Green Onion — Restaurant in Norfolk

A Beloved Ghent Staple That Consistently Delivers For years, Green Onion has been a cornerstone of the Ghent dining scene, and for good reason. It’s a place that delivers a consistently high-quality meal in an intimate, classic bistro setting. While the cozy space and rich flavors might not suit every occasion, it’s a near-perfect spot for a special night out, earning a well-deserved four stars. From the moment you step inside, Green Onion envelops you in its warm, inviting atmosphere. The small, intimate dining room fosters a sense of exclusivity and is perfect for a romantic dinner or a quiet conversation. The service is a standout feature—professional, attentive, and knowledgeable without ever feeling intrusive. The staff navigates the compact space with an easy grace that adds to the overall refined experience. The menu is where the kitchen truly shines, offering an elevated take on American and French bistro classics. Their legendary She-Crab soup is an absolute must-try; it's rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, setting a high bar for the rest of the meal. Entrees like the perfectly seared scallops and the daily fish specials showcase fresh, quality ingredients prepared with skill and care. The flavors are often robust and decadent, a true indulgence for the palate. If there's a slight critique, it lies in the very richness that makes many dishes so memorable. The decadent sauces and hearty portions, while delicious, can occasionally feel a bit heavy. Furthermore, the restaurant's small size means that securing a reservation is highly recommended, as walk-in availability can be scarce, especially on weekends. Still, these are minor points in an otherwise exceptional dining experience. Green Onion has mastered the art of the neighborhood bistro, offering sophisticated food and polished service that keeps locals coming back. It remains one of Norfolk's most reliable and charming destinations for a truly satisfying meal. A Ghent Neighborhood Staple That Comforts and Satisfies The Green Onion has long been a reliable cornerstone of the Ghent dining scene, and for good reason. It’s the kind of welcoming, unpretentious bistro that every neighborhood needs, offering a French-inspired menu that consistently delivers comfort and flavor. While it may not always reach for the stars, it provides a dependably enjoyable experience that earns a solid four stars. The atmosphere is pure neighborhood bistro: cozy, a little bustling, and entirely without pretense. It's an ideal spot for a casual weeknight dinner, a relaxed brunch on the patio, or taking advantage of their fantastic weekly specials. The all-you-can-eat mussels on Wednesdays and half-price wine bottles on Tuesdays are local legendary deals that keep the community coming back. The menu is approachable yet enticing. The "French Onion Burger" is a standout, perfectly marrying the savory richness of the classic soup with a high-quality Wagyu patty. It’s a messy, multi-napkin affair in the best way possible. The entrées, from steak frites to seasonal fish dishes, are well-executed and satisfying. While the core menu is strong, some of the daily specials can occasionally feel less inspired than the mainstays. Service is typically friendly and efficient, though it can get a bit stretched during peak hours, leading to a more leisurely dining pace. On a busy night, the intimate space can also feel a bit close-quarters. The Green Onion may not be the flashiest restaurant in Norfolk, but its charm lies in its consistency. It’s a place that feels like home, serving up delicious, comforting food in a relaxed setting. For a satisfying meal in a classic Ghent environment, The Green Onion remains a trusted and worthy...

Wish I could have had a better meal here. We were there last week, during prime time on a weekend night. Not a soul was eating there, which should have been my first clue. Floors inside the restaurant were VERY sticky. Like every time you took a step, you could feel and hear your shoe sticking. My meal was subpar for the $25+ dollar burger. Fries were could and no better than normal fast food fries. I didn’t even bother eating them. Burger had no onions (even though it said on the menu it came with onions)and no condiments. We had to ask for the condiments and by the time the waitress brought them, food was cold. Then I had to ask for onions for the burger, waitress was like “oh, you want onions?”. Well yeah! It is listed on the menu description AND normal on a burger to have white onions. So another 8+ minutes later, she showed up with diced red onions?! What the heck? IT wasn’t a salad! I gave up at that point. My friend ordered salmon, which was not cooked to her request instructions at all. The entire meal we had to keep flagging down the waitress for anything, since she wondered off most of the time. Considering that we were the only people there, I would think she would have. At least had time to pay attention that we may need condiments and food that was supposed to be on the burgers. The only positive thing I can say, was the place seemed cleaned (minus the sticky floors), and they had good tortillas chips. We spent over $200 and would honesty have enjoyed a better burger and fries at 5 guys. We are used to fine dining, but this place needs to step up or lower their prices. They need better service training for their wait staff, non sticky floors, chairs and tables that do not wobble, and maybe some table cloths or something. Decor, vibe and tables/chairs quality reminded me more of a 1950s diner versus fine dining. ...

It was an unfortunate experience.

This was a going away dinner for my daughter as well as an appreciation dinner for my fiancé. Knowing that we were traveling out of town for my daughters going away party, My fiancé’s boss left a $100 gift card for us at this restaurant of my choice as a surprise appreciation dinner for him. We had a reservation set for 6:30pm and we’re greeted/seated promptly. The hostess was very friendly and brought waters to the table. Our server introduced himself and we ordered a bottle of wine and appetizers. Both arrived in a timely fashion and we then ordered our entrees. The server was the only server on that Monday night...

An hour later he came to our table to let us know our food was being plated...

35 minutes later he came back to our table and once again told us our food was being plated.

Two hours after we were seated my fiancé s entree (and only my fiancé’s entree) was placed on our table.

At this point my daughter was simply hungry as she didn’t partake in any appetizers and I was ready to leave! I asked they put my entree in a to-go box before it ever came out of the kitchen. 10 minutes later mine and my daughters food both arrived on a plate, mine was accompanied by a box.

After my daughter ate her meal, we waited a while and then decided to go find someone to bring us the check. We decided to skip after-dinner-coffee & dessert as we had already been there for almost three hours!!! and had to drive back to northern Virginia.

The server apologized at the end of our experience.

The hostess was working very hard that night and the kitchen staff cooked everything beautifully.

Our server was overwhelmed and definitely needed the help of perhaps a bartender, bus-boy, another server...