Codex

Upon walking in, it was packed so first impressions is the food must be good. I didn't have a reservation but it was seating available at the bar like table facing the garage style door for 2. I tried briefly before arriving to find menu on the IG page, I didn't see one. I ordered the pineapple ginger mock tail as they have a set non alcoholic menu. My friend order same meal and 2 cocktail as pictured. The bread and butter is an appetizer it was actually really good. Food got the beef ribs, with grits, and potatoes asked to whole the carrots. You can omit an item but no substitutions. The rib was juicy and tender the grits paired well with rib, but the potatoes are undercooked. The service from entire staff was great, very attentive. I came, I tried but not the place for a return for me.

The food at Codex is delicious. I ordered the spaghetti and clams and it was the best pasta I’ve ever eaten at any restaurant. We also ordered the prosciutto and onion tart and the nduja for appetizers. I don’t know if they make that sourdough in house or purchase it elsewhere but it was amazing! My partner ordered the chicken and offered high praise for that as well. For dessert, we ordered the sticky toffee pudding and it was, like everything else, delicious. Service was friendly and the drinks were enjoyable too, but the standout was the food. I would recommend everything.

Great spot that I went to for brunch today. We came out of a recommendation from a friend and it was a nice way to catch up. We got there early. A little before 10 am and we got in line as everyone started showing up. We were seated immediately and then received okay service. I would recommend this place in the future, but their brunches are only once a month so just pay attention to the timing. I haven't had their dinner but I am interested after how good the food was today. And they also add gratuity to the bill as well!

Top notch food and service! Everything delicious and well-executed, maybe a little expensive for what it is, but price aside a wonderful meal and experience. Peach and burrata perfectly complemented by pickled shallot, balsamela, and bread crumbs. House baked focaccia with whipped butter and just the right amount of salt is fantastic. Thai peanut salad is outstanding, dressing is particularly wonderful. Nduja flavorful and unique, especially over perfectly-toasted sourdough. Prosciutto and onion tart another exquisite amalgamation of complementary flavors, certainly not too blue-cheesy if that's a concern like it sometimes is for us. Brussels perfectly crispy and savory with accompanying crushed peanuts and nuoc cham. Cauliflower a canvas for a balanced combination of robust, yet not overpowering, spices and flavors. Potato pancake was just a touch bland, the only source of disappointment with the food. Burger and Fett are must-try house specialties, both bursting with savory flavor and expertly-prepared. All three desserts are great options depending on your preference, especially decadent toffee pudding with perfect whipped cream and salted toffee sauce. Drinks were slightly disappointing, seemed like a small amount for the price point, with a neat but voluminous rectangular prism ice cube taking up so much of some of the glasses. Coffee Spritz, Algonquin, and Downtown Revival cocktails are all well-crafted, unique and carefully balanced with lots of flavors that work well together, each subtly present and not overpowering the others. Old Town Cider was a fun try, a bit on the sweeter side, but certainly not too much so. After Dinner Flight another fun try. Service very attentive, relaxed atmosphere, bathrooms clean. 20% tip is included on the bill, and they certainly don't try to sneak this by you as some have claimed, they bring it right to your attention. Excellent experience all around, definitely recommend! Finally made it in for brunch - food just as outstanding as their dinner menu! Chocolate chip French toast very nice, thick and rich with tasty embedded chocolate chips. Best quiche we've ever had - outstanding savory and thick crust, caramelized onions and gouda baked in, and accompanying smoked tomato cream sauce! Very nice sides of sausage and bacon, and vanilla and cinnamon cardamom vanilla lattes were both flavorful and excellent. Raspberry jam glazed donut focaccia an awesome and unique sweet treat! Very busy for brunch, and no brunch reservations, so definitely plan on either a long wait or getting there before they open at 10 to wait in line and snag an early table, maybe even 9:30-9:45. We got there at 9:50 and were lucky to get one of the last remaining tables before they all filled up. Service accordingly somewhat slow considering they fill right up at 10 AM, understandable of course.

Intimate, cozy fusion restaurant with the perfect mix of atmosphere and cuisine. Food was extremely flavorful with excellent variety, but not so much that you’re overwhelmed. Pasta, beef, fish, whatever you’re looking for it’s probably there. Unique flavor combinations made each course not only delicious but interesting. Staff was exceptional. Attentive without being intrusive, friendly, and well-versed in the menu enabling them to make excellent recommendations. My only negative is that I love to finish off a meal with a good cappuccino or espresso, and unfortunately, all they had was coffee, though it was a good cup. Great location for a dinner party of 2 to 4 people, would definitely not think larger groups would do well there. You can still have a great conversation without a lot of noise. Price is definitely reasonable, though I was celebrating my retirement, so we pulled out all the stops.

If you only have one night in Norfolk, you should eat here for dinner! The staff were friendly and attentive. The food and drinks were amazing. Split the roasted cauliflower, bread and butter, and charcoal chicken with a friend. We both thoroughly enjoyed the meal! If I’m ever back in Norfolk, I’ll definitely be eating here again!

Codex Va is an absolute gem for anyone seeking an extraordinary farm-to-table dining experience. This was my very first time trying many of the food items, but I have to say I was thoroughly impressed. From the moment you step into the warm ambiance of the restaurant, you're enveloped in the atmosphere. Bright lights, kind faces and an airy vibe welcomed us to the dining experience. The menu, a masterpiece of creativity and innovation, ensured each plate tells a story of its own. Every dish is a canvas where flavors are harmoniously blended. The chef's attention to detail is evident in every bite, from the vibrant colors to the exquisite presentation. Pairing these delectable dishes with their carefully curated wine list elevates the dining experience. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a beer enthusiast, Codex Va offers something to complement every flavor profile. We might have tried atleast 3-4 of their red wines. But it's not just about the food and drinks; it's the entire experience. The attentive staff adds to the charm, providing impeccable service that makes you feel like a cherished guest. The cozy yet sophisticated ambiance invites you to linger, savoring each moment and every bite. In a world where farm-to-table has become a buzzword, Codex Va stands out as a shining example of what true culinary artistry and passion can achieve.

A cool hip neighborhood restaurant. Food is excellent. Portions are huge. The move might be to get an appetizer, a side, and one entree for two people to share. Menu is is varied. Everything I had was excellent. Vibe is relaxed but serious about the food. Beer list is excellent. Kobros coffee on Sunday brunch. One of Norfolk’s best restaurants, if not the best.

This was by far the best experience of my visit to Norfolk. Everything from ambiance & service to food was stellar. I was in with a group of five and we were able to be setup with a last minute reservation. Our server was top notch! I wish I caught her name to give her a proper shout out. On arrival, she brought some wines for our group to taste and quickly had us setup with drinks. Since we were lucky to catch restaurant week, we sampled our way around the price fixe menu. We ordered a house made focaccia for the table and it was well enjoyed. Beyond that we had brussels and the prosciutto onion tart. The tart was excellent! A great touch of savory and sweet. For the main entree, I can't speak highly enough about the spaghetti and clams. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce was light while flavorful. We had all of the three desserts on offer and the table agreed that the olive oil cake was best! But of course, everything was a delight. I highly recommend Codex and I will definitely be returning next time I'm in Norfolk.

Once a month, there's a brunch that goes down in Norfolk on the first Sunday of each month at Codex apparently it's very popular. I heard about it while at another brunch a couple weeks prior. I was informed that it is a must go to little did I know how popular it was. They did not tell me that I should get there early to get a spot in line prior to them opening. It was a little intimidating when you arrive. The line was very long. It went down the street probably about four or five businesses. Soon as the door open, they started letting people in. It filled up very quickly. We were very lucky me and my friend that is we got the last two open seats at the bar. We started off as we typically do ordering espresso martinis. They were a little on the pricey side at $14 a glass. The glass was very small. Honestly it probably was the smallest espresso martini I've had while out enjoying espresso martinis, however it is packed with flavor! Our waiter informed us that we should order all our food at one time considering how busy it is we started our meal off with like a breakfast appetizer so we decided to try the baklava focaccia bread. It sounded extremely interesting. It tasted good. There's some sort of spice in there I can't really put my finger on it that I'm not a fan of. I had to try it though cause I am a fan of focaccia bread. I did take the leftover home and ended up turning it into a very good French toast. Moving on, I ordered the French toast typical brunch item for me to order. I also had to order the home fries and bacon. The French toast was very big portion. The bread was very large, but very good. I loved how crispy the outside was had lots of flavor. The bacon was just your average bacon nothing special. The home fries were OK, but they were on the cold side. They had peppers and onions in it which I do like which gives it a lot of flavor. While sitting at the bar, we got to chat with quite a few of the regulars that come quite frequently some of them come for dinner and some come on the weekend for brunch. They really enjoy the vibe there. They also love the food I was told I need to go back and try their burger night and their pasta tonight so they're on my radar to go back so look out for another review when I go back for burger night which is coming very soon. So if you're wondering if I'll go back again to this place, of course I will. I have to try their burger night. .

Codex is a small, casual spot off of Granby that offers Brunch on the 1st Sunday of the month and let me tell you, if you aren't there by 9:30am waiting outside in line, you probably won't get a table when they open at 10am. Thankfully, my friend and I were able to be seated at the last two, available seats at the bar to dine in. Since the place was packed, we were encouraged to order our food and drinks at the same time. The Baklava Focaccia peaked our interest so we decided to have them bring that out first. We also decided on the Corned Beef Hash, Classic French Toast and of course, Espresso Martinis. The Baklava Focaccia was baked perfectly and paired wonderfully with the pistachios and sweet drizzle but there was a particular flavor that I tasted that I wasn't a fan of. The Corned Beef Hash was by far, the best I've ever had!!! I absolutely loved the over easy fried egg on top of the corned beef, potatoes, onions and peppers! It was perfection!!! The Classic French Toast was also just as delicious!!! Unfortunately, we were underwhelmed with the Espresso Martinis along with the size. They were served in what looked to be a miniature cup and wasn't worth $14, in our opinion. Overall, I would highly recommend stopping for brunch at Codex. The food was amazing!!! Sitting at the bar was a bit tight and the service could've been better but with how busy it was, we understood. Codex has Tuesday Pasta Nights and Wednesday Burger Nights so I plan on returning to try their other menu items as well!!!

Second time visiting Codex, it was far different from my first visit. The service was extremely slow. The water was not refilled. The charcoal chicken was extremely dry and overcooked. The vegetables were skimpy. There is a mandatory 20% on the check which does not reflect the quality of food or service.

Codex serves excellent cocktails and the chef clearly knows their way around the kitchen. Desserts could use a little work, but otherwise the food is noteworthy. Servers are chill and check in often without being annoying. If you're dinning with folks that appreciate quality food that's a touch fancy, Codex is a great option. 4.1 stars.

Great service and great food for my sisters birthday! We had 7 in our group and showed up 10 minutes before they opened for brunch. We were second in line on the sidewalk which grew to 15-20 before they even opened the doors at 10am. ***MARK YOUR CALENDARS!*** They only do brunch the 1st Sunday of each month!!! And it is SUPERB! The place has a great buzz with a homie atmosphere!! Food was rustic and delicious, there literally isn't a bad plate! We ordered almost everything on the menu between the 7 of us and the favorites were...EVERYTHING!

Codex offers a unique dining experience that combines international culinary influences into their dishes, but it comes with a bit of a price tag for what you receive. While the concept is intriguing, I left feeling like the portion sizes didn't quite match the expectations set by the menu descriptions and prices. We started with several appetizers: the Hericot Vert Salad, Chicken Liver Mousse, Crispy Potato Pancake, and Thai Peanut Salad. The appetizers had potential, but for the price, they felt incredibly small. The salads were quite simple, lacking the creativity or flair that I hoped to find in a fusion restaurant. However, the Chicken Liver Mousse was a delightful surprise. It was rich, creamy, and paired beautifully with the bread, making for a lovely bite. The Crispy Potato Pancake also delivered on its promise, being perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and comforting on the inside. For mains, we opted for the Charcoal Chicken and Shrimp Radiatori. The Charcoal Chicken was enjoyable, but it felt more like a basic rotisserie chicken with a smoky flavor than anything particularly exciting. I was hoping for more depth or innovation in its preparation. It was also served with a side of salad that was served like an afterthought. On the other hand, the Shrimp Radiatori was the star of the meal! The big, juicy shrimp were cooked to perfection, complemented by a lovely basil pesto that elevated the dish. The pasta choice was excellent, allowing the sauce to cling perfectly, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. Overall, while Codex presents an interesting take on fusion cuisine, the small portion sizes and simplicity of some dishes had me hungry for more after this meal. The standout dishes, particularly the Shrimp Radiatori and Chicken Liver Mousse, were delightful, but the other offerings didn't quite meet my expectations, especially given the price point. While I enjoyed my meal, I don't think I would return for a second visit. Codex has potential, but there's room for improvement in both portion sizes and the overall execution of some dishes.

Great spot that I went to for brunch today. We came out of a recommendation from a friend and it was a nice way to catch up. We got there early. A little before 10 am and we got in line as everyone started showing up. We were seated immediately and then received okay service. I would recommend this place in the future, but their brunches are only once a month so just pay attention to the timing. I haven't had their dinner but I am interested after how good the food was today. And they also add gratuity to the bill as well!

Tuesday night pasta night is AMAZING! We happened to head in on a Tuesday evening, when Codex does a three course pasta dinner for $35. We started with a fresh and simply and perfectly dressed salad. The best carbonara I've ever had in the US followed, topped with parm and peas. The pasta was homemade and PERFECTLY cooked. The sticky toffee pudding was finished with a sprinkle of flaky salt and whipped cream. It was the perfect balance of rich flavors and light textures. This may be the easiest 5 stars I've ever given!! Also our server was wonderful, cocktails were inventive and refreshing, and the playlist inside was awesome.

Can confidently say Codex is one of the best restaurants in the entire 757. Located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, the quality of the food here is much better than some of the luxury establishments nearby. For me it is the quality of their appetizers that takes the cake for me. Their oysters come with a yuzu mignette sauce that accents the flavor of the oysters so well and give them a delicious briny freshness that cannot be topped. The restaurant as a whole exudes a freshness and youthfulness that you should not miss. If you consider yourself a 757 foodie you have to try Codex out!

Very cool dining experience. The ambiance in the restaurant feels quite modern with the happenings of the kitchen being seen through a shaded glass wall near the bar. The service we experienced was good although at times it was hard to hear the staff. The food was incredibly tasteful as each dish had flavor pairings which were interesting yet complimentary. Would definitely go back for the sticky toffee pudding, but may pass on the chicken liver mousse next time.

Our friends suggested having dinner at Codex because we were watching a show downtown, let me tell you we were not the only ones with this idea haha FOOD: I ordered the Fett, which is a classic dish at Codex, and it was pretty delicious. I personally didn't like the egg, I didn't end up eating it. We ordered drinks off their happy hour, so glad we made it. I tried their version of an espresso martini -- it tasted more like chocolate milk, and the portion was tiny. SERVICE: We should have known to make reservations, we thought maybe coming on a Tuesday night wouldn't need reservations, but I was wrong! We did get a table by the window, the wide one where we were sitting side-by-side. The seating situation wasn't ideal, but we know to make reservations next time. The food took a while to come out, too, I think they forgot to put in my Brussels sprouts. LOCATION: Not very big, seating is snug. The location is right off a main street! The vibes and atmosphere is fun. Will I come back? I'm interested in trying different food off their menu and drinks!

The Old Fashioned is sublime. Guy running the bar is a local treasure. In a world of two thumbs, he gets a hard third.

FINALLY made it to Codex after having it on my to-try list for over a year. I consider myself an expert when it comes to the "best places in this area", but I now know that I was missing a top contender until last night. We didn't have reservations, but called at around 7:30 on a Saturday night in hopes that we could be squeezed in or potentially snag a seat at the bar. We lucked out and they had an opening so we dashed right over. Parking CAN be a bit of a hassle, so plan accordingly. Just like any of the other restaurants right in this area of Granby. I immediately loved the ambiance; from the garage-door-like entrance to the small touches in the bathroom that were just obviously well-thought-out, which I always appreciate. Service was wonderful. I'm sad we didn't catch our server's name but he was welcoming, knowledgeable and had great style! He gave awesome menu suggestions, kept our drinks full, and checked in often enough, but was never overbearing. He ended up leaving before we officially finished his meal, however he left us in other good hands. I will note: Codex automatically adds a 20% gratuity to your bill, no matter the size of your party. I personally have zero issue with this, but do find it necessary to mention. Let's get to the good stuff: the food. And dang, was it good. Started with the tempura-fried trumpet mushrooms. Loved them, would absolutely order again. We also got the Brussels as our second app, which didn't blow my mind, but they were tasty. Next time, I'm trying the Chicken Liver Tart. It sounded DELICIOUS. For entrees, we shared two dishes: The Fett & The Ribeye. Both were prepared to perfection. The Ribeye was absolutely one of the best I've ever had. Perfectly medium rare with a crispy exterior. Topped with the best sauce and a generous amount of mushrooms. The Fett was also delicious. I think this duo is what I would get every time... and I will surely be choosing my date accordingly. I could rave about the entrees for at least one more paragraph, but that would mean you might miss out on reading about their Sticky Toffee Pudding, which you actually must order. It's required. I think you might actually kick you out if you don't. Have I convinced you? Top 5 desserts I've ever ordered in a restaurant. I'll be back, Codex. I'll be back.

Codex was so good that I came here twice for my birthday month! I took my husband and my best friend here because it was just that tasty. Service was impeccable--it was busy both nights I was there but our servers were courteous, checked on us a lot, and gave great recommendations. I tried the mussels with focaccia bread (my husband's entree), and it was a favorite. I also tried the airline chicken breast and it was the perfect portion, very juicy. For my appetizer, I had the peach and Burrata, and everything was super fresh. Rounded out my dinner with the deconstructed key lime cheesecake. Also loved the ambiance, it felt special and modern without being stuffy. I also enjoyed the "Deep Black" gorgeous pottery dishes. Made the dishes taste and look even better!

I believe that they did their best. I ordered the focaccia bread with butter, the chicken liver pate, the fried mushrooms, and the ribeye with Demi gaze. I also had a drink with gin and a cup of coffee. Dessert was the Toffee pudding. My favorite was the mushrooms and everything else was decent but nothing outstanding. I left the steak on the table because the sauce was too salty and I didn't like the flavor. The Gin cocktail was below average. The server was excellent with a pleasant attitude. The atmosphere was cafeteria like. I was truly excited about this place too.

Although reservations are recommended, we took our chances and popped in on an early Saturday evening dinner at 5:30pm. We were headed to a show at the Scope Arena and Codex is a great walking distance/location for dinner and a show. Lucky for us, we were able to sit at the bar which was perfect for us. I always enjoy watching bartenders do their thing. We ordered: 2 glasses of the Shiraz/Merlot Little Gem Salad Brussels Burger My husband had the burger and he was in the clean plate club so that is always a good sign. I had the gem salad and it was good but not amazing. I wanted more flavor from it and I thought the green goddess dressing would give it that but it was a bit lacking. The salad also had only once slice of a beet, and three slices of shaved carrots. I did not see or taste and radish. Still good, just not wowed by it. The brussels on the other hand made up for all of the flavor for the night. Wow, they were so tasty and packed a punch that kept your tastebuds wanting to come back for more. Overall, we really enjoyed the atmosphere and our bartender was friendly.

Superb. I appreciated every aspect of my meal here. The cuisine was exceptional. The service was outstanding. Fundamental, minimalist atmosphere. Adored the mussels and bread appetizer. Additionally, the fried mushrooms. I highly recommend.

Cute restaurant. Wait staff was attentive and helpful when it came to picking out dinner choices. We started with the bread and butter, which was phenomenal. So warm and fresh. Our dinners were good, although I would like to come back and try some other options. Ended the night with the olive oil cake. Overall, a solid 8.5/10

It was a bit hard to find Codex along the packed with restaurants Granby Street, we missed it a couple of times even on foot! But once you find it, The atmosphere here at Codex is chic, modern and inviting. Lighting is key in setting the mood so wonderful that as you sit and wait for your order you do notice that the lights are dimmed to set the mood to just relax and enjoy your meal. My friend ordered the pimiento dip. I ordered the peach and goat cheese salad. Both dishes were stunning to look at and equally delicious. Service is wonderful, they come by often to fill your glass, asking if they can get you anything. The only thing I wish is that they have better selection of desserts! Such a nice upscale place should be able to offer unique end of meal experience so we all can linger a while longer.

I'm in town for work and I left the hotel around 7 on a Tuesday night. Parking on Granby can be difficult but found a spot about a block and a half away. Not too bad. They have a one way awning that allows the 4 people sitting at the sidewalk high top to see out without having foot traffic in their face while they enjoy dinner. I didn't have a reservation so I was sat in the two top in the back by the bar. I didn't catch the server's name but she seemed like a character. She let me know about the 3 course special with tortellini as the main and then went through some of the popular items on the regular menu. I was eyeing the short rib so when she mentioned it as a popular item I was sold. The short rib is probably a 6-8oz portion served over the Carolina grits and roasted veggies. Originally, I thought the veggies were undercooked small redskin potatoes but after a few more bite, I think they were radishes. The short rib was excellent. It had a lot of flavor with some fatty parts. If I had one critique I'd say it was a little on the salty side (I don't like much salt). The grits were very creamy and a great compliment and helped tone down some of the bold flavors in the red wine sauce. I don't normally do dessert but since the entree was so good I thought I'd give it a shot. The server said I couldn't go wrong with any of the four options but the toffee pudding was the way to go. I'm guessing a date cake is along the same lines as a carrot cake. It was very dark, so I thought it was going to have a heavy chocolate flavor. The flavor in the cake was mild and not chocolate. I really liked the texture. I think they put it in the oven before it gets the dollop of whip cream to crisp up the edges. It was a nice touch. The toffee sauce was pretty good. I'm not much for sweets and this sauce wasn't overpowering. The entree and dessert were great. The service was better. I don't make it to Norfolk often but I'll make it a point to come to Codex the next time I'm in town.

The understated elegance of Codex left a lasting impression. The intimate dining room created a perfect backdrop for their thoughtfully curated service approach. Each dish was portioned with precision, and I particularly appreciated their carefully edited menu selection. The cuisine was distinctive and refined - the kind of masterful preparation one encounters only at exceptional establishments. The only curious incongruity was the presence of single-ply toilet paper in the restrooms, which stood in stark contrast to their otherwise premium amenities, including high-quality hand soap and lotion.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Stumbled upon this place after strolling around downtown Norfolk. The area was surprisingly empty for a Friday night and everything tourist-type was closed at 5. Having given up on renting a lime bike to continue the adventure, I got hungry. The reviews were really good so decided to give it a try myself, and I was not disappointed! I sat at the bar as it was only me and the host/bartender/server was really kind and welcoming. A regular sat alone next to me as well, and was super helpful in recommending some dishes to try. Gave me the feeling that the place is one you go back to, and get to know the staff. I tried a little of everything but it was hard to stop myself because all tasted good. I ordered the tempura fried mushrooms, the shrimp pasta and the sticky pudding. I loved the food and would go back but I truly did not feel it was memorable or anything specifically special - the mushrooms were good, but I did not think the sauce added to the flavor profile; the shrimps were marinated beautifully and super juicy, and the pesto itself needed a bit of seasoning to my personal taste. However, what I would go for again is that sticky toffee pudding. I still think of it, and I wish I lived closer to eat it again. I even regretted leaving just enough space for the dessert because I would have ordered seconds for sure. The lady next to me asked how I was doing, and I was so focused I felt rude because I did not pay attention at all.

Nice intimate setting when you walk in. You have to make reservations for dinner, but able to take walk-in if there are seating left. I order the pomemt cheese with everything and I couldn't stop! Then had the burger with fingerlings. The burger was tasty and juicy, plus it was half off night. The fingerling was cooked and seasoned so good just wished had more. The staff was spot on! Will definitely come back and try other dashes!

Ummmm I am now obsessed with this place. I love that this place participated in restaurant week, because it gave the chance to check this place out for a decent price. My friends and I met up at this place and I can't rave more about it. We had an amazing waitress. My friends and I were a pretty large party for this place, but she made it very personal for each person. If I am gonna be honest ...the menu didn't sound that flattering. Our waitress told us her favorites from one to ten. The appetizers didnt sound appetizing at all. We all decided to order all the appetizers and share. I ordered the mushrooms for the appetizer, the lamb ragu, and the olive oil cake with the lemon glaze. I also ordered two lemon drops. I am going on the top of my head with what I ate but I can tell you i LOVED each appetizer I ordered. They were so amazing. My lamb ragu was on point and the olive oil cake was different but was so good I ate the whole thing...there was no food left. I will be definitely rolling through here again. SO GOOD Great Service and great food!

Professional. Beautiful ambiance. Delightful food. This restaurant although small is mighty! Went in for a late night dinner (930pm) on Saturday and the restaurant was low lit and the music was sooo good! We were greeted with a warm smile and phenomenal recommendations. My friend and I shared the Nduja and it was so different but soooo good. For our entrees she had the beef short rib and I had the pork chop. There was nothing on our plates we did not enjoy! The meals were comforting and also a good portion. Didn't get to snap any pics because we were famished. Would certainly return here in a heartbeat!

This was our first stop after officially moving to the area back in January! Cannot wait to come back for more! Everything was delicious and the service was great! The mezcal old fashioned was my favorite cocktail by far! If you haven't been you need to! Can't wait to try a KoBros x Codex brunch sometime too!

The food was amazing! It's a very small restaurant so definitely make a reservation. The high open ceiling makes it very hard to hear, but it's got a very cool look in the restaurant. Wr started with the roasted cauliflower and the bread, both were to die for! Our entrees were the short ribs and fett, both were great but the short ribs were definitely the star. Finished off with the crème brûlée and that was very good as well.

This restaurant is next f"%$ing level GOOD!!!! So we ordered the olive bread and Brussels as an appetizer. The Brussels tasted like they were made with Jesus Tears!! Juciey and packed with flavor! As our main course we had the Ribeye(cooked medium), Short Rib, and Ricotta Gnudi Pasta dish! I'm not f'in around, EVERYTHING was cooked to perfection. Stephanie was our server and her wine knowledge was second to none. This place is REAL! Dinner for 2 with wine and tip $230

Codex was great when they were located inside of Pendulum, but they're even better in the new location. We made reservations (through Resy) for 5:15 on a Tuesday evening. We had the place to ourselves for the majority of our time there, and our server was incredibly attentive and so helpful with suggestions. They offer a weekly happy hour from 5-7, including $2 off glasses of wine, a handful of $8 cocktails, $6 draft beers and well drinks, and discounts on some starters. We ordered quite a few items off the menu, but some of our favorites included the Brussels Sprouts (the Nuoc Cham makes them incredibly juicy and flavorful), the cauliflower, the duck, and the ribeye. Though the housemade pastas are always a safe bet as well! We ordered one of every dessert- almost getting everything but the Olive Oil Cake, but our server encouraged us to try that in lieu of one of the others because it was so good. We went with all 4, and much to our surprise the Olive Oil Cake did end up being the favorite of almost everyone at the table! (For the parents out there: I also want to add that we brought my 2 year old with us. He loves a wide variety of food and is accustomed to eating at all kinds of restaurants, but he's still a 2 year old who doesn't want to sit still for long periods of time. The staff was so sweet and did not mind him bopping around in our empty area and looking out the window. They also said they have high chairs available, and can make buttered noodles or a pared down cheeseburger for kids on request! So thankful for restaurants like this that let us continue to enjoy such high quality dining with a toddler in tow.)

Great tasty food, nice atmosphere and pleasant staff. Definitely recommend the Olive Oil Cake as well.

Codex is the bomb. It is a French cuisine restaurant with a cool urban motif. French food isn't my vibe but they did it well. The menu is somewhat limited but don't think that means a boring meal. The deep fried oyster mushrooms rocked me and the pimento cheese was solid. For main entrees it has representation from the meat, seafood, pasta, and Vegan groups. The service is top notch. The waitstaff was eager to help me make the right choice and they were on top of the cocktails! Speaking of which the cocktail list was excellent. They were very imaginative and tasty. The ambiance is subtle and warm, perfect for a date night out. Be warned it's a small restaurant and it fills up fast so make reservations. Griffon the bartender was amazing

We got the mussels, oysters, oysters mushroom for appetizer. My husband got the burger and I got the fettuccine for our entrees. The appetizers overall were very good. I REALLY like their oysters. The sauce they put on top makes the oyster taste even better. I thought their take on oyster mushroom was very creative & definitely made for a really tasty snack. Can't say the same for our entrees. The burger was average, nothing to rave about, nothing special. The fettuccine was good but it was way too salty for my liking. If it has been a little less salty, it would have been great. We came right when they open so no wait, but by the time we left it was pretty full. The restaurant has a really cute ambiance. Overall, we had a good experience and would return to give it another try.

Friday couples dinner to celebrate 2 birthdays; new location has typical downtown parking challenges and tight seating space, but interior vibe is cool and boasts a bar counter and high top seating that's open air facing the sidewalk/street. Splendid variety of adult bevs ranging from craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Can't remember the name but ladies enjoyed their lemon drink "thimble of booze," reminiscent of a French 75. My canned Whit beer from Cleveland, OH (5/5 stars, $6) was a cool, crisp, refreshing weekend starter. Brussel sprouts (6/5 stars, $8) are incredible. Perfect char and booming with savory/tart flavor. Oysters (5/5 stars, $2/ea) were fresh and delicious; presentation was neat, each situated on a bed of whipped salted cream. Housemade pimento with everything crackers (4/5 stars, $8) were a tad salty but very good. Roasted cauliflower (4/5 stars, $10) is different in a good way, seasoned with garlic lime, yogurt, chiles, and hints of curry/cumin. Burger (3.25/5 stars, $16) was average; remember it being better when Codex was in Pendulum. Bun was a tad over done but fingerling potatoes and garlic aioli hit! A friend got the green pasta special. Looked to be composed of fresh ingredients but I didn't taste it. Codex was busy which delayed bev and entree service, though apps came out quickly. Restrooms were clean and well stocked.

Amazing restaurant. Staff were courteous and professional. Attentive and helpful. The food and menu were amazing. The flavors, combinations, and appearance were best of class. The restaurant is just the right size. Big enough to get a table but not so big you can't hear table conversation. Modern platings and a decent wine list. We will be back often. Thank you!!!!

My husband found this place from inspecting their kitchen hood. He said they had the cleanest hood and kitchen he has seen in the Hampton Roads and wanted to try it out. I made reservations on the Resy app. Upon first impression the place is very modern, clean, cute, small and intimate. We were sat down instantly upon arrival. Our waitress was Stephanie. She was so sweet and personable. She recommended a really delicious drink called the Jubilee. First we ordered oysters. When it first came out I liked the presentation but a little sad there were only 3 for $9. However it was probably the best oysters ever. Whatever sauce was on it was sooo delicious. Then for dinner my husband and I ordered Rock Fish. We scrapped the plate, it was THAT good. To end off dinner we ordered desserts. Olive Oil cake with lemon flavored icing which doesn't sound good but was to die for!!!!! My husband enjoyed his Pots Du Creme, rich in chocolate. Overall amazing service. Nice intimate atmosphere. Drinks on point. Food came out quick and soooo mouth watering. Definitely a 5 star experience!

The flavors and top-notch service of Codex are alive and well at their new location on Granby street. Let me just say this. We are all living in stressful times right now. Businesses are struggling and a lot of people are too. Knowing this I've been giving more relaxed reviews over the past year when things aren't exactly up to par. My time at Codex reminded me of what a true 5-star restaurant experience is. My friends and I had a reservation for 5:45 but the majority of our party was delayed because they were stuck in tunnel traffic. Of course, panic ensued. Worried we would miss our reservation and lose our table I showed up early and asked for some help figuring out the situation. The hostess Stephanie saved the day by being gracious and understanding. I don't know what she did but they managed to shuffle other reservations so we could keep our table for as long as we needed. This kind and warm service quickly set the tone for the rest of the evening. By the end of the meal, my friends and I had thoroughly worked our way up and down the menu. All together we tried the pimento, grilled sourdough & nduja, sweet potato, and brussels sprouts. We ended up ordering two orders of the pimento because it was practically gone by the time it hit the table. The everything crackers are a wonderful addition and we were grateful to receive more when we ran out. For my entrée, I had the crab & butternut squash agnolotti. Not one dish disappointed. My jovial table was quiet for the first time when our entrees arrived as everyone was so delighted with their meal. Don't waste another minute considering Codex as an option for your meal. Go and enjoy!

The ambiance, service, and food were amazing! The star of the night was the date cake which is one of the best desserts I've ever had.

Came with my fiancé to celebrate our engagement, and we had a very nice time! Our drinks took a little while to come out, but they were very yummy, if not particularly unique. We ordered the funnel cake, oyster mushrooms, and short ribs. The funnel cake was not bad, but more weird than it was yummy. The mushrooms were very good--a little spicy, but delicious. We could have used more of the sauce! The real star was the short ribs, which were delicious. We took about half home, and it might have been even better when we reheated it! So tender and flavorful, we wished we had even more left. I'll always remember Codex as part of a very special day, and we'd love to come back and try more of the menu!

Absolutely love this place. Nice little added touch- at the top of each menu they have "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary" whatever your reservation is made for. Appetizer was tempura oyster mushrooms. They were seasoned perfectly and the ranch sauce was amazing. For dinner I had mussels (even though on the app menu) and my friend had the lamb ragu. The mussels were not the best I've ever had, but they were good with a nice hearty portion. The Lamb Ragu was fantastic. Such a rich dish. We also had the sticky toffee pudding for dessert which was so good I forgot to take a picture. Can't wait to come back!!

A friend recommended this restaurant and it really hit the spot. As a table we shared some delicious apps - carrots, cauliflower, mussels and peach Burrata. All of them were delicious. For main courses we selected their ribeye, chicken and crab cakes. I really enjoyed the succotash like side that came with the crab cakes. I highly recommend visiting for some unique drinks and apps!

My favorite everything: best food, amazing service, immaculate ambience! It's hard to go to other restaurants now that I know this one exists

Bottom line up front: A modern American restaurant with a more upscale menu of unique pairings and flavors but a casual ambiance. Be prepared to wait a little while for your food even with a reservation. From the time we ordered, it took about an hour to receive our food. Three friends and I had a reservation on a Thurs evening to try out their extensive restaurant week menu. We were greeted with kindness and our server was gracious enough to let us order our first round of drinks 2 mins before Happy Hour ended. We each ordered 3 courses and tried each other's plates. Some food items shined brighter than others: Stars: -Fettuccine: You are probably thinking, "I've had fettuccine lots of times before, this can't taste any different right?" Wrong. This has a very fresh, made-in-house taste so I didn't feel too stuffed eating this! -Charcoal Chicken: Charred to perfection, and was not dry at all. Loved the chimichurri-like sauce it paired with -Chocolate sponge cake: TO DIE for. I'm not a chocolate person, but this dessert didn't feel too heavy and wasn't too sweet. -Brussels: Crispy and loved the peanut pairing that topped it off -Pork presse: So flavorful and fell right off the bone So-So: -Duck breast: Great flavor but a little too tender -Peach crumble: Ice cream melted too fast because the peaches were too hot -Sticky toffee pudding: TOO RICH and TOO sweet.

Once again, my wife and I took advantage of Downtown Norfolk's Summer Restaurant Week to visit a bistro we've never been to. First, Codex is a cozy intimate atmosphere, perfect for a couple's date. Service was impeccable. Every one of the wait staff ensured our water glasses stayed full and finished plates were removed. My wife started off with the small slice of prosciutto & onion tart. Small, but packed a lot of flavor. I ordered the tempura fried oyster mushrooms. This is an appetizer large enough to be shared as a couple. Wonderful idea and very delicious. For entrees, she had the Shrimp Radiatori, tender perfectly-cooked shrimp on a bed of radiatori pasta (pasta's shape) with ricotta and prosciutto. Excellent. I had the pork shoulder. Two nice slabs of fall apart folk-tender pork with Carolina rice and a mustard cream sauce. Another winner. For dessert, she had the Olive Oil Cake with a lemon drizzle. Simple cake that was moist and delicious. I ordered the Key Lime Pie Cheesecake. A great disappointment. Imagine a small dollop of something that resembles Jello cheesecake pudding with gram cracker crumbs on top, topped with a hard piece of meringue. Deconstructed cheesecake was not what I was expecting - reason for the 4-stars. In closing, everything was wonderful except that cheesecake. Skip it.

We just moved to the area and are trying out restaurants. We had a wonderful time. The food was excellent, the drinks well made, and it had a great atmosphere. Will happily return!

Very pleasant ambiance and fantastic service. My husband and I went for dinner prior to a show at Chrysler Hall and it was delicious and an easy walk. We had the Brussels, the charcoal chicken, the hanger steak, and the olive oil cake along with drinks. We thoroughly enjoyed all the food! I would highly recommend going to Codex. I suggest making a reservation if your interested in going.

This place had great reviews and was close to my hotel so I had to check it out. Granby street is such a fun area. The food and service were fantastic and I highly recommend this restaurant. I got the Fett and the pimento cheese. The crackers were amazing and the Fett... the Fett! So. Good!

The food is good, the service is good! I had the flounder, which was light yet filling. The sweet potato was garnished with fresh herbs. The brussel sprouts were delicious. The massaged kale salad was ok - I wish the kale was able to breakdown in the dressing a little more. I also enjoyed the toffee pudding cake, which is a light sugary dream!!! It was so good I should've ordered some coffee to accompany it!

Had to stop by Codex and try their famous Codex burgers which did not disappoint. The burger is extremely juicy with a good helping of cheese and pickles, serving with a side of fingerling potatoes. Furthermore, it is very well priced for what you get. I will probably come back to Codex to try some other menu items, but it looks like it'll be tough to beat the value of this burger. I still have a few other places on my list to try a burger, but so far, this is my go-to burger. The service itself was attentive and the inside was clean and modern, a pretty good setting for a date night or group of friends.