Best Restaurants in Virginia Beach Virginia lean heavily on fresh Atlantic seafood, oceanfront views, and decades-old family traditions. The city’s oceanfront and quieter Pungo countryside each offer a distinct side of local dining.
From she-crab soup to raw oysters, seafood runs through nearly every menu in town. Because of that, many of the city’s most loved spots have served the same recipes for generations.
The Atlantic serves an oyster and raw bar menu built around East Coast and West Coast seafood. This restaurant sits just steps from the oceanfront and works to support local fishermen and oystermen.
Additionally, the cocktail list features housemade shrubs and bitters alongside an extensive wine selection. Diners can settle in at the bar or a private booth for a more relaxed evening.
Zoës Steak & Seafood serves Wagyu steaks, fresh fish, and a widely praised Blue Crab Mac-n-Cheese near the oceanfront. The restaurant has operated as a AAA Four Diamond destination since reopening under new ownership in 2009.
However, the wine program is just as much of a draw as the menu, led by a longtime sommelier. Diners can also expect an intimate, upscale setting suited to special occasions.
Driftwood Kitchen serves Southern coastal dishes like oysters Rockefeller, crab soup, and grilled mahi-mahi close to the oceanfront. The restaurant covers brunch, lunch, and dinner daily.
Meanwhile, a raw bar and daily happy hour add variety beyond the main menu. Guests can dine indoors or on the outdoor patio just blocks from the beach.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille has served fresh seafood, steaks, and smoked ribs on the boardwalk since 1981. The restaurant is family-owned and known for its Original Orange Crush cocktail.
Because of that, it remains a favorite for both longtime locals and returning visitors. Diners can choose oceanfront patio seating or stadium-style seating indoors.
Tautog’s Restaurant serves she-crab soup, crab cakes, and daily seafood specials inside a preserved 1920s beach cottage. The restaurant sits just off the resort strip in a cozy, historic setting.
Plus, the front porch offers casual outdoor seating on warm evenings. Diners can also choose from vegan and gluten-free options alongside the seafood menu.
Blue Pete’s Restaurant has served seafood and American fare on the edge of Back Bay since 1972. The restaurant sits in the rural Pungo area, about 20 minutes from the oceanfront.
Still, locals consider it well worth the drive for the sweet potato biscuits and waterfront views. Guests can also catch live music on weekend evenings.
Virginia Beach dining reflects its coastal identity, from oceanfront oyster bars to a century-old cottage on Back Bay. Whether visitors stay close to the boardwalk or venture out to Pungo, fresh seafood and local tradition define the experience.
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