Lupita's Mexican and Latin American Restaurant — Restaurant in Norfolk

I'm really glad I stopped to eat at this unassuming Hispanic spot. I can get tacos and burritos at home, you can't throw a rock without hitting a 'mexican' restaurant even if the population is mostly from Puerto Rico. But here they're more of a Pan Americas restaurant than the standard tex mex. They have a fairly extensive menu that includes Honduran, Panamanian, and Salvadorian along with their Mexican dishes. Half of the space is set up as a to go hot bar, similar to Moe's or Chipotle. I decided to stay and eat in the dine in section. I originally came for the Papusas, which I have not had since I moved from Florida. There's a Salvadorian restaurant in Tallahassee that makes what has become my standard bearer for Papusas (and beans and rice). This place measures up and then some. I ordered the cheese and bean, cheese and pork and a loroco(squash blossom). They correctly serve it with curtido, which was really different from previous versions. Almost sauerkraut-like, but not fermented. Both the cheese/bean/pork were just as good as the ones I've had before. The loroco was a different beast entirely. I've had squash blossoms several times in multiple forms, Papusas, tacos and even a pasta. These made me question whether that was true or not. In some cases I saw them cook them so I know what I was eating, but OMG I don't know if this was a different variety, or they were super fresh. The flavor of these were of no comparison. These had such a heavy, delectable floral taste I had never experienced before. It was shocking the difference in flavor. So much so I had to say something to my server who also was the namesake of the restaurant. She explained had they had a hard time finding a supplier, but the one they have is superb. She was also super sweet and friendly, and frankly really cute too. But Never Ever flirt with your server, they don't like that ish, they are working! As I was the only one there, she talked to me while waiting for my food, and made me not feel like a lonely old man as I sat in an empty restaurant. I wish I could've done them more justice and cleaned my plate, but I ended up taking most to go to eat later. Everything was still just as good the next morning. And I can't forget the hot sauces, they have a variety of house made that were all good. Y'all locals better start flocking here cause if I come back and they're gone, I'm going...

This is my first time at the new location since Carmen's. So I started safe with the California burrito and an order of three Taco delinguas . The tacos were delicious soft and fresh corn tortillas with a good portion of meat well seasoned. The salsas we're also very good ,neither too hot, but the fresh tomato taste is very prominent, honestly incredible The layers it has. The California burrito was mostly potato and corn but I also think maybe my work boots and to-go order implied that I'd be eating this on the go so maybe it was out of consideration to kind of keep it tidy ,which if so I appreciate. Overall $45 was quite a price to not include rice or beans I did buy a soda as well lime jaritos* which was cold and refreshing as always. It was very good, but authentic great Latin/Spanish food is kind of crowded market ,just on little creek alone. But as for a local ocean view establishment it's very good...

This little gem is tucked away across the street (1st. View) from the Post Office. Looks a little sketchy from the outside, but is nice inside. One portion of the place is a store that sells authentic Mexican groceries, and the other half is the restaurant. Although it's a little bare as far as ambiance goes, the food more than makes up for it.

Tried it with a friend today, and we were both very impressed and plan on coming back! Most menu items range from $8-13, which at first I thought was a little high, but then our food came out and the portions were huge! Everything was VERY fresh and very delicious. Our waitress who seemed to also be the cook was very friendly and helpful.

Looking for someplace you've never been, and want to support the local Ocean View community?? Try this...