Owner BJ Baumann shares the importance of community and culinary excellence at a legacy waterfront eatery
Diners are in for a truly authentic experience at Rockafeller’s Restaurant, where they are dining on the water in the heart of the marina district at Rudee Inlet with stellar views overlooking the inlet. The restaurant’s location is a prime spot to witness the hustle of local fishermen while they dock their boats and offload the fresh catch or relax and enjoy the serene water and wildlife.
Family-owned and -operated, Rockafeller’s welcomes locals and visitors to an unforgettable waterside gastronomic experience steps from the Virginia Beach resort area. Unparalleled views of Rudee Inlet can be enjoyed no matter where you’re sitting, and the cuisine delights the palate with fresh catches, award-winning Virginia oysters, the best Crab Cakes in Tidewater, signature Oysters Rockafeller, and the winner of the 2025 She-Crab Classic People’s Choice Award, She-Crab Soup.
Operations began in 1989 when her late husband, Frank Baumann, opened the doors to what would ultimately become a Virginia Beach landmark. Steering the ship for 26 years now, Baumann and her staff have established a loyal customer base and designed a menu worthy of numerous awards and recognitions by culinary experts, including the National Restaurant Association Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year and the Best Oyster Award by Virginia Living for multiple years in a row. They also take great pride in the relationship they share in the community and the work they accomplish within the ecosystem.
“We were one of the first fully certified Green restaurants in the state [and] one of the first two [businesses] to start the Oyster Recycling Program with Lynnhaven River Now. We’ve been doing that for many years,” says Baumann. Rockafeller’s also participates in the Virginia Aquarium’s Sensible Seafood Program and partners with a host of local purveyors to obtain regionally sourced seafood, local produce, craft beer, and more. We spend substantial time researching our product sources to provide the best product for each item on our menu and even grow our own herbs for the freshest flavors.
Baumann is an avid traveler and always brings home the flavors of her visits, then challenges her kitchen staff to incorporate some of these flavors into our menu. The Rockafeller’s team continues to cater to guests’ tastebuds by experimenting with these flavors and to provide a classic but unique, new dish. With such an emphasis on every item they serve, Rockafeller’s Restaurant is a destination you don’t want to miss during your stay. “You’re going to find absolutely great views, absolutely great customer service and absolutely great food,” reminds Baumann. So cut away from the endless activity at the resort area and enjoy an evening of delectable plates, handcrafted libations in a relaxed setting. Enjoy a glimpse of the local life at Rockafeller’s Restaurant.
Regular guests to Rockafeller’s may notice the familiar faces in the dining room. Our greatest strength is that many veteran employees have been with us for over 10 years. In the restaurant world, that speaks volumes about our fantastic restaurant. Everyone we hire is trained to provide you with stellar service and amazing food. From your very first visit to Rockafeller’s, you’ll find these welcoming faces to be friendly, professional, and committed to an enjoyable visit. We’ll do whatever we can to ensure you have a delightful dining experience.
Wanna Go?
308 Mediterranean Ave, On Rudee Inlet.
Virginia Beach
757-422-5654
rockafellers.com
