The first time I traveled through England was before London put Paris on notice by racking up its own Michelin stars, before the glare of the food world's klieg lights hit the Brits, and other such Ramsayfications. Back then, the only halfway decent fare you could find was in Indian restaurants, Middle Eastern establishments and a few very special pubs. Those pubs popped into mind when I walked into Press 626 Café and Wine Bar.

First there's the look. A gray townhouse in villagey Ghent with a curved, double-front staircase and evocative picture windows, its exterior could pass for a Dickens set piece. Inside, tables –– high and standard height –– seat about 30 people throughout two rooms, but the bar consumes much of the casual, attractive space; a neighborly conviviality flows from it. And the reasonably-priced menu (no dish over $20) lists the kind of nurturing food that can cozy you up on a wintry day. All very pub-like.

The site of the former Winehouse didn't stay empty very long. The former bank building at 626 West Olney Road (corner of Olney and Colley Ave.) has re-opened as Press 626, a new wine bar and restaurant under the management of Lindsey & Ed Bennett. Lindsey, Todd Jurich's former bar manager, and her husband, Ed, a Virginia Beach entrepreneur, have redecorated the formerly rather gloomy Winehouse interior, cleared all the supermarket bottles off the wine list, and brought in New York Chef Andrés DeMarchena to run the kitchen. The result is an intimate, cozy, upscale, neighborhood boite that remains elegantly casual.

Back in the days (what, like four months ago?) when the tall, charming, multi-storied white house on the corner of Olney Street and Colley Avenue donned the moniker "The Winehouse," patrons called from far and wide to sample its elegant and straightforward fare and to soak up the fantastic wine selection. Many, like myself, were both shocked and saddened when the "we're moving!" signs were posted in the windows, signaling the end to the era of The Winehouse, (at least in its original house) with which many Norfolk residents had always been so lovingly familiar. Not to worry though, because of its consistent popularity and apparent lack of space, Ghent's beloved Winehouse simply moved its operation down the street a couple three blocks to a much roomier spot on Colley Avenue. The restaurant and upscale watering hole still maintains its former menu items, wine selection, and friendly bartenders – it just outgrew its old home. So, with this transition came the obvious question: what the heck was going to go in the beautiful old home in which the Winehouse used to reside? Community confusion and apprehensions have since been readily allayed with the recent launch of the new restaurant, Press 626. On my first visit, I walked into this establishment with the preconceived notion that it would undoubtedly fall short of its predecessor, but I have to say, it far surpassed my hesitant expectations.

My partner and I decided to try out this place for our birthdays yesterday. I've never been and haven't heard anything about the restaurant b/c I've been in Richmond for the past two months for work.

Sometimes, trying something new really works out. We walked in and were immediately greeted by a friendly face and promptly sat. After ordering a couple drinks, we placed an order for their Trio of Homemade Spreads which is a roasted red pepper and sharp cheddar cheese, lemon and garlic hummus and sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade. Nothing too unusual sounding about it, something you're used to in tapas-crazy Norfolk. Except when it was delivered we found that these were no small portions. Ice-cream sized servings of three deliciously made spreads made this plate something special everyone should try with drinks and a few friends.

I was thoroughly imPRESSed with Press 626. Located on the corner of Olney and Colley it’s a quaint little building with the perfect amount of atmosphere. A truly great date spot that also has the versatility to host a night out with a group of friends as well.

An impressive wine list at reasonable prices is sure to please. The menu has enough breadth to satisfy all appetites and preferences but without being overwhelmed. The food was delicious!

Their commitment to locally sourced and organic foods as a part of what they call the "Slow Food Movement" speaks to my heart and really gives them a boost up to the 5 stars. Not to mention they have great local art for sale on the walls. The ethos of the owners and staff shines through in their service and commitment to great principles.

This is the overall best restaurant in Norfolk, no doubt about it. The food, the wine, the decor and the service make this place the jackpot of eateries in Tidewater. Go alone or with others; it doesn’t matter, just go.

I drink beer. I like beer. Ask me if I want a beer or a glass of wine- I’ll want the beer.

So you can imagine my hesitation going into this place. It’s a wine bar. You walk in and the first thing you see is a bar with no beer taps and a nice dressed fellow behind it pouring glasses of red and white, inspecting their levels and giving them to the servers. But you’re greeted with a smile from everyone there and invited to have a seat.

We sat at the bar and I hesitatingly asked for a beer list. Without missing a beat the guy hands me the menu with the beer list on the back- not a lot to choose from, but a good selection of better beers and cheap beers including Star Hill, Unibroue, Fat Tire, and Bud. I was instantly at ease.

This place is a bargain on Monday nights (for the women) with $3 wines. The bartender was really knowledgeable about the wines as well as the beer. Kinda hard to find in Ghent nowadays.

I like this place. Cozy, quiet, interesting menu (from what I’ve read), and friendly. Will definitely be back again. And maybe I’ll get a glass of wine too.

I LOVE this place. We have eaten here many times. The food is great. The atmosphere is wonderful and the service is always friendly and knowledgable about the food and wine that they serve. I have not had ONE bad dish here. I recommend this place for relaxing, GREAT food, drinks.

Amazing food! Though some people have previously commented on the lack of options in the menu, every item they offer is amazing and so well done! They do offer at least 1 choice of every type of meat as a main dish as well.

We caught part of happy hour (bonus!) and then shared the goat cheese and flat bread apps. I had the Apple Chutney Salmon which was perfectly cooked! We all split the pumpkin cheesecake which was super yummy.

Great staff, warm atmosphere, highly recommend!

Went for lunch while visiting Norfolk General. I thought it was great. We ordered salads and sandwiches... the Hippie Chick and Grilled Cheese, both were excellent. I don’t typically order a grilled cheese sandwich, but this one was described so deliciously on the menu that I couldn’t resist. And it really was absolutely delicious. The accompanying salads were very nice as well. Service was excellent, our waiter was patient and informative. I would love to go back for dinner soon.

Very Ghent modern-American bistro, complete with refurbished old house atmosphere, dim lighting, and barely there seating accomodations.