The waiter came from behind me and put the amuse-bouche in front of me.

I was sitting at Four Eleven York in Norfolk, Virginia with a small plate presenting a tater tot with crab. I couldn’t hide the confused look on my face as I processed that the fairly fancy restaurant placed the cafeteria style food before me. The waiter caught my glance and explained it. He let me know that when the restaurant first opened, a neighbor saw how small the kitchen was and said the only thing they would be able to sell would be tater tots. Hearing that story I laughed and threw the tot in my mouth while grabbing the menu. “They’re definitely not only selling tater tots now.”

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Sitting in the restaurant, the group of friends I was with couldn’t hide our excitement while darting back and forth over the menu. Learning that the menu changes monthly, we took each plate that came out of the kitchen and tasted it with as much appreciation as possible. While we all ordered different items, we openly welcomed the fork of one another onto our own plate. Although I had previously had my share of oysters at this time, I didn’t need more. Seeing everyone grab for the Roasted Virginia Oysters ($18) led me to believe that they were delicious. The oysters were covered with a smoked corn cream, pickled corn, bacon, and sprinkled with shallots and it was only a matter of minutes before the only thing that remained was a tray of empty shells.

While I didn’t pay attention to the oysters, I did dive into the Korean Chili Braised Octopus ($18) that wasn’t far from my left hand. Sure, it wasn’t my order but since we all agreed on sharing it might as well have been mine. The plate was simple yet beautiful. Cutting a few pieces of the octopus that was marinated in tomatoes, plated with Greek yogurt, and aligned with cumin spiced peanuts gave me the chance to taste a dish that was made in such a creative way. Even though I wanted to finish it, I restrained myself since it wasn’t my order.

Instead, I focused on what I chose.

My Sautéed Halibut ($33) was certainly pricey, but once I cleared the plate I felt the cost was justified—even if momentarily. The perfectly sautéed halibut sat on a miso sweet potato puree with crispy Brussels leaves and oyster mushrooms. Each part of this dish was exceptional. From the fish to the puree that was silky to the vegetables that supported it all, I couldn’t stop enjoying it. As much as I could have kept it to myself, I couldn’t stop encouraging those around me to try it themselves. Seeing the same excitement I had for it across their face was pure elation for me. Once it had disappeared it was easy to say that this dish was one you should order as long as it’s on the menu.

Four Eleven York is a lovely restaurant with a delicious menu. Although it may change often, there are plates that are easy to fall in love with. Whatever they’re serving, I wholeheartedly suggest you share with those around you to find favorites you may not have expected. And if they offer you a tater tot to start your meal, enjoy it knowing a neighbor once said it would be all they serve.

Looks like the joke is on them.

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Address: 409 W. York St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 963-7000
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday – 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday – 5:00pm to 11:00pm, Sunday – 10:30am to 3:00pm and 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Closed Monday and Tuesday
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