LeGrand Kitchen — Restaurant in Norfolk

We showed up with no reservation on a Friday evening just a few minutes after they opened, we didn't even think about possibly needing a reservation! There were maybe 2 people in the restaurant so we didn't know what to expect, we didn't know we'd needed to call ahead! The hostess looked at the seating and reservation books for the night and graciously fit us in. I say "fit us in" because within 10 minutes the place started to fill in quick as people started showing up for their reservations!

Food: We got the grilled cabbage appetizer and the pork belly appetizer, both were delicious! The grilled cabbage was our favorite.

My partner got the Legrand Burger and he really enjoyed it. It was a little on the juicy side so be careful! The bottom bun was a but soggy but the flavor was great!

I got the steak frite special. The steak was tender and the fingerling potatoes were the perfect size side.

The house sodas are so delicious! My partner got the pineapple passionfruit and he had to pace himself so he didn't gulp it all down before the food arrived.

Bathrooms: There are 2 single stall bathrooms. They are gender neutral and very clean! There was a nice candle burning in there and a few tampons and toothpicks. Very thoughtful!

Overall, super happy with the service and food! Everyone was super friendly. It gets a bit loud as it gets busy but you can still hold a conversation. It's not super romantic, but if those are the vibes you're going for maybe go super early or much later. If you're a single diner or have no more than 4 people you could probably get away with not having reservations if you show up right as they open! Otherwise, you might want to make some reservations...

Everything great about the original is gone.

Went to the first on a weekend trip to Norfolk and was heartbroken when it was closed when I came back a second time.

Once I had another weekend booked I eagerly anticipated the new open amd was able to dine there last night.

Single diner, was offered a spot at the bar even though there were open tables at just after 9. Asked for dining room and was accomodated, though the host seemed confused.

Server was prompt, friendly and knowledgeable. Great service from her. In retrospect, I wish she'd not have been.

It wasn't until just after she quickly brought my drink that I realized just how insanely loud the dining room is. EVERYTHING echoes, even noise from the bar. To the point it was uncomfortable. The design in general lacks any comfort and certainly the coziness and character of the original.

Burrata salad was fine, nothing noteworthy. Somewhat underdressed.

Scallop dish was not good. The strawberry nuoc cham had just a whisp of flavor. The turnips were both charred black and undercooked. Giving off a true carbon flavor. The scallops themselves were cooked well, and tasty. Ate those and left everything else.

My server at that point...changed? Someone else asked if I wanted dessert and when I declined immediately came with the payment ipad. Not nearly as friendly as the wonderful first server.

Was fine honestly because I couldn't hear myself think and just wanted to leave.

Truly sad, I travel to Norfolk regularly now and raved about the old Le Grand. The new is not so...

For Tidewater, they're doing good things here. If you've dined extensively in NYC, DC, Chicago, etc. temper expectations a bit. I've eaten here twice in the past year and get the feel they're still experimenting (which is good!). I've had crudo here twice and they do it quite well. That's a must imo. Other things I've tried have been the burger, numerous fish entrees, short ribs, and scallops. The burger is decent, but not life changing. They cook fish and scallops well. In fact, the scallops were one of the best entrees I've had here. Both times, the flavors of the fish were too subtle for my liking, but not being critical with this mention as it's personal preference. The short ribs, while cooked perfectly, were also lacking flavor. The desserts have always been knock-out. Honestly, their biggest flaw is they don't have liquor. An ABC license would greatly improve the dining experience. Staff are very friendly and attentive. I believe they'll continue to improve as they...