Perfect Spots in Downtown Norfolk for Soup Weather
When it's cold and dreary, there's nothing better than cozying up to a steaming, comforting bowl of soup. That's right: it's soup weather in Downtown Norfolk — and our restaurants are serving up soups galore!
We've rounded up some of Downtown Norfolk's best soups for you here. All you have to do is brave the chilly air long enough to go grab it for takeout, dine in, or even take advantage of some heated outdoor dining, and enjoy. Soup's on!
She Crab Soup Mania
She Crab Soup: Our region that loves She Crab Soup – and really, can you blame us? What’s not to love about creamy, stick-to-your-ribs, warm-your-heart-and-stomach, rich crabby goodness?
You’re in luck: Downtown Norfolk has a lot of She Crab Soup to offer. Try them all and pick who you think is the She Crab King. Get your fix at:
- Freemason Abbey (Multi-Year Award Winner)
- 456 Fish
- Byrd and Baldwin Bros Steakhouse
- Hell's Kitchen
- Saltine
- Stripers Waterside
Asian-Inspired Soups
Tom Yum Soup @ Tida Thai: Tom Yum is traditionally made with a soul-soothing lemongrass broth and Tida Thai executes on that beautifully. You can get it several ways, including with seafood!
Egg Drop Soup @ Ya Ya Asian Gourmet House: Some days, you just want some reliable, comforting soup to grab and go. Ya Ya Asian Gourmet House has you covered with their delicious classic egg drop, wonton, or sweet and sour soups.
Traditional Comfort
Tomato Bisque @ Grilled Cheese Bistro: Take your childhood comfort meal up a notch at Grilled Cheese Bistro with some Tomato Bisque and a grown-up grilled cheese sandwich, like the amazing Dreamin’ of Rueben or the Don Quioxte with fontina, parmesan, sautéed onion, mushroom, roasted red pepper, and an olive tapenade. Bonus points if you dip your sandwhich!
Country Soup @ Lizard Cafe at Prince Books: You'll feel right at home eating a bowl of collard greens, tomatoes, onions, and ham in this hearty southern-inspired soup. Pair it with a loaded biscuit with Surry ham and apricot jam to complete your meal.
Gumbo @ Syd's Fish Pig Cafe: Down at the Main Street end of Selden Market, Sydney Meers, the James Beard Award of Excellence finalist, is cooking up some comfort classics. His gumbo is "real deep south southern gumbo" with a rotating variety of seafood. He even paired it with real Mississippi delta rice. Needless to say, it's the real deal.
Trendy and Different
Tuscan White Bean Soup @ The Stockpot Norfolk: Hot, steamy, and oh so filling. The Tuscan White Bean Soup is a savory trip to Tuscany in each bite, right from the comfort of Plume Street.
Vegan Palak Soup @ Saffron Indian Bistro: Add a little spice to your life with either the Vegan Lentil Soup or Vegan Palak Soup at Saffron.
A Whole Meal in a Bowl
Ramen @ The Stockpot Norfolk: 11:00 am - 8:30 pm, every Monday. It's the famous Ramen Night at Stockpot Norfolk. These local experts in all things broth are fanatic about making great Ramen. Flavors change every month, but the tastebuds always leave delighted.
Goulash @ Monastery Restaurant: Nothing is better than a cozy, filling soup in a cozy, romantic setting. Monastery really delivers with a few different Goulash options.
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