Gershwin's - Norfolk, VA
Summary
Gershwin’s in Norfolk, VA is a classy piano bar on Granby Street. You can take a step back in time with their vintage cocktail menu and enjoy the live music. They have a traditional American fine dining menu. During my visit I tried the crab dip, Faroe salmon entrée, and a cocktail.
Food Overall
Service
Atmosphere
Location
Value for Money
Overall
What I Ordered
Classic Crab Dip
$15
The crab dip appetizer included pita ships with a dish of creamy crab dip to share. I though the crab was good quality and the dip had a light but deep flavor. The pita chips were overcooked but crisp and still tasted good.
Pan Seared Faroe Island Salmon
$28
The salmon entrée consisted of a blackened herb crusted salmon and asparagus over a bed of citrus rice. The presentation was lovely and the serving size was fair. Overall, the salmon was good and cooked nicely. The asparagus was decent but nothing special. I was not a fan of the citrus rice personally. It had a very strong acidic taste and somewhat odd taste that did not compliment the dish well. I think a wild rice or risotto may have worked better.
Safe Word Cocktail
$15
The safe word cocktail was a fruity cocktail served with a little rubber handcuff charm. It was not a strong drink and served in a relatively small glass. Honestly, the menu and server made me think it would have full size toy hand cuffs as a joke but they were not, so I was a bit disappointed.
Overall Food
Overall, the food at Gershwin’s did not impress me. The menu has a selection of very traditional American fine dining entrees like steak and fish. Nothing was particularly creative. I think the presentation was very attractive but the food quality and flavors were not spot on. It appeared the majority of their attention and effort was directed to the extensive and high-end cocktail and drink selection. They have a menu of vintage cocktails throughout history and the largest whiskey selection in Virginia.
Service
I thought the service at Gershwin’s was very good. The staff were dressed formally for an elevated experience. The server was very friendly and attentive and enthusiastically gave recommendations.
Atmosphere
Size
It is a small restaurant with about 10 tables and a full bar.
Who Goes Here?
People primarily go to Gershwin’s on dates.
Overall Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Gershwin’s is the main draw. It is a beautiful 1920’s themed piano bar. There is ornate golden molding, paintings, mirrors, and a beautiful wooden bar. The stairs to the second-floor tables are painted to look like piano keys. The grand piano is in the front of the restaurant as you enter. They have a pianist providing live music almost every night. I really enjoyed the pianist and it was my favorite part of the visit. The table settings are very attractive and part of the fine dining experience. I think the overall atmosphere is beautiful, sophisticated, and romantic.
Location
Gershwin’s in Norfolk, VA is in a very good location. They are on Granby St. surrounded by other nice shops, entertainment, and restaurants. It is a walkable area that has light rail route and $1/hr parking garages nearby. Additionally, it is within walking distance of Waterside, Townpoint Park, Nauticus, the cruise terminal, MacArthur Mall, and the D’Art Center.
Interested in finding places to eat near Norfolk, VA?
Value for money
I do not think Gershwin’s is a very good value for your money. Though it is a beautiful and romantic spot it is very overpriced. It is in an mid-upper tier fine dining price point but they have a very boring menu selection and not perfectly executed food.
Overall
Overall, Gershwin’s in Norfolk, VA was a bit disappointing. They have a standard American fine dining menu with mediocre food at a fine dining price point. However, they do have a very impressive drink menu. The real appeal of Gershwin’s is the fabulous piano par atmosphere. I would suggest dressing up going to Gershwin’s for a snazzy cocktails and appetizer data. Make sure to visit when the pianist is playing for the best experience!
