Discover Culinary Jewels: 10 Unmissable Restaurants in Virginia Beach
By Janet Benoir | November 16, 2024
Virginia Beach, a place where the waves kiss the shore and the culinary scene dazzles the palate, offers a smorgasbord of dining experiences that promise to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. As you explore the shores and the vibrant city life, let the lure of these ten unmissable restaurants guide you through a gastronomic exploration like no other.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Waterman’s Surfside Grille, nestled at the meeting point of land and sea, epitomizes the essence of Virginia Beach. A sip of their renowned Orange Crush cocktail instantly connects diners to the family traditions and love that have been the restaurant’s foundation. With the endless ocean as its backdrop, Waterman’s invites guests on a culinary voyage that melds the richness of the sea with the warmth of Southern hospitality.
Here, every dish pays tribute to the freshest offerings from both sea and land. The succulent crab cakes, savory ribs, and juicy burgers are a declaration of Waterman’s dedication to excellence in taste and quality. As the soothing sound of the waves complements your dining experience, your taste buds are taken on an exploratory journey through the vibrant flavors of coastal cuisine.
Il Giardino Ristorante
Nestled near the waves of Virginia Beach, Il Giardino Ristorante is a haven of Italian grace, where each sip of wine from an extensive collection takes you to Italy’s scenic landscapes. The ambiance, akin to a charming Italian home, combines elegance with welcoming warmth, promising a dining experience that’s both refined and inviting.
The menu at Il Giardino celebrates Italian culinary art, with dishes that blend fresh ingredients and heartfelt dedication. From smooth homemade pasta and crispy wood-fired pizzas to lavish seafood and meat preparations, every meal is a testament to Italian finesse. Dining here is more than just eating; it’s a journey into the essence of Italian dining culture, marked by joy and genuine hospitality.
Doc Taylor’s Restaurant
Doc Taylor’s Restaurant, set in a building rich with history, brings the essence of Virginia Beach to life through its breakfast and brunch offerings. It’s a place where each meal is a festive gathering, surrounded by a cozy ambiance that’s perfect for enjoying conversations over coffee. The restaurant embodies a warm community vibe, inviting everyone to take a moment to appreciate the simpler pleasures of well-crafted comfort food.
The menu at Doc Taylor’s celebrates comforting classics, from the renowned “Fried Chicken Bennie” to timeless burgers and sandwiches, each prepared to delight. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, all attracted by the delicious, hearty meals that feed both the body and spirit without breaking the bank. Here, every visit creates lasting memories, one satisfying meal at a time.
Terrapin Restaurant
At the heart of Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Terrapin Restaurant is a haven of contemporary American cuisine where dining becomes a memorable event. Recognized with the AAA Four-Diamond award, Terrapin is a journey into a world where local, seasonal ingredients blend with innovative culinary techniques. The restaurant’s sophisticated setting provides sweeping views of the ocean, adding a layer of serenity and beauty to the dining experience.
Terrapin’s menu showcases the abundance of the land and sea, inviting guests on an inventive and enjoyable culinary adventure. It’s a place where every meal feels like a celebration, set against the picturesque scenery of Virginia Beach. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply seeking an exceptional dining experience, Terrapin promises a meal that’s as enchanting as the setting itself, offering a dining escape that lingers after the last bite.
Bay Local Eatery
Bay Local Eatery stands as a beacon of brunch culture in Virginia Beach, offering a creative and eclectic dining experience that mirrors the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Its open-air setting and unique vintage decor provide a backdrop for a brunch that goes beyond the ordinary, inviting diners to dive into a world of flavors that celebrate local traditions and ingredients.
With dishes like the inventive ‘tachos’ and a variety of gluten-free options, Bay Local’s menu serves as a tribute to the area’s diverse tastes. Each visit to Bay Local is an opportunity to uncover new stories through food, making every meal an adventure. It’s the perfect spot to experience the essence of Virginia Beach’s dining scene, offering a memorable brunch that’s as lively and varied as the city itself.
Tautog’s Restaurant
Tautog’s Restaurant offers a celebration of the Atlantic’s rich offerings. Each dish, from the freshest oysters to the most flavorful fish, is crafted to perfection, offering diners a taste of the sea that mirrors the freshness of the ocean breeze. The restaurant boasts a patio that serves as a prime spot for enjoying panoramic views of the Atlantic, ensuring every dining experience is both memorable and scenic.
Situated on the vibrant Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Tautog’s encapsulates the essence of seaside dining. The ambiance and the meticulously prepared seafood menu reflect the soul and beauty of the beach, making each meal a tribute to coastal living. Whether enjoying the sunshine outdoors or the cozy maritime interior, guests are treated to a culinary journey that celebrates the very best of Virginia Beach, turning every visit into a special occasion.
Becca Restaurant & Garden
Becca Restaurant & Garden brings the essence of farm-to-table dining to life, celebrating the richness of local produce transformed into flavorful dishes by skilled artisans. Set against a picturesque backdrop of a garden overlooking the ocean, Becca turns dining into a holistic experience where each meal is both a journey and a destination. The blend of historic charm and culinary innovation creates a welcoming and inspirational atmosphere, making every visit memorable.
Here, the flavors of Virginia Beach are elevated with sophistication, offering a menu where traditional meets modern. From the first light of day to the sparkle of the night sky, Becca serves up a diverse array of dishes that tantalize the senses. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply seeking a meal that stirs the soul, Becca provides a sanctuary of taste.
Steinhilber’s Restaurant
Steinhilber’s Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Virginia Beach’s dining landscape for over 60 years, offering a dive into the rich tradition of elaborate dining. This family-operated treasure delivers an array of seafood and other delicacies in an environment filled with stories from yesteryears. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and its homage to rustic charm transform every meal into a festive homage to its long-standing heritage.
The essence of the 1940s is palpable within Steinhilber’s walls, providing diners with not just a meal, but a historical voyage complemented by flavorsome dishes. It stands as a memorable spot where the warmth of old traditions seamlessly blends with the thrill of modern-day culinary artistry, offering a timeless dining escapade.
Blue Pete’s Restaurant
Nestled near the serene Back Bay National Wildlife Sanctuary, Blue Pete’s Restaurant offers a peaceful escape from the everyday rush, marrying the simplicity of nature with rich culinary flavors. This hidden gem serves fresh, delightful seafood that mirrors its tranquil surroundings, offering dishes like the Loaded Lobster Bowl and the Back Bay Breakfast. It’s a place where the dawn’s calm meets the warmth of genuine hospitality.
Blue Pete’s Restaurant is more than just an eatery; it’s a sanctuary where each meal becomes a moment to appreciate the region’s flavors and tales. Fresh seafood, reminiscent of the morning’s catch, and recipes steeped in local tradition make dining here an immersive journey. In this oasis, time slows, allowing for the full enjoyment of good food and company amidst the stunning backdrop of Virginia’s natural beauty.
Repeal Bourbon & Burgers
Repeal Bourbon & Burgers blends the excitement of the roaring twenties with the contemporary flair of Virginia Beach, creating an experience that’s as thrilling as the first taste of a masterfully mixed cocktail. It boasts a menu filled with burgers that perfectly marry the richness of bourbon with top-notch culinary skills, all set within an environment dripping with historical charm.
It’s a haven for both the discerning and the adventurous, those who delight in the craftsmanship of an exceptional burger and the complexity of aged bourbon. This restaurant doesn’t just commemorate the past; it brings it to life with every meal and every toast. It stands out as a must-visit spot in Virginia Beach, offering a dining experience that’s as distinct and memorable as the tastes it serves.
Virginia Beach’s culinary landscape is a tapestry of flavors, stories, and traditions, each restaurant a thread that contributes to the vibrant mosaic. From the casual to the refined, the local to the international, these ten unmissable restaurants invite you to explore, taste, and fall in love with Virginia Beach’s incredible food scene.
