Norfolk, an ever-evolving city, is transcending into a hip, vibrant destination fueled by eager, talented chefs and ambitious restaurateurs. In a city where intricate architecture mingles with 21st century skyscrapers, local restaurants serve everything from traditional coastal dishes to modern, ethnic and sustainable cuisine.
Some of the culinary specialties that may be included on this tour include:
Some of the culinary specialties that may be included on this tour include:
- Local seafood specialties
- Award winning chef's signature dishes
- House smoked meat tasting
- Award winning she crab soup
- Fair trade organic coffee
- Eclectic tapas created with locally sourced ingredients
- Authentic Moroccan cuisine served at a 19th century carriage house
- Locally brewed beers
- Best and largest desserts in the city
What Is Not Included?
Guide gratuity is not included but certainly appreciated.
Meeting Location
Granby Street at College Place (Norfolk, VA)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance as tours usually sell out ahead of time. To maximize your chances of getting your desired day, time, and number of tickets, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, AMEX, or Mastercard. Cash is not accepted.
- How much food is served on the tour?
- There are 5 stops on the tour where you will be served small specialty meals. For most people there is enough food that dinner afterward is not necessary.
- What types of foods are served on the tour?
- There are 5 stops on the tour which include local seafood specialties, award winning chef's signature dishes, house smoked meat, award winning she crab soup, fair trade organic coffee, eclectic tapas created with locally sourced ingredients, authentic Moroccan cuisine served at a 19th century carriage house, locally brewed beers and the best and largest desserts in the city.
- What if I have dietary restrictions?
- Please let us know if anyone in your group has a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. As long as we know well enough in advance, we can often accommodate your needs. If we do not find out about the special needs until the day of the tour, it is usually not possible for us to appropriately adjust the food on the tour.
- Are there any beverages served on the tour?
- Each restaurant will serve water with each meal, and there is a chance to have a coffee and a local beer along the way. Those 21 and up should bring valid ID with them in order to participate in any alcoholic tastings on the tour.
- What about taking children on the tour?
- Children are welcome on the tour. It should be noted, however, that the tour is 3.5 hours long. Some children have a limited attention span and therefore the tour may not be appropriate for some of them. Parents, who know their children best, should assess the situation on a case by case basis. Since there is a lot of standing and walking, please consider this when deciding whether the tour is appropriate for your child.
- If I am bringing an infant/very young child, do I need to purchase a ticket for them?
- If you are bringing children below the age of 7 and they will not be participating in the tastings, you do not need to purchase tickets for them. However, please do let us know if you will be attending with an infant or young child when you purchase tickets.
- How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
- We are on our feet for approximately half of the tour. We cover a good deal of information yet walk at a comfortable pace. We sit at most restaurants for 15-20 minutes each. Remember to wear comfortable shoes.
- What happens if it rains or snows?
- The tours are held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. We will not be outdoors for the entire tour. You should still dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions.
- Are bathrooms available during the tour?
- Yes, bathrooms are available during the tour at all restaurants.
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- Our tour does cover some uneven terrain and the restaurants we visit can change from time to time. If you or another guest needs wheelchair access, please click on "Contact CoastalFoods" to contact us in advance. We will work to accommodate you.
- Do we just walk around and sample food?
- Absolutely not! Aside from sampling delicious food, you will learn about the Granby Street area in Norfolk. The tour is fully narrated by your guide, who will discuss the history, culture, and architecture of the Granby Street area.
- Where does the tour finish?
- The tour finishes in the same area as where it started.
- Is there parking nearby?
- Yes, there is parking available. There is street parking on Granby Street, however we do not recommend parking there as most parking meters have 2 hour limits. Therefore, we suggest parking in a nearby parking garage. Specific parking details are included in the meeting location directions which you will receive after purchasing your ticket(s).
- Are there gift certificates available for the tour?
- Yes, gift certificates are available and make an ideal gift for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion! To purchase a gift certificate, please click on the "Contact CoastalFoods" link to make a request.
- Can I book a private tour?
- Yes, private tours are available. To inquire about booking a private group tour, please click on the "Contact CoastalFoods" link.
Coastal Food Tours of Virginia
Coastal Food Tours of Virginia is Virginia Beach and Norfolk's source for food tours, culinary events, pub crawls, and corporate team building events that bring together history, architecture and cuisine in a variety of different venues and neighborhoods. Our food tours and culinary events have been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and Bon Appetite Magazine.
Hampton Roads features a diverse landscape, adorning natural beauty, historic towns, chic urban hot spots, and miles of beautiful Atlantic and Chesapeake coast. The diversity of the area, and rich history tie distinctively with the cuisine, which continues to evolve and develop today.
Coastal Food Tours of Virginia is a proud part of Food Tour Corp.
Hampton Roads features a diverse landscape, adorning natural beauty, historic towns, chic urban hot spots, and miles of beautiful Atlantic and Chesapeake coast. The diversity of the area, and rich history tie distinctively with the cuisine, which continues to evolve and develop today.
Coastal Food Tours of Virginia is a proud part of Food Tour Corp.
