Freemason Abbey - Norfolk

Here for restaurant week-- loved appetizer crostini with almonds, bacon and apricot glaze. The shrimp with grits was heavy, with a disproportionate large amount of grits to the 4 shrimp. The porkchop with sausage gravy was a huge thick chop, well cooked, with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots that were a bit under-roasted. Salmon well cooked, rice tasted reheated, Brussels sprouts with bacon were terrific. Rockfish was well cooked. Turtle brownie was warm and moist, caramel pie was smooth and not over sweet. The star dessert was the apricot brandy bread pudding. A bit uneven but tasty. Two of our party had stuffed porkchops off the main menu, reportedly over cooked.

My husband and I went for our anniversary recently. We both couldn't get enough our dinner, the food was amazing. Our server was great and I loved the old church appeal. Loved it. They also gave us souvenir glasses to thank us for celebrating with them. Higher prices than a typical restaurant but you definitely get what you pay for.

Allow me to apologize right off the bat. I saw this place from searching Zomato and noticed the pictures. Food plated like a high dollar (in my opinion) place meant that I would probably need to dress up a little and the wife as well. Strike one. Freemason Abbey is not a reservations only, dress and tie business, it's a local restaurant. Period. My wife and I sat down and started to take in the location. Remodeled Freemason lodge. Awesome! We came on a Monday which had a deal on App, Entree, and Dessert for $20. Good to go! Now I'm thinking that the food must be lacking because....well....just because. Strike 2. Food is AMAZING! (Pics posted) Cooked to perfection. Only downside was A. A little slow on the drink refills (sweet tea), and somewhat hurried us along when ordering. A side from that, Home run! Definitely coming back to this place again. Great Job!

This place is growing on me.  I didn't think the food or value was anything special after my first visit, but I intended to return and give it another shot.  Well I have subsequently returned and had a great experience.  The waitress said that they really stand by their specials so that's what I went with.  I ordered their flat-iron steak topped with caramelized red onions and it was fantastic.  The she-crab soup has been good and creamy every time I've had it.  I really like the atmosphere and decor of the place too.  I have to say that the server did an excellent job handling my party of 13 and all the food came out to the table at about the same time.  I still want to return and try other things on the menu and I will certainly keep this place in mind the next time I plan for a dinner out in Norfolk.

Very disappointed. Heard about how great this place was. Meh. Food was pedestrian at best, wine list was dreadful, service was slow even though it was 3/4 empty. Ambiance was that of a bad wedding hall.