It’s the perfect time of year for al fresco dining, and Norfolk’s restaurants certainly don’t disappoint. Dinner with water views? You got it. How about an outdoor seat Downtown among the hustle and bustle? Absolutely. Quiet spot to sip wine in a dreamy garden? Coming right up. Celebrate patio season by making reservations at some of these Norfolk restaurants with outdoor dining options.
This list includes a few of our favorites, but you can find many more excellent Norfolk restaurants with outdoor dining here.
Baker’s Crust Artisan Kitchen
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.
Craft on Colley
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Stripers Waterside
Originally hailing from the OBX, Stripers has brought their fresh seafood and made-from-scratch menu to Norfolk’s Waterside District. With that comes quite a breathtaking view. Come for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch and take in pristine views of the Elizabeth River as you wave to ships passing by.
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.
