Mea Culpa Cafe

Very cute place! There French toast is delicious!! (Huge portion) I got the peach spiced latte it has pretty good!! Very different from what I'm used to. I wish I would have tried it cold haha. I learned I'm not a big fan of the foam on top of the hot lattes. (I new to local fresh coffee) Will probably go back in the summer to check out their drink menu!

Such a really great place to just relax or chat with friends. There is also seating outside so you can enjoythe weather. The food taste amazing, the presentation is wonderful and the portions are more than enough.

I’m a NY bacon egg and cheese kind of guy, but Mea Culpa Cafe has their own unique twist on the sandwich, and I have to say it’s fabulous. So glad I found this place. Had to take the pic before I finished it.

My husband and I go here at least once a season to read and enjoy yummy lattes and breakfasts. The people who run the shop are super kind, and they do a great job with their menu. I almost always get the goat cheese liege waffle with egg— it rocks my world every time! 🍳 We also got corn meal pancakes and a pistachio latte (all 3 pictured). There are a handful of seats available outside on their porch as well. There is a food pantry by the front door, as well as a small second-hand bookstore on the stair case.

What a great place! Coffee was great and they made me the best bacon, egg and cheese sandwich I've ever had. I've been waiting to find a cozy place to do some work in the afternoons and I've found it. Can't wait to try everything on the menu.

A beautiful restaurant in the heart of Norfolk, serving a small yet brilliant menu. The place is very clean. Coffee is delicious. I had the oatmeal with egg - I could eat it everyday. My spouse had corn pancakes and was very satisfied. My child had the lemon curd waffle and devoured it. The portions are hearty. It is a small kitchen - so don't expect lightning fast food - worth the wait. The staff were both professional and kind.

This little cafe has created a sense of the slower pace of a small town. You feel yourself exhale deeply, settling into your seat on the porch, exulting in the breeze and the greenery caressing the railing. Downtown seems a world away. We found the setting to be beautifully clean. The indoor space is bright, fresh, impeccably clean, nicely decorated in an opened, uncluttered way. The tile wall is the star of the show. Expect to wait a bit for your food. It’s made to order and worth it. Order some coffee and enjoy your moments. My guests were thrilled with their waffles. Not a crumb was left of neither the goat cheese nor the lemon curd. I tested the highly recommended kale and chickpea salad. The kale was ultra fresh and not too bitter. This savory combination of ingredients and blend of textures is definitely one to try. I’ll definitely return.

This place is IT! Great vibes, best cappuccinos around, and all the food is made to order and flavored with love. It may take more time than usual but it's worth the wait. I also appreciate their attention to service. We always come in with our rambunctious toddler, so little gestures like bringing the food to our table and turning the CC machine to me as I wrangle the toddler means a lot. Oh, and how the baristas turn the cup so that the foam design faces you is the cherry on top. Thanks, Mea Culpa!

From start to finish, everything about this place was exceptional. Tucked away outside of downtown Norfolk, this charming little coffee shop offers a cozy ambience and a refreshingly creative approach to breakfast. The menu--posted on the wall--is small, with just 6 or 7 items, but it's a perfect example of "quality over quantity." We ordered nearly everything on the menu, and each dish somehow outdid the last. The inventive combinations--like corn pancakes topped with parmesan, cilantro, and egg--gave every plate a unique and memorable twist. The French toast was among the best I've ever had: perfectly crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with just the right amount of sweet, fresh cream cheese frosting. The lemon curd on the waffles was delicious. And the BLT sandwich was crispy and had a delicious sauce. Even the coffee impressed us. The flavor options were both unique and natural-tasting--not overly sweet or artificial. The staff was warm and welcoming, rounding out what was a truly outstanding experience. If you're in the area, this is an absolute must-visit for a standout breakfast. Oh they even had an outside donation fridge which I thought was really cool. Great way to help out the community.

The ambiance of this place is super cute and cozy! We opted to swing by for breakfast and upon arrival noticed there wasn't much space to eat our food in the establishment (which wasn't an issue, we were just hoping to because of how cute pictures were of the inside!) My boyfriend and I ordered: Hazelnut latte - Excellent flavor and notes throughout the entire beverage. He chugged this drink and he RARELY does that. Coconut latte - I really appreciated how this had true authentic flavors of coconut without the sugary additives that other shops use. This was a delicious drink! Goat Cheese Waffle - The sugar crusted waffle mixed with a runny egg and goat cheese in the middle was the best way to start my morning! I highly recommend this! Banh Mi - They were surely not shy with the protein in this sandwich and it was dripping in the delicious concoction of sauces from the chicken as well as the vegetable slaw that was added! Only downside was that the wait was over 40 minutes for both the food and lattes, in all else I may opt to come back another day it wasn't as busy.

Favorite coffee shop that I visited in Norfolk! They use local beans and the coffee was made with care. They use house made syrups and their vanilla oat milk latte was so good I came back and got it a second time. Drip coffee comes with a free refill. They have a limited food menu with unique items that were all very good. We tried the banh mi and liege waffle and both were hot, fresh, and delicious! Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and the place itself is cute and quaint. Employees are friendly and service was great. Would definitely recommend if you're in Norfolk!

Wow this place is cool with great service, good vibes and tasty waffles. Good mix between brunch and coffee shop.

Love love love this little cafe hidden on a street in Norfolk. It is such a cute little house that has an amazing food pantry right outside of it and has a wrap around porch that has seating outside as well as inside! An amazing place for a cute hang to catch up with friends during the few days they are open during the week and even an amazing study spot! The artwork for the drinks are gorgeous! I always get a london fog because I don't drink coffee (I wish they had more chai/decaf options would be my one request). I especially love their brunch food items. I think they are so unique and so well decorated with the plating and knife through the unique waffle sandwich with amazingly welled cooked veggies and eggs! Highly recommend trying this place and getting food here! The service us a bit slow but that is because they take their time to make everything very fresh! I will definitely be back!

What a sweet spot! Make sure to pay attention when trying to find this place because it's a literal HOUSE! It's super adorable and the baristas were sweet! Hands down, probably the best Dirty Chai I've had so far, it had the right amount of sweetness and spice!

Good to know before you go: You can order to-go, but they don't carry plastic utensils. Overall, I do enjoy Mea Culpa. Unfortunately, I don't know if I'll be back because it's out of the way from my house and I just didn't have a great experience today. It took 45min to get our order. After about 35min of waiting, I asked if we could change our dine in order to-go because we had an appointment we needed to be at. Last time I was there, the service was quick. Today, they were busy, only had 2 employees, and it was very slow. When we got out to-go order, I asked for utensils. They said they don't carry plastic utensils. So we had to leave for our appointment, and I couldn't eat my breakfast on the way because I didn't have utensils, and I had been looking forward to this meal all week. I left feeling hungry and frustrated. The food and coffee are good though. If you have the time, I'd still recommend giving Mea Culpa a try. I really like the community fridge outside, and the aesthetic inside is really cute and cozy.

They have an awesome egg, cheese and pork sausage waffle sandwich. Highly recommend. The server was very polite and conscientious. Coffee is good. Getting your order takes awhile. The outdoor seating is nice.

We were able to find parking right by the cafe. It has a chill atmosphere. We enjoyed the horchata syrup waffle and goat cheese waffle. We also got mocha lattes. It took a while for the food to come out but we weren't too bothered about it as we were just hanging out and catching up.

This is probably my favorite Norfolk coffee spot! Love their heart for the community with the community pantry outside. The vibes are artsy. Conversations with friends are great here, but also you can go solo and get into a book. As a coffee lover the coffee was legit and the brunch was very good. Each time I've been, Josh has taken my order and he is awesome. Josh is very kind and will chat with you about anything if you want, seems like he loves what he does. There is also a covered outside area if you prefer that. Would recommend this to anyone!

Quite possibly the best breakfast I have ever had! A hidden gem in the Norfolk area, Mea Culpa Cafe was my back-up location after a biscuit breakfast just wasn't going to work out. From the outside, it looks like a run-down home. But on the inside, you are greeted with a slick, colorful and inviting cafe. The coffee is adorable and delicious. I forget which coffee I ordered, but whatever it was, I was in love with it. Where Mea Culpa really shines is its food. I'll just go on record to say this: Best Waffle I have ever had. The waffle I ordered was the strawberry and condensed milk waffle. That waffle was delicious. But the best waffle I have ever had was the pecan whatever waffle that my girlfriend had. It simply MELTED in your mouth. A WAFFLE! Yep. A local business once again outshines any chain breakfast place. Leave IHOP and First Watch behind and get yourself to Mea Culpa ASAP!

Hidden gem! It show the care they give to the community. Plus the food is great! Not a big menu, but the dishes are super yummy! Will definitely go back!

Came because the (very cute) name caught my eye. A heads up, don't walk past this place, it's looks like a regular two-story white house on the outside. Loved the ambiance, decor, and outdoor seating options. Plenty of outlets inside if you decide to sit and work. Owners were very kind and offered great food recommendations. The waffle sandwich was well seasoned and balanced. I'm glad I had the chance to stop by.

I have seen reviews which really peaked my interest to discover Mea Culpa. There's nothing to profess Mea Culpa for, as the ambience, the food and the service were all wonderful. From the outside, it is just like any other houses, very simple sign that easily could be missed. But when you enter, there is nothing typical about this place. It is very light and airy, very clean lines and modern decor. You look to the side you immediately know there were very deliberate thoughts to making the customers feel welcomed to stay and enjoy their menu items. There are tables on a covered porch facing a very serene and private side of the restaurant. The food is deliciously complex and unique. The liege waffle is unlike any other waffle. I ordered the waffle breakfast sandwich which had egg, zucchini, micro greens, secret sauce. My friend ordered the savory oatmeal which she said was really good with raisins and walnuts. The specialty lattes and teas were equally phenomenal and uniquely complex. I ordered the coriander caramel latte and my friend ordered The London Tea. We both loved loved loved our beverages! If you haven't been to Mea Culpa then that's what you'll be feeling because you'll truly be missing on a fantastic experience.

Probably the rudest customer service I've experienced in a while. A smile goes a long way. Especially when you are busy and your customers have been patiently waiting because they know your coffee and food are worth the wait. But I wouldn't wait again if I am being served by a surly, unapologetic worker. BTW, having not havibv decaf coffee is a disservice to those with medical issues that love coffee but can't have too much caffeine. Just fyi.

Such a fan of Mea Culpa! This little gem is a favorite of ours for breakfast/brunch. Their menu offers various coffee (drip, French press, espresso, cortado, lattes, and cold brew), tea, chocolate, pastries (such as coconut loaves, sumac shortbread cookies, and chocolate buns), and small plates (such as pasta ragu and liege waffles). We ordered: +the Spiced Apple Soda - spiced apple syrup with seltzer water and a splash of oat milk +the Lavender Shortbread Latte - with steamed milk, lavender syrup, and espresso, garnished with shortbread crumbles +a Breakfast Waffle Sandwich - with pan-roasted squash, sun-dried tomatoes, romaine lettuce, two hard eggs, and chive aioli +a Goat Cheese Waffle - with shipped herbed goat cheese, pistachios, and honey on a liege waffle The liege waffles are perfectly made - slightly crisp on the exterior with a soft interior, not being too sweet, as it can be made both into a sweet or a savory dish. The hubs and I really loved the Breakfast Waffle version, as the ingredients were just super fresh, besides being very generous in portions! The staff here are very friendly and welcoming, and there were plenty of seats available. The place itself is hip, chic, but of a relaxed vibe. You can't go wrong with their liege waffles! Plenty of street parking available. +Breakfast Waffle Sandwich! +delicious liege waffles! +friendly staff! +plenty of street parking available

After tasting the first bite of these waffles, you'll need a moment to process the flavor explosion happening inside your mouth. Both the horchata waffle and the goat cheese waffle are well balanced and complex. The atmosphere is great for studying (plenty of outlets). The staff are so friendly and I can't wait to come back to try their entire menu!

Absolutely favorite find in the 757! Out of all the coffee shops and even restaurants I've been to in the area this one definitely stands out. Not only is the food inpecable, it's absolutely unique! Nothing that you could recreate at home or find in any store. The coffee has an abundance of flavors, that I can't wait to go back and get more. I felt so welcomed throughout my whole experience, the barista is absolutely phenomenal and super sweet! The overall atmosphere is just the right balance of indie, calm, and creative. There is so much diversity, wether your looking for a good meal, a place to study, or even a quick coffee to go. Overall, such a wonderful vibe and aesthetic! This place is really one of a kind and I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for their new favorite coffee shop!

Honestly, not sure what I could write in this review that hasn't already been mentioned here. Mea Culpa is an incredible addition to Park Place. From ambiance to food to coffee, it's an all around wonderful experience. I stopped by to catch up with a friend on a gray rainy day. After going inside to order, we opted to try to sit on the porch regardless of rain for better air circulation. Thankfully, the porch was well covered and provided a lovely oasis from the water. We didn't get wet, but were able to listen to the rain and passersby. My iced vanilla oat milk latte was delightful and refreshing. I'm a notoriously slow coffee drinker, but downed this whole glass before the ice melted. Some of that is definitely due to the fact that they have paper straws and I wanted to finish it before my straw disintegrated - next time I'll remember my metal straw! We shared the corn pancakes and waffle with goat cheese, honey, and pistachios. Wow!! I went for the pancakes first, so the waffle wasn't warm anymore by the time I got to it. But it was definitely the star of the show!

I am pleased to award the Mea Culpa Cafe with a promotion to a 5-star rating as an update to my original review in November of 2018. The Mea Culpa Cafe opened in September of 2018 after going by its previous name of Waffletina. It was a pop-up operation that served mainly at breweries throughout Hampton Roads. Their new home was purchased by its owner, Christina Angelo, and her partner, Kristopher Harvey. It is a tall and majestic three-story Victorian style century old house that has been beautifully restored with the assistance of tax credits and the hard work from its owners. The house is set just past a white picket fence next door to the Colonial Avenue side of Toast. The cafe itself operates entirely on the first floor. The specialty of their house are their house made Liege Waffles, served singly or in sandwich form. Named after a city in Belgium, they are made with leavened dough instead of batter and filled with clusters of caramelized pearl sugar to provide a sweet contrast to their buttery dough. Their waffle selections rotate about every two weeks and often present something new and experimental. In addition, their menu usually includes an oatmeal selection, a salad selection, and a pastry. The decor is a minimalist mix of the modern and traditional, with hardwood floors, white walls, and large windows that deliver a lot of natural light that is conducive for taking decent photos. Their coffee is sourced from Three Ships Coffee, a craft roastery located in the ViBe District of Virginia Beach. I've been eating here about once month since my last review. Every dish I have ordered since then has scored with nothing below a 4-star rating and most of them scoring 5 stars. Since space prohibits me from describing all of them, I shall only cover those dishes that have scored a 5-star rating since my last review, numbering a total of ten in all. My Latest Top Ten: CHOCOLATE HALVA LIEGE WAFFLE: A single slice of a Liege waffle covered with a rich and decadently delicious chocolate halva spread. SAVORY OATMEAL: Steel Cut Oats, Golden Raisins, Cippolini Onions, Walnuts, Chili Spice, and Fried Egg. This one was served steaming hot and hit the spot on a recent chilly morning. This chili spice gave it an exhilarating kick. HIBISCUS GREEN TEA: Their iced hibiscus tea continues to be my favorite in the area. The additional layer of green tea adds to its flavor and visual appeal. ARTICHOKE CROQUE MADAME: Roasted Artichoke, Red Pepper Pesto, Parmesan, Bechamel, and Fried Egg over a Liege Waffle. This one provided an exceptionally tasty and attractive visual and flavor fest. CHICKEN DIANE WAFFLE SANDWICH: Chicken Breast Meat layered and piled on high with Smoked Swiss, Greens, Burnt Cabbage, Charred Green Onions, and Lemon Parsley Aioli. This one delivered a knockout punch of size and flavor. BAHN MI WAFFLE SANDWICH: Pulled Chicken, Cucumbers, Charred Green Onions, Radish, Cilantro, Greens, and Nuoc Cham Sauce. I especially loved the Vietnamese twist to this one. CHICKEN WAFFLE SANDWICH: Pulled Chicken, Pickled Red Cabbage, Avocado, Greens, and Horseradish Dijon Aioli. The pickled red cabbage was the standout ingredient that sent my taste buds soaring to a state of bliss. GREEN PEA PESTO CHICKEN WAFFLE SANDWICH: Pulled Chicken, Green Pea Pesto, Pickled Tomatoes, Smoked Mozzarella, Greens, and Aioli. The green pea pesto oozed with flavor for a truly terrific taste sensation. TOFU WAFFLE SANDWICH: Black Pepper Charred Tofu, Pickled Carrots, Cucumbers, Cilantro, and Charred Green Onions. The black pepper added a lively zest to the charred tofu. PORK WAFFLE SANDWICH: Pulled Pork, Havarti, Ginger, Greens, Green Onion Chutney, and BBQ Sauce. Enjoyed during my last visit, this was a monster of a sandwich in both size and flavor. The BBQ Sauce was divine. Every one of the above detonated a powerful explosion of flavors in my mouth to earn their 5-star ratings. The Mea Culpa Cafe has become one of Norfolk's culinary gems and has earned a top spot in my breakfast and lunch rotation. This update comes with a slam dunk 5-star rating, and I continue to look forward to my regular visits.

Five stars for a fabulous find in Norfolk. What a great local coffee shop. The staff was super friendly and the vibe both inside and outside was great. I didn't order food but my dark chocolate orange latte was just the right amount of sweet and was such an unexpected flavor combo. They had a lot of unique options and i would totally come back here if back in the area- the food looked great.

The best waffle of your life. After having the liege waffles at Mea CULPA, I look at all other waffles with apathy.

This review is solely for the coffee beans: The beans I got was a small bag for $18. It was overpriced and it wasn't even fresh. It was hard to pull the crema despite playing with my ground setting at home. I was very disappointed and would give that a 2 stars. The reason I gave them a 4 star: -ambience is good -it's not fair to rate the place 2 star on solely the beans. I haven't even tried their coffee nor the food yet. I'm sure it's really good. I will come back to try what they have and update this review accordingly. -customer service is on point.

This place is amazing. You must try this place gives FLAVOR! Delicious food if you like trying new things this is the place. They have new menu options often and have amazing service. The owners are so nice and intentional with their food flavors!! The french toast had a very enjoyable texture and the so do the corn pancakes. The pancakes come with cilantro, parmesan, and lime aioli! The goat cheese waffles are yummy but def pack a sour pungent bite and the addition of pistachios is so yummy. I've also had their lemon curd and horchata waffles which were yummy!

Delicious breakfast waffles, little long to wait if you are in a hurry. Want to try the coffee next.

This could be my new favorite coffee spot. Delicious morning latte for with perfect little waffle breakfast options. I didn't think I'd like goat cheese with pistachio on it but they really knew how to pair some flavors together! They also have a community fridge out front which I thought was super neat.

Charming little place. Community kitchen with healthy food for anyone in need on the porch. Nice book and art touches inside. Coffees look yummy. I had the most delicious kale salad for lunch. Highly recommend!

Seeking a quiet and relaxing place for breakfast, brunch and/or lunch? Mea Culpa Cafe has outside setting on the porch and spacious inside setting. Delicious lemon curd or plain waffles. Check the wall for specialty waffles and lunch items. Want a smooth cup of coffee with a design? They got you! Seat awhile and read a book from their collections of available books or enjoy the art work. Take a break and listen to the music. Owners are warm, and welcoming. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the food. Great place to meet new people.

Wonderful food and service! We got the waffle sandwich, goat cheese waffle w/egg and coffee and waffle special. Outdoor and indoor seating.

For Waffletina lovers they have now found a permanent home and new name. A beautiful fully restored turn of the century Victorian charmer is now Mea Culpa Cafe. Now into their 3rd week Mea Culpa's owners Cristina Angelo & Kristopher Harvey are serving up favorites from their pop up events. Also expect a few new items. Local Three Ships Coffee is on the menu and beans can be purchased in-store. Painstaking renovation has taken place in the 1906 Victorian located off Colonial Ave in Ghent, now being referred to as the Rail Road District. Dine in, or on their quaint wrap around porch. Much of the restoration was guided by historical grant money. This ensured it was done as accurately as possible and to code. Free free off street. The dine in space is bright with plenty of sunshine coming through large windows. The wooden floors are a marvelous mocha color. All seating is table and chairs. An enclosed fireplace is begging for something. A mural, a painting, or a mantle. I discussed this with Kristopher. My order a Liege Waffle Sandwich / cured pork, sun dried tomatoes, arugula, garlic aioli, fried egg. Paired with a vanilla latte and a God Speed coffee. Dessert coconut loaf. All amazing and fresh, fresh, fresh. Thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality Cristina & Kristopher. Great things are coming your way. 4.5, rounding down with price point of coffee from Three Ships that pushes my budget and a limited start up menu. Hours W-Sun 8-3.

I stopped by Friday evening, 10/2/20, to pick up my goodie bag for voting early. Mea Culpa is participating in a Vote Early Virginia program. Along with FlickIt! Fridays, Push Comedy Theater and Strawberry Fields, you post a pick on IG (or you can email Mea Culpa, which is what I did) of your "I Voted" sticker and they'll invite you to pick up a bag of free stuff. The ladies of Mea Culpa are super nice and they were so kind to offer conversation about their business. In case you don't know, Mea Culpa Cafe is inside the first floor of a house next door to Toast right on Colonial. They offer coffee, tea, waffles, pancakes and salads and there's seating inside and outside. As I waited for my goodie bag to be prepared, Sky, who is a friend of the Mea Culpa crew, made a song for me on the spot for voting early. Sky is a sweetheart and definitely a reason why I love Ghent. We chatted about the debate (I never thought I'd ever talk about politics in public to anyone who I didn't already know personally, but here we are), music and the old Naro Video. By that time, my bag was ready and I stayed to chat a little more. When I got home I discovered inside a Mea Culpa's Liege waffle, sprinkled with confectioners' sugar (delish!) and a small order of Naro popcorn (delish! again) and 2 stickers (Nato Expanded Cinema & FlickIt! Fridays). The contents of the bag were an awesome treat. I cannot wait to visit again to enjoy Mea Culpa's menu and staff. JV

The coffee is amazing. The service leaves SO MUCH TO BE DESIRED. Upon entering the last two times, we were greeted with a half-hearted, eye contact- less and flat, "Hello"...and a full-chest, "Just want to let you know we are closing soon." This was prior to 2:30pm, both visits. That means it was consistent and reliable. Rude.Is.An.Understatement. This place has always come highly recommended. I will not be suggesting anyone go into a space where they feel ultimately unappreciated and un-welcomed. The product may 'draw' folks, but the environment, and experience keeps them. Do better.

It feels like my review is not needed but perfect review is really earned. Food is great. Tea was good. They have odd hours so make sure to check before going. Lovely vibe.

This is a neighborhood gem. The community fridge for anyone in need and "take a book" setup that warms the heart- we need more local spots like this! Wish I snapped pics of the food- it was fantastic. Savory oatmeal is a must. Coffee hit the mark, too. We will be back!

This place was a treat! I had been dying to try one of their waffles after seeing them on Yelp for so long. Yesterday morning I decided it would be the day! There was plenty of street parking around the shop/home. I was immediately greeted as I walked in- the atmosphere was welcoming overall. I asked the man which waffle was his recommendation, and he said to go with the classic plain. So I did; from the first bite you know this is completely unlike an Eggo or even a waffle you get at a regular breakfast restaurant. Incredible texture from the soft inside to the finishing crunch, and just enough sugar pearls baked in as well. I regret not ordering another before I left, but I'll be back to try more with some of the topping/flavor options. I was also delighted that the owner (I'm assuming) offered me a glass of water when she delivered my waffle. There was more seating than I had expected, judging from other pictures on Yelp. There were multiple spots next to outlets and windows; it was still a bit dim because it was early and an overcast day, but not too bad. The music was a little loud for my liking. It may have been a combination of that and being the only customer there at that point, which didn't have me feeling like settling in for hours of work. I can definitely see this being a good casual study place and/or meet-up spot with a friend, but won't be my first choice for remote work. But that doesn't even matter. This place was great in so many ways. Simple and sticking to what they do best. These waffles are a must!

Super good coffee! Had lunch here with friend earlier and we both loved the coffee. I had the apple flavoured latte and she had a matcha. The breakfast waffle sandwich was also delicious, loved the combination of the ingredients, the size was good for the price. Service was great and the cafe has a cute interior.

Oh my gosh - I absolutely LOVE this place! Not only are the owners super sweet and welcoming, it's just a great space with good vibes. We had our June Yelp Book Club event here and enjoyed sitting on the shaded porch in beautiful summer weather discussing our latest read. They switch the menu up frequently I guess, but are best known for their waffles, so I had to try one. I went with the plain but added the chocolate and vanilla schmear. OMG soooooooooo delicious. I can't wait to come back. I'll probably make this a work spot in my rotation for sure. I didn't have trouble finding parking on the street nearby, but do keep an eye out -- it's tucked back a little from the street so I passed it a couple times before I found it. What a true hidden gem. Highly recommended!

Mea Culpa is a unique space in Norfolk. If they had a motto, it might be "quality over quantity". The space, located on the bottom floor of a Victorian house, is sleek without being sterile. You can see the care taken in the design, the food and coffee. For example, their waffles. These are Belgium leige waffles, which means the batter is proved overnight, resulting in a soft, springy waffle that is more complex, texture and taste-wise, than the waffles you make at home. Now, I'm not knocking crispy waffles, but these are in a different category. All of the baking and cooking follows this same formula: extra time is put into every dish, resulting in a layering of flavors and textures. The coffee also makes me soo happy. They serve Three Ships Coffee, which is based in Virginia Beach but models its methods after roasteries in Portland, OR. Their coffee doesn't have the burnt taste you get in a lot of East Coast beans/cafes. Mea Culpa has a small list of coffee drinks, but you can ask for drinks not on the list and they can usually make them. They also serve early grey and hibiscus tea for non-coffee drinkers (plus maybe some other teas). The nice thing about Mea Culpa is that they aren't intimidating/stand-offish like some West Coast coffee shops. They simply love what they do and want to welcome everyone. Finally, HAMMOCK! Their outdoor space is inviting, with a big deck with jasmine vines, and around the corner they've set up a hammock under two shade trees with stools next to it for your drink. If you want a quiet, relaxing space with interesting food and good coffee, I'd pick Mea Culpa. The only downside is that they are not open Mon and Tues, but I guess the old adage is true: good things are worth waiting for. Reference points I connect with Mea Culpa: Yotam Ottolenghi for food flavor profiles Blue Star Donuts in Portland Heart Coffee Roasters, Portland

Must come!!!! We drove 30 minutes from Virginia Beach and it was amazing! Got the goat cheese waffle and I haven't had any food this good in the entire state of Virginia (including Charlottesville)! Iced coconut latte was amazing.

Where to begin... bottom line: This place is great. Staff: very nice and courteous - sets good timeframe expectations when they are packed! Coffee: Amazing. They do a wonderful job making the coffees and teas. My go-to is vanilla latte. Designs are always on point which is cool. Coffee tastes great. Food: waffles are my favorite cause they are simple but all there dished are delicious and look great. Ambiance: This place looks like an old victorian house that was beautifully transformed into a modern cafe. Inside has a lot of cool plants and several tables. Outside has a wrap-around porch with a few more tables and a little side yard. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.

Yep! This is IT! Waffletina in a brick and mortar! Yaaaaaaaaas! Mea Culpa has a very creative menu and really good coffee (Three Ships). They really have a great formula here when you throw in the service as well. The girl behind the counter was GREAT! Very helpful and very friendly, but not in a cheesy way. She just has a pleasant disposition. I had the special which was some smoked salmon concoction with capers, Dijon mustard, and kale on a waffle. I was skeptical but I had to give it a shot. BAAAAAAAAAANGIN (say it like you're singing it)!!! I got another waffle before I left just because I loved the taste of it that much. Anyway, I'll be back. This place has been added to the go-to list. Great job!

Best breakfast sandwich in town! I also love their savory oatmeal. Everything I've had here is great!

Best chai latte I've ever had! And the food is really good. We love getting the goat cheese waffle.

Food was amazing! Simple yet delicious and satisfying. I had the savory oatmeal and a side of waffle. Wish I had tried the waffle fresh instead of taking it home and waiting to eat it. I was missing out. lol

"Good Sauce" -Lydia, 3 BUT SERIOUSLY, this place is glorious- from the waffles to the people behind the counter, from the coffee to the natural light pouring in through the windows. A lovely vibe and a fantastic space to work, chat and eat in. The bathrooms are spacious and clean, and the outdoor space is welcoming and full of jasmine, which creates a lovely breeze while you sip your beverage. 100% Recommend!

Great coffee, good food, and great atmosphere! Check it out and enjoy yourself. It's definitely a diamond in the rough.

Mea Culpa is one of my favorite restaurants. You wouldn't spot it just driving by as it's in an old Victorian house on Colonial Avenue. The menu is small but everything is delicious. My favorite is the goat cheese waffle but I also love the pineapple blueberry waffle which isn't on the menu but is sometimes a special. The portions are perfect for me but if you have a bigger appetite, the breakfast sandwich will fill you up. Fantastic coffee too. Bring along some canned goods to add to the food pantry she has on the porch for residents in the area who are hungry.

A hole in the wall with a simple menu but don't let the curb appearance chase you away. Their drinks are balanced and presented with latte art. The food might be something different and new but nothing short of savory and sweet. If you're looking for a quiet escape there are books to read and outdoor seating to enjoy the nice day. The service got drinks to the table in 5 minutes and food to the table 10~15 minutes. It's a pretty epic place to grab a bite.

Best brunch, coffee, and atmosphere in Norfolk. I'm hesitant to hype it up because I don't want it to get slammed, but I gotta show love to our favorite spot. Every menu item and specialty drink is hand crafted - the flavors are always creative and delicious. Couple that with outstanding ambiance/service and little touches like your pour over served in a thermos to keep it warm, and you've got the perfect spot.