What is your sweetest weakness in Norfolk?
We often rave about Norfolk’s ever-growing food scene but don’t always shed light on the deliciousness that lies within the dessert section. Let me begin by stating there is no absence of sweet treats in this city, from freshly churned gelato to homemade cupcakes and all the old-fashioned candies in between!
French Bakery & Delicatessen
4108 Granby St.
Some refer to this bakery as the “OG” of Norfolk bakeries. The pastries are to die for and the pastrami sandwiches (made with freshly baked bread) are a must, but beyond the sugar lies a heartfelt story. This family came to America in the early 1900’s fighting for that “American dream.” Well lucky for us they found that dream here in Norfolk and have continued to share their passion. Grab some cash and head to French Bakery in Riverview, you won’t be disappointed.
S’mores Amore
208 E Main St.
S’mores Amore started out as a simple pop-up vendor within Selden Market, a collaborative space designed to foster new street-level business ideas in Downtown and has now graduated into a Selden storefront. S’mores Amore is a specialized dessert boutique offering a modern twist to the famous campfire classic, the smore. By no means is this your typical graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate fire-burnt sandwich smushed together. S’mores Amore skillfully chooses sweet flavor palettes and gently builds you your decadent dessert. They offer a wide selection of unique flavors like the Cookies & Cream Smore, which consists of a buttery graham cracker crust underneath a warm chocolate brownie with hand-crushed Oreos topped with a gooey vanilla marshmallow, a mini Oreo to finish it off with a quick torch of a flame to give it the perfect “toast of the fire” taste.
Café Stella
116 Granby St. & 1907 Colonial Ave.
Amongst the locals’ favorite, Café Stella holds high standards for desserts here in Norfolk with their extremely authentic atmosphere and equally as tasty cuisine. We challenge you to walk into Café Stella and not leave with a sweet treat. Made fresh daily these desserts are always rotating from Tiramisu, Berry Tarts, Pecan Sticky Buns, Carrot Cake, Red Velvet Cheese Cake and so much more.
Naas Bakery
3527 Tidewater Dr.
A family-owned favorite, Naas Bakery serves up a wide selection of mouth-watering treats, but they’re mostly known for their beloved donuts. From shining classic glazed to the powdery white sugar-coated jelly-filled masterpieces, these fluffy sweet treats will cure any sweet tooth craving. Mix and match your favorite flavors like the chocolate glazed and cinnamon roll or twisted cinnamon and sugar-coated for your next weekend indulgence.
Strawberry Fields
1501 Colley Ave.
Let’s take a break from baked goods and head on over to Strawberry Fields, an authentic gelato shop in the heart of Ghent. They offer flavors as simple as Vanilla Bean that is made with real Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, or as daring as Lemongrass Turmeric Sorbetto. Strawberry Fields’ creations don’t stop there, offering you a flavor palate that varies with the seasons, and accommodates each holiday season how could we not rave about this gelato gem.
Hummingbird Macarons
809 Granby St.
Walk through the NEON District and you’ll be sure to stumble upon Hummingbird Macarons! Grab a macaron or twelve but the real sweet treat is their macaron ice cream sandwiches, do we need to explain more?
The Bonbonnier
913-A W 21st St.
Tack a step back in time to this old fashion candy & bake shop. The Bonbonnier features chocolate covered apples, home-style candies and treats made by hand, old-time confections, coffees, specialty sodas, and hot drinks. Stop by on a Friday and you’ll be lucky enough to munch on their fresh Humdinger. A scrumptious handmade marshmallow sandwiched between rich, gingery, Southern molasses cookies, and half-dunked in a dark chocolate coating.
Pownd Cakes by Jen
314 W 21st St.
What started as a stress-relieving hobby mainly enjoyed by family and friends has turned into a uniquely delicious bakery filled with perfected buttery and fluffy pound cakes. While Jen’s classic pound cake is decadent and highly praised, her ambitious flavors will leave you pleasantly surprised when you sink your teeth into them. Here you’ll find out-of-the-box flavors like coconut, cinnamon, almond, cookies and cream, and even sweet potato. These velvety mouth-watering cakes are perfect for celebrations or simply just to have as a treat!
Bar-Q Desserts
An infamous Texas style barbecue joint (located inside Bold Mariner) is making waves in the dessert world. Pulling inspiration from her mother and grandmother, baker Nikki offers a rotating selection of decadent southern styled treats. Try their cookies and cream brownies; gooey brownies stuffed with Oreos, then topped with a creamy Oreo buttercream For a non-chocolate treat, sink your teeth into their Caramel Pecan Cheesecake, a creamy slice of heaven with a salted caramel pecan middle, topped with more salted caramel because you can never have enough sauce. Whether you chose from their elevated classics or unique spin on their favorite flavors, Bar-Q will keep you coming back for more.