Exploring the Tastes of Virginia Beach: A Guide to the Best Restaurants

Virginia Beach is a vibrant city known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and diverse cuisine. With so many restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to dine. To make things easier, we’ve put together a guide to the best restaurants in Virginia Beach. From classic seafood joints to modern gastropubs, this guide has something for everyone.

1. Croaker’s Spot

Croaker’s Spot is a Virginia Beach institution. Since opening its doors in 1976, it has built a reputation for serving up some of the best seafood in the area. The menu features a variety of classic seafood dishes, including fried shrimp, crab cakes, and stuffed flounder. For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, there’s the Croaker’s Spot Special, a combination of shrimp, scallops, and clams sautéed in a spicy garlic butter sauce. No matter what you order, you’ll be sure to enjoy a delicious meal at Croaker’s Spot.

2. Lynnhaven Fish House

Lynnhaven Fish House is another Virginia Beach classic. This casual seafood restaurant has been serving up local favorites for over 25 years. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including fried oysters, crab legs, and clam chowder. For those looking for something a bit more unique, there’s the Fish House Special, a combination of grilled fish, shrimp, and scallops served with a spicy garlic butter sauce. Lynnhaven Fish House is the perfect spot for a casual seafood meal.

3. Shrimp Shack

The Shrimp Shack is a local favorite for those looking for a quick bite. This fast-casual seafood restaurant has been serving up fried shrimp and fish for over 20 years. The menu features a variety of fried seafood dishes, including shrimp, fish, and oysters. There’s also a selection of sandwiches and salads. The Shrimp Shack is the perfect spot for a quick and delicious seafood meal.

4. Citrus

Citrus is a modern seafood restaurant located in the heart of Virginia Beach. The menu features a variety of creative seafood dishes, such as seared scallops, tuna tartare, and grilled octopus. For those looking for something a bit more traditional, there’s the classic fish and chips. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Citrus is a great option for those looking for a more upscale seafood experience.

5. Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Waterman’s Surfside Grille is a casual restaurant located on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including fried shrimp, sandwiches, and tacos. There’s also a selection of salads and burgers. Waterman’s is the perfect spot for a quick bite after a day at the beach.

6. Rockafeller’s

Rockafeller’s is an upscale seafood restaurant located in the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The menu features a variety of classic seafood dishes, including seared scallops, grilled salmon, and stuffed flounder. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Rockafeller’s is a great option for those looking for a more upscale seafood experience.

7. Mahi Mah’s

Mahi Mah’s is a casual seafood restaurant located in the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The menu features a variety of classic seafood dishes, such as fried shrimp, fish tacos, and crab cakes. There’s also a selection of sandwiches and salads. Mahi Mah’s is the perfect spot for a quick and delicious seafood meal.

8. Tautog’s

Tautog’s is an upscale seafood restaurant located in the heart of Virginia Beach. The menu features a variety of creative seafood dishes, including seared scallops, tuna tartare, and grilled octopus. For those looking for something a bit more traditional, there’s the classic fish and chips. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Tautog’s is a great option for those looking for a more upscale seafood experience.

9. Ocean 37

Ocean 37 is an upscale seafood restaurant located in the heart of Virginia Beach. The menu features a variety of creative seafood dishes, such as seared scallops, tuna tartare, and grilled octopus. For those looking for something a bit more traditional, there’s the classic fish and chips. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Ocean 37 is a great option for those looking for a more upscale seafood experience.

10. Catch 31 Fishhouse & Bar

Catch 31 Fishhouse & Bar is a modern seafood restaurant located in the heart of Virginia Beach. The menu features a variety of creative seafood dishes, such as seared scallops, tuna tartare, and grilled octopus. For those looking for something a bit more traditional, there’s the classic fish and chips. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Catch 31 is a great option for those looking for a more upscale seafood experience.

11. Big Sam’s Inlet Café and Raw Bar

Big Sam’s Inlet Café and Raw Bar is a casual seafood restaurant located in the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The menu features a variety of classic seafood dishes, including fried shrimp, fish tacos, and crab cakes. There’s also a selection of sandwiches and salads. Big Sam’s is the perfect spot for a quick and delicious seafood meal.

12. SaltBox Seafood Joint

SaltBox Seafood Joint is a modern seafood restaurant located in the heart of Virginia Beach. The menu features a variety of creative seafood dishes, such as seared scallops, tuna tartare, and grilled octopus. For those looking for something a bit more traditional, there’s the classic fish and chips. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. SaltBox Seafood Joint is a great option for those looking for a more upscale seafood experience.

Virginia Beach is a vibrant city with a wealth of dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual seafood meal or a romantic dinner, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach, from classic seafood joints to modern gastropubs. No matter what you’re looking for, Virginia Beach has something for everyone.