Â鶹APP

 

20 Best Seafood Restaurants in Virginia Beach

Right where the Atlantic meets the Chesapeake Bay lies the bustling seaside resort city of Virginia Beach. There’s a lot that the city boasts of, including having the longest pleasure beach in the world, grand shopping malls, museums, parks, trendy nightlife, summer concerts, and great weather. The eatery scene is one of the top highlights of Virginia Beach, and seafood restaurants are in plenty. Fresh seafood comes in daily from the rich waters of Virginia, caught by the watermen, and supplied to the docks. Chefs then take it up to curate tantalizing seafood dishes in the kitchen which are then served to the tables.

A visit to Virginia Beach is hardly complete without trying out some oyster or shrimp dishes at one of the many seafood restaurants in the city. The restaurants are lined up on the oceanfront area and spread out in the city’s center, so whether you’re at the beach, or in the mall in town, you can be sure that great seafood is only some blocks away. There’s a variety to choose from, such as family-friendly, moderately priced, upscale, and fine dining, romantic spots, waterfront dining, and different cuisine restaurants. We have compiled the 20 best restaurants in Virginia Beach. Hop in for some seafood whenever you’re in the city and happy seafood dining!

After that, check out the Top 15 best things to do at Virginia Beach.

Best waterfront dining restaurants in Virginia Beach

Along the beach, rivers, and inlets of Virginia Beach, you’ll be sure to find seafood joints, serving up both fresh dishes and fantastic water views. There’s the cool breeze as you sit out on the patios, great views as the sun sets, and a generally relaxed ambiance that waterfront dining brings. If you’re looking for such an experience, check out these restaurants.

Waterman’s Surfside Grill

Located in the oceanfront area, just a mile from the Boardwalk, this family-owned restaurant has some of the best ocean views. It has been in operation since 1981, and to be around for this long, it has to be doing something right. Known for its exclusive orange crush drink, a local’s favorite, be sure to order it after your meal. It has both indoor and outdoor seating. There’s a patio boardwalk bar overlooking the ocean, perfect for a drink with friends at sunset. The food menu is extensive, including fresh seafood, tasty burgers, and sandwiches. It is also vegetarian-friendly.

For an appetizer, order the house favorite, signature she-crab soup. Try the seafood platter with family or a couple of friends, or grab some crab cakes, a popular pick too. There’s crab stuffed flounder, pecan seared tuna, grilled tuna sandwich, and waterman’s seafood pasta, just to mention a few of the popular tasty dishes to order. Finish off with frozen peanut butter pie for dessert, then have some wine or locally crafted beer. Don’t forget the Waterman’s orange crush! Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm. There’s valet parking, and reservations are highly recommended.

Practical information

Address: 415 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-3610

Call: + 1 757 428 3644

Open: Monday to Saturday 11 am to 10 pm

            Sunday 9 am to 10 pm

Reservations:

Big Sam’s Grill & Raw Bar

Situated in a marina, overlooking the Rudee Inlet, Big Sam’s is a local’s favorite and you can hardly go wrong with a local’s pick! It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has been rated as a great spot for family eat-out with a solid 4.5-star rating in online reviews. Rudee inlet is a hub of fishing and water sports, so after some jet skiing on the water, grab some food at Big Sam’s which is right at the south end.

The menu features tasty breakfast choices, seafood, burgers, and sandwiches. Their Grandma’s pancakes have been voted the best pancakes in TideWater. The raw bar offers fresh saltwater oysters served raw or steamed, eastern shore clams, and shrimp. Start with the hot blue crab dip for an appetizer. Try the signature blackened fish tacos with lettuce, charro beans, and pico di Gallo.

If you’re bringing your family for dinner, order Big Sam’s super steamed combo, featuring 12 oysters, clams, shrimp, and fresh steamed broccoli. Cream the experience with an ice-cold glass of their seasonal craft beer selection, orange or pineapple crush. The restaurant does not accept reservations, it’s on a first come first served basis.

Practical information

Address: 300 Winston Salem Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-3637

Call: + 1 757 428 4858

Open: Sunday to Thursday 7 am to 10 pm

            Friday and Saturday 7 am to 12 am

Website:

Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant & Crabhouse

This laid-back restaurant is located on the Lynnhaven River in the Shore Drive area. It is one of the oldest family owned and run restaurants in Virginia Beach. Bubba’s is popular for their award-winning She-crab soup. Its sea-to-table menu offers fresh seafood, burgers, and sandies. The beautiful wooden furniture and décor add to the authentic feel of the restaurant.

Sit on the deck and savor the river views as you munch on your fried shrimp or steamed middle-neck clams. For dessert, try their homemade key lime pie, a popular pick. For drinks, Bubba’s crush, featuring vanilla vodka, strawberry, banana liquor, and sprite, is a local’s favorite. They make a personalized menu for your party after you make reservations for an event!

Practical information

Address: 3323 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Call: + 1 757 481 3513

Open: 12 pm to 12 am Daily

Website:

Best upscale dining seafood restaurants

There’s an array of fine dining spots in this seaside resort city. Some of these specialize in seafood menus, so if you’re looking for a great treat, there are many to pick from.

Zoe’s Steak & Seafood

With an award-winning wine selection, cozy elegant setting, and professionally curated tasty menu of steak and seafood, Zoe’s is easily one of the best upscale dining spots in the city. It has an open-styled kitchen, and a spot at the Chef’s table allows you to enjoy seeing the chefs at work. The soft mood lighting sets the tone for a romantic date night. The restaurant has a maximum seating capacity of 75.

The menu is extensive, including seared sea scallops and shrimp casserole pot pie, Zoe’s Rockefeller, wagyu burger, and beef tartare. Try the original old bay crab mac & cheese. The wine pairing experience by the professional bartenders, headed by renowned sommelier Marc Sauter is probably the top highlight of the dining experience at Zoe’s.

The restaurant held the Wine Spectator Magazine Best of Award of Excellence from 2012 to 2018. It was named in America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants by the Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2019. It serves over 600 wines by bottle and over 40 by glass. A 20% gratuity is included in all checks. Make reservations for a fine dining experience to remember.

Practical information

Address: 713 19^th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-4114

Call: + 1 757 437 3636

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 5 pm to 10 pm

Reservations:

Coastal Grill

Coastal Grill is an award-winning fine-dining seafood restaurant located in the affluent Great Neck corridor. It was established in 1989 and has grown to become a local’s favorite with a 4.5-star rating in reviews. It has been voted the No.1 Restaurant by Hampton Roads Magazine. If you’re looking for a great seafood meal away from the beach, this is a perfect pick.

It is excellent for dinner as it opens at 5 pm. Known for its blackboard specials such as soft shell crabs and tuna dishes, Coastal Grill offers fresh seafood, a cozy, elegant ambiance, and excellent service. Ask for their peppered seared tuna with lemon thyme butter, or grilled salmon with mushroom, tomato, and tarragon butter. Sip it down with craft beer, or some sauvignon blanc from their extensive wine list. They have beer on tap to keep the drinks going. You can book private dining for a special occasion. Make your reservations online.

Practical information

Address: 1440 N Great Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-1317

Call: + 1 757 496 3348

Open: Monday to Thursday 5 pm to 10 pm

            Friday to Saturday 5 pm to 11 pm

            Sunday 5 pm to 9.30 pm

Reservations:

Catch 31 Fish House & Bar

Looking for fine dining at the oceanfront? Catch 31 is located right at the Hilton Virginia Beach oceanfront, serving fresh seafood and scenic views of the Atlantic. It has a 4.5-star rating online, with one of its most positively reviewed features being its iconic location across Neptune’s Park on 31^st Street. It is right off the boardwalk, and from the patio, you can marvel at the impressive 34 feet statue of King Neptune. Catch the live music and performances at night on the street.

They have both indoor and outdoor seating, an exquisite wine list, and dock to table menu specializing in seafood. Order the Catch 31 signature calamari for a starter, then move on to their oven-baked oysters, grilled Angus steak, or truffled lobster mac & cheese. The restaurant sources its ingredients from local docks and farms. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The place gets quite busy especially on weekends so be sure to make reservations in advance.

Besides dining at Catch 31 near Neptune’s Park, here are  the 15 amazing things to do at Virginia Beach Boardwalk. 

Practical information

Address: 3001 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Call: + 1 757

Open: 7.30 am to 10 pm Daily

Reservations:

Best casual dining seafood restaurants

Sometimes you just want to grab a meal in a casual, laid-back setting. Virginia Beach has numerous restaurants offering this, with great, tasty meals nonetheless. Here are some of them for you to check out when you’re around.

Hot Tuna Bar & Grill

Located at Cape Henry Plaza shopping mall, this is your typical neighborhood spot known to locals. It offers tasty seafood in a fantastic, lively bar scene. If you don’t mind a funky bar experience and energetic crowds, then this is the place to go. Perfect for a night out with friends, it is busy and buzzing especially on weekends. Reservations are therefore recommended.

The menu is sea to table, with fish caught just across from the Chesapeake Bay. It features crab soup, calamari, crispy shrimp, and Chesapeake crab dip for starters. Try the blackened shrimp and mushroom risotto, or their tasty craft burgers. It also offers private and semi-private spaces and can accommodate parties of up to 60. Drinks are in plenty, and you can sit by a fire pit table as you sip some beer.

Practical information

Address: 2817 Shore Dr, Cape Henry Plaza, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-1366

Call: + 1 757 481 2888

Open: Sunday to Tuesday 4 pm to 10.30 pm

            Wednesday to Thursday 4 pm to 11 pm

            Friday and Saturday 4 pm to 1 am

Reservations:

Blue Seafood & Spirits

This is a 60-seat restaurant in a casual dinner setting located in Red Mills Shopping Mall. The owners are great supporters of fresh, local ingredients, and the menu is farm-to-table oriented. They are popular for their award-winning crab soup and tasty crab cakes. With a stellar 4.9 star rating in online reviews, it’s a no-brainer that Blue Seafood has earned its clients’ trust in terms of great food, and professional service.

The place has an easy yet elegant feel. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including fried shrimp tempura, salmon, fried eastern shore oysters served with their barrier island sauce, and their signature broiled lump crab cake. They have gluten-free and vegetarian options as well. The kid’s menu includes grilled chicken breast and crab cakes. Top up your experience with their homemade chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Drinks include locally crafted beer on taps, signature cocktails, and wine.

Practical Information

Address: 2181 Upton Dr. Suite 420, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 -1272

Call: + 1 757 689 5395

Open: 4 pm to 9 pm

Reservations:

Tautog’s Restaurant

Tautog’s is located at Winston’s cottage, and the ambiance is as casual and fuzzy as it can get. It is a fantastic pick for a casual dinner date if you’re planning to have seafood, with a solid 4.5-star rating. It is located barely a mile from the boardwalk, right at the Virginia Beach resort area on 23^rd street. They have a parking area. The owner, Bill Gambrell aimed at offering a unique dining experience in a relaxing coastal area setting, and he did just that.

Sit on the porch and order white shrimp flatbread topped with pesto and cheese for an appetizer. The friendly staff offers quick service. Try the oven-roasted oyster with spinach, parmesan, and bacon, then finish off with key lime pie for dessert. The menu features great sandwiches too, such as the crab cake sandwich. They have a bar too with a variety of drinks. Tautog’s is open for a few days in the week, so make reservations beforehand just in case.

Practical information

Address: 205 23^rd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Call: + 1 757 422 0081

Open: Thursday to Sunday 5 pm to 10 pm

Reservations:

Best moderately priced seafood restaurants

There’s no need to worry if you’re on a budget and you still want to experience great seafood in the city. There are several joints with reasonably priced menus to fit your pocket. Here are some.

Rockafeller’s Restaurant

Located at the far end of the Rudee inlet, this family-owned restaurant gives you freshly caught seafood, beautiful water views, and a cool, easy ambiance. The inlet is a hub of fishing and water sports, one of the amazing things to do at Virginia Beach. Grab yourself some grilled BBQ shrimp for lunch after a day out jet skiing.

The menu features its popular jumbo lump crab cakes and oyster Rockefeller, paella-crusted chicken sandwich, shrimp hush puppies, and oysters on the half shell. Curbside pickup is available. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Sit out on the porch and watch the boats set out. Cream it all with their award-winning homemade desserts.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 308 MEDITERRANEAN AVE, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451-4775

CALL: + 1 757 422 5654

OPEN: MONDAY TO THURSDAY 3 PM TO 9 PM

Friday & saturday 12 pm to 10 pm

sunday 11 am to 9 pm

reservations:

Surf Rider

This is a casual, moderately priced seafood joint located in the Cypress Point area. It is a local’s spot for tasty, fresh seafood at fair prices. The menu is extensive, featuring shrimp, scallop baskets, oysters, burgers, and sandwiches. Bring your squad along and order the broiled seafood platter with flounder, shrimp, fried oysters, scallops, and a side dish of your choice. Surf Rider has some of the best crab cakes in town, and they come up top on most requested orders. Quench your thirst with a strawberry mojito, beer, or ready-to-drink canned cocktails. Reservations are recommended.

Practical Information

Address: 928 Diamond Springs Rd Ste 135, Virginia Beach, VA 23455-7112

Call: + 1 757 497 3534

Open: 11 am to 9.30 pm Daily

Website:

Steinhilber’s Thalia Acres Inn

This is the oldest family-owned restaurant in the city, opened in 1939 by Robert Steinhilber. To be around this long, you know they’ve got to be doing it right. They have fantastic fresh seafood options, steaks, homemade desserts, a great wine list, and a full bar. Their kid’s menu has a variety of tasty picks including pasta, shrimp, and fried shrimp. The place is perfect for family dinners, and romantic date nights. Outdoor seating is available, and they have a beautiful garden area. Order the fried seafood platter or paella, and top it up with some chardonnay. Reservations are recommended.

Practical information

Address: 653 Thalia Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452-1850

Call: + 1 757 340 1156

Open: 5 pm to 10 pm Daily

Reservations:

Best seafood restaurants offering different cuisines

Looking for a break from southern fare? Care for some Cajun or creole style, a little bit of

Northern England or some great Asian fusion? Virginia Beach has seafood joints offering a variety of these. Check these out.

Lil Bit Nola Kempsville

New Orleans lovers will like this one. This restaurant offers authentic Cajun and creole cooking, with experienced chefs in this rustic cooking style. It’s a New Orleans-inspired oyster bar and restaurant located in Kempsville shopping mall. Start with the Mardi gras shrimp for an appetizer, then order the Cajun honey salmon, which is roasted salmon drizzled with honey and served with chef’s veggies. The crawfish etouffee is a Cajun favorite as well: crawfish is slowly cooked with a dark roux and served over rice. Finish off with their signature cocktail; ‘Hurricane’, or some draft beer. Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm.

Practical information

Address: 4878 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-4787

Call: + 1 757 524 4600

Open: Monday to Wednesday 3 pm to 9 pm

            Thursday to Sunday 11 am to 10 pm

Reservations:

A Bite of Maine

Opened in 2016, this joint brings a tasty bite of Maine to Virginia Beach. It specializes in Maine-sourced seafood freshly delivered from New England every week. Popular for its house specialty, the Maine lobster rolls, it is already an award-winning restaurant under 5 years of its establishment.

It was named Best Overall Restaurant by the Coastal Virginia Magazine in 2020. It has also been voted by Buzzfeed as one of the Best lobster rolls in America. The menu includes but is not limited to chowders, clams, haddock fish, and of course, their popular Maine lobster rolls. They offer both dine-in and take-out, but be sure to call in advance for your order.

Check out the 15 best new restaurants to try in Virginia Beach.

Practical information

Address: 2865 Lynnhaven Drive Ste, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Call: + 1 757 351 1522

Open: Friday to Saturday 11 am to 7 pm

            Sunday 11 am to 5 pm

Reservations:

Orion’s Roof

It’s all about great seafood, Asian fare, sushi, and fantastic rooftop views. Cream that with signature cocktails and tasty wine, and your dining experience at Orion’s Roof is almost perfect. This is an Asian fusion restaurant located at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. The menu features nigari and sashimi from the sushi bar, seared salmon, shrimp with garlic, udon noodles and sauce, maki sushi rolls, and wagyu beef. 

Reservations are required except for lunch on weekdays. Sitting 183 feet above the Atlantic, it is hard to beat such breathtaking views of the east coastline. The patio offers you panoramic rooftop views, and the ambiance is perfect for romantic dinners. Their handcrafted cocktails are hard to miss, so be sure to sip some before you leave. The menu has vegan options as well, including fresh salads and soups.

Speaking of vegan options, check out the 15 Best vegan restaurants in Virginia Beach

Practical information

Address: 4201 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-2608

Call: + 1 757 937 4222

Open: Sunday to Thursday 11 am to 10 pm

            Friday to Saturday 11 am to 12 am

Reservations:

Best seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach with specialized picks

Lucky Oysters

Whether oysters on the half shell, oyster Rockefellers, fried oyster baskets, or anything oyster, this joint is a great spot to grab some. It has an active bar scene, booths, and tables for large groups, so bringing your friends along for a lucky oyster evening is a perfect fit. The restaurant serves some of the best local and eastern shore oysters. The menu also adds lobster, crab-stuffed shrimp scallops, and fish to the experience. They source local fruits and vegetables from Pungo farms, and the menu offers gluten-free and vegetarian options. Take your friends out and order the seafood broiled platter, then wash it down with some wine. On Wednesday, you get half-priced bottles of wine from 4 pm! Reservations are recommended.

Practical information

Address: 2165 General Booth Blvd Ste 154, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-5898

Call: + 1 757 430 9600

Open: 11 am to 9 pm Daily

Website:

Mahi’s Seafood & Sushi

Situated right on the boardwalk in the Double Tree Resort, Mahi’s is a local spot for tasty handmade sushi, beautiful oceanfront views, and cool evenings with live music. It is lively, with a brightly lit interior, and spacious with a fancy modern feel. It is the oceanfront’s only sushi bar! There are lots of sushi dishes to choose from. Savor some of Mahi’s signature Mahi, sushi & sashimi platter, or salmon sashimi.

Occasionally there’s live music on nights at the 7^th Street stage, and you get to enjoy free entertainment as you sip some chardonnay or Mahi’s crush. Valet parking is available and reservations are recommended. There’s outdoor seating, so you can enjoy some patio dining on a date night.

Practical information

Address: 615 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-3523

Call: + 1 757 437 8030

Open: 7 am to 11 pm Daily

Reservations:

The Atlantic on Pacific

This is an oyster and craft cocktail bar on the oceanfront on Pacific  Avenue. They have a delicately selected wine list to go with their specially curated oyster. Sample the oyster Chesapeake with roasted mushrooms, garlic, and fontine, or roasted oysters with garlic herb butter and spicy chili.

The menu features non-seafood options as well, including baked meatballs with tomato saffron sauce and pork dumplings. Although the joint is mostly known for its specialty in oysters, they have other seafood options too such as glazed salmon, crab cake, and shrimp. The cocktails complement the lively atmosphere with music to top it all. Online orders are available, and there’s valet parking.

Practical information

Address: 3004 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-3027

Call: + 1 757 422-2122

Open: 11 am to 12 am Daily

Reservations:

Captain George’s Seafood VB

Known for their all-you-can-eat buffets, Captain George’s is a fantastic joint to bring your family and friends for a hearty seafood meal. There’s a huge selection of seafood to choose from, including snow crab legs, crawfish, broiled salmon, steamed shrimp, and tuna. Have the buffet with steamed rice or dinner roll for sides. Their crab legs are a popular menu pick, owing to their delicious, savory taste. Although the buffets are self-served, the staff is super helpful. The place is quite spacious and the atmosphere is ever-lively. All desserts are homemade, featuring chocolate, cake, and cookies.

Practical information

Address: 1956 Laskin RD, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-4256

Call: + 1 757 428 3494

Open: Monday to Friday 4 pm to 6 pm

            Saturday 2 pm to 9.30 pm

            Sunday 12 pm to 9 pm

Reservations:

Best seafood takeout restaurants

Simply Steamed

This restaurant at Sandbridge offers amazing seafood steam pots for you to cook at home. Yet if you’d rather sit and have it served to you at the spot, then they’ll gladly be cooking it for you as you sip your cocktail or beer. Outdoor seating is available. The steam pots contain your choice of seafood, spices, potatoes, corn, and dipping sauces. They have a variety of salads, and you can order a salmon or lobster salad sandwich as you wait. Pick your oyster or shrimp from their extensive fresh seafood variety and create your steam pot. Both walk-ins and online orders are accepted.

Practical information

Address: 2545 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-4545

Call: + 1 757 301 8553

Open: Monday to Saturday 11 am to 6 pm

Website:

There’s never lack of a great seafood restaurants around Virginia Beach, whether you’re in the city center or at the oceanfront. The waters of Virginia are food-rich, so freshness is guaranteed. It’s really up to you to pick from the best and complement your experience in the seaside city!