The Ten Top

Tucked back next to the coin laundry on Shirley Avenue and Colley is a place where magic happens. IT is a place were flavor is forged and hunger is hindered.  The Ten Top takes taste to new heights with creative tenacity that will make your idea of satisfaction an enigma. It's places like the Ten Top that keep my spirit and wallet light, and my belly heavy.

The Ten Top has been serving the Norfolk area with a welcoming heart for 15 years.  It got its name from its first location, where the popular hookah lounge Nazef currently operates, in that it only had one round table with ten chairs surrounding it.  The original owner Peter Pitman, sold the business to his sister Allise for a dollar, whom after 10 years sold the business to current owner, Don Lester, where he runs the business at its current location.  Lester began working for Allise Pitman in 2004.  In 2008, Allise was having thoughts of moving on from the business and the area, and by a series of fortunate circumstances, Lester was able to buy the restaurant himself.

The quaint hole-in-the-wall accommodates roughly 20 people these days in the eclectic dinning room littered with pictures and vintage decor.  The service counter hosts an abundance of childrens toys for the little ones.

The best part about the Ten Top is everything is fresh.  Chef's Rick and Heather Fraley, as well as Lester, pride themselves on serving nothing but best.  Everything they buy comes from local independent businesses.  They get their produce and meat from Waterside Fish and Produce assuring everything is as fresh as possible.
(Lester in his restaurant/credit: Hannah Serrano/ AltDaily.com)

The Ten Top offers an extensive selection of menu items from soups, sandwiches, and salads to flat bread pizza's and daily and weekly specials. Everything is very reasonably priced and the portion sizes aren't anything but generous.  They also accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets.

(Right: toys litter the countertop/ a tasty meatloaf sandwich - photo by Kristen Alana)




Derek's Top Ten for the Ten Top

1. Chicken Apple Chutney Wrap
2. Greek Lamb Hoagie
3. Tomato Basil Mozzarella Sandwich
4.  Simple Chicken Salad Sandwich
5.  Turkey Apple Club
6. Warm Goat Cheese and Caramelizes Walnut Salad
7. Chicken Spinach and Feta Cheese Flat Bread Pizza
8. Grilled Turkey and Spinach Sandwich
9. Ten Top Chicken Wrap
10. Any soup  



Check out this article by Skye Zentz of AltDaily.com