As a foodie and a fervent explorer of diverse cuisines, I’ve taken it upon myself to embark on a culinary voyage through the beautiful city of Virginia Beach, Virginia. And let me tell you, there is a smorgasbord of mouthwatering food establishments that will leave your taste buds captivated and your belly satisfied. From fresh-off-the-boat seafood to authentic Asian culinary gems, this beach front city is undoubtedly a culinary paradise.
Virginia Beach is not just famed for its picturesque sandy beaches and alluring waterfront views. It goes beyond the stunning vistas to offer an impressive culinary scene filled with a gastronomic array of foods. The city draws in food lovers, like bees to honey, with its incredible mix of local eateries and established restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines to suit every palate.
So, if you find yourself in this coastal city, don’t just settle for the first dining establishment you come across. Virginia Beach is a treasure trove of delicacies, each more appetizing than the last. The options are diverse and abundant, it’s like exploring the vast universe of gastronomy in just one city! I am here to guide you through some of the best places to eat in Virginia Beach – a fusion of flavors that are as vibrant and exciting as the city itself.
Most Popular Restaurants in Virginia Beach
Starting the list with a bang is the renowned Steinhilber’s Restaurant. Established in 1939, this family-owned restaurant is an absolute Virginia Beach classic. Nestled at 653 Thalia Road, Steinhilber’s holds a reputation for serving extraordinary seafood and steaks in a refined yet cozy setting. This iconic eatery’s enduring fame rests on its world-famous Fried Shrimp recipe, unchanged since 1939, that has both locals and tourists flocking for a taste.
Next up, we journey to 205 23rd Street where you will find an impressive culinary destination, Il Giardino Ristorante. With its enticing Italian cuisine, wood-fired pizzas and extensive wine list, this restaurant will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Not to forget the ambiance, which features a beautiful indoor setting complete with a piano bar and an outdoor patio for those enchanted summer evenings.
Shifting terrains to Japanese cuisine, we have the Yukai Sushi Seafood and Steakhouse. Located at 1952 Laskin Road, this spot is a standout for sushi lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike. The restaurant’s stylish, contemporary vibe pairs nicely with its innovative menu. It’s the spot to enjoy teppanyaki-style cooking right at your table or indulge in beautifully presented sushi rolls.
Gastronomy gets a Southern twist at The Bee & The Biscuit. This charming restaurant is situated in a beautifully renovated 1919 cottage at 1785 Princess Anne Road. You’ll be treated to delectable, made-from-scratch biscuits, eggs, bacon, and other breakfast staples. It’s a favorite spot among locals for its homey vibe, top-notch service, and enticing all-day breakfast menu.
Lastly, we land on 1628 Independence Boulevard, home to Aldo’s Ristorante. This Italian gem is known for its upscale, creative Italian fare infused with local seafood, paired with extensive wine choices in a classy setting. An expansive dessert menu featuring homemade Gelato simply adds to the charm of Aldo’s.
It’s safe to say, a trip to Virginia Beach isn’t complete without exploring the local culinary scene. These popular restaurants each offer a unique dining experience that is bound to satisfy your cravings.
Most Unique Restaurants in Virginia Beach
If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience then, Becca at 4200 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, is the place to be. Nestled within the historic Cavalier Hotel, Becca epitomizes luxury dining. The restaurant’s menu features locally sourced ingredients that are crafted into a beautiful medley of flavors by their executive chef. Becca also offers a garden-to-table experience featuring handpicked ingredients from their on-site herb and vegetable garden. The ambience is nothing less than sublime and the patio seating option ensures you can soak in the beauty of Virginia Beach while enjoying a sumptuous meal.
When you think of a dining experience that’s out of this world, Catch 31 at 3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, is the place. This oceanfront restaurant not only serves up divine seafood but also offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. With its glass walls and outdoor terraces, there’s really no bad seat in the house. The menu highlights the freshest, local seafood and changes daily based on what’s in season. The atmosphere is relaxed yet chic, making it the perfect spot for a family dinner or a romantic date.
Looking for an exotic culinary adventure? Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Mojito Cafe, located at 300 28th St #101, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. This cozy spot offers a fusion of Latin and Puerto Rican cuisine that’ll transport your tastebuds to the tropical islands. From paella to empanadas, every dish is a burst of flavor. The cafe also offers signature mojitos that perfectly complement their spicy dishes. The colorful, lively decor mimics the food – full of energy, flavor, and fun.
Don’t miss out on Commune in Virginia Beach at 501 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, if you’re looking for a wholesome food experience. This eco-centric restaurant sources all its ingredients from local farmers and artisan producers. Everything served is seasonal and made completely from scratch, including the vinegar and bread. From sandwiches and salads to delicious crepes, the menu at Commune is a testament to their commitment to sustainable dining. The restaurant’s simple rustic decor reflects their philosophy and adds a warm, welcoming charm to your dining experience.
A hidden gem that’s worth the hunt is Blue Pete’s Restaurant at 1400 N Muddy Creek Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Located in the scenic Pungo area of Virginia Beach, this family-owned eatery offers scrumptious seafood dishes in a cozy and friendly environment. With views of the Tabernacle Creek, dining at Blue Pete’s is a serene experience. Their menu boasts a variety of seafood options, from classics like crab cakes and shrimp to unique offerings like eel.
Best Casual Restaurants in Virginia Beach
If you find yourself in Virginia Beach craving for a warm, casual dining experience, a visit to Leaping Lizard Café is highly recommended. Nestled at 4408 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, this quaint and rustic café is well known for its farm-to-table menu. As you step into their verdant outdoor seating area, you’ll be immediately captivated by the expansive vegetable garden that provides fresh ingredients for their daily specials.
Besides the regular menu fare, Leaping Lizard features a daily specials board that includes salads, sandwiches, and homemade soups made from fresh, local produce. The café is most famous for its home-baked bread, fried chicken served with fresh fruit, and unique combinations like the fig and prosciutto sandwich. The vibe is warm and inviting, making the Leaping Lizard Cafe the perfect place for a laid-back lunch.
For those looking for beachfront casual dining, be sure to check out Waterman’s Surfside Grille situated at 415 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. This family-owned restaurant offers stunning ocean views and an impressive menu featuring seafood dishes inspired by the seaside.
Their signature dish, the ‘Original’ Waterman’s Crab Dip, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The Fresh Catch Grill and the Orange Crush – a fresh-squeezed cocktail, are other crowd favorites. With its casual beachside environment, Waterman’s Surfside Grille adds a touch of serenity to your dining experience.
To experience a true Southern comfort food, pay a visit to Mannino’s Italian Bistro. Located at 4402 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, this family-owned and operated restaurant serves some of the best Italian cuisine in the area.
Their menu offers a delightful array of pasta, seafood, steaks, and pizzas. Besides the al la carte menu, they also offer chef’s specials with a three-course option. Their award-winning She Crab Soup and tiramisu are worth trying. A meal at Mannino’s Italian Bistro certainly comes with a touch of love, making it a perfect option for a casual family dinner outing.
Come and savor the diverse, laid-back dining scene of Virginia Beach at these casual restaurants. Each one offers a unique mix of ambiance, flavors, and a true taste of the community’s vibrant culinary culture.
Best Family Restaurants in Virginia Beach
If you’re in search of an exquisite dining experience that caters to the whole family in Virginia Beach, Virginia, look no further. Here are some brilliant recommendations to satisfy your gastronomic cravings, offering an array of eclectic menus that the entire family will love.
Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant at 1956 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, is a seafood lover’s paradise. The sprawling buffet is packed with seafood delicacies from succulent crab legs to perfectly fried shrimp and fresh oysters. A bonus is the kid-friendly menu featuring chicken tenders, mac & cheese, and more. The spacious, nautically-themed dining room provides a lively atmosphere for family dining.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille located at 415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, offers a stunning oceanfront view and exceptional food. Known for their famous “Orange Crush” cocktail and a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, and more, it’s a hit with both adults and kids. Their children’s menu includes a free scoop of ice cream, instantly making it a favorite among the young ones.
A little off the beaten path, but absolutely worth the journey, is Margaritaville. Located at 5601 Commerce St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, this vibrant, tropical-themed eatery serves a variety of American and island-inspired cuisine. Kids will love the volcano nachos and the parents will appreciate the cooling, adult beverages. With a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a great place for families to relax and enjoy a meal together.
For family-style Italian cuisine, head over to Aldo’s Ristorante, located at 1860 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. Here you’ll find a vast menu with options to satisfy every palate – from traditional pastas and award-winning pizzas to innovative specials. The inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for family gatherings.
With its friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious food, these family restaurants in Virginia Beach provide a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you prefer seafood, Italian, or a juicy steak, these places have got you covered. So the next time you’re in Virginia Beach, be sure to check out these delightful eateries that promise to be a hit with the entire family!
Best Takeout Food in Virginia Beach
When it comes to satisfying your cravings, few places cater to food enthusiasts in Virginia Beach as Waterman’s Surfside Grille. Situated right at 415 Atlantic Avenue, this restaurant offers a unique blend of seafood, steak, and pasta dishes that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
Arguably, one of their standout dishes is the Chesapeake Bay lump crab cakes. These delicious cakes are chock-full of fresh crab meat, subtly seasoned to bring out the seafood’s natural flavors. They’re served with an exquisite sweet corn relish and a homemade remoulade sauce, giving you a taste of the beach with every bite. For meat lovers, Waterman’s Surfside Grille also offers a succulent Grilled Flat Iron Steak, perfectly seared and served with mushrooms, onions, potatoes, and a rich red wine sauce.
Driving a little further to 3420 Atlantic Avenue, you’ll find Pocahontas Pancake House. A well-loved breakfast spot by locals and tourists alike, this place is noted for its extensive menu that includes more than just fantastic pancakes. Their takeout options range from classic American favorites like bacon and eggs to delightful variations on pancakes and waffles. One recommended takeout order is their Banana Nut Pancakes, light and fluffy, topped with fresh bananas and crunchy pecans. It’s a meal guaranteed to start your morning right.
If you’re craving for fresh sushi, 1860 Laskin Road houses Kyushu Seafood & Steakhouse. As an authentic Japanese restaurant, it prides itself on the freshness and quality of its ingredients. Its broad menu includes sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, and hibachi. Kyushu’s Rainbow Roll, a culinary art piece made of crab, cucumber, and assortment of fresh fish, is absolutely worth the try. The restaurant also offers bento boxes, perfect for a takeout lunch or dinner.
Lastly, your Virginia Beach takeout list wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Steverino’s Italian Eatery & Pizzeria, located right at 2645 Dean Drive. Here, you can get the best pizza in town, made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Their Greek Pizza, loaded with feta cheese, black olives, fresh tomatoes, and their special gyro meat, is a big hit. Aside from pizza, their menu also includes a variety of subs, pastas, and salads.
Virginia Beach is a food lover’s haven, brimming with a diverse array of dining options. Whether you’re craving for seafood, breakfast classics, Japanese delicacies, or Italian favorites, the city’s takeout options won’t disappoint.
What Foods is Virginia Beach Known For?
When you step into the sunny shores of Virginia Beach, Virginia, your taste buds are in for a delightful surprise. The food scene here, with its delectable array of cuisines, is a gastronomic adventure worth exploring. Let’s delve into some of the iconic foods that have made Virginia Beach a foodie’s paradise.
First and foremost, it’s impossible to miss out on the city’s seafood bounty, notably the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs. The crabs, sourced locally, are renowned for their incredibly flavorful and sweet meat. A culinary institution that’s famed for these crustaceans is Waterman’s Surfside Grille. Located at 415 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, this restaurant takes pride in its Famous Orange Crush cocktail and Crab Cakes, which are packed with juicy crab meat and minimal fillers. It’s a simple dish, prepared exquisitely, making every bite a testament to the culinary ethos of Virginia Beach.
Aside from seafood, Virginia Beach is also popular for its peanuts. Virginia Peanuts are renowned for their large size, crunchy texture, and rich, buttery flavor, often considered the “peanut of peanuts”. If you’re out exploring the city’s peanut offerings, do not miss checking out the wares at Powdery Mills Peanuts, located at 4117 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach. You can enjoy the peanuts boiled, fried, or even transformed into delicious peanut pies and butter.
Another iconic food in Virginia Beach is the famous Virginia Ham, particularly the salt-cured country ham. The ham is fattier, saltier, and denser than typical hams, and it is traditionally sliced thin and served with biscuits or rolls. One of the best places to savor these succulent hams is Beach Bully Barbecue Restaurant, located at 601 19th St, Virginia Beach. Their selection of smoked and barbecued meats, especially the Virginia Ham, is phenomenal, offering an authentic taste of Virginia cuisine.
Another must-try is the delectable She-Crab Soup. This creamy bisque, perfected over centuries, is a delightful blend of blue crab meat, crab roe, and a dash of sherry. It’s creamy, rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Mannino’s Italian Bistro at 4402 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, serves an award-winning She-Crab Soup, which is lauded as one of the best in the city.
Let us not forget about the Eastern Shore Oysters. Whether you like them raw, roasted, or fried, Virginia Beach has plenty to offer. Shucking Shack at 2865 Lynnhaven Dr Suite D3, Virginia Beach, is a local favorite for its fresh and delectable oysters and their house-made cocktail sauce.
Virginia Beach’s cuisine paints a vibrant picture of the region’s culinary story, with each dish representing a slice of the city’s culture and history, making it a paradise for every food lover.
Eating Your Way Around Virginia Beach: A Detailed Food Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Seafood & Craft Beer at Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Start your gastronomic adventure at Waterman’s Surfside Grille, located at 415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Known for their fresh seafood and home of the original orange crush, this beach-side eatery provides stunning ocean views, particularly during sunset.
Day 2: Creative Breakfast at Doc Taylor’s
Craving for a unique breakfast experience? Doc Taylor’s is the place to be. Located at 207 23rd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; treat yourself to their famous Ray Ray or Florentine Benedict. The relaxed atmosphere and historic charm of the place provide a perfect setting for the morning meal.
Day 3: Farm to Table Experience at Commune
Walk into a farm to table experience at Commune, which sources all of its ingredients from local farms. They are located at 501 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Do try their homemade pastries and locally brewed coffee for breakfast, or visit later in the day for a fresh salad, soup or sandwich.
Day 4: Authentic Italian at Aldo’s Ristorante
Experience real Italian dining at Aldo’s Ristorante, located at 1860 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. Known for their extensive wine list and house made pastas, it is the perfect place for dinner. Don’t forget to try their famous dessert – Tiramisu.
Day 5: Sweet Treats at Gelati Celesti Ice Cream
End your culinary journey on a sweet note at Gelati Celesti Ice Cream, located at 754 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. They offer over 24 flavors of hand-made, artisanal ice creams that are churned daily. The Just Ask flavor is a crowd favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are some of the popular dining spots in Virginia Beach?
A: Virginia Beach offers a variety of food options for everyone. The famous Terrapin Restaurant serves locally-sourced contemporary American cuisine. The Bee & The Biscuit is a popular choice for Southern comfort food. For seafood lovers, Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant and Waterman’s Surfside Grille offer a fantastic fresh seafood dining experience. If you are after international cuisines, Baladi Mediterranean Cafe and Luna Maya are top spots.
Q2: Which restaurant should I go to for the best seafood in Virginia Beach?
A: Seafood dominates the Virginia Beach dining scene. Exceptional seafood places include Blue Seafood & Spirits, known for its fresh catch and innovative menu, and Tautogs Restaurant, which is loved for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious crab cakes. Captain George’s Seafood VB is a must-visit for buffet style dining.
Q3: Are there any vegan or vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Virginia Beach?
A: Yes, Virginia Beach offers many plant-based dining options. My Vegan Sweet Tooth is a must-try for delicious vegan pastries and desserts. Fruitive is a plant-based restaurant chain offering a variety of vegan options. You can also visit the Quirks or The Green Cat for a range of organic, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Q4: What are some budget-friendly restaurants in Virginia Beach?
A: Many affordable dining options cater to those on a budget. Some favorites include Chick’s Oyster Bar, Taste Unlimited, and Route 58 Deli. These places offer delightful menus without breaking the bank.
Q5: Where can I find the best pizza in Virginia Beach?
A: YNot Italian is a local favorite for its wide variety of pizza options. Dough Boy’s California Pizza and Chicho’s are also top picks for both classic and unique pizza offerings. For something a bit different, try Hearth Wood Fired Cuisine & Craft Beer for their wood-fired pizza.
Q6: What are some good places for brunch in Virginia Beach?
A: Bay Local Eatery offers a wonderful brunch menu, famous for its crab omelette and Bloody Mary. Citrus, which serves breakfast all day, is another local favorite. The Bee & The Biscuit, with its charming cottage setting, is also a popular brunch spot.
Q7: Are there any Michelin-star restaurants in Virginia Beach?
A: While Virginia Beach lacks Michelin-star restaurants, it does have dining establishments that offer exemplary dining experiences. Steinhilber’s Restaurant and Terrapin Restaurant are two such fine dining options. They might not officially have Michelin stars, but they are local favorites for their high-quality meals and superb service.
Q8: Where can I find good barbeque in Virginia Beach?
A: For lovers of barbeque, Whitner’s BBQ is a local favorite known for its hearty pulled pork and chicken. Beach Bully BBQ Restaurant is another great choice for ribs and beef brisket, while Dave’s BBQ provides a wide range of barbeque options and homemade sauces.
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