The Monastery Restaurant, located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk is one of Norfolk's historic restaurants and has been serving delicious European cuisine for over 25 years. Behind the Monastery's unsuspecting exterior brick and stained glass facade awaits a genuine European experience. The quaint European atmosphere immediately transports you from the daily hustle and bustle to a serene European retreat.
Upon entering, the aromas of freshly baked bread, cheeses, and wines tantalize your senses. We have something for everyone, whether you are having drinks with coworkers, dinner with family, or looking for a romantic evening with someone special. Additionally we have multiple rooms to accommodate banquets and private parties.
Upon entering, the aromas of freshly baked bread, cheeses, and wines tantalize your senses. We have something for everyone, whether you are having drinks with coworkers, dinner with family, or looking for a romantic evening with someone special. Additionally we have multiple rooms to accommodate banquets and private parties.
Reviews (28)
Andrew Athanasiadis
Jan 28, 2022
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Andrea H.
Jan 13, 2022
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Adolf and Anna were wonderful hosts. We had such a great time with them, we didn't want to leave. We were very fortunate to have found them! Their food is wonderful, the atmosphere is magical. I would highly recommend going to this restaurant. You will not be disappointed with anything that you were to order. Don't shy away from getting a good bottle of the German Reisling. It was a treat and you would have a hard time to find it elsewhere. This place will return you to Europe for an evening.
Eric T.
Jan 11, 2022
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Definitely a go-to if you want a unique dining experience and cuisine (central/northern European) that you don't get everyday. The co-owner seems to be very present in her restaraunt and personally came to check on her table. She takes great pride in her business, and that comes out in the food. Our main courses (filet and schnitzel) were solid. The schnitzel would have benefited from a crisper breading and a bit more flavor. The true highlights came from the cheese and bread appetizer and the dumpling dessert. Service was great, and the ambience feels higher class than most other fine dining joints
Burcu Duran
Jan 10, 2022
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One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. It's not only about the quality and uniqueness of the food but also the service, ambience of the place, friendly yet professional manner and getting to know a different culture through the food and people who make it. What a great pleasure!
Let me start with this; when you're provided with warm bread and cheese (and apple) at a restaurant while waiting for your entrée, you know that there is only very small risk for things to go wrong at that place.
I had the escargot and roasted duck served with the creamed sauerkraut and dumplings. I simply loved
Let me start with this; when you're provided with warm bread and cheese (and apple) at a restaurant while waiting for your entrée, you know that there is only very small risk for things to go wrong at that place.
I had the escargot and roasted duck served with the creamed sauerkraut and dumplings. I simply loved
Michael J. Perri
Jan 04, 2022
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Abby N.
Dec 30, 2021
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What a disappointment for such an anticipated nice dinner! My son, husband and I didn't get what the restaurant portrays. I had their seasonal special, goose, highly recommended by our server...I should have asked how long it had been cooked already. It tasted like leftover turkey after 3-4 days of having been cooked and sitting in the fridge. My husband had the veal schnitzel and it was better than my $65.00 goose/turkey. I would have spoken up about the overcooked-dry 1/4 goose had I known I was paying for the whole goose. My son had salmon and he gave me a piece to try, the fishy
Leila M.
Dec 29, 2021
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For all the stomping around I do Downtown I am BAFFLED that I didn't know this place existed until now. They popped on my radar thanks to Downtown Norfolk's restaurant week and I was so surprised to realize I walk by this shop on Granby street often and have never taken notice. Monastery is exactly the type of restaurant and business that I want to support and frequent. They offer a cuisine that isn't typical to this foodie scene and have a history with Downtown that should be honored. They offer Czechoslovakia cuisine and have been on Granby street for over 30 years. I felt like
Pauline F.
Dec 18, 2021
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The atmosphere and ambience was great but the food was pricy, small portion and was not that good. I had a small glass of sangria that cost $10. I ordered the seasonal montebeliaro for $16.95 and the portion was quite small. Even though the food was not great, the waitresses and waiters were very nice and attentive.
Lorna D.
Dec 05, 2021
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After reading so many positive reviews I tried Monastery. Service was warm and efficient. Atmosphere was fabulous. Old World Elegance! But the food... meh. I had the Chicken Cordon Bleu and it was ok. Also tried the raclette and it was very pungent! Point is, know you're in for Eastern European food. Is what it is. If you like that you'll like this place. If you don't....
Day Loris C.
Nov 22, 2021
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Overall there were a lot of things done wrong that made our time unpleasant, but what really upsets me was the seeming indifference to those mistakes.
To start, we made reservations for 6pm but they gave our table away to someone who said they had a reservation but didn't. I understand mistakes happen, but was a bit confused at why they hadn't checked the name on the reservation? This meant we got seated almost 20 min late with a show that we needed to make on time. No worries, we're seated, show's not until 8.
Appetizer took a bit but nothing unreasonable. Wine had to be
To start, we made reservations for 6pm but they gave our table away to someone who said they had a reservation but didn't. I understand mistakes happen, but was a bit confused at why they hadn't checked the name on the reservation? This meant we got seated almost 20 min late with a show that we needed to make on time. No worries, we're seated, show's not until 8.
Appetizer took a bit but nothing unreasonable. Wine had to be
Kevin Weimert
Nov 17, 2021
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Robert Sands
Nov 03, 2021
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Erin S.
Oct 28, 2021
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My coworker stumbled upon this restaurant online and read about the owners and wanted to go. I am so glad we did! Our server was phenomenal, she went over the menu with us, told us the history of the place, answered any and all questions without hesitation, shared her favorite dishes, etc. she was truly a delight that added to the experience. The food was fantastic and we all loved our meals. The server was so knowledgeable about the food because she said they all eat together after the restaurant closes and discuss what's going on in everyone's lives and basically have a "family
Karl R.
Oct 25, 2021
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This place is a hidden gem of Norfolk! From the start to finish this whole meal turned into an experience. We went here for my birthday, plus my buddy has not had much exposure to European food. It was a slow night, we were one of two tables with people. But that was perfect. Our server was Sophia, who just happened to be night her 1st night there. She was joined by Lauren who was server/bartender. They both were an absolute fun, interactive and friendly team. Before we could start our meal the owners Anna and Adolf came out and they were just lovely, and instantly felt like mom and
Corey L.
Oct 05, 2021
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Seth J.
Sep 24, 2021
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Vera Reiss
Sep 10, 2021
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Fabulous high-class dining experience here. The service was phenomenal, the atmosphere gorgeous yet cozy. I had a half-plate of the Escargot (tastes similar to mussels, if you've never had them before), the Tomato & Feta Salad (a cold, simple dish, but incredibly well seasoned), the Apricot Palačinki (crepes filled with apricot jam), and the Blackberry Pierogi (soft dumpling stuffed with sweet blackberries and topped with tangy cottage cheese and sugar; absolutely excellent) - companion had the Steak Tartare and Apple Strudel. We were provided complimentary bread with soft and hard cheeses - as
Leah Wandrei
Jul 18, 2021
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This is absolutely the best restaurant we’ve been to. We had the szekely and entrecôte, raclette, strudle and dumpling. Our waitress Sarah was amazing, and the owners/chefs are also amazing. You can taste the love in their food. This is our new weekly place. The passion and love in this place is outstanding.
Mrs. Joey C.
Jul 14, 2021
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This was our first time coming here and the food was so wonderful. A must eat place to put your your list to try. My husband got the Duck and I got the Chicken Cordon Blue. They were both delicious. Very hot and fresh!!We even sampled the Wiener Schnitzel and OMG that was by far the best Schnitzel here in Virginia!!I've even had it in Germany and it was better than there too!! The owners and our waitress were so friendly and nice. By far the best dinning out experience in a long time. We will definitely be back!!
Dana G.
Jul 04, 2021
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Wanted treat my bf to a romantic dinner because he always treats me, glad I choose this place. We were sat right away and our server was courteous. The only reason why I am giving a 4 star is due to the wait time we had for our appetizer. We were told later that it a bit to bake the cheese. I hope they warn people ahead of time about the waits. Then they will know what to expect.
LaDonna Jones
Jun 12, 2021
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LOVED, Loved, loved the Food, the owners of this restaurant, the interior design, the whole vibe of the restaurant had my friend and I not wanting to leave (so we didn't, we stayed long after our meal was over). Everything was Authentic and fresh! Staff was extremely welcoming and honest about every dish they'd explain to us. The owners personally came out to talk to us, tell us the history of the meals he'd prepared for us, how best to enjoy them and I just loved him and his passion for cooking and sharing about his background and why he became inspired to do what he does today for all these years
Mel A.
May 24, 2021
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Monastery is a true hidden gem in downtown Norfolk!
You can feel the authenticity upon walking into the quaint brick and stained-glass dining room. The restaurant is a long-running passion project for a lovely couple that emigrated from Czechoslovakia over 30 years ago. We were honored to meet Anna, who along with her husband were still diligently at work in the kitchen.
Not to be outdone by the ambiance, our menu selections at Monastery were all delectable and perfectly prepared.
To start, we enjoyed raclette, a toasted cheese paired with an airy and crusty house-made bread. My date and I shared
You can feel the authenticity upon walking into the quaint brick and stained-glass dining room. The restaurant is a long-running passion project for a lovely couple that emigrated from Czechoslovakia over 30 years ago. We were honored to meet Anna, who along with her husband were still diligently at work in the kitchen.
Not to be outdone by the ambiance, our menu selections at Monastery were all delectable and perfectly prepared.
To start, we enjoyed raclette, a toasted cheese paired with an airy and crusty house-made bread. My date and I shared
Tash A.
May 15, 2021
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It was our first time here and the food was great. The only thing that made the experience underwhelming and quite honestly offensive was one of the waitress' comments about the protest going on outside. There was a BLM protest happening outside and we maybe heard them for 3 minutes collectively. They came and went pretty quickly. The waitress kept making comments about it and then decided to announce to the restaurant that she thought all lives mattered. Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion but I suggest you educate yourself and keep those kind of comments to yourself when working especially
Ellen C.
Jan 30, 2021
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Tried this restaurant during Norfolk Restaurant Week. This restaurant has that European old world charm. Our server Andrijus was really engaging. We had some good conversation about traveling to Europe and Formula One racing.
We started off with some cheese & bread,then for our first course I had the Potato & Leek Soup. My husband had the Holiday soup made with rice and homemade smoked sausage. Both so different, but both so good.
I had the schniztel ala Holstein and my husband had the Escalope de Veau aux Champignons. Simple dishes that are made with great flavor. Portions were not
We started off with some cheese & bread,then for our first course I had the Potato & Leek Soup. My husband had the Holiday soup made with rice and homemade smoked sausage. Both so different, but both so good.
I had the schniztel ala Holstein and my husband had the Escalope de Veau aux Champignons. Simple dishes that are made with great flavor. Portions were not
Carolina D.
Jan 18, 2021
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We had the most amazing experience here. We were in town deciding whether to move to Norfolk or not and this place made decision. Not only is the food amazing but the warmth emanating from the owners and staff is outstanding. This truly warmed my heart and filled my belly. I cannot wait to make this place a regular spot.
Bryan S.
Dec 28, 2020
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This is in covaid times.
Start at the top. Service is excellent.
The place very clean and friendly. The decor it perfect for the food.
The chief is the owner so he goes over the top.
Yes it's family owned. I hope it survives the pandemic.
The food is fantastic. Served very hot.
The taste is magnificent. This has been kept as a secret
as it was not busy. Prices are what they should be for the food you get.
If you are in the city check it out.
Start at the top. Service is excellent.
The place very clean and friendly. The decor it perfect for the food.
The chief is the owner so he goes over the top.
Yes it's family owned. I hope it survives the pandemic.
The food is fantastic. Served very hot.
The taste is magnificent. This has been kept as a secret
as it was not busy. Prices are what they should be for the food you get.
If you are in the city check it out.
Marianne S.
Dec 28, 2020
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Matthew L.
Mar 15, 2020
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Nothing quite like it. Mom and pop fine dining. The only eastern European food in town which translates to rich sauces with wonderful spices. The perfect combination of simplicity in the ingredients with complex textures and taste. This place has something for every pallet from extremely adventurous to plebeian in taste. They dont lose there quality for any reason and do what ever it takes to make you happy.
