Pagoda & Oriental Garden
Pagoda & Oriental Garden
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
93 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
29
Average
14
Poor
5
Terrible
4
cheryl h
Durham, NC57,989 contributions
Dec 2019
These gardens are so peaceful, relaxing and beautiful. The gardens aren't large and it's an easy stroll through them. It's on the waterfront in Freemason Harbor with views of the USS Wisconsin.
The Pagoda offers sandwiches, has a bar, and has some of the best bakery items I've ever tasted. The second floor has nice views. You can also take in the garden from the second floor balcony. We didn't even know about this place until we came upon it while walking along the Elizabeth River Trail.
The Pagoda offers sandwiches, has a bar, and has some of the best bakery items I've ever tasted. The second floor has nice views. You can also take in the garden from the second floor balcony. We didn't even know about this place until we came upon it while walking along the Elizabeth River Trail.
Written July 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandon
Pittsburgh, PA999 contributions
Feb 2021
This was a relaxing stop located in Norfolk. We had some time to kill and decided to stop by and it did not disappoint. We went in January so there wasn't any flowers in bloom like I'm sure there is in summer but it was still a beautiful stop.
Written March 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Violet B
Miami, FL60 contributions
The Pagoda and Oriental Garden is actually a small park open to the public where the oriental trees, plants, etc. are maintained by the VA Agricultural Society. The restaurant isn't really a restaurant, it's a bar with very scarce indoor and outdoor seating. That is probably why the menu is also limited. The place is nestled on the waterfront in-between gated condos and townhouses. It is also a block over from the USS Wisconsin attraction. The scenery is nice, the food was not excellent and I was disappointed by the trip because all the reviews I read ahead of time were high. We had to eat outside and our food and drinks were attacked by a unending assault of flies. If you think you're going to find some kind of major attraction by going here that is not what you're going to get. If you are a local or tourist who likes Asian influence this would be a nice stop for lunch. Their lunch menu is affordable but their dinner menu is much more costly and probably because the evening ambiance is supposed to be breath taking as the Pagoda is lit up with a color schematic. They have an area for outdoor dancing/live entertainment. There was a two person band there when we visited. It was nice to stumble across something we didn't know even existed before. Kind of made it feel almost like we did go somewhere far away from home even though we really didn't. Nice place but not how the other reviewers made it sound like. It probably isn't a family kind of outing either. It's more of a lunch with friends or romantic couple outing instead.
Written July 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Savvy Traveler
32 contributions
Feb 2020
...the 1950's moniker "oriental?"
It was an ignorant shorthand for different countries, each with their own culture.
It was an ignorant shorthand for different countries, each with their own culture.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald W
Grand Rapids, MI203 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Lovely garden and a beautiful pagoda building that could use a little TLC. Nice walk around walk over and you get a good view of the river. Spring flowers beginning to bloom. The building is very authentic. A gift from Taiwan!
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wanderlust
Centralia, PA144 contributions
Oct 2019
There is a small section of free 2-hour parking next to this pagoda, which is miraculous for downtown Norfolk.
We enjoyed the garden which has a koi pond with lily pads as well as all sorts of plants and decorative statues. Then after marveling at the exterior of the pagoda we ventured inside.
Someone is inside selling ice cream and macarons as well as coffee and tea - the main attraction is clearly the building, though. It is well painted and designed, and the space feels exhilarating. As you climb the spiral staircase you can admire fine artwork. And from the top you can walk around outside or sit at the lovely furniture - either way the view of the city and the harbor will surely bring cheer to your spirit. It would be an amazing place to escape into a good book away from the bustle of the city.
One of the most enjoyable architectural attractions I've seen, and (aside from the cost of refreshments) completely free admission and parking. Norfolk should be proud to host this pagoda.
We enjoyed the garden which has a koi pond with lily pads as well as all sorts of plants and decorative statues. Then after marveling at the exterior of the pagoda we ventured inside.
Someone is inside selling ice cream and macarons as well as coffee and tea - the main attraction is clearly the building, though. It is well painted and designed, and the space feels exhilarating. As you climb the spiral staircase you can admire fine artwork. And from the top you can walk around outside or sit at the lovely furniture - either way the view of the city and the harbor will surely bring cheer to your spirit. It would be an amazing place to escape into a good book away from the bustle of the city.
One of the most enjoyable architectural attractions I've seen, and (aside from the cost of refreshments) completely free admission and parking. Norfolk should be proud to host this pagoda.
Written October 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelKat21
Bel Air, MD302 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
We enjoyed walking around the Pagoda and garden. The area is very well kept and has many traditional Japanese features. It was quiet and peaceful with not many people here early in the morning on a Monday. There is plenty of 2 hour free street parking. The restaurant inside the pagoda is closed on Mondays, so can't really comment on that. There is one of the Mermaids of Norfolk located in this park.
Would recommend a quick visit here, especially if you are touring the nearby Nauticus or Battleship Wisconsin.
Would recommend a quick visit here, especially if you are touring the nearby Nauticus or Battleship Wisconsin.
Written July 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
notravelsurprises
Chesapeake, VA144 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
We rented the Pagoda for a wedding brunch. They also do weddings. Beautiful venue directly on the Elizabeth River, convenient walk from downtown Marriotts, parking lot. The kids loved the koi in the pond and the photographer loved the footbridge and beautiful landscaping. Pagoda Foundation people are very nice! Site is owned bt the City of Norfolk.
Written August 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth L
Sarasota, FL112 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
Double your pleasure---lovely well maintained garden and a delightful Chinese lunch also. We all had the special of the day that was plentiful and very flavorful---Our waitress was a delight and explained about the "tea." Will definitely go for the "tea." next visit to Norfolk
Written September 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen G
Indiana, PA52 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We actually went to this restaurant because of the unique building. The food was delicious and staff was very personable.
Written May 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the open hours for the gardens and pagoda? Is the restaurant open for lunch, dinner, or both?
Written May 7, 2019
I'm not sure about the hours but it is open mostly all day and for the evening. If you are looking for a restaurant here you will be disappointe. It's only a coffee shop with lots of good pastries. there's very little seating inside and it's only one floor for the public.
Written May 14, 2019
Hi, I don't recall any signs specifying whether or not dogs were allowed in the park area, but I'm sure if so, one would be required to clean up after them.
There was an oriental restaurant building there in the park, which would be open part of the time (not while we were there, though). I would guess dogs were not allowed in there.
Written May 6, 2018
Is Pagoda & Oriental Garden a non-profit organization? Do you accept donations? Is donation tax deductible?
Written February 5, 2018
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