Waterman’s Surfside Grille, located at 5th & Atlantic Ave. on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Each of Virginia Beach’s districts offer diners impressive food options, whether locals and visitors are seeking casual comforts, upscale cuisine, farm-to-table, international dishes or sweet treats. Enjoy a little of everything when dining in Virginia Beach at a price point that fits your budget.
With a close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, and such a deep maritime heritage, and it is no surprise that Virginia Beach restaurants serve some of the very freshest seafood available, not just on the East Coast but in the nation. Lynnhaven Oysters, blue crabs, fresh catches and much more fill area menus, including favorite local seafood establishments like Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar and Waterman’s Surfside Grille, which have been satisfying appetites for decades. Raw oyster bars and blue crabs prepared a number of ways, from soups and sandwiches to steamed and seasoned, are beloved staples, as well as fish tacos and seafood platters. Not only does the food here taste incredible, you’ll discover that the region supports sustainability efforts with a number of area restaurants participating in the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center’s Sensible Seafood Program.
Tip: Mark your calendar for these popular annual Virginia Beach seafood events at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront: East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic on April 18 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum Pig & Oyster Fest on Oct. 25.
Not to worry if coastal cuisine isn’t a favorite, the Resort City has tasty offerings to fit every family member’s palate. From burgers and steaks to pizza and pastas, Virginia Beach has all of the popular American fare to-go’s. Diners also have their pick of farm-to-table dining experiences, with the ViBe Creative District a hot spot for offering this type of cuisine. Numerous Virginia Beach restaurants also serve up global flavors such as authentic Italian, Indian and more. Beach bites are also a big part of Virginia Beach’s dining scene, with refreshing treats like ice cream and smoothies a common sight as folks stroll along Virginia Beach’s iconic three-mile boardwalk at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Where you eat in Virginia Beach is just about as important as what you eat. Virginia Beach is full of beautiful water views everywhere you turn. Some of the top spots for dining near or on the water include restaurant patios on the boardwalk with stunning sights of the Atlantic Ocean, outdoor seating at the lively Rudee Inlet and waterfront window seating at local restaurants lining the Lynnhaven Inlet. Virginia Beach’s sunsets are simply spectacular so experiencing a meal outside during sunset makes the experience even more amazing.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Virginia Beach offers all kinds of unique dining experiences. The Cavalier Hotel takes hospitality to the next level, offering a variety of experiences for upscale dining to tasting tours of award-winning spirits in a captivating historic setting.
Virginia Beach is a also a very down-to-earth town that is pet-friendly. Dogs strolling the boardwalk with their families is a regular sight, and a number of area restaurants and breweries permit dogs to join their owners on outdoor patios. There’s even a dog-friendly ice cream bar in Chic’s Beach!
Mark your calendar for January 2027! Virginia Beach Restaurant Week, a week-long culinary event each January, is an excellent way to sample a variety of high-quality dishes at top area restaurants at affordable prices. Approximately 60 restaurants participate each year and offer special prix fixe menus. Stay tuned for the 2027 event dates.
No matter what tastes float your boat, Virginia Beach has you covered!