Monastery - Norfolk

What a disappointment for such an anticipated nice dinner! My son, husband and I didn't get what the restaurant portrays. I had their seasonal special, goose, h... read more What a disappointment for such an anticipated nice dinner! My son, husband and I didn't get what the restaurant portrays. I had their seasonal special, goose, highly recommended by our server...I should have asked how long it had been cooked already. It tasted like leftover turkey after 3-4 days of having been cooked and sitting in the fridge. My husband had the veal schnitzel and it was better than my $65.00 goose/turkey. I would have spoken up about the overcooked-dry 1/4 goose had I known I was paying for the whole goose. My son had salmon and he gave me a piece to try, the fishy taste was so overpowering as if it was spoiled, he struggled to eat it. We tried this place based on their menu and reviews ...maybe it was an off night. I would have preferred to really enjoy my dinner for the amount it cost us to eat there! Should have gone elsewhere to spend that kind of money, truly a disappointment.

My wife and I were visiting Norfolk and we selected the Monastery from all the available restaurants on Granby. We had no reservation, but a nice table was avai... read more My wife and I were visiting Norfolk and we selected the Monastery from all the available restaurants on Granby. We had no reservation, but a nice table was available so we were quickly seated. John was our waiter, serving at least 2 other large parties. He handled it very well. He was prompt, professional and knowledgeable about the menu selections. He brought our drinks and bread with cheese…a welcome start to our dinner. My wife chose the veal while I decided to try the cassoulet. Both were delicious, full of flavor and well presented. It had been several years since our last visit; the Monastery excelled both times. It’s refreshing to experience a restaurant that is consistently good with a nicely varied menu and with attentive, friendly service. We will be back!

This restaurant is cozy and inviting, like being in grandma's kitchen. The chef didn't just check on our food, but also made sure we experienced true Hungarian... read more This restaurant is cozy and inviting, like being in grandma's kitchen. The chef didn't just check on our food, but also made sure we experienced true Hungarian cuisine. She even personally fed us! The food was delicious, with tender meats and unique dishes like bread with homemade cheese butter and green apple. Our server Clara was fantastic, going above and beyond by explaining the entire menu. A perfect spot for a romantic date night!

One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. It's not only about the quality and uniqueness of the food but also the service, ambience of the place, friendly... read more One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. It's not only about the quality and uniqueness of the food but also the service, ambience of the place, friendly yet professional manner and getting to know a different culture through the food and people whomake it. What a great pleasure! Let me start with this; when you're provided with warm bread and cheese (and apple) at arestaurant while waiting for your entrée, you know that there is only very small risk for things to go wrong at that place. Ihad the escargot and roasted duck served with the creamed sauerkraut and dumplings. I simply loved the escargot, it was seasonedvery well. The duck was cooked to perfection; tender inside and crispy skin outside. The sauerkraut was the best I've ever hadand I literally swiped it all from the plate with the dumplings. Husband had the green lentil soup and Serbian goulash servedwith dumplings and both were quite delicious and exquisite. It was really sweet when one of the owners and chef came to ourtable and insisted to bring more dumplings to my husband so he can finish the sauce of the goulash. I'd also recommend theHungarian wine Egri Bikaver if you've never had. It paired very well with the food we had. Very good wine selections butthere're only a few they serve by glass mostly by bottle. There were also about 4-5 Czech and German beers. They have greatdessert options as well, we had the raspberry stuffed dumplings topped with cheese (probably cottage cheese) and powder sugar,sooo good and not too sweet! The complementary dine in experience is on the luxurious side but totally worth it. The portionsare more than enough! Would definitely recommend and will be back!

I've been going to the Monastery restaurant for years now. I had not been in some time and we had dinner there again last night. It was just as good as I rememb... read more I've been going to the Monastery restaurant for years now. I had not been in some time and we had dinner there again last night. It was just as good as I remember. I'm just so happy to see this restaurant survive through the shutdown. It's one ofthose places where you can tell they put a lot of love into what they do. The food is amazing, the service is even better, theambiance, etc. Just everything about the monastery makes it a must try for anyone in the area. And don't shy away fromsomething on their menu just because you haven't tried it before or it sounds odd. For instance, one of my favorite dishes issteak with pickles and onions. And they have some of the best escargot in the area. The owners are Czechoslovakian so the foodoptions are European. My dad grew up in a small town in Italy, so for me, it's similar to the style of foods I grew upeating. So highly recommend you check this place out. I recommend any steak dishes since they really cook it well, but anythingyou get is probably going to be delicious.