The restaurant scene in Virginia Beach is quite vibrant, with countless places serving some of the best seafood you will ever taste. Seafood aside, you can sample anything your palate craves if you know where to go. Whether you want breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, the restaurants in Virginia Beach have you more than covered. A yummy bite before or after an expedition at the beach makes everything much better. If you’re feeling a little lost concerning where to start, our compilation of some of the best eateries in this coastal city should help you make an informed decision.

Il Giardino Ristorante

This classic Italian restaurant has been in business at Atlantic Avenue’s oceanfront since 1983. The ambiance here is great, and you will feel at ease once you encounter their excellent service skills. Ensure you try their pasta varieties and get ready to be wowed by the finger-licking sauces. Il Giardino also serves amazing pizza and seafood. On top of that, there are fresh salads for when you’re trying to eat healthy. Their unique selection of cocktails and wines will ensure you have a perfect drink along with your meal. Once you are done eating, don’t leave before trying their delicious desserts. Everything here will leave you yearning for more.

Doc Taylor’s Restaurant

Doc Taylor’s is the place to go if you want super affordable, delicious foods that will leave your tummy full. This eatery is on 23rd Street and is open from Wednesday to Sunday. They serve a variety of burgers, salads, and sandwiches, and the environment is homey and comfortable. If you’re in the mood for brunch, you will find it here till as late as 2 pm.

Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Waterman’s on Atlantic Avenue is strategically placed so you can pop in the right from your stroll on the Boardwalk. Come here for excellent seafood, pasta, steak, burgers, salads, and a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. Their food is made of fresh local ingredients and they serve lunch and dinner throughout the week. Sundays are special here because they open early enough for you to get some brunch. Waterman’s is a great place for some fun-filled family meals. Everyone knows this place for its Orange Crush, so ensure you try it before leaving.

Terrapin Restaurant

You will find this sophisticated place on Holly Road. It has been around since 2006 and is run by Chef Rodney Einhorn, who holds a Contemporary American Cuisine Award. The open kitchen design ensures you get to see your food as it is prepared using fresh, local ingredients. The menu changes based on the produce in season, so freshness is always guaranteed. You can enjoy your meal alongside any of their wines, craft beers, or cocktails. The place is usually quite busy, and you can sit outside on the terrace if the inside gets too warm.

Blue Seafood & Spirits

Blue Seafood and Spirits is on Upton Drive inside Red Mill Common Shopping Center. This place under Chef Charles Thain. They only serve dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. You can enjoy delicious seafood as you sip your favorite wine, beer, or cocktail. Reservations aren’t a thing here- walk in and have your meal. Therefore, you will need to get in early, so you don’t find the place packed.

Bay Local Eatery

Bay Local Eatery has a vast menu comprising seafood and southern cuisine, all cooked up using local ingredients. You can always be sure you will leave the place with your tummy full because the portions are very generous. Here, brunch is served all day, so you’re free to pop in any time. Besides the food, this eatery has a variety of drinks that will hit the right spot for you. Consider trying their mimosas and bloody Marys. They also serve dinner, and the personnel will treat you so well you will want to come back.

Taste

Taste is one of the iconic local restaurants in Virginia Beach. They have five locations around the city, but the first joint was set up at Hill Top in 1973. Drop in any time for the best soups, sandwiches, and salads.

Masala Bites

This place on Upton Drive is where you go for excellent Indian delicacies. The focus is Indian foods, but you will also find some seafood. The uniquely delicious food is made from local ingredients seasoned with spices from India. Masala Bites’ laid-back ambiance will make you feel right at home, and you can choose to eat at the main or private dining area. Their unique beer and wine collection will make for a perfect meal accompaniment.

Commune

Go to Commune in ViBe District for a meal in a family setup. They have a communal table at the center where everyone can gather for dinner. The menu that comprises a New American Cuisine changes depending on the season, so every trip you make here will have you tasting something new. You will find something appealing at Commune whether you want to have some junk food or eat healthy. The locals will tell you that this was the first restaurant in the area to be owned by a farmer.

Blue Pete’s Restaurant

Blue Pete’s has been standing ground on Muddy Creek Road in Pungo since 1972. It is a busy place that serves some of the best seafood in Virginia Beach. Some delicacies you should consider sampling include the she-crab soup and the calamari. Look out for some live music and exciting events in the summer. It is among the most affordable eateries in the city and, therefore, an excellent option if you’re looking to save some bucks. Feel free to bring your family along- including the pets.

Wrapping Up

Good food goes hand in hand with extraordinary times, so check out some of our restaurant suggestions to ensure you have the best time in Virginia Beach. Other local favorites are Aldo’s, Repeal Bourbons and Burgers, Orion’s Roof, and The Bee and the Biscuit. Check out Ben and Jerry’s on Sandbridge Road for some delicious ice cream.