+1 757-622-3966
Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, VA, Freemason Abbey Restaurant offers an elevated New American dining experience in a setting that effortlessly blends history with modern elegance. Once a church, the restaurant’s stunning architecture and warm, inviting atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable meal in a space that truly feels special.
The menu thoughtfully showcases a blend of classic American favorites with a fresh, seafood-forward twist. Signature dishes like the velvety She Crab Soup—a smooth, rich chowder that delights the palate—demonstrate the kitchen’s mastery of coastal flavors. The Roast Prime Rib Au Jus arrives tender and perfectly seasoned, while the Seafood Fantasia offers an indulgent medley of fresh catches that dance with vibrant, complementary sauces.
For a taste adventure that combines comfort and sophistication, the Smoked Gouda Tenderloin Penne and Bang Bang Shrimp burst with flavor and skillful preparation. The Grilled Filet Mignon is juicy and expertly cooked, providing an indulgent centerpiece for any dinner. Brunch enthusiasts will find delight in the noteworthy Bennies—particularly the Norfolk Benedict, featuring seared crab cakes nestled on an English muffin, crowned with perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Complement your meal with an artfully curated drink selection. From bright, refreshing Flavored Mimosas to the playful and potent Cocktail Flight, the bar crafts options that range from classic to inventive, offering something to suit every mood and preference. For those who appreciate a well-balanced brunch cocktail, the Manmosa—vodka, champagne, and orange juice—adds an extra touch of decadence.
Freemason Abbey Restaurant’s atmosphere draws frequent praise from guests who appreciate not only the food but the overall dining experience. The beautifully decorated interior, enhanced by its historic charm, creates a setting that feels both intimate and lively—perfect for festive gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual meetups with friends or colleagues. Visitors remark on the warm, attentive service and the inviting ambiance that transforms every meal into a celebration.
Longtime patrons and first-timers alike agree on the quality and creativity offered here. One guest raved about the unforgettable pork dish paired with the luscious scallop risotto, while another was smitten by the fried green tomatoes and French onion soup appetizers—each bite steeped in comforting, rich textures and flavors. Even those new to coastal Southern cuisine find themselves enchanted by dishes like the she crab soup and seafood pasta, highlighting the kitchen’s dedication to delicious authenticity.
Whether you’re indulging in a leisurely breakfast, savoring an elegant dinner, or enjoying happy hour treats like the surprisingly rich burger and perfectly mixed well drinks, Freemason Abbey delivers consistent quality and a welcoming vibe. With carefully crafted dishes, strong yet balanced cocktails, and an atmosphere steeped in history and charm, this gem is more than a meal—it’s an immersive experience that invites you to savor the best Norfolk has to offer.
Went here with a party of 8, bill was over $500 after everyone got drinks, meals and a few sweet treats. The food was amazing!! I had the pork dish and my husband devoured the scallop risotto. I enjoyed a crème brûlée after my main dish, others at our table got prime rib, seafood and a few salads. They also enjoyed the selection of cheesecakes afterwards. Quite a special and beautiful place to splurge on yourself!
I've never heard of she crab soup, but it was incredible! Like a smooth, rich chowder. The seafood pasta was also expertly done, although I wouldn't add the extra crab for $5, the regular dish is plenty good. The cocktail flight was a little sweet for my taste, but still pretty good. Would recommend this place to anyone
I came twice for the happy hour and it was great. The burger was awesome and a very reasonable price. The well drinks were great too. Bar tender and service was great. The atmosphere is awesome! I’m sure dinner here would be great as well. I’d definitely recommend and come back.
This place has been on my bucket list, and it didn't disappoint!!! We were sat in an upstairs booth where you could see all the Christmas decorations they put up. We ordered the fried green tomatoes and split a french onion soup for our appitizers. My husband ordered the meatloaf special and I ordered a seafood pasta. The bread was a great compliment to soak up the pasta sauce from my dish and the gravy from the meatloaf dish. I'm not usually a fan of meatloaf, but he let me try it, and it was my favorite meatloaf ever! There is a char to it that just puts it on another level! My seafood was cooked perfectly- very tender! For dessert, we had the cookies and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Even though it was 20 degrees outside, it was the perfect end to our dinner date. Thank you, Freemason Abbey, we will be coming back for more meals in the future.
I give the experience a 8.5/10, first time here. Surprised to hear this used to be a church, the aesthetic definitely matched. We came for lunch. I got the cocktail flight, it was pretty good & strong LOL! That spinach salad and she crab soup were the bomb the salmon special was okay, the sides lacked flavor and weren’t thoroughly cooked, the salmon was good, they had some kind of cinnamon glaze seasoning. We were there during happy hour as well, but you only can indulge if seated at the bar or patio.. they should change that rule lol!
My husband and I went here for our anniversary. When making the reservations, I found out that they have a Harry Potter theme for the month of October. The decorations were amazing. The special menu was wonderful. The food, and service, was truly incredible. I would highly recommend dining here any time, not just for a special event.
Freemason Abbey has great food and even better service, according to my parents! We sent my parents to the restaurant for my mom’s birthday dinner, calling two weeks in advance. We wanted to make sure they could seat my mother and father in an area that’s wheelchair accessible since he uses a Permobil power chair. When I called, I spoke to a woman named Leslie who took our reservation. I checked in via email five days before their dinner date and Leslie replied and confirmed everything. They had my parents scheduled at the proper time, on the first floor, and noted that they needed room for a power chair. When my mom got there, they had a cute little card on the table that said “Happy Birthday.” Other guests even wished my mom a Happy Birthday as well. My parents said the food was really good. My mom ordered bang bang shrimp and She-crab soup, which she said was fabulous. My dad ordered a crab cake, as well as shrimp, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables. The shrimp were huge and everything was delicious. My mom said she was even eating food from my dad’s plate because it looked so yummy. My parents liked the food so much that my dad checked DoorDash when he got home just in case he ever wants to order from there in the future. LOL. My mom said their waiter was very attentive. When it was time to leave, staff also came over to rearrange the tables so it was wide enough to drive his chair through. My mom said "I appreciate that. It was just awesome, the way they were so accomodating, and we didn't feel like we were getting on their nerves or anything like that. It was just great." When my parents left, an employee asked if she’d gotten her birthday gift. When my mom said no, she went and grabbed it for her (a cute little Freemason Abbey glass), and gave her a hug. She said multiple employees gave her hugs when she thanked them for the amazing night and service. My mom insisted that I let the restaurant know how much she enjoyed her night. She texted me saying “Omg!! I cried! They were sooooo nice. Sa, you must tell the management of that establishment what a great job they did! I feel so special. I feel like a queen.” Thank you to the folks at Freemason Abbey for making my mom’s birthday special, and for being accommodating to people who use wheelchairs!