25 BEST Restaurants in Virginia Beach (Fresh and Flavorful Food!)

Virginia Beach is a city on the eastern coast of Virginia, located about 20 miles south of Norfolk and approximately 100 miles southeast of Washington, D.C.

If you're looking for a delicious meal in Virginia Beach, you'll have no trouble finding a great restaurant. Whether you're in the mood for Italian food, seafood, or something more unique and eclectic, Virginia Beach has restaurants to suit your palate. The Chesapeake Bay supplies fresh crab and seafood that the city is known for.

Each restaurant on this list offers its signature selections using quality ingredients. In addition, world-class chefs prepare fresh farm-to-table dishes and support local farmers.

Virginia Beach has a lot to offer when it comes to food, and this article will help you decide where to eat the next time you’re in the area.

Keep reading for the 25 best restaurants in Virginia Beach.

1. Becca Restaurant & Garden

Address: 4200 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451| Phone number: (757)965-9899

The Becca Restaurant & Garden is a garden-to-table restaurant that overlooks the sand at the Historic Cavalier Hotel at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

The name Becca is short for Rebecca, and it was a nod to the Cavalier's original signature restaurant called Pocahontas.

Becca serves food and drinks that are always fresh and bursting with flavor. Our menu changes with the seasons to make sure that we're still utilizing local produce and fresh seafood.

Becca restaurant has delicious brunch on Sundays. It is popular, so reservations are necessary. They always have a special of the day, and maybe even burgers on Mondays.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Cavalier Benedict
• Cuisine: New American, Breakfast & Brunch

2. Bay Local

Address:  972 Laskin Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23451  | Phone number: (757) 962-0044

Bay Local is a local establishment known for their “Bennies” or various versions of eggs benedict. The food speaks for itself!

All of their produce, meat, and fish is locally sourced and supports local fishermen. One of their popular items is the Bay Local fried oysters with signature Rockefeller mix.

Other popular menu selections include their Crab Cake Bennie and Oyster Rock Burger. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed.

You won't need a reservation at Bay Local, and there's always something going on. It's a great place to socialize with friends over drinks.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Bay Local Oyster Benedict
• Cuisine: Traditional American

Related Read: 30 Top Treehouse Rentals in Virginia

3. 1608 Crafthouse

Address:  1608 Pleasure House Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 | Phone number: (757) 965-4510

1608 Crafthouse has seasonal, sustainable ingredients from the Chesapeake Bay or Mid-Atlantic region.

The owner Kevin Sharkey has decades of experience as a talented chef and is dedicated to serving quality food at an affordable rate. He’s won numerous awards.

The brewery has a large selection of beers from around the world, specializing in local and regional products. They also offer an extensive range of whiskey, bourbons, and beverages.

The restaurant offers entrees, burgers, appetizers, soups, and salads at a competitive price.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Bacon Cheeseburger
• Cuisine: Gastropub, Burgers

4. Blue Seafood & Spirits

Address: 2181 Upton Dr #420, Virginia Beach, VA 23454  | Phone number: (757) 689-5395

Established in 2013, Blue Seafood & Spirits is a chef-owned restaurant that features fresh seafood in a casual setting.

Conveniently located just minutes from the Ocean Front resort area, they offer a variety of wines, local beers, and their own signature cocktails.

The seafood dishes, crab cakes, and bread pudding are the best in town! In addition, blue Seafood & Spirits has won several awards for dishes and cocktails.

They specialize in crab cakes, tempura fried shrimp, and seafood dishes sourced locally to deliver the freshest seafood. So it's no wonder they have 5 stars on Yelp!

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Crab Cakes
• Cuisine: Seafood

Related Read: 20 Romantic Cabin Getaways in Virginia

5. Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Address: 415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451| Phone number: (757) 428-3644

Waterman's was founded over 50 years ago and has been family-owned the whole time.

The business has undergone a lot of changes in that time, but they've always been known to serve good food.

Waterman's Surfside Grille strives to purchase and serve sustainable seafood. They buy from local fishermen to support the local economy. 

From fresh salads to hearty entrées, there is something for everyone on the menu. Some of the favorite items include the surfside fish tacos and she-crab soup.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Local Lump Crab Cakes
• Cuisine: Seafood, Traditional American

6. The Porch on Long Creek

Address: 2109 W Great Neck Rd #102, Virginia Beach, VA 23454| Phone number: (757) 496-4350

The Porch on Long Creek restaurant is on the banks of the Lynnhaven River. Southerners know that building community and friendships often begin with visits on the porch.

The Porch on Long Creek has an open-air porch and a spacious dining room. You can unwind by the wrap-around deck, overlooking the water and enjoying your favorite wine.

From appetizers and sushi rolls to traditional dishes, this place will satisfy everyone's taste buds. The Porch on Long Creek offers waterfront views with southern-coastal cuisine.

Seafood selections include seared scallops with applewood smoked bacon and Cajun bourbon shrimp. They also have a variety of craft cocktails to choose from.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Cali-Virginia Roll
• Cuisine: Seafood, Traditional American, Sushi

7. Steinhilber's Restaurant

Address: 653 Thalia Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452| Phone number: (757) 340-1156

Steinhilber's Thalia Acres Inn is a family-owned and operated restaurant, opened in 1939 by Robert Steinhilber. Today, his daughter Jeanne and grandson Brady continue to uphold the tradition.

They're proud to provide traditional steakhouse fare and are also excited to embrace new trends to make every meal special. You can experience a taste of tradition while they explore new ideas.

The Steinhilber offers water views, as well as a superb selection of seafood, steak, chicken, and desserts.

They offer the finest sourced seafood, steaks, and other fresh, seasonal ingredients, as well as an extensive wine selection to complete your fine dining experience.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Prime Rib
• Cuisine: Steakhouse

Related Read: 12 Best Hiking Trails in Virginia Beach

8. Koco Korean Fried Chicken & Croffles

Address: 4224 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452| Phone number: (757) 321-2100

You might not find very much information on Koco’s online, but it’s the best place in Virginia Beach to get pancit, lumpia, and their specialty, Korean fried chicken.

Croffles are a combination of croissant and waffle, and they give a new spin on the chicken and waffle dish. They're popular in South Korean desserts.

You can also get a few other popular desserts made from halo halo and ube. Try the horchata ube cold brew with churro sweet croffles!

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Garlic Fried Chicken
• Cuisine: Korean, Asian Fusion

9. Repeal Bourbons and Burgers

Address: 202 22nd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451| Phone number: (757) 321-8885

Repeal Bourbons and Burgers is an old-fashioned speakeasy that is said to offer the ultimate bourbon and burger experience.

They offer burgers made with locally sourced ingredients in a place where you can take in the vast selection of whiskeys.

Repeal has won awards for serving locally farmed mushrooms, free-range eggs, and fresh herbs and vegetables.

They also serve up house-made Korean kimchi, pickles, bourbon sauces, and 100% grass-fed beef in their hand-crafted burgers.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Fire and Brimstone
• Cuisine: Burgers, Cocktail Bar

Related Read: 19 Best East Coast Beaches For Families

10. Hearth Wood Fired Cuisine & Craft Beer

Address: 605 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451| Phone number: (757) 962-0662

Once a food truck, Hearth Wood Fired Cuisine & Craft Beer is a restaurant that offers New American cuisine with a Southern influence.

They’re conveniently located just a few blocks off of the Oceanfront on Virginia Beach Boulevard.

Hearth offers wood-fired selections cooked to perfection. Try their homemade pizza with all the toppings you could want.

They also have steak served with sides like wood-fired carrots and hand-cut fries. Check out their extensive cocktail menu and craft beer selections.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Wood Fired Deviled Oysters
• Cuisine: New American, Cocktail & Beer Bar

11. The Bunker Brewpub

Address:  211 21st St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 | Phone number: (757) 227-4250

The original Young Veterans Brewery was founded by Neil McCanon and Thomas Wilder in 2013. Later they were joined by friend Chris Holyfield.

The three created quality craft beer that the area had never seen before. The Bunker Brewpub was born out their vision.

They now have a made-from-scratch kitchen that crafts Southern Coastal dishes from the highest quality locally sourced ingredients.

Dishes include seafood pasta, burgers, and of course, their famous pan-seared crab cakes. They also experiment with new brews in their small-batch brewery.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Pan-Seared Crabcakes
• Cuisine: New American, Breweries

12. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant

Address: 1956 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454| Phone number: (757) 428-3494

Captain George's Seafood was a wonderful restaurant where people have lined up to enjoy the buffet since the late 1970s.

You will find over 70 items on their seafood buffet. They serve snow crab legs and fresh shrimp daily on the buffet.

Captain George’s has a wide variety of seafood and other delicacies. The buffet is all-you-can-eat, so bring the whole family for an upscale dining experience.

They also offer pork barbeque ribs, chicken, sirloin, and macaroni and cheese. You can find a complete list of buffet items on their website.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Alaskan Snow Crab Legs
• Cuisine: Seafood Buffet

13. Yard House

Address: 4549 Commerce St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462| Phone number: (757) 490-9273

Yard House is a great place for craft beer and innovative cuisine from a scratch kitchen. They’re located at 4549 Commerce Street.

Yard House was established in 1996 and was influential in the local craft beer industry. They were one of the first restaurants to offer over 100 beers on tap.

At any given time, Yard House has over 3,000 gallons of beer flowing from their keg room. They also have plenty of imports on tap.

Yard House has an internationally influenced menu that has something for everyone, including vegetarian options.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Poke Nachos
• Cuisine: New American, Vegetarian

14. Jessy's Taqueria

Address: 1021 Virginia Beach Blvd #104, Virginia Beach, VA 23451| Phone number: (757) 531-0033

Jessy’s Taqueria started as a small deli in the back of Tienda Jessy's. By January of 2007, the grocery store moved to an adjacent building, and the deli turned into a taqueria.

Now Jessy’s has grown to include a bakery, butcher, and the taqueria. They have traditional Mexican meats like chorizo, carnitas, lengua, and tripas.

They also have a wide selection of tacos from asada to barbacoa. Their gorditas are the real deal, and they make mole poblano from scratch.

Jessy’s also has traditional Mexican dishes like fajitas with rice and beans, homemade tamales, and all of your favorites from south of the border.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Beef Tacos
• Cuisine: Mexican

15. Hair of the Dog Eatery

Address: 4000 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 | Phone number: (757) 321-2200

Hair of the Dog is excited to bring something new and fresh to the avid drinkers of Virginia Beach with a recent expansion to Norfolk near the ODU area.

They offer an eclectic modern spin on Southern breakfast and comfort foods, as well as creative spins on traditional cocktails, like Bloody Marys and Mimosas.

Serving up satisfying comfort food with craft beers, Hair of the Dog uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients and made-from-scratch.

Their Hair of the Dog Burger is made from 100% Hereford beef with all the fixins on a waffle bun. You can’t beat it!

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Hair of the Dog Burger
• Cuisine: Traditional American

16. The Atlantic

Address: 3004 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451| Phone number: (757) 422-2122

The Atlantic is a seafood restaurant with many seafoods on the menu. They support and showcase local fishermen, crabbers, oystermen, and farmers.

They offer seafood from the east coast, west coast, and beyond. For their raw menus, they only use fresh local shrimp and oysters.

The wine list has been hand-selected to perfectly pair with the menu entrees. With 15 different wines by the glass, you will find your perfect drink here.

Along with seafood and a cocktail menu, the Atlantic has a non-seafood option for everyone. Their Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich features their signature house hot sauce.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Lobster Mac
• Cuisine: Seafood

17. Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant

Address: 733 Lynnhaven Mall Loop, Virginia Beach, VA 23452| Phone number: (757) 213-7777

Since 2005, Cooper's Hawk has received 500 awards from local, national, and international competitions for their wines.

The winery sources fruit from multiple vineyards to get a wide range of high-quality wines. They work with grape growers to find the best fruit.

Cooper’s Hawk also offers a wine club, where you can attend tastings and try their wine of the month.

The menu changes regularly, with chef-recommended meals perfectly paired with wines available. Dishes like lobster ravioli and shrimp with scallops are some of the favorite selections.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Crab & Lobster Bisque paired with Cooper's Hawk Lux Chardonnay
• Cuisine: New American, Wine Bar

18. Commune

Address: 501 Virginia Beach Blvd suite b, Virginia Beach, VA 23451| Phone number: (757) 963-8985

Commune was established in 2015 and located on Virginia Beach Boulevard. The owners established the restaurant after their years of experience in organic farming.

Their work in sustainable agriculture inspired a menu of fresh produce and high-quality organic meats and cheese.

All ingredients are sourced from fresh local farmers. Commune makes their menu daily based on what local producers can provide.

Sourdough bread and croissants are made in-house, so if you’re looking for a homemade breakfast sandwich, this is the place.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Fried Chicken and Cornmeal Waffles
• Cuisine: New American

19. Judy's Sichuan Cuisine

Address: 328 Constitution Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 | Phone number: (757) 499-2815

After working at a Chinese restaurant for over 10 years, Judy introduced Sichuan cuisine to Virginia Beach in 2012.

Judy’s passion for serving customers shows in the care she puts into her dishes. From spicy wontons to soup dumplings, Judy's Sichuan Cuisine is the place for authentic Chinese cuisine.

Szechuan cuisine has bold flavors, such as pungency from the liberal use of garlic and chili peppers.

Authentic Szechuan food is not too spicy and full of flavor. Among the popular offerings are wontons in chili oil sauce, scallion pancakes, and potstickers.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$$$
• Specialty Dish: Soup Dumplings
• Cuisine: Szechuan

20. Shaking Crab

Address: 1255 Fordham Dr #120, Virginia Beach, VA 23464| Phone number: (757) 321-8778

The Shaking Crab was founded in 2016. Jason Zheng is the manager at Shaking Crab. He and his team welcome you to come in and enjoy their high-quality New Orleans-style seafood.

 Guests select their favorite seafood dishes and customize the spice level according to their taste. Available spices and sauces are Cajun, Garlic Butter, Lemon Pepper, and Shaking Sauce.

You can mix and match whatever you want in their seafood boiler bag. Menu options allow you to customize your meal by selecting different entrees and spices.

Try the Cajun fried chicken wings! You won’t find them anywhere else. Sides include traditional steam pot additions like potatoes and corn on the cob.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Crab Leg Bag
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole, Seafood

21. Il Giardino Ristorante

Address: 910 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451  | Phone number: (757) 422-6464

Il Giardino Ristorante was established by founder Tony Gargiulo after he was inspired by a trip to Italy in 1983.

With a wood-burning oven as the centerpiece, the restaurant prepares fresh pizza and pasta in a variety of flavors. The elegant atmosphere is complimented by a piano bar and lounge.

Chefs make all of the sauces from scratch, in addition to chicken, pasta, bread, and pizza. Guests indulge in generous portions of pasta, veal, seafood, chicken, and steak.

The dessert options are also traditional Italian favorites like chocolate cake, ice cream, and New York style Cheesecake.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish: Vitello Il Giardino
• Cuisine: Italian

22. Orion’s Roof

Address: 4201 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451| Phone number: (757) 937-4222

Enjoy picturesque views from the roof of the Oceanfront Marriott at Orion’s Roof restaurant as you dine under the open sky.

At Orion’s Roof, you have a chance to experience refined Asian-fusion cuisine. Additionally, this rooftop venue features handcrafted cocktails and million dollar views of Virginia Beach.

Dishes like Shrimp Udon and Orion’s Chicken Pad Thai come highly recommended. They also have a late night menu for the night owls.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
• Cost: $$$
• Specialty Dish:  Orion’s Chicken Pad Thai
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Sushi Bar

23. TASTE

Address: 4097 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455| Phone number: (757) 464-1566

TASTER, formerly Taste Unlimited, located in Virginia Beach, has been serving upscale food for over 45 years.

With the opening of their first location in Virginia Beach, Peter Coe set out to invigorate the Coastal Virginia palate.

There are five locations all over the area, with each having a unique specialty market and cafe. At any TASTE location, you will find specialty food from scratch with wines & craft beer.

The restaurant only uses locally sourced ingredients to make made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and soups.

They offer deli-style cuisines like salads, sandwiches, and soups. They also sell products that can be made or bought in-store such as wine, prepared foods, cheeses, and chocolates.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Beach Club
• Cuisine: Sandwiches

24. Doc Taylors

Address: 207 23rd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451| Phone number: (757) 425-1960

Doc Taylor's was a pink motel at one time. Doc Taylor's has a rich history with the founder, Doctor Taylor, who first set up practice in the same building as the present-day restaurant.

Doc Taylor's bar was already known for its Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and comfort food. They serve breakfast and lunch at affordable prices.

Doc Taylor's is open all year round, and you can order breakfast, lunch, or dinner at any time. Some popular dishes are the catfish po-boy and left-side entrees.

The Spencer Edmonds All American Burger is a popular choice for the lunch crowd. And for breakfast, you can’t beat their omelets.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $
• Specialty Dish: Doc Taylor's Southwestern Omelette
• Cuisine: Burgers, Breakfast

25. Tautog's Restaurant

Address: 205 23rd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451| Phone number: (757) 275-8523

Tautog's Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with quality seafood in an inviting coastal area setting. Their location provides plenty of scenic views to enjoy.

Tautog's sources local ingredients with a focus on quality, consistency, and timely delivery to ensure your meal is fresh and delicious.

Not only do they have high-quality seafood, but they also value employees and customers alike. Tautog's values excellence and provides a healthy, supportive culture. That really shows in their food.

• Yelp Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Cost: $$
• Specialty Dish: Wesley's World-Famous Crab Cakes
• Cuisine: Seafood, Sandwiches