast’s ever-growing garden, giving you the perfect Instagrammable shot! Not only is their environment pretty, but so are the food and drinks! Sit back, relax, and toast to the good life.

With a fun atmosphere and casual outdoor dining, The Torch Bistro is the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail, some great American styled food, and live music.

Zeke’s Beans and Bowls

Local art lines the walls and sunshine beams in on this eclectic, turf-lined patio outside of Zeke’s Beans and Bowls. The fare is just as fresh as the atmosphere. Choose from spicy poke bowls, cooling açaí bowls and a few smoothies and sandwiches in between as you take in the art and the eats in Norfolk’s NEON District.