Reviews - Monastery

Amazing food and service for a great price. Hidden jem in Norfolk. read more Amazing food and service for a great price. Hidden jem in Norfolk.

From the varied menu, to the superior service and the romantic atmosphere everything about the Monastery is exquisite. The veal dishes are particularly notewort... read more From the varied menu, to the superior service and the romantic atmosphere everything about the Monastery is exquisite. The veal dishes are particularly noteworthy but we will return many times to try the interesting selections on the menu

Been going here for about a decade. Always 10/10. The raclette is to die for and the fruit dumplings are top notch. read more Been going here for about a decade. Always 10/10. The raclette is to die for and the fruit dumplings are top notch.

Authentic and delicious. An absolute must to try if you're in the Norfolk area, this place was the highlight of my trip here! Service was incredible, and the fo... read more Authentic and delicious. An absolute must to try if you're in the Norfolk area, this place was the highlight of my trip here! Service was incredible, and the food was superb. I heartily recommend the goulash (any variation) and the escargot. The roast duckling was also delicious, with plenty to bring home! It was my first time having this kind of food and the lovely waitress took the time to explain to us what the dishes consist of and how to eat them. Couldn't have had a better experience, will definitely come back the next time I'm in town!

This has become my favorite spot with my GF…the food is comfort food plus, the staff is exceptional and the vibe just transforms you to a small village in Europ... read more This has become my favorite spot with my GF…the food is comfort food plus, the staff is exceptional and the vibe just transforms you to a small village in Europe.

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!

Tried goulash soup and entree, both very good. Super unique location worth the visit. read more Tried goulash soup and entree, both very good. Super unique location worth the visit.

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 of those places where you can tell they put a lot of love into what they do. The food is amazing, the service is even better, the ambiance, etc. Just everything about the monastery makes it a must try for anyone in the area. And don't shy away from something on their menu just because you haven't tried it before or it sounds odd. For instance, one of my favorite dishes is steak with pickles and onions. And they have some of the best escargot in the area. The owners are Czechoslovakian so the food options 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 up eating. So highly recommend you check this place out. I recommend any steak dishes since they really cook it well, but anything you get is probably going to be delicious.

Fabulous high class dining experience here. The service was phenomenal, the atmosphere gorgeous yet cozy. I had a half plate of the Escargot (tastes similar to... read more Fabulous high class dining experience here. The service was phenomenal, the atmosphere gorgeous yet cozy. I had a half plate of the Escargot (tastes similar to mussels, if you've never had them before), the Tomato Feta Salad (a cold, simple dish, but incredibly well seasoned), the Apricot Palačinki (crepes filled with apricot jam), and the Blackberry Pierogi (soft dumpling stuffed with sweet blackberries and topped with tangy cottage cheese and sugar; absolutely excellent) companion had the Steak Tartare and Apple Strudel. We were provided complimentary bread with soft and hard cheeses as well as an apple to pair it with. All of it was absolutely delicious, and obviously made of quality ingredients (demanding it, even can't imagine how a steak tartare is made with low quality meat). According to our server, the owners themselves were cooking our food, which is just amazing from what I saw, they actually came out to speak with a table celebrating a birthday, and seemed incredibly kind. Food took around <10 15 minutes to hit our table after ordering. Beer and cocktail menu is limited they only had about four beers (all imported, I believe) and a nonexistent cocktail menu (server explained she could make most classic cocktails) but their wine list is extensive. As noted above, the interior is gorgeous (brickwork, stucco, rich textures, old mirrors, paintings, faux flowers, chandeliers, candles), but it's also very dim, so bring your glasses if you've got issues reading in limited lighting! Only hiccup for my friend and I was the entry point the door you walk in leads straight into the dining room, and if staff isn't there to greet you, you're left wondering if you walked into the right point and if you're supposed to just seat yourself; I imagine they have a staff member managing all this on days they're actually busy, though we came on a slow, low staff day that was apparently oddly high volume. All in all, this was a luxurious dining experience well worth the price we paid for it!

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!

I recently dined at The Monastery restaurant on Granby Street in Norfolk and had a fantastic experience. The owners were very welcoming, the atmosphere was char... read more I recently dined at The Monastery restaurant on Granby Street in Norfolk and had a fantastic experience. The owners were very welcoming, the atmosphere was charming, the food was delicious, the drinks were top-notch, and the service was excellent. A special shout-out to our waiter, Zack - he truly is the best! Be sure to ask for him when you visit.

I would give this place 6 stars if I could! We decided to come here for some authentic Eastern European cuisine (as Eastern Europeans, we are quite particular).... read more I would give this place 6 stars if I could! We decided to come here for some authentic Eastern European cuisine (as Eastern Europeans, we are quite particular). The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch. I felt like I was transported back to Prague with the nostalgic aesthetics reminiscent of the old restaurants I used to frequent there. The food was absolutely delicious as well. I ordered the Serbian Goulash and escargot, and every bite was a delight. My entire family had nothing but praise for the experience...we will definitely return!

Excellent atmosphere.......excellent food......wait was Non existant......would recommend it to everyone and will Definitely be going back read more Excellent atmosphere.......excellent food......wait was Non existant......would recommend it to everyone and will Definitely be going back

Excellent Czech restaurant- Duck is over the top. All the goulashes and schnitzels are amazing. Very comfortable dining room- just don't be in a rush. The owner... read more Excellent Czech restaurant- Duck is over the top. All the goulashes and schnitzels are amazing. Very comfortable dining room- just don't be in a rush. The owners pour their hearts into everything and it shows.

We decided to give the Monastery a try, based on reviews and my European heritage. Arrived around 6pm and there was no wait to be seated. Service was incredibly... read more We decided to give the Monastery a try, based on reviews and my European heritage. Arrived around 6pm and there was no wait to be seated. Service was incredibly slow and our server was clearly not trained for his position. Food was just ok. Portions areon the smaller side. We ordered the veil cordon bleu and the Serbian goulash. For dessert we opted to try the Flambé Crêpes(even though they didn?t want to light them on fire) and the Black Forest cake (very little flavor). Definitely not a place Iwould recommend to others based on our experience.

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.

INCREDIBLE! Y?all? this restaurant earns cool atmosphere points, amazing staff, delicious food wine. I ordered 1/2 dozen of the snails for the table? we all enj... read more INCREDIBLE! Y?all? this restaurant earns cool atmosphere points, amazing staff, delicious food wine. I ordered 1/2 dozen of the snails for the table? we all enjoyed it!!! Delicious. Roasted duck sauerkraut was perfect. The bread served alongside itwas great for scooping up saucy leftovers off the plate. The Pinot noir paired with it was so good. Dessert was the dumplings blackberry topped with cottage cheese and powdered sugar? it was incredible. The bread basket with two cheeses and an apple wasa fun teaser too. Our server? the chefs/owners? they give 100% effort, and I am impressed/grateful of the pride they take in theentire dining experience. I asked the chef for a selfie for my birthday? she surprised our table with strawberry champagne withthe servers. I could?ve cried. This place was more like a 6-star. I?ll be bragging about this with all my folks for years tocome.

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!

So delicious. Definitely worth a try. Lovely atmosphere and the waitresses are so friendly. Step outside your comfort zone and give it a try. You won?t be disap... read more So delicious. Definitely worth a try. Lovely atmosphere and the waitresses are so friendly. Step outside your comfort zone and give it a try. You won?t be disappointed. I had the salmon and I?m not sure what husband had but it came in it?s own pot lol.