The Green Onion

What happened to this place? My friends and I stopped by for a quick bite to eat and there was only one other table in use, the rest of the restaurant was a ghost town. We ordered the steak on top of macaroni and cheese, a lunch special and it’s Green Onion so it must be good, right? Wrong. The steak was ordered medium rare and it came out gray. GRAY. The macaroni and cheese looked so generic and unappetizing. I was shocked.
Here’s the kicker; the chef that brought out the food proceeded to stand around our table CONSTANTLY. He kept asking us if we needed anything, which would normally be fine, but our server was also taking care of us so we were continuously being interrupted. It was weird and a bit too much. Super weird. I can’t stress this enough. It made all of us uncomfortable. Towards the end of the meal, he walked out front and smoked a cigarette, so of course smoke started blowing in our faces. I’m fine with people smoking, truly! But maybe walk around back or to the side? Not directly by the patio where people are eating. Overall a bad experience and we probably won’t be back.
Our server was so sweet and attentive. Definitely keep her around!

I love coming here on brunch Sunday’s to get my all time favorite LOBSTER ROLLS! It’s perfect with their fries & don’t forget the MIMOSAS! One of my favorite places!

Saw this restaurant on Groupon, cost for the discount was $ 15.00 purchased on mistake. So I took advantage of this mistake the groupon value wav$ 50.00. The actual dinner was $ 44.00. The cost at the restaurant with my groupon was less then $ 6.00. Now let’s get to the food, I had a 14. oz once steak, and steak frietes aka thin fries. Also had a steak stew and Mac & Cheese both were delicious. The service was quick, out door seating was great. So give this place a go, the place was awesome!

Although I tried to like it, in the end I did not care for this restaurant. We came in on Friday night during the St. Patrick’s festival that was happening outside on the street and the servers were beyond frazzled by the business of activities. One guy in particular was claiming loudly how ridiculously busy he was every time he went to the kitchen.
Most patrons wanted to sit outside but we opted for inside due to the falling temperature. Our server was decent but we waited a good 15 minutes just for our drinks (wine and beer, no complicated cocktails) and we were sitting right next to the bar! Needless to say we only had one round.
The overall ambiance is nice but it is very loud inside, not sure if it’s the space or the volume of the radio. I had a hard time carrying on a conversation. The food was so lackluster it’s not even worth mentioning and we paid a lot for it.
Honestly the only thing I like about this place is the open kitchen. It’s cool to see what’s happening in there while you wait (in this case a while) for your food. The place has potential but I’m not sure I’d recommend it when there are so many other options out there.

I come here on a regular basis. By far best quality food in town. They have unique menu items and you really feel like you are getting something special. Lobster cheesecake. Unstoppable force to be reckoned with!!!

Excellent lunch! I had the Cuban. The pulled pork and chipotle aioli was incredible! I loved the homemade ketchup, all in all incredible service and food.

I rarely update my reviews. If I have given a place a low rating I’m usually willing after a break to try them again and update the review just to let people know the place has improved. If I gave a place a good review I would only update a review to let everyone know there has been a drop in service or food quality.
In this case the update is all good news. My previous 4 star review was well deserved. Today, the waitress really did an outstanding job. Ann was pleasant and provided some of the best service I’ve recently had at a restaurant.
The food today was even better than the last time I was there. Today I order the scramble. I wasn’t terribly hungry and the description of the plate made it seem like it was just about the right size for a simple breakfast.
The flavor profile of the scrambled eggs was very good. I know that you’re reading this and saying «scrambled eggs and flavor profile in the same sentence?» is he nuts?
As I have written on other reviews, if you fix simple foods, they have to be spot-​on. The eggs today were light, fluffy, and fresh. I wouldn’t update my review just on that though. What put these eggs over there tops were the fresh tomatoes in the eggs and the goat cheese.
I won’t lie. The goat cheese was what drew me to this dish. I’m a fan of cheese but goat cheese can be hit or miss. Today the goat cheese hit right on the mark.
The tang of the cheese countered the acid of the tomatoes and balanced against the lightness of the eggs. This was just about the perfect breakfast.
I can say that I won’t wait another year to come back to Green Onion for another meal!

This is our fifth time here and I don’t know how you cannot rate them anything under a 4 ½. The food is amazing… AMAZING!!! The menu is forever changing. We had the duck cordon Blue this evening. It was absolutely delicious. Every Wednesday night they have all you can eat steamed mussels. They have groupon’s that save you a ton of money and it’s worth every penny. If you’re cheap go somewhere else, If you want great food please come here

Food seems to be hit or miss but Happy Hour is a must! $ 5 glasses for any glass of wine they serve by the glass.

My exipeience here was very awkward. I came here with my friend to unwind after a stressful day of work. We came in and were immediately seated in the cute outside dining area, while we looked over the menu. We looked at the prices, and as they were a little more than we would like to pay for dinner, we figured the heck with it and decided to treat ourselves. I decided on the $ 21 lobster roll and my friend decided on the $ 30 scallops and lobster cheesecake.
Here’s where the awkwardness began, we only had a wine menu in front of us and I didn’t see any mention of soft drinks on the menu so when the waiter asked us if we wanted anything to drink I was going to say a water for now, and then ask about the soft drinks. As soon as I said a water the waiter quickly zoomed away from the table before I could ask about the soft drinks. Maybe he didn’t hear me, but at that point I figured the food is already kinda pricey so I’ll just stick with my water and grab something to drink later somewhere else if I felt like it.
Another thing that happened, my friend had a family emergency that came up so we had to request the food to go in boxes. So we’re waiting … and waiting … and waiting, so much so that the family emergency was resolved. So we just decided to go ahead and eat our food there, even if it was boxed. The thing is we really didn’t see our waiter at all so we had to explain this to another waitress that happened to walk by. I wasn’t too keen on her facial expressions; however, she helped us out and told our waiter the situation so I didn’t make a big deal about it. Our waiter then comes out and says «Oh, this has been sitting for a little bit waiting for me to bring out to you.» … What in the world how long is a «little bit?» Again … Awkward.
So the food comes out, and the lobster roll was pretty good and went well with the butter. I also got a couple bites of my friends lobster cheesecake and it was also a nice little dish. With that being said, we didn’t agree that the food was worth what we paid. For me to be paying 20+ for my entrée I need to be blown away; there has to be a «wow» factor to the food and it just wasn’t there. I could’ve gotten a seafood sensation sub from subway or went to Red Lobster and spent a fraction of what I spent here.
One more awkward thing happened. After we got our check and gave the waiter our cards for payment, almost a half an hour went by and we didn’t get them back, we were enjoying conversation and assumed that they were closing up before bringing us our cards. After seeing a couple staff members leave we asked the waiter where our cards were so we could leave and depart. To which he says «Oops did I forget to give those back.» Mind you, in that 30 minute period waiting for our cards to come back he didn’t once come by the table.
I know that waiters work very hard and have a lot to deal with, so I’m not saying that our waiter should feel horrible because he wasn’t by any means rude, I would just suggest being a little more attentive to the customers. I’m not saying I’ll never be back, but It’ll be a little while before I come by and spend that pretty penny here again.

My girlfriend and I come here for dinner on a regular basis, usually once a week or so. I guess we would be considered regulars. We were in tonight (AYCE mussels) and it was not terribly busy. Our waitress was fantastic as usual UNTIL she abruptly left without saying anything to us. About 20 minutes later, the owner/​mgr guy comes by to inform us that he would be our new waiter. Well from there the night went downhill. He was awfully inattentive and would not clear off the table. I have been coming here for over 10 years and this is by far the worst service I have experienced in this establishment.
His attitude towards us was not welcoming and he was very abrupt. I shouldn’t have to wait 20 – 30 minutes before you visit our table. Very disappointing.
The final note is we asked for a to go container, which has never ever been a problem over the years we have been coming here for AYCE mussels UNTIL tonight with Manager from Hell! He informed us that this was not Golden Corral and I proceeded to tell him that I would not put Green Onion in the same category as Golden Corral. He said he was unaware that any of his servers were doing this. I told him the fact that this has been going on for years and he was unaware is a huge problem.
What a disappointing evening at what used to be one of my favorite restaurants!!!

This place is amazing! When I walked in I felt as if I had traveled overseas. Their decorations are so cute and fun! I love the way that they used old pots as decoration.
Now let’s get to the food… I ordered the mussels, crab cakes, and the vanilla crème brûlée. The mussels are some of the best that I’ve ever had in my entire life. I’m still trying to decide if it was the mussels or the broth. I will always come here when I have a taste for mussels (which is every week lol). The crab cakes were… ehhhh good. However I think that after the mussels anything would have disappointed me lol… I think that I was just hoping for a sauce with the crab cakes. I felt as if they needed something to just set it off. They were good though but once I dipped them in the mussel broth, they became amazing! The vanilla crème brûlée was right on point! I would go back and get that dessert every time!
All in all, it was such a wonderful experience! And I had the best waitress (Heather)! She was very patient with me and catered to my fat girl side that wanted to just keep eating and eating lol… great food, and great service, makes for a great time:)

My family and I went here for Easter Brunch, and it was wonderful!
I had the corned beef and hash with scrambled eggs which was amazing. My mother had the scramble. My father had one of the specials called Eggs Woodhouse which consisted of french toast, ham, bacon, poached eggs, hollandise sause, Port Bechamel, and spinach. My brother had the stuffed french toast, also a special that day
We all left full and with clean plates.
The atmosphere was wonderful. This place reminds me of a place that would be in the village in New York City.
It is a little bit of a drive from Virginia Beach, however it is so worth it. Plus, its where the locals go!
Staff was also so nice and helpful.
All and all it was AMAZING!

The perfect date night or a long, lingering lunch you must try the Green Onion. I love their lobster rolls sandwiches! And you cannot beat their cheese trays with wine flights. The seafood is always perfect; seared scallops with lobster cheesecake is amazing. Also great for steaks, duck or lamb. Super friendly staff and funky décor round out a wonderful dining experience. Bonus Wednesday is all you can mussels night.

Brunch lasts til 3 here… i thought it ends at 12 but nonetheless. I came here around 12 or so on a Saturday it took a while to get a waiter but i think someone who looked or at least acted like a manager noticed and came over to help.
I mistakenly told him i was eating pure. and he threw it in my face the rest of my time here, in a playful way of course but it got kinda repetitive once he brought me a champagne glass filled with ginger ale and a cherry since my brunch partner had a bellini.
Now for the food. Not being a huge fan of breakfast food i opted for the blt with pomme frittes. The french fries were overcooked and too thin to be legitimate pomme frittes. The sandwhich was good and filling.
I will return probably when they are open for dinner.

Would definitely go here again.
It is all healthy food which I try to avoid, but this was good stuff.
Probably will try another dish that sounds sinful but again so healthy.

After dining here several times since my review of last July, I am ramping up my rating to five stars.
My previous review with the four star rating was based almost exclusively upon their Scottish Salmon, which was on their menu last summer, and which I always thoroughly enjoyed.
I have since tried several other dishes from their latest and expanded menus, all of which have been excellent. I shall now begin to describe them below:
SHRIMP & GRITS: The following description came from their fall menu of last year: «Hot sopressata, bok choy and a mushroom cream sauce over a bed of grits.»
I ordered this twice last fall and can honestly say that this was the most intensely flavorful rendition of Shrimp & Grits I have ever enjoyed. The shrimp were plump and delicious. The hot sopressata delivered a nice spicy kick that I found exhilarating. The bok choy was a very flavorful addition, one that provided a nice contrast in texture with a delightful crunch. The mushroom cream sauce was divine.
They have since tweaked this dish for their current winter menu, which reads as follows: «Peach & goat cheese grits topped with chorizo sausage, smoked tomato, & barbecue sauce.» I haven’t tried this version yet, but I am hoping to do so in the near future.
EUROPEAN QUAIL: «Roasted, with golden beet borscht, blue cheese & bacon brussel sprouts.»
The quail delivered an exqusitely gamey flavor which combined beautifully with the borscht and brussel sprouts. It was profoundly delicious and sent my taste buds venturing off to uncharted territories.
And now we come to my current favorite:
RAINBOW TROUT: This is described on their current menu as a «former house favorite», prepared with bourbon butter potatoes, bacon haricot verts, & green onion butter.“
I had never tried rainbow trout before until I tried it here, and it was love at first bite. The supporting players of the bourbon butter potatoes and the bacon haricot verts merged together in masterful fashion to produce a superb taste combination.
Rainbow trout is a fish that is meant to be eaten slowly, with a flavor that grows to a rising crescendo with each bite. Recently, I read that rainbow trout is one of the healthiest species of fish one can eat, one with certain anti-​aging properties. I could feel the cells in my body thanking me afterwards.
I always eat at the bar whenever I visit, which gives me the opportunity to watch their team of busy chefs in action. I offer them my compliments for the outstanding job they have done during my visits. Finally, I want to give special applause to their bartender, who has mastered my favorite martini recipe.
In closing, let me say that The Green Onion has risen to the ranks as one of my top tier restaurants in Ghent.

Sundays a brunch days… sometimes! One of the few restaurants in Ghent that I haven’t tried and finally have! It did not disappoint.
Food:
The Scramble, The Eggs Benedict, The Poached Egg and Justolopeia were ordered. Nope, it was not for me. All of the dishes were done well and they were very much enjoyed. I ordered the Poached Egg for myself. It was nicely poached, nicely seasoned, but the Challah bread had a few burnt spots — however, it did not put an indent to the meal, it actually went okay. The fries that they serve with the meals are amazingly seasoned and awesomely flavorful — forget the ketchup! The Justolopeia is a Finnish based cheese dish, if I’m not mistaken. I ordered it to reach the $ 50 needed for the Groupon. I made the mistake of not trying it immediately, and definitely warm it up later if taken to go. However, I tasted it about 15 minutes after handed to us, it was good but they definitely did well pairing it up with food. I will admit, it’s not for everyone.
Drinks:
French press coffee was ridiculously good. I’m not too familiar with French press coffee, but I want to say it’s on par. The white wine sangria ordered could’ve been better. It was a little sour, and it was missing the right flavor. The fruits seemed like they had fermented for a while when served.
Service and Ambience:
Awesome service, didn’t catch the waitresses name, but enjoyed her greatly! The place is nicely decorated, very cozy, and it makes me just want to sit on one of their couches and enjoy good conversation paired with that awesome French pressed coffee!
Join me for some French press coffee?

I’ve passed this place several times and I’ve never thought of coming in because the outer part seems so uninviting. I would have not tried this place if I wasn’t invited with one of my Unilocal buddies for Sunday brunch. I honestly thought this is just another restaurant in the area but you know what, I was wrong. Its actually a nice and decent restaurant that serves quality food with terrific customer service.
At first, I was hesitant but I then I have nothing to loss if I give them a try. Funny thing, everything that I thought turns out to the other way around. My first impression to this place, its chic and classy. I love the contemporary settings of the entire restaurant. The adaptation of french bistro seems works. The interior looks amazing and the photographs landmarks of Paris are spot on.
As for my visit today, I ordered the breakfast menu «STEAK AND EGGS» served with home fries over sunny side eggs with bechamel sauce. Thought it was seasoned well, the steak was cooked to perfection just the way I like it. The buttery sauce add flavor to the entire dish. To finished up with my meal, I ordered the «RAISIN AND BOURBON BREAD PUDDING. This is definitely the highlight of my visit, the pudding itself was just simply delightful. It was soft and dense. Just a perfect portion to washed off my pallette.
I absolutely had a wonderful experience and I might come back anytime soon.

This is a Brunch Review (Sat & Sun Opening to ~ 3:00pm) added as an update to my previous dinner Unilocal.
If you’re thinking about spending brunch at the Green Onion then you’re thinking right.
Seating: Although the indoor seating is completely open I suggest that if weather is permitting choose to sit outdoors. However keep in mind that if you’re not under the full awning before noon you’ll be catching some sun but anytime after 12:30 the westward shift keeps you a little cooler as the direct rays will only be hitting a few of the tables for two.
Service: The hostess seemed a little confused when asked a few questions, maybe she’s new… but otherwise it was a fantastic as ever. Our server was helpful and attentive.
Ambiance and Cleanliness: Other than the dying plants outside due to a lack of watering, lol, and the slashed awning from the storm that allows water in on it’s patrons, this place is wonderfully decorated, full of life and spick-​and-​span.
Appetizer: We started off with French Press Coffee and an order of Justileopia (I think I spelled it right but it’s pronounced Just-​A-​Low Pia), which was comprised of Grilled Cow’s Milk Bread Cheese doused with Honey and served with sliced Apples and Strawberries. It was fantastic and if you haven’t had bread cheese a must order.
Meal: Continuing with the not so normally seen menu items theme I picked the Lobster Roll. This large pieces of claws and lobster meat were served up in a buttered and grill toasted cut of french bread. Just like the Justileopia (ONLY BETTER) it too was fantastic!
My wife ordered the homemade Corned Beef Hash, which came with an egg to order on top. Wow! It was great tasting and just the right sized portion.
Overall: Previously I’ve given the Green Onion 4 Stars (10÷4÷14) and I stick by it for dinner back then but for brunch I’m having to give them an upgrade in the rating to 5 Stars.