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Welcome to The Lizard Cafe

At The Lizard Cafe, located within a charming bookstore in Norfolk, VA, we celebrate the art of simple, yet delightful fare. Our culinary offerings spotlight delicious sandwiches, from Southern-style egg salad to dilled tuna and hearty chicken salad, all crafted with fresh ingredients. Nestled in a cozy atmosphere, our cafe serves as the perfect lunch spot for bookworms and food lovers alike. With vegetarian options and daily specials, there's something for everyone to relish. Our attentive team strives to create a warm experience, ensuring each visit is a welcoming escape for those seeking both nourishment and comfort.

The Lizard Cafe: Reviews & Ratings

Joanne B.
Joanne B.

Cafe is attached inside of a bookstore. Food is simple and good! I had the tuna salad with fruit and some tea. Great little lunch spot and very friendly service.

Brittany K.
Brittany K.

I adored this concept and found it well executed. This bookshop cafe makes for a comfortable and cozy lunch. The staff is very inviting and this is definitely a bookworm's dream! The cafe menu offers a nice variety of soups, salads and sandwiches to accompany a good read or fuel a work session. The cafe seemed busy late afternoon but we were quickly accommodated. Whether or not you are looking to set up shop for an afternoon or grab a quick lunch, you'll leave satisfied.

Danijel V.
Danijel V.

If you are in Norfolk- you have to stop in this little Cafe- the Owner and chef Brian is an artist with his culinary abilities- and - his soups are some of the best you will ever taste! Every Thursday, the Chicken and Dumplings soup is out of this world! You can't miss with this place!!

Allen P.
Allen P.

This place is delicious and the prices are very reasonable for the high quality of the food. You are going to get a gourmet lunch for a very reasonable price. They have great daily specials with good variety. I had the 1/2 sandwich and bowl of soup. The soup was chicken and dumplings and it was wonderful. The star of the meal was chicken salad sandwich though. Their dill chicken salad is wonderful. They had a great variety with plenty of healthy options on the menu. If you find yourself downtown on a weekday stop in and grab lunch. While you are there, and since you have to walk through Prince Books, stop and buy a book. The waitress and the chef were very nice and attentive and both checked on me during my meal. It's a cozy little place that's great for dining with coworkers or on your own.

Tiffany M.
Tiffany M.

What a wonderful experience at this adorable cafe! They were very busy but the employees worked super hard to make sure everyone got their food quickly! You can even order on an app through their QR code to save time ordering. We will definitely come back again!

Lakendra W.
Lakendra W.

Prompt greeting at the door. Perfect temperature. Good bookstore music. Perfect lighting. Good menu options. I have no regrets visiting. I'll definitely be back. In just the 30 mins I had til closing, my chicken salad sandwich was made fresh and tasted so good. I was actually embarrassed when I bit into it because I was caught off guard with the warm bread and cool salad. I had to take a look at it as if I didn't know what was going on lol. It was the temperature difference that I never knew could exist on one sandwich so well. There's window booths to sit at or tables, who doesn't love the option of a view. I came for the biscuits (hence my books and biscuits rave) but they'd sold the last one right before I came in. Good reason to come back, even if it's just to encounter the lovely chef and waitress. They were so friendly and seemed like they enjoyed serving up a good sandwich! I imagine they get a few regulars in there, considering the farewell by name I heard. LOVE THAT. So cheery. Prince Books, connected to the cafe is so cute. It's small and have a nostalgic feel with the wood and carpet picks on decor. Although the size makes for a casual amount of books, the category of books are satisfying enough. I want to say that I found a little gem, but I have a feeling it's a big piece of waterside.

Marie F.
Marie F.

What a great find! Just happened to be picking something up in Selden Market, and I saw the Lizard sign as I was walking back to my car and stopped in for a quick bite to go. DELICIOUS chicken Salad, which the guy happily put in a wrap for me! Perfectly creamy and seasoned nom nom nom. He also highly recommended the Funky Fusion chips, and they were every bit as awesome as he said they would be. (I actually thought he was saying Poke Fusion, which did NOT sound awesome to me, but I trusted him anyway. Hahaha) Stop in here for an awesome small biz lunch experience! And try the Funky Fusion chips. ;-)

Cristina Cici B.
Cristina Cici B.

When at a conference in the Marriott, I stumbled across the bookstore next door and walked into the cafe. It was closed for another hour but the gentleman that was working that day welcomed me and my two colleagues in regardless. All we wanted was a coffee, two black and one with a lot of milk and creamer... We were told to have a look around the store whilst he brewed some fresh coffee for us. I had no idea there was a cafe here inside the bookstore! It's no Starbucks, so if you want a frappe-a-lot-of-crapu-ccino, go elsewhere. This is a great hideout in the city, surrounded by books, and the menu looks pretty decent for a bite to eat - next time I'll be sure to stop by when it's open to try, but I greatly appreciate being let in early, a very kind welcoming gesture.

Location

Welcome to The Lizard Cafe, a delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of Norfolk, VA. Located at 109 E Main St #150a, this charming cafe strikes the perfect balance between a cozy eatery and a welcoming space for book lovers, being conveniently attached to a bookstore. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or planning a leisurely afternoon, The Lizard Cafe is a delightful destination that beckons food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

  • Menu Highlights:
  • Indulge in a range of scrumptious sandwiches, like the Southern-style Egg Salad Sandwich, graced with Surry ham and sweet pickle relish, or the traditional Chicken Salad Sandwich, tossed with country aioli.
  • For a unique twist, try the Dilled Tuna Salad Sandwich or the refreshing Surry Ham and Cucumber Sandwich.
  • Don't miss the Sweet Potato Biscuit Special, celebrated for its comforting blend of sweet potato biscuit topped with seasonal jam and Smithfield country ham, served with a side salad or soup.
  • And for those with a sweet tooth, the Plain Cheesecake and Oreo Infusion Cheesecake are not to be overlooked, crafted with real Philadelphia cream cheese by a local baker.

The atmosphere is casual yet vibrant, with a moderate noise level, making it an excellent spot for everyone, including families. Parents will appreciate the kid-friendly options while foodies will revel in the variety, including several vegetarian alternatives. Plus, the cafe practices convenience by accepting Apple Pay and credit cards, providing both takeout and reservations, ensuring that every visit is smooth and enjoyable.

Customer reviews reveal a consensus that speaks volumes about the service and culinary offerings. Joanne B. notes the friendly service and wholesome tuna salad, stating that it’s a “great little lunch spot.” Meanwhile, Brittany K. highlights the cafe as a “comfortable and cozy lunch” venue, perfect for pairing a meal with a good book. It’s evident that the atmosphere fosters a nurturing environment for both diners and readers, making it a hub for community connection.

One reviewer, Danijel V., passionately recommends the Chicken and Dumplings soup, calling it “out of this world.” Such dishes coupled with the attention from Chef Brian, whose culinary artistry shines, ensure that each plate is crafted with care.

The Lizard Cafe is not just about the food; it’s an experience. Whether you want to enjoy a meal with coworkers, seek a quiet corner for reflection, or simply wish to indulge in a gourmet lunch at reasonable prices, this cafe offers an inviting refuge. So the next time you're wandering downtown Norfolk, don’t miss this charming eatery—your taste buds will thank you!

Come experience the warm ambience, the delightful dishes, and, of course, the unmatched hospitality that makes The Lizard Cafe a standout destination in the city. For inquiries and reservations, give them a call at (757) 622-5973. Dive into this culinary adventure today!