Our Favorite Local Eateries
/A running joke among locals in Downtown Suffolk is the city’s marketing tagline from years ago, “Surprising Suffolk” - that is as true a description today as it was years ago. Even after 27 years of living in Downtown Suffolk, I am continually and pleasantly surprised by the quality of restaurants appearing on the downtown scene.
Food itself is tied directly to the identity and culture of a geographic area. Everyone knows that Key Lime Pie is better in the Florida Keys and Peach Cobbler is best in Georgia. As a visitor, I think you’ve missed a whole cultural experience if you don’t partake in the hard-work and creativity Suffolk’s chefs put into their dishes.
The best of the restaurants we have to offer in Suffolk have weathered months of lockdown and come out the other side stronger, more nimble and with a deepened commitment to hospitality. For that, I think it is more important than ever to devote our patronage to local establishments and direct my guests to the finest and freshest foods around.
Here’s a brief list of my all-time favorite local eateries in Suffolk.
Harper’s Table
Harper’s Table serves locally sourced Southern cuisine just walking distance of The Pinner House. What we love about Harper is attention to detail that is prevalent in the incredible dishes and the intimate and timeless ambiance he has curated in his establishment. In addition, we LOVE working with Harper as a private chef catering our own events hosted here at The Pinner House. Just as we believe in telling your story through event design and hospitality at The Pinner House, so does Harper Bradshaw root his passion in story.-telling and honoring local traditions through food and gathering at the table.
Sushi AKA
Sushi Aka is one of our favorite local spots for many reasons. You will be absolutely blown away by quality of authentic sushi Chef Mike prepares. Every vegetable is grown and harvested right here in Suffolk and the fish source globally for the freshest seafood. Chef Mike has honed his craft of traditional sushi preparation for years under the influence of renowned experts. You’ll find unique and exotic dishes here that is unparalleled to any other Asian restaurant in Hampton Roads.
The
General Public
All of our favorite restaurants so far have locally sourced food featured on their menu crafted with care, including The General Public. This establishment is also just a short walk from The Pinner House, located right next to our local brewery, Nansemond Station. Serving a casual, hearty and rustic menu, Chef General Lewis’ cuisine is inspired by his love for cooking at home with his mother and backed by 21 years of experience. With exceptionally friendly and attentive staff, you’'ll have nothing short of an amazing dining experience at GP. In addition to The General’s local eatery, they offer catering services that are to-die-for, that you’ll see regularly featured at Signature Pinner House Events.
Amici’s Pizza Cafe
Let me tell you- you literally can never go wrong with Amici’s Cafe. Conveniently located on Washington Street and with ample parking, you’ll find creatively delicious topping combinations on their New York style brick oven pizzas, amazing pastas and even a weekend brunch. Amici’s is a flagship establishment for Downtown Suffolk eateries, having been in operation for over 10 years. You’ll feel right at home with a casual, warm and welcoming vibe. I love their patio seating enclosure and the feature exposed brick wall extending the length of the restaurant.
The Mod Olive is the new kid on the block of our Downtown restaurant scene, but you’ll find it reminiscent of it’s sister-eatery, The Plaid Turnip whom we love as well. The Mod Olive has a quirky vintage style and an endearingly eclectic menu. Owner, Ed Beardsley does it again by serving up a delicious, creative and seemingly endless menu in Suffolk.
