Harper’s Table

Hands down, this restaurant is in my top 5 picks of Hampton Roads tucked in the corners of downtown Suffolk in their old revitalized main street. I’ve enjoyed dinner and desserts here several times so will have to come back and update this review with pictures and specifics but stand outs were the Ham Biscuit, the Pork Sliders, the Potatoes Au Gratin, and everything on the desert menu! This is a foodie’s haven, locally sourced food, and a bar that makes those old fashion drinks with a modern twist. The restaurant itself is New American with a southern twist and set up as country chic. Dress to impress or come in jeans, you can count on every bite being amazing. Can’t wait to come back for more!

Simply outstanding! Frequent traveler and this was a good find. Ate dinner at the bar and had phenomenon service and food. Pork belly appetizer, raw oysters with kimchi and house made hot sauce and chicken special served over ham hock risotto. Everything was delicious. Wine list is fairly substantial as well.

Awesome atmosphere with an amazing bartender! The tidewater, authentic eggnog, Moscow Mule are delicious my fav would be the champagne coacktail!

If you don’t have a pork belly biscuit as a starter, you have made your first error.
Food is fun-​Southern and creatively crafted. The sides are perfectly paired. The desserts are amaze– just bring the dang cornbread and white chocolate puddin home if you are too full!
The wait staff is awesome– very attentive just when you need them to be. They will help you make some tough decisions as you try to make menu/​wine choices.
And finally, the place is pretty adorable– comfy booths in a repurposed industrial setting.
Love!

This is your best bet for high end dining in downtown Suffolk. The food is excellent and the staff were excellent. I have had friends say that the service is very slow. But that was not our experience. I would recommend it as the place to go downtown Suffolk unless want something a little more casual — return amici around the corner.

For my first time dining in Suffolk I must say that it was a very pleasant experience. When my friends and I entered, it was very busy; however, they hostess found a space for us to sit in no time. The table still had water rings on it, but she apologized and wiped them down right away so it was no big deal.
For Suffolk restaurant week they were running a special of one appetizer, an entrée, and dessert for $ 30, not a bad deal at all. To start I got the pork belly biscuit, which honestly fell short of my expectations. The biscuit was overdone, and the pork belly needed some seasoning. Luckily the waitress put hot sauce on the table so it wasn’t too bad after I drizzled some over it. Despite the disappointment of my appetizer, the entrée and dessert that I selected were phenomenal and more than made up for it.
I got the Border Springs Lamb Sausage. It came with heirloom rice, stout mustard, roast peppers, and onion. I’ve seriously never tasted a sausage that was so good. Compliments to the chef for putting together all of the sides, because they went with each other so well.
For dessert I got the Pot De Créme, which was essentially chocolate custard, topped with bittersweet dark chocolate, and whipped cream. A stellar way to end my meal. It was gone in about 2.5 seconds. I should’ve order some more of it to go.
Service here was excellent. The manager even came out periodically to check on my friends and I throughout our meal. Everyone here really displayed good ol’ southern hospitality. Overall, I’m really glad I had a chance to experience a local meal outside of Norfolk & Virginia Beach.

This is an updated review. Harper and the management are back on point with regards to service and innovative menu choices. I always have to try the newest item on the menu or the special of the night. If you find yourself picking the first item in each section of the menu I suggest your eyes wander to the bottom. These tasty dishes are usually the ones that rotate in and out seasonally or are the most innovative. I can’t convey in words how each experience leaves me pleased that this place exists within downtown Suffolk. If Harper’s Table is the tip of the spear in the war to reclaim and revitalize this downtown, we have no better champion for class and impeccable food than Harper and his team.

One of our favorites!!! Great bar, awesome atmosphere, super service… we have never had a bad meal here… best soft shell and oyster tacos!!! Rabbit with homemade pasta… Bolognese sauce to die for. We always look forward to the ever changing menu.

Great innovative menu options. The appetizers, entrees and drink lists appear as a simple list of selections, but provide great complex Flavors and innovative ingredient pairings.
Staff is very friendly and attentive.

I feel like I should downgrade some of my other 5 star reviews because Harpers Table truly deserves 5 stars. Everything including the customer service, atmosphere, the food was phenomenal. I went with a group of 4 who all felt the same. We drove from Norfolk to experience the so called «gem of Suffolk.» The drive was worth it! The menu includes some of the most diverse and well thought out plates. Quality, presentation, flavors all perfect. We will definitely be back to try the oyster bar specials. Thanks again.

Great food, attentive service — thank goodness there is a restaurant of this quality in Suffolk. Our table had the pork belly biscuits which where good but the biscuit was not great. We also had the raw oysters which were AMAZING as were the fried oyster tacos. Our dinner choices were 3 different choices — ribeye, scallops and the flounder. All great!!!

Went on a busy Friday night with no reservations and were squeezed in. Shortly after, the place cleared out — there was a nearby show that had recently started. Uncomfortable seating which seems to be the new trend. Drinks were painfully, annoyingly slow — all three times we ordered. Absolutely no chance at all of being over served here. Pork belly biscuit was outstanding. Clam appetizer was average. Steak was extremely well executed. Scallops with pumpkin were good but came with unlisted peanuts. Hard to believe in this day and age! Dessert was delicious — burnt marshmallow, caramel ice cream and chocolate pot de crème. Wouldn’t make the drive just to return, but would definitely go back if I was in the area.

After a suggestion from a colleague, a group of us took the drive to Harper’s Table from Norfolk, VA and boy did it deliver! The menu was local and phenomenal; while not overwhelming, it was still hard to decide what to order. I started with the mussels steamed in chardonnay with sausage — delicious and a healthy serving for sharing. My entrée of pork with grilled apples & slaw was delicious and perfectly cooked. I finished it off with the pot de crème — basically a classed up version of s’mores, but more delectable. The chocolate was out of this world. Even with the three courses, I felt my meal was reasonable coming in around $ 60 with tip. On top of the fabulous food comes their service, our waitress was attentive, helpful, and fun. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night out.

Spectacular fare. Expensive but classy. Their seasonal watermelon salad. DING! The chili spinach. DING! The hush puppies, fried to perfection. DING! My date had the burger special and really enjoyed. Bartender was really sweet and made a spectacular «Suffolk Sidecar.» The drink tasted like a cool fall night in New York City circa 1937 with a blues band playing in the background, women in gloves and men donning top hats. Will be back.

The food is GREAT! Just not enough of it and I’m not being greedy I assure you. Also, a wee bit pricey (for the amount of food you get) they like to give half empty plates or ¾ empty plates it’s the «hip» look nowadays I guess. Just don’t arrive too hungry else you’ll be disappointed.

I reserve 5 star ratings for places that I would drive to if I move over 30 minutes away and would mark the trek.
I started with the award winning Tidewater cocktail. I’m not much of a cocktail person, but I thought it was delightful. It almost tasted vanilla-​y.
The pork belly biscuit is divine. I think it can stand alone, but there’s something about that biscuit and homemade pickle that make me leave it as a sandwich.
The mussels in curry and spicy beer were different than what I’m used to, but they are superb.
The She-​Crab soup is above-​average. But if you are used to run of the mill, it’ll blow your mind. It could use more crab.
The rib eye was perfectly cooked. It’s huge — you don’t need 3 appetizers if you order this. I had to get my husband to help me finish it.
We shared the fries with the roasted shallot mayo. I was so sad to hear our waitress ask if we wanted ketchup. The way it comes is perfect.
I am obviously please with my experience, so I’ll skip to the end — I ended the night with an Irish coffee with Jamison and whipped cream (by suggestion of the waitress). Yum.
Awesome birthdays dinner :-)

Excellent in every way, food, ambiance, staff. Pork belly is the go to appetizer. The staff was knowledgeable about their menu. And took care of us with our daughters’ allergies. On point go eat there it’s phenomenal!

The place was real nice and clean food came in a timely manner. The waitress was very pleasant and enjoyable. The hush puppies and clam appetizers were amazing. My visiting grandfather loved the wine selection. All of my grandparents lived their entries an had plenty to take home. I on the other hand was very displeased on how bland the Suffolk BBQ plate was. The BBQ was bland and dry and the coleslaw had no flavor and was warm. Luckily the Corn bread pudding dessert saved the meal for me as it was wonderful an moist. Would go again but only for the apps and desserts.

We were traveling from Florida to a graduation in Murfreesboro 30 miles north of Suffolk. I had done research prior to leaving Florida and searched «best restaurants». Harpers «popped up». Upon arriving at the hotel I asked for suggestions and it was unanimous HT. WOW. The experience still have my husband and I (we consider ourselves foodies” talking about it 2 days later. EVERYTHING was OUTSTANDING. Our server (Charity) was excellent. We had the privilege of meeting the very nice owner/​chef (Mr Harper Bradshaw) He was very polite, pleasant, engaged as we spoke about coming here from Florida. The pork belly biscuit was recommended. (WOW) as was the bar b q pork. While there in Suffolk for only 2 nights, YEP! you guessed it, we returned for more yummys. Please go if you have the opportunity and thank you again CHARITY AND HARPER. It was an experience to remember.
FRED and THELMA SIMPSON

This is my first visit to Suffolk and Harper’s Table. The staff and the atmosphere were both as advertised… a little trendy, comfortable, and friendly staffed. The brick wall with the original artwork from 1890 was so cool!
After reading the reviews here on Unilocal,I decided that the Pork Belly Biscuit was a «must try» item. Yes… I’m glad I did. While I found the biscuit a little hard on top from the toasting, it turned out that it was a good texture to accompany the soft and fatty pork belly. This is a great starter!
Next, they had a specially prepared Charred and Chilled Bass, where the meat was pulled apart and placed on a sweet potato bruschetta. Next it was topped with a mixture of orange, chili peppers, radish, and an orange aloe. This made a surf and turf start to my meal.
My entrée consisted of Grilled Scallops with arugula on a sweet potato purée was amazing. With a touch of heat and velvety sweetness underneath and a slight crunch. Definitely an unique take on scallops.
Ht serves table portions of sides… The Spinach was fresh and flavorful with a little garlic and ginger. The Cheddar Baked Grits were creamy with a wonderful crust of cheese as they were baked in a tiny cast iron skillet. This makes for a great taste and texture.
I wish I lived closer to Harper’s Table. (But my wallet is relieved.)