Virginia Beach’s dining scene is really something to talk about. For starters the Resort City offers a stunning coastal setting that makes any tasty food experience that much more of a treat. With the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean literally on the City’s front door step, it’s no surprise that Virginia Beach restaurants serve up some of the freshest seafood available. Along with fresh seafood, locals and visitors enjoy many other types of cuisine from beach bites to international flavors to family fare.
On menus all throughout town, diners have their pick of seafood entrees particularly crabs, oysters, fish and clams. Regional favorites include items such as crabs prepared all different ways from steamed and softshell to crab cakes and she crab soup. Lynnhaven Oysters served raw on the half-shell, fish tacos and fried seafood platters are also popular menu items. The Resort City also offers local flavors that extend beyond its fresh seafood. The region’s strong agricultural roots is reflected in its high-quality dining scene. Farm-to-table restaurants and local farmers markets are embraced by locals and visitors alike. Virginia Beach is also where you can experience a wide range of tasty global flavors.
This fall Virginia Beach has a number of exceptional food & drink events coming up. On Sept. 13, India Fest will provide a “tour of India” experience at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. From Indian cuisine to Bollywood dances to fashion shows, immerse yourself into India’s culture. Free admission and parking.
Also mark your calendar for Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum’s Pig & Oyster Fest on Oct. 26 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and the Coastal Virginia Magazine Seafood Festival on Nov. 1 at the State Military Reservation.
Dining Alfresco is a regular sight in all of Virginia Beach’s districts. From the beach to its urban sections, locals and visitors enjoy dining on outdoor patios (a number of which are dog-friendly). With Virginia Beach’s beautiful coastal setting and comfortable air temperatures, outdoor dining is a common occurrence and the area is full of fabulous options—from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to nearby Rudee Inlet and the ViBe Creative District to the more inland location of the Town Center of Virginia Beach.
As the perfect complement to Virginia Beach’s impressive dining scene, local libations are another way to get acquainted with regional flavors. Virginia Beach’s craft beer scene continues to grow in popularity and beer drinkers don’t have to look hard to find local brews, including IPAs, lagers and stouts. More and more distilleries have opened their doors, offering creative spins on spirits from whiskey and bourbon to vodka and moonshine. Coastal cocktails and, of course, the area’s iconic Orange Crush are some favorites and easy to find on Virginia Beach menus.
Not to be outdone, wine lovers have much to love about the delightful local and regional wines served throughout the Resort City’s establishments. On Sept. 12-13, the Neptune Festival’s 28th Annual Fall Wine Festival is a wine event wine enthusiasts won’t want to miss. This celebration will showcase wines from top vineyards across Virginia. In addition to featuring 60 different wines, the event will include live entertainment, delicious food and more. (Must be 21+ to participate.)
No matter what kind of dining experience you have in mind for your visit, Virginia Beach serves up something for everybody.