10 Best Virginia Beach Restaurants

The food that Virginia beach is famous for is Lynnhaven oysters, She-Crab soup, and the Orange Crush cocktail. The city's position on the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean makes it a top destination for fresh seafood. Lynnhaven oysters, once prized by English royalty, are known for their large size and briny flavor, a direct result of the local waterways. She-Crab soup is a regional specialty, a rich, creamy bisque made with Atlantic blue crab meat and orange crab roe. The Virginia Beach food experience also includes the original Orange Crush cocktail, a refreshing mix of orange juice, vodka, triple sec, and lemon-lime soda, which was invented at Waterman’s Surfside Grille.

The average cost for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Virginia Beach is between $15 and $25 for a single person. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs between $70 and $100. At high-end and fine dining establishments, entrees alone start at $40, with the total cost for a full meal often exceeding $100 per person.

Virginia Beach has a robust fast-food presence that includes large national chains and beloved regional brands. Cook Out is a major favorite for its huge menu and late-night hours, while the convenience and made-to-order food at Wawa also draw large crowds. These spots are go-to choices for quick, casual meals.

• Cook Out: Known for its extensive menu of char-grilled burgers, barbecue plates, and over 40 flavors of milkshakes.
• Wawa: A convenience store chain with a devoted following for its built-to-order hoagies, coffee, and sizzli breakfast sandwiches.
• Chick-fil-A: Popular for its chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries.
• Taco Bell: A go-to for quick and inexpensive Mexican-inspired items like tacos, burritos, and Crunchwrap Supremes.
• McDonald's: A global standard known for its Big Mac, french fries, and breakfast menu.
• Zaxby's: A regional chain popular for its chicken fingers, wings, and signature Zax Sauce.
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Famous for its spicy fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, and buttermilk biscuits.
• Zero's Subs: A regional chain founded in Virginia Beach, known for its hot oven-baked subs, especially the Grinder.
• Mission BBQ: A fast-casual spot popular for its patriotic theme and authentic barbecue, with pulled pork and brisket being favorites.

Virginia Beach's restaurant selection continues to grow with fresh concepts opening throughout the city. Recent additions like The Pink Dinghy and Kempsville Market have brought new energy to their respective neighborhoods. These spots are among the new restaurants in Virginia beach that have quickly become local favorites.

• The Pink Dinghy: A neighborhood restaurant and bar in the Vibe Creative District offering a menu of Latin-inspired dishes and craft cocktails in a stylish, retro setting.
• Kempsville Market: A restaurant and gourmet market serving sandwiches, salads, and prepared foods, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Three Notch'd Craft Kitchen and Brewery: A brewery that opened a location in Town Center, featuring a full menu of pub fare designed to pair with its craft beers.
• Kala O'Kalā: A Hawaiian-style eatery specializing in poke bowls and other island-inspired dishes.
• Noodle Man: A restaurant focused on serving authentic, hand-pulled Chinese noodles in various soup and stir-fry preparations.
• Alkaline: A popular ramen and Asian street food restaurant that moved to a new, larger location in the ViBe District.

Yes, the Virginia Beach boardwalk is lined with restaurants that are located directly on the oceanfront. These establishments offer direct views of the Atlantic Ocean, making them some of the best restaurants Virginia beach oceanfront. Waterman’s Surfside Grille is a landmark spot serving fresh seafood with panoramic ocean views from its patio. Orion's Roof, on the 23rd floor of the Marriott, provides a fine-dining experience with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the coastline. For a more casual experience, Tulu Seaside Bar and Grill has an open-air layout right on the beach, serving health-conscious American food.

Virginia Beach offers several excellent choices for a romantic dinner, from elegant hotel dining rooms to restaurants with stunning water views.  Dinner places that are highly recommended in Virginia Beach are listed below:

• Becca: Located in the historic Cavalier Hotel, Becca offers an elegant and formal dining room, as well as a terrace overlooking beautiful gardens, creating a classic and romantic setting.
• Orion's Roof: Situated 23 floors above the ocean, this restaurant provides breathtaking, panoramic views of the coastline, especially at sunset. The sophisticated decor and upscale Asian-fusion menu make it ideal for a special occasion.
• Eurasia Cafe and Wine Bar: This intimate, upscale restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and an extensive wine list, perfect for a quiet and refined dinner away from the tourist-heavy oceanfront.
• Le Yaca: A classic French restaurant with locations in Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, known for its elegant, traditional decor and timeless French dishes like the famous Crêpe à la Marjolaine.
• The Porch on Long Creek: For a more relaxed but equally romantic setting, this restaurant offers beautiful sunset views over the water, creating a serene backdrop for a coastal-inspired meal.

Virginia Beach has vegan restaurants like Fruitive, The Green Cat, and Kahiau's Bakery & Cafe. These establishments offer fully plant-based menus. Fruitive is a certified organic restaurant known for its cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, and wraps. The Green Cat is a cafe in the ViBe District serving creative vegan and vegetarian dishes, with many gluten-free options. Kahiau's Bakery & Cafe is a 100% vegan spot offering both sweet and savory items, from pastries and cakes to sandwiches and brunch plates. Other restaurants, such as Tulu Seaside Bar and Grill, also provide a selection of dedicated vegan options on their menus.

The restaurants in Virginia Beach that serve gluten-free food include Burtons Grill & Bar, The Egg Bistro, and Tulu Seaside Bar and Grill. These establishments offer dedicated gluten-free menus or have extensive gluten-free options. Burtons Grill & Bar is well-known for its commitment to allergy-friendly dining and has a separate gluten-sensitive menu. The Egg Bistro offers gluten-free bread and pancakes, making many of its popular breakfast and lunch items accessible. Tulu provides a health-conscious menu with many items that are naturally gluten-free or can be prepared that way.

Virginia Beach's most famous types of food are fresh seafood and coastal American. The city's identity is tied to its location on the water, which influences everything from fine dining to casual beachside shacks. Listed below are the most common and popular types of food in Virginia Beach.

• Seafood: This is the most prominent food in Virginia Beach. The city's access to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean provides a supply of fresh local seafood, including Lynnhaven oysters, blue crabs, flounder, and rockfish. Many restaurants specialize in preparing this local catch.
• American (Coastal): Beyond just seafood, the food here is heavily influenced by a coastal American style. This includes dishes that are fresh and light, as well as classic beach fare like burgers and fish tacos, served in both casual grilles and upscale restaurants.
• Breakfast & Brunch: Virginia Beach has a strong brunch culture. Many popular restaurants are known for their weekend brunch menus, featuring items like sweet potato biscuits, creative eggs Benedict, and brunch cocktails.
• Farm-to-Table: A number of restaurants focus on using ingredients sourced from the agricultural areas surrounding Virginia Beach. These establishments offer seasonal menus that highlight fresh produce from local farms.
• Filipino: The city has one of the largest Filipino populations on the East Coast, which has led to a number of restaurants serving authentic Filipino food. Dishes like lumpia, pancit, and adobo are widely available.

Yes, local restaurants in Virginia beach serve many seafood specialties. Given the city's location on the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, fresh, local seafood is a central part of the dining experience. Many restaurants feature regional specialties on their menus, especially when they are in season. These include world-famous Lynnhaven oysters, Chesapeake Bay blue crabs served steamed or as crab cakes, and locally caught fish like flounder and rockfish.