The Ten Top — Restaurant in Norfolk

A Quirky, Comforting Classic That Lives Up to the Hype For anyone who has spent time in Norfolk's Ghent neighborhood, The Ten Top is more than just a restaurant; it's an institution. This cozy, eclectic spot has been serving up some of the city's most creative and comforting dishes for years, and its reputation is well-earned. While its charming quirks might not be for everyone, the consistently delicious food and undeniable personality make it a solid four-star destination. The magic of The Ten Top lies in its ever-evolving chalkboard menu. Walking in and seeing the day's offerings is part of the experience. You'll always find a fantastic selection of inventive sandwiches, hearty soups, and surprisingly sophisticated dinner entrees that belie the restaurant's casual, deli-style feel. The "She-Crab Soup" is legendary for a reason—it's rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. For sandwiches, the "Blackened Tuna with Ginger-Lime Mayo" is a perennial favorite, perfectly balancing spice and zest. It’s the kind of place where you can tell every dish is crafted with thought and high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is pure, unfiltered Ghent. It's a small, intimate space, brimming with local art and the gentle hum of happy diners. This coziness is a huge part of its charm, making it feel like you've stumbled upon a local secret. On the flip side, this means seating is limited and it can feel a bit cramped during the lunch or dinner rush. It’s not the place for a large, boisterous group, but it’s perfect for a lingering lunch with a friend or a quiet, satisfying dinner. Service is typically friendly and efficient, embodying the relaxed neighborhood vibe. The only minor drawback is that the restaurant's popularity can sometimes lead to a wait for a table. However, the reward is always worth it—a delicious, memorable meal that feels both wholesome and unique. The Ten Top is a true Norfolk gem that continues to deliver a top-tier casual...

We have been going to Ten Top since it opened on Shirley Avenue - almost thirty years. I think it has changed ownership once since the mid nineties? The food has always been great and dependable. For lunch I usually get the Mediterranean Wrap and for dinner we usually get two meatloaf dinners and eat the left overs over the next day or two as the portions are large!

This is the first time the meatloaf dinner has been poor - in fact I have to say it was terrible. The meatloaf was absolutely not the same recipe we have enjoyed many times in the past. We had to throw it away. It was not nice - mostly a big plate of mush and the flavor was not there. I am not sure what happened…BUT there is no excuse for selling something like that to your customer. They can see and taste the food and any chef knows when the food is not right.

We will not write off almost thirty years of good food over one bad experience. We will order the meatloaf again ( two orders is about $50.00) and figure that the batch that night was an isolated mistake that somehow got by them. If, in fact, the recipe has been altered to stretch the meatloaf then this is a sign of decline and we will put Ten Top on our dying restaurants list.

BTW - the brownie was a “rock”. I am not exaggerating. A completely dried out Rock! No excuse. If the chef is aging and “over it” our next few visits will be telling. I hope Ten Top is not on...

We have been going to Ten Top for several years now. Some of the foods my family and I enjoyed were: Hummus & pita Pimento cheese & rustic bread Turkey & spinach flatbread Simple chicken salad sandwich Greek lamb hoagie Turkey apple club Tuna cheddar melt Pan roasted salmon dinner (served after 5pm) Rick's beef meatloaf (served after 5pm) Ten top caeser salad (my fave)

They do serve the salad with the dressing already mixed in, so ask for the dressing on the side if you're not planning to eat the salad right away or else it'll get soggy quickly. Some of their soups are great as well. Their soup schedule does rotate and they do offer daily lunch and dinner specials, so checkout their Facebook or Twitter to see what's available. As for the sides, the potato salad was very delicious, but the pasta salad was just ok.

None of us liked the Maryland crab cakes because it was too salty. Other than that, it would've tasted great. We ordered the chocolate brownie twice (years apart). The brownie was hard as a rock the last time we bought one. The dining area is very small inside with only a few tables. Parking is very limited, so call ahead to place your order if you plan to order takeout. Lady at the...