Posted May 28, 2010 by Marta Holmberg
I’ve lived in Norfolk, VA, almost five years now, so I think it’s pretty safe to say you can trust my awesome reasons to visit Norfolk. If you’ve ever met me, you know that food pretty much drives every ounce of my being, so it’s possible that restaurants may have heavily influenced my list. ;o)
None of the restaurants mentioned below are vegan, but they’re all awesome enough to have delish vegan options which show people that leaving animals off your plate doesn’t mean that your taste buds will suffer. And with that, I bestow upon you my top 10 reasons for visiting good ole Nawfick (10 – 2 in no particular order)*:
10. Red Dog: Say it with me: Half-off pizza (with vegan cheese!) on Thursday nights! Maybe the best part is the cold leftovers the next day—so yummy. I can never go wrong with cheap, delicious pizza. If I’m not feeling pizza (WTF), there’s always a standard veggie burger and several other options to devour.
9. Bardo: This tapas place is on the pricier end of things, but it’s definitely not disappointing! Edamame hummus, veggie spring rolls, faux beef & broccoli, and sweet potato fries are among my faves. I almost licked the hummus straight up off the plate once—for real.
8. Siam 21: Going to a Thai place, it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll find several vegan options, but this place makes my stomach smile every single time (maybe even sing—is that creepy?). Cashew tofu, veggie fried rice, spicy eggplant, and options with wide rice noodles are what I dish up regularly.
7. Pelon’s Baja Grill: This delish Cali-style Mexican restaurant can make almost everything on their menu vegan—from meatless carne asada tacos to faux fish tacos. My fave? A burrito packed with faux steak strips, refried beans, Baja rice, cilantro, onions, salsa fresca, and guacamole. The best part: It’s called the Vegan Dude. I love being able to ask someone I don’t know for a vegan dude. Hah.
6. La Bella: I just went here for the first time the other day for a friend’s birthday, and O-M-G. This Italian place blew me away—they’ve got vegan eggplant parmigiana, spaghetti topped with faux chicken marsala, vegan pizza, and VEGAN TIRAMISU. I almost drooled then passed out. Just sayin’.
5. Rajput: How can an Indian restaurant that has an all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet once a month steer you wrong? It can’t! Last time I was Rajputtin’ it up, I had veggie samosas, vegetable pakora, chickpea masala, and palak tofu (tofu with spinach). UNBELIEVABLE.
4. Kotobuki: Japanese food to make your stomach swoon! Avocado rolls, sweet potato rolls, vegan chicken teriyaki, yakisoba, edamame, veggie ham, miso soup, and much, much more. And oh yeah, Kotobuki also has deep fried chocolate cheesecake bites. Yes, I’m serious. And yes, they’re amazing.
3. San Antonio Sam’s: This tex-mex restaurant recently introduced a 28 item vegan menu (!) and some of my faves include the spinach enchiladas, vegan chicken cheesesteak, and the nachos (piled with Daiya vegan cheese, jalapenos, refried beans, and green onions). I crave this place on a regular basis.
2. Yorgo’s Bageldashery: This bagel joint is packed nearly every time I’m there. They’re always switchin’ things up, but standards include: vegan chicken salad on a toasted everything bagel; the faux sausage, tofu egg, and vegan cheese sandwich; and the tempeh BLT—not to mention the vegan cookies and other baked goods. Jealous?
1. PETA Headquarters is here! I know this isn’t a restaurant, but it’s definitely the #1 reason to visit Norfolk. If you’re ever in the area, drop us a line at peta2@peta2.com to let us know! We can stock you up with free leaflets and stickers and you can check out our Merch store. We have a sweet dog park, too.
I apologize for making you unbelievably hungry, but what are you waiting for? Come visit Norfolk already!
* Honorable mentions go to Tortilla West (faux chicken sliders), Azar’s (hummus & falafel), YNot Pizza (vegan calzones), and Bangkok Garden (garlic tofu).
peta2 Street Team Coordinator + lover of vegan food, cats, animal rights, Dawson's Creek, and Harry Potter.
Too long to explain here, it's long enough for a novel.
Father loves to farm, be self sustainable, loves to read, he's a antiques/vintage auctioneer, art student, and looks like mr. Rogers. My mother is a Montessori teacher and is amazing with children, all about local organic foods, loves gardening, cooking etc. my sister who is nine years older than me was into indie music and introduced me to all sorts of things at a young age. This all rubbed of on me and from that base I grew into similar things. I'm an INFJ
I love animals about as much as rock, heavy metal, tea, and coffee. Hoping to make a difference and help animals through PETA!!!
I'm tall, a geek, nacho - obsessed, I love sewing and Cath Kidston, also I'm vegetarian (wannabe vegan.)
Jersey girl now I'm all country.
Well let's just say life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride. I love all my pets and would do anything for them. I have one dog, two cats, a ferret and my babygirl shaymin,(the cutest hedgehog alive) I'm into all different kinds of music. I'm a singer myself and love art.
I want to get into marketing but not have to rely on people which have different morals and worldviews than I do to hire me. While I'm figuring this out, I want to show everyone what I believe in and spur them into action against injustices.
Life On A Tour Bus
I am Angela. When I am not helping animals I am listening to music, reading, or playing video games. My spirit animal is a fox and I love nature. What else is there to know? Want to know anything about me, need advice or anything message me :)
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952 days ago
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There is a raw food vegan restaurant called Quenna’s in Ocean View.
1086 days ago
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I really really wish i could make it! ): but i live to far!):
1089 days ago
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i’ve been to some of those restaurants and they are amazing. i’m able to go to norfolk often being i live on the other side of HRBT(hampton Roads bridge tunnel)
1089 days ago
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I wonder if I can convince the rest of the family to stop by Norfolk for lunch next time we’re driving to my grandparents house in North Carolina…
1089 days ago
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Oh I wish I could be Rajputtin’ it up with you!