Oceanview Diner
About This Spot
Stepping into Oceanview Diner feels like settling into a familiar nook where time slows just enough to savor the moment. Nestled on Granby Street in Norfolk, this unpretentious spot hums with a gentle warmth—part neighborhood staple, part comforting retreat. Whether you choose a seat at the counter or a cozy booth, the pace here invites an easy conversation or a quiet pause, bathed in the soft glow of well-loved fixtures and the faint sounds of soft chatter.
The rhythm of the diner carries a low-key energy, where friendly exchanges with staff blend seamlessly into the background of clinking plates and the occasional laughter. It’s a place that welcomes both the early bird seeking a hearty start and the evening visitor eager for a relaxed meal. The menu feels thoughtfully varied—reflecting a blend of classic comfort food with subtle touches that hint at the care and quality behind each dish.
Impressions linger in the buttery crispness of fried green tomatoes that evoke fond memories, alongside the satisfying warmly spiced crab cake Benedicts and breakfast bowls that feel like more than just a meal—they’re moments of reassurance and pleasure. The dishes arrive with an approachable generosity, served alongside attentive yet unhurried service, underscoring the diner’s steady focus on genuine connection over flash.
Oceanview Diner thrives quietly on the authenticity of these small human moments—where a single diner finds a welcoming counter seat, a couple shares a familiar Cuban sandwich with fries, and a regular settles in with the freedom to pick their favorite spot without fuss. It’s this grounded, honest atmosphere that makes Oceanview more than just a place to eat, but a subtle and valued part of the community fabric.
What’s Available Here
-
Identifies as women-owned
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Serves local specialty
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 07:00 AM - 02:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 07:00 AM - 02:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 07:00 AM - 02:00 PM , 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | 07:00 AM - 02:00 PM , 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 07:00 AM - 02:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 07:00 AM - 02:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
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Donald Gregory 02 Jan 2026
I arrived on a Thursday evening not long before closing. I was one of just a few guests, but I was greeted warmly and encouraged to sit pretty much wherever I wished. I picked a seat at the counter. My first impression of the menu was it was quite varied; my second was, “Pricey!” However … once the food began arriving, I quickly realized that the prices reflected quite high-quality food and service. First came a fresh square of focaccia-style bread together with a small cup of tangy olive oil dip (with a bit of a kick!). This wasn’t even mentioned on the menu. This is a diner? My drink order, a glass of ice water and a mug of black coffee, arrived quickly. (I prefer black, strong coffee. This was fresh, but not strong. Oh well. It was twice refilled promptly without my asking, a good thing.) I then ordered the parmesan-encrusted chicken, which comes on a bed of pasta. For my included side, I ordered a salad with blue cheese dressing. To my delight, without being asked they brought the salad *first*. And what a salad. Yes, it was just a side salad, but it was completely fresh, with thin turnip and onion slices decoratively distributed on top, many small cherry tomatoes *and* a serious amount of small diced tomatoes underneath the lettuce. The on-the-side generous portion of blue cheese dressing rivaled what I make at home. The chicken was thick, tender, and cooked perfectly—tender, moist, just right. The crust complemented the dish rather than taking it over. The pasta had a light lemon sauce, very nice. Once I finished the main course, I pointed at one of those old-style glass display cases that had several brownies in it. They offered to heat it. “Yes, please!” It was scrumptious, not at all dry despite having been on display. If this place was a white-tablecloth restaurant, the food and service would fit right in … well, perhaps with upgraded coffee. And the speaker(s?) they used for their late-ish 20th century music (which I enjoyed, by the way—I grew up in the second half of that century) could stand to be upgraded. I have plans to return there twice in the next couple of months. I look forward to it!
TheRagingOrchid 01 Jan 2026
Food is FANTASTIC. We walked in and it was a wait, but like my husband said “that’s a good sign, means they’re good.” Was definitely worth the wait - which wasn’t that long, but they also said they’ve been slower than usual, presumably because of the extended government shutdown. Staff was friendly and great to chat with. We had a special (Benedict royale) and a Cuban. My husband said his Cuba was better than one he had at a Cuban restaurant over in Suffolk. The lady we spoke with said she lived in Key West some years ago for many years and learned a good Cuban sandwich that way. It was flavorful and juuuicy! She said they’re also open Wednesday Thursday Friday for DINNER, and that the dinners are more upscale because they have some very “overqualified” chefs, so they get the chance to show off those skills more on those nights. This is definitely one of your “hidden gems” sort of places, situated kind of hidden all nondescript in a strip with very understated signage. Interior is a lil dated, it was def a lil warm inside, but tolerable, and toilet seat I think was loose or something I survived it though lol If this place was situated in a fancier setting, I’d definitely expect to see much higher priced menu for the quality of dishes. OH! And don’t forget to try the local hot sauces!
Brian LeBoeuf 12 Dec 2025
Great place. Plenty of room at the counter for the single diner. Food was excellent and the staff was extremely friendly.
Eugene Robert Conner 29 Nov 2025
We are visiting from Ohio for the weekend. Reviews were good. I had the crab cake Benedict with red potatoes and fried green tomatoes. Everything was perfect except my poached eggs were a little undercooked. I know they could have fixed if I asked but I didn’t want to trouble them and everything else was wonderful. Very nice staff and great atmosphere. Thank you
Casey Ellis 25 Nov 2025
Love this little hole in the wall diner. Fried Green Tomatoes taste just like grandmas and the batter sticks too. Got the skillet today, I normally do the biscuits and gravy but the breakfast skillet was delicious. If you haven’t been here, you need to.
Dawn MCM 14 Nov 2025
We come here a lot and, hands down, they have the best grits I've ever had. Everything is good but those grits ... they're amazing.
Brad Hoyt 04 Oct 2025
Overall a great experience. Friendly fast service, great prices, simple menu. A small space filled up quickly, but not loud or stuffy. Very pleasant. Eggs Benedict was delicious. Not typical American size portions, but you will get enough to eat, which I appreciate. Coffee was good and refills came fast enough.
Amy Blackstone 24 Sep 2025
A welcomed surprise in Ocean View. This place has never been on our radar. It’s a small hole in the wall place but food portions were BIG and prices were extremely reasonable. And the best part…the food was good!!! We went as a party of 10 around 9am on Sunday morning. We had to split into 2 tables (8 at one table and 2 teenagers at another). We were sat in less than 20 minutes. The dining room isn’t terribly large but there is enough room for larger parties. The wait staff was FANTASTIC. With only 3 employees working we were greeted quickly and were able to order quickly. Drinks were never empty. The food came out hot and fast. The pancakes were delicious. I think they were my favorite. Everyone’s order was correct. Everyone had their own meals with drinks and the price with a 20% tip was $150.