When in VA Beach this is the place to chow down. Wait staff superb. Hospitality on point. Management making rounds to meet and greet. Superb vibe with smooth instrumental music. They got a bar too. If they know it's your Birthday, it's on cause Boss lady can sing. They got the best shrimp and grits I ever tasted, and because of all that I'll be back like Arnold Swartzenegger (lol). Support this local small business and you won't be disappointed.
Vegan Restaurant
Happy Cafe
· $$$$ · virginiaBeach · Strict-vegan verified
Fully vegan
Editor synopsis · 0 reviews
Diners overwhelmingly call out the signature dish as the must-order. The vibe reads as vegan restaurant — service is consistently described as warm and unhurried. Common gotcha: queues form at peak times — go early or late.
Excerpts
When in VA Beach this is the place to chow down. Wait staff superb. Hospitality on point. Management making rounds to meet and greet. Superb vibe with smooth instrumental music. They got a bar too. If they know it's your Birthday, it's on cause Boss lady can sing. They got the best shrimp and grits I ever tasted, and because of all that I'll be back like Arnold Swartzenegger (lol). Support this local small business and you won't be disappointed.
Happy Café is simply delightful. The atmosphere is elegant yet warmly nostalgic — it feels like a refined version of your grandmother’s home. Every detail exudes charm and comfort. And the food… truly spectacular! Each dish is crafted with care and impeccable taste. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
Happy Café is simply delightful. The atmosphere is elegant yet warmly nostalgic — it feels like a refined version of your grandmother’s home. Every detail exudes charm and comfort. And the food… truly spectacular! Each dish is crafted with care and impeccable taste. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
Oh my goodness! What a brunch! What an ATMOSPHERE! I googled restaurants near me and decided to try the Happy Café because it had the best reviews (and I can see why!). We went on a packed Sunday (Nov 9, 2025), and we were greeted warmly! Comfortable Chic chairs were available while we waited. The staff checked in often while we waited and offered water. They were so attentive even before we sat down! The owner Tamika (hope I spelled her name right) personally checked in to make sure we were seated in a timely manner! Her mother Mrs. V came to talk to us often during her shift to check in on the food. And the waitress Marisa was PHENOMENAL! The food came out PIPING hot, and within 2-10 minutes of ordering. We were so shocked at the speed. I had the Burgundy black tea and never have i had tea so flavorful! (And it wasn't a tea bag, they were loose leaves steeped in your own tea pot! Amazing!). The grits in the shrimp and grits were SO creamy, the cajun sauce on it (same sauce as what's on the grilled corn) was to die for! SO SEASONED and creamy! Omg. The blueberry pancakes are a MUST. Everything was just perfect. Made more perfect by the professional but warm staff! It felt like family! Mrs. V even gave me and my son a hug and it felt like I was leaving grandma's house! I didn't want to leave. I'm so exited to have found this GEN. I can't wait until next payday to come back! P.S. -Do NOT leave without getting the bread pudding! It's smothered in a thick caramel sauce that cannot be passed up! Omg. This place. So amazing!!!!!!