From artisanal macarons and old-fashioned apple fritters to cool and satisfying waffle cones, Norfolk has something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Here are some places to check out.
The Bonbonnier describes itself as an old-fashioned candy and bake shop, and its patrons agree. The bakery offers made-from-scratch cakes, candied apples and homemade candy such as peanut butter cups and toffee.
Hummingbird Macarons draws a devoted crowd for its carefully crafted macarons and specialty cakes. The macaron shop has a steady roster of favorite flavors, such as salted caramel, Nutella and vanilla, while other flavors, such as red velvet, pecan pie and banana pudding, are offered on select days.
Customers love the apple fritters and doughnuts at Naa’s Bakery, an old-style, family-run establishment that also offers cakes, pies and cookies. Custom-made cakes are also available to order.
A former flight attendant, Lamia opened Lamia’s Crepes because she missed eating crepes and didn’t want to wait until she arrived at New York or Washington, DC to have some. So, she opened her own shop. Lamia’s Crepes offers both sweet and savory crepes, including the quintessential Nutella, strawberry and banana sweet crepe, and a Parisian-inspired crepe featuring Swiss cheese, salt and pepper.
Dessert Shop, Smoothie Bar, Dessert, Ice Cream, $$$
Strawberry Fields Smoothies and Gelato specializes in smoothies and gelato. The dessert shop makes only small batches of gelato daily and it also offers made-to-order, freshly-squeezed juices such as one blending pineapple, mango, lemon and orange, and others made with apple, coconut milk and mint. Smoothie concoctions include the Green Monster Monster, made from spinach, kale, apple juice, banana and Greek yogurt, and the Strawberry Fields, made from strawberries, banana, vanilla gelato and apple juice.
The Rustic Tart garners high praise for all of its baked offerings, including cakes, cookies, pies, and, of course, its famous tarts. Notable desserts include the Black and Blue Pie-casso, a mousse-like pie with crushed blackberries and blueberries sitting atop a layer of pound cake, and the rich and chocolatey Chocolate Chess Pie. The bakery also serves a mean French press coffee.
The family behind Doumar’s claims its patriarch Abe Doumar invented the waffle cone in the early 1990s. Since then, the cones have become a local must-eat treat. Besides the waffle cones, sundaes, and the thirst-quenching limeade, Doumar’s also serves barbeque and diner fare.
