Restaurants
Thyme On The River
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Thyme On The River

About Thyme On The River

Welcome to Thyme On The River, a trusted Restaurant in Portsmouth, VA, known for great food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. With a 3.60 rating from 414 reviews, we’re proud to offer Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great wine list, Live music, Serves local specialty for every guest.

★★★★☆ 3.60 rating (414 reviews)
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Guest Reviews
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Independent Reviews
Thyme On The River interior
Est. Local Favorite

A Taste of Tradition

Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.

Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

  • Fresh Daily Specials
  • Private Dining Available
  • Catering Services
  • Takeout & Delivery

Guest Reviews

Hear from our valued guests

Desmond Rapach

Desmond Rapach

2 years ago

I enjoyed the food and the experience. There weren't many other people when we went (220pm,) so it made for the feel of a private lunch date on the waterfront. We had the jerk chicken egg rolls, crab cake sliders, and a shrimp Po Boy both entrees with side of yams. The food was good and the hostess/waitress was pleasant. I would go back.

Lisa J

Lisa J

4 weeks ago

We had a reservation and arrived 45 minutes early. We received a warm welcome a the door, and they were able to accommodate us (7)! Great atmosphere and dining location! The food was delicious with great service! I will return!

Gregory Platt

Gregory Platt

month ago

First time dining here, the service was outstanding, shout-out to The Queen. The food was authentic and great. The Oxtails were bomb! The Cat fish was prepared to perfection. You can't go wrong with any of the sides.

E. N. Turner

E. N. Turner

2 months ago

I have been to this place several times. The food is always spectacular and the customer service is awesome. They really care about the customers. My waitress today was Sunny, she was friendly and attentive. She was also the bartender and the drink was awesome. So much so, I HAD to order another one. One of the owners always comes out and introduces himself. That, in my opinion, is one of the reasons why I keep coming back. If you haven't already, please please please go visit. You will not be disappointed.

Mike Whitaker

Mike Whitaker

8 months ago

My wife and I recently had a date day at Thyme On The River, and it was absolutely fantastic! The location is perfect, with a parking garage conveniently close by. Our server, Zoe, greeted us with a warm smile and was incredibly helpful in answering our questions about the menu. Her service was exceptional and added to our great experience. The food was outstanding. My wife ordered the gumbo, which she highly recommends. It was extremely flavorful and had just the right amount of spice. I had the jerk chicken with sides, and it was cooked to perfection with amazing flavor. The ambiance is perfect for a date day or any special event. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. This place is a must-visit!

kimberly deaton

kimberly deaton

year ago

I was on the fence about trying this restaurant, but boy am I glad I did! The crab cakes were my absolute fave, and the vibe, food, and service were top notch . The owner, Malik, was really friendly and came over to chat, sharing some cool history about Thyme On The River being the first black-owned restaurant on the Elizabeth river in Portsmouth. 10/10 I definitely recommend!

Michael Naab

Michael Naab

year ago

We had the jerk Chichen wings and jerk chicken egg roll and jerk chicken with rice and beans and Mac and cheese and Chichen sausage crab and shrimp gumbo. Everything was pretty good, and the wings were 6$ for 6. The wings were crispy and sauced up. The egg roll was crunchy with a spicy mustard dip. The main course chicken pulled off the bone and was juicy and spiced up nicely, and the gumbo was so good I should've gotten that as my main dish. Would come back for the wings and gumbo

Melissa Stewart

Melissa Stewart

6 months ago

I don’t say this lightly—this was hands down the best cabbage, mac and cheese, and catfish I have ever had. The cabbage tasted like it was kissed by angels—perfectly seasoned, tender, and full of soul. The mac and cheese was rich, creamy, and comforting in that “somebody’s grandma loves you” kind of way. And the catfish? Perfectly battered and fried—crispy on the outside, flaky and seasoned just right on the inside. Not greasy, not heavy… just flawless. Every bite felt intentional and made with care. This is the kind of food that makes you close your eyes for a second and just appreciate life. I will absolutely be back, and I’ll be bringing people with me. If you’re on the fence—don’t be. Go hungry. 💛 ignore the missing bites. I couldn't wait to dig in.

L3gendary Art

L3gendary Art

4 months ago

First off…the customer service is the first thing that made an impression. Tammy was extremely nice and hospitable from the moment we walked in. She greeted my table and welcomed us in. The drinks were flowing and the food amazing. The seasoning was noticeable and welcomed. The gumbo had fresh shrimp with Chuck’s of chicken. It’s more on the watery side but the flavor is loud in every bite. It also had a nice kick to it as well. I had the cabbage and the curry notes really put it over the top. The Mac and cheese also got high reviews from our table. They also helped us accommodate a baby. Overall from the music, vibes, customer service and food…this place is a keep in my book. Keep doing great work!

Dell V.

Dell V.

2 weeks ago

One of our favorite spots to eat in Portsmouth 😋. Things we ordered: ->Pear and Potion Martini = Delicious 🍸 ->Salmon Bites=Were ok ->Lamp chops= Tasty ->Rice and Peas=Yummy 🍚 ->Caesar Salad= Very good🥗 ->Honey Jerk wings stole the show. 🍗 ❤️ (Not pictured, but delicious.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Thyme On The River

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

From the business

  • Identifies as Black-owned

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • On-site services
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great wine list
  • Live music
  • Serves local specialty

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy-hour drinks
  • Small plates
  • Spirits
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar on site
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upmarket

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking garage
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
  • Plenty of parking

Visit Us

We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!

Location

1 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, United States

Reservations

+1 347-570-1010

Hours

Closed · Sunday 11 AM-9 PM
Sunday 11 AM-9 PM
Monday 11 AM-9:30 PM
Tuesday 11 AM-9:30 PM
Wednesday 11 AM-9:30 PM
Thursday 11 AM-10 PM
Friday 11 AM-11 PM
Saturday 11 AM-11 PM
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