Authentic Coastal Cuisine at Rockafeller’s Restaurant (Photo Courtesy of Rockafeller’s Restaurant)
Since October is National Seafood Month, this is an excellent time to spotlight Virginia Beach’s amazing seafood. With the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean at its front door step, area restaurants serve up an abundance of fresh seafood dishes, prepared with high-quality ingredients.
Several seafood-focused Virginia Beach events not to miss this fall are the VB Surf & Rescue Museum Pig & Oyster Fest on Oct. 26, the Coastal Virginia Magazine Seafood Festival on Nov. 1 and the 14th Annual Oyster Roast, presented by Calypso Bar & Grill, on Nov. 8. Why not book a hotel and plan a weekend stay around one of these fun events?
Virginia Beach is a seafood lovers paradise and area menus reflect this. Lynnhaven oysters are a local delicacy and other favorite fresh catches include tuna, salmon, rockfish, and, of course, blue crabs. From she-crab soup and crab cakes to steamed and softshell, crabs are certainly popular in the Virginia Beach dining scene.
Visitors and locals alike have numerous dining options for coastal cuisine. Top seafood restaurants, just to name a few, include Waterman’s Surfside Grille, Mahi’s Seafood & Sushi, Chix on the Beach and CP Shuckers Café & Raw Bar at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Also at the Oceanfront, Ocean Eddies Seafood Restaurant offers diners a unique experience directly on the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. In addition, Rockafeller’s Restaurant and Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar, both located in the Rudee Inlet, are long-time locals’ favorites. On the Chesapeake Bay side of town, Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse and Dockside Restaurant are both beloved Virginia Beach establishments that have stood the test of time. Not to be overlooked, Virginia Beach’s inland seafood restaurants such as Blue Seafood & Spirits and Lucky Oyster Seafood Company also serve up a variety of fresh, succulent seafood. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant’s buffet is a great way to sample a variety of seafood flavors.
It’s important to note that a number of Virginia Beach restaurants participate in the Sensible Seafood Program hosted by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. This program focuses on making sustainability a priority and advancing responsible practices in regional fisheries.
Along with delectable seafood, many Virginia Beach restaurants offer scenic water views and lively outdoor patio seating. Add in a local craft cocktail and live music to the stunning coastal setting to elevate a dining experience further.
Seafood boils are another dining option to consider, particularly for large groups. These fresh seafood services center around convenient “at home” catering options. And don’t forget about Virginia Beach’s local seafood markets if you wish to prepare seafood meals yourself.
A step deeper, fishing charters offer a more hands-on experience with reeling in fresh catches. Rudee Inlet is a hub for planning fishing excursions, including both offshore and inshore fishing charters. For additional information about fishing in Virginia Beach, click here.