Mea Culpa Cafe

Reviews

• Kelly M.

  star star star star star 25 October 2026

  Mea Culpa is a unique space in Norfolk. If they had a motto, it might be "quality over quantity". The space, located on the bottom floor of a Victorian house, is sleek without being sterile. You can see the care taken in the design, the food and coffee. For example, their waffles. These are Belgium leige waffles, which means the batter is proved overnight, resulting in a soft, springy waffle that is more complex, texture and taste-wise, than the waffles you make at home. Now, I'm not knocking crispy waffles, but these are in a different category. All of the baking and cooking follows this same formula: extra time is put into every dish, resulting in a layering of flavors and textures.
  
  The coffee also makes me soo happy. They serve Three Ships Coffee, which is based in Virginia Beach but models its methods after roasteries in Portland, OR. Their coffee doesn't have the burnt taste you get in a lot of East Coast beans/cafes. Mea Culpa has a small list of coffee drinks, but you can ask for drinks not on the list and they can usually make them. They also serve early grey and hibiscus tea for non-coffee drinkers (plus maybe some other teas). The nice thing about Mea Culpa is that they aren't intimidating/stand-offish like some West Coast coffee shops. They simply love what they do and want to welcome everyone.
  
  Finally, HAMMOCK! Their outdoor space is inviting, with a big deck with jasmine vines, and around the corner they've set up a hammock under two shade trees with stools next to it for your drink.
  
  If you want a quiet, relaxing space with interesting food and good coffee, I'd pick Mea Culpa. The only downside is that they are not open Mon and Tues, but I guess the old adage is true: good things are worth waiting for.
  
  Reference points I connect with Mea Culpa:
  Yotam Ottolenghi for food flavor profiles
  Blue Star Donuts in Portland  
  Heart Coffee Roasters, Portland

• Michaela S.

  star star star star star 20 October 2026

  Oh my gosh - I absolutely LOVE this place! Not only are the owners super sweet and welcoming, it's just a great space with good vibes. We had our June Yelp Book Club event here and enjoyed sitting on the shaded porch in beautiful summer weather discussing our latest read. They switch the menu up frequently I guess, but are best known for their waffles, so I had to try one. I went with the plain but added the chocolate and vanilla schmear. OMG soooooooooo delicious. I can't wait to come back. I'll probably make this a work spot in my rotation for sure. I didn't have trouble finding parking on the street nearby, but do keep an eye out -- it's tucked back a little from the street so I passed it a couple times before I found it. What a true hidden gem. Highly recommended!

• Demetra T.

  star star star star star_border 10 October 2026

  I visited this spot after getting a spa treatment next door. I rather enjoyed this place. It was small and cozy. I liked that the it was a home that was turned into a little cafe. The menu choices are small which was a bummer. I liked the vegan options. I had a coffee and waffle with 2 different spreads. I recommend the hazelnut spread. The staff was very nice. There are a few tables but I do not recommend large crowds due to the limited space. The prices are reasonable and the food was flavorful. I do wish they had creamers out for the coffee and teas. I had to wait to ask for some creamer and was given a carton of cream. I had to use it and walk it back to the counter which by the time I got back to my table, my coffee was lukewarm. Overall I enjoyed this place. Will come back again when I get my next facial next door.

• Airik B.

  star star star star star 5 October 2026

  Yep! This is IT! Waffletina in a brick and mortar! Yaaaaaaaaas! Mea Culpa has a very creative menu and really good coffee (Three Ships). They really have a great formula here when you throw in the service as well. The girl behind the counter was GREAT! Very helpful and very friendly, but not in a cheesy way. She just has a pleasant disposition.
  
  I had the special which was some smoked salmon concoction with capers, Dijon mustard, and kale on a waffle. I was skeptical but I had to give it a shot. BAAAAAAAAAANGIN (say it like you're singing it)!!! I got another waffle before I left just because I loved the taste of it that much.
  
  Anyway, I'll be back. This place has been added to the go-to list. Great job!

• Dennis C.

  star star star star star_border 30 September 2026

  Waffletina has found a new home under a new name. The newly christened Mea Culpa Cafe opened quietly this past September.
  
  Under its former Waffletina name, it was a pop-up operation that served Belgian Liege Waffles at breweries throughout Hampton Roads. Their last pop-up event was held at the Smartmouth Brewing Company on August 19th.
  
  Their Liege Waffles are house made. Named after a city in Belgium, they are made with leavened dough instead of batter, and filled with clusters of caramelized pearl sugar to provide a sweet contrast to their buttery dough.
  
  Their new home was purchased two years ago by its owner, Christina Angelo, and her partner, Kristopher Harvey. It is a tall and majestic three-story Victorian style century old house that has been beautifully restored with the assistance of tax credits and the hard work from its owners.
  
  The house is set just past a white picket fence next door to the Colonial Avenue side of Toast. The cafe itself operates entirely on the first floor.
  
  As you walk through their front door, you encounter a stairwell that leads to a dead end. I actually found myself climbing a couple of steps before seeing it.
  
  The decor is a minimalist mix of both the modern and traditional, with hardwood floors, white walls, and large windows that impart a bright and airy feel.
  
  They currently have 6 bar seats and 15 tables. The bar seats are next to a wall adorned with small attractive mirrors. Two of their tables are located on their outdoor patio.
  
  Their menu is small and divided into two sections--Pastries and Small Plates. They have been offering six Pastry selections and five or six Small Plate selections each week.
  
  Their Small Plates menu offers two variations of their Liege Waffle Sandwiches, one with meat and one without. A different meat waffle sandwich is offered each week.
  
  Their coffee is sourced from Three Ships Coffee, a craft roastery located in the ViBe District of Virginia Beach. Packages of their coffee beans are also available for sale at their counter.
  
  I have tried the following so far:
  
  HIBISCUS TEA: Their house made Hibiscus Tea was cool, refreshing, sparkling, and delicious. I've never had better. My Rating: 5 Stars.
  
  HOT CHOCOLATE:  Their version delivered a solid chocolate taste, but it was not served as hot as desired. I like to see steam rising from its mug and bubbles that have just stopped boiling.
  
  Its presentation could also be improved with a bit of whipped cream and a more distinctive bit of leaf art. My Rating: 3.5 Stars.
  
  LIEGE WAFFLE WITH CHOCOLATE MAPLE SPREAD: This one comes from the Pastries section of the menu, which offers two variations. Liege Waffles with Coconut Curd and Lemon Curd have also been featured
  .
  The waffle was thick and delightfully chewy, without the hard crusty textures I've encountered with some of the more traditional Brussels style waffles in the past.
  
  It was pleasantly sweet around the edges, topped off with a bit of powdered sugar for an additional layer of sweetness. The chocolate maple spread was divine  My Rating: 5 Stars.
  
  From their Small Plates menu:
  
  SAVORY OATMEAL:  Steel Cut Oats, Sun Dried Tomato, Winter Squash, Fried Cured Brisket, Toasted Walnuts, Cilantro, and Fried Egg.
  
  The flavors and textures of the ingredients popped nicely together for a delicious taste combination. I especially loved the steel cut oats, but would have liked just a little more of the brisket.
  
  I think its presentation could be improved a bit with a wider bowl to showcase more of its ingredients. My Rating: 4.5 Stars.
  
  LIEGE WAFFLE SANDWICH:  With Cured Pork Shoulder, Havarti, Pickled Peppers, Arugula, and Fried Egg.
  
  The flavors and textures of its ingredients in this one combined together beautifully. The pickled peppers paired nicely with the pork shoulder.with their sour and spicy notes. My Rating: 5 Stars.
  
  LIEGE WAFFLE SANDWICH:  Grilled Chicken, Charred Green Onion, Pickled Carrots, Cucumbers, Radish, and Nuoc Cham Sauce.
  
  I expected to like this one more than I did. Unfortunately, the cut of chicken I received contained some excess fat that diminished its taste and texture.
  
  Otherwise, the flavors of the other ingredients were pleasant. The pickled carrots were especially flavorful and attractive. My Rating: 3.5 Stars.
  
  ORZO SALAD: Toasted Orzo Pasta, Charred Fennel, Green Onion, Pomegranates, Toasted Walnut, and Fried Egg.
  
  This one delivered a most unique taste combination. The toasted orzo pasta imparted a nutty texture that paired well with the walnuts.
  
  The pomegranate seeds delivered a tongue tingling tart flavor with a lot of eye appeal.The fried egg provided additional substance and protein. My Rating: 5 Stars.
  
  In spite of a couple of hiccups, they came through with a 4-star rating. I shall be returning to try some additional offerings, including some more of their Liege Waffle Sandwiches.
  
  An upgrade to a 5-star rating is well within reach and could be awarded next year if all goes well.