Coastal cuisine & liquid libations make for a flavorful dining scene
By Kelsey Thomas
Beyond the sandy shores and vibrant boardwalk, Virginia Beach offers a rich and diverse culinary scene. From fresh seafood to international delights, the city has everything you need to tantalize your tastebuds.
Succulent Seafood
Situated on the coastline, Virginia Beach chefs are no strangers to serving the finest seafood. Lynnhaven Oysters take center stage as the local delicacy, served raw on the half-shell, steamed or Rockafeller-style – loaded with spinach, cheese and bacon.
Crabs are served in a variety of ways, whether it be in a creamy crab dip, savory bowl of she crab soup or as a crab cake. And when softshell crabs are in season, the restaurants are lined with diners who are craving the popular dish fried on a sandwich or paired with common sides.
Local restaurants serve up fresh catches, like flounder, tuna, salmon, rockfish and more and prepare their fish a variety of ways. Try tasty tuna tacos topped with guacamole or indulge in a fried seafood platter with a little bit of everything.
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center also maintains the region’s Sensible Seafood Program by partnering with restaurants, businesses and communities. Their goal is to replenish fish populations
by minimizing overfishing and overharvesting, and through farming.
Farm-to-Table
Speaking of farming, seafood isn’t the only thing that’s local. Virginia Beach has proudly embraced the farm-to-table movement with restaurants utilizing the freshest, seasonal local ingredients in their dishes. This allows diners to indulge in the flavors of the season while supporting local farmers and producers.
Pungo, Virginia Beach’s farming community, is the source of much of the ingredients that local restaurants use. The local farms allow guests to pick their own produce or shop from their market. Spring and summer are primetime for strawberry picking. Summer is also perfect for picking blueberries, juicy peaches and more. And local cattle make for hearty meat dishes that you can trust to be fresh and less processed.
Globally Inspired Cuisine
In addition to succulent seafood and farm-to-table options, the area also boasts cultural cuisine from around the world. Being home to multiple military bases, Virginia Beach has many veteran-owned eateries that serve dishes inspired by overseas and generational recipes are also passed down through family-owned businesses.
You can also find heaping plates of pasta at authentic Italian restaurants, Japanese sushi or poke, American favorites and so much more.
Liquid Libations
Of course, no culinary exploration would be complete without mentioning the vibrant craft beer scene, local wineries and signature cocktails.
Virginia Beach has grown into a mecca for social drinkers. Trendy craft breweries can be found every few blocks, each one having it’s own special vibe. Embark on your own brewery trail and try out local IPAs, lagers and stouts. Or unwind at one of the city’s relaxing wineries while munching on a light charcuterie board that pairs perfectly.
In most recent years, distilling companies have also made their way into the scene. Get a taste for beach-inspired vodka cocktails and locally distilled whiskey spirits. Visit Tarnished Truth in the Cavalier Hotel, the city’s oldest distillery, which offers top-notch bourbon whiskey, bourbon cream, moonshine, vodka, gin and canned cocktails. You can also relax with a cocktail on the Cavalier lawn overlooking the ocean. You’ll also probably notice that everywhere you go, an Orange Crush is on the menu and yes, it’s a Virginia Beach staple curated of freshly squeezed orange juice, vodka, soda and of course, crushed ice.
A Meal with a View
Virginia Beach offers the iconic experience of dining with a view. With 29 miles of waterways, from the ocean to the inland bays, the opportunities for scenic meals are plentiful. Whether you’re in a laid-back restaurant on the water or on a rooftop overlooking the shores, a good dish seems to taste even better when there’s a beautiful view.
Many restaurants throughout the city also feature outdoor seating, where you can relax and enjoy your food in the outdoors. Sit on the boardwalk side at one of the many oceanfront restaurants or chill on a patio while listening to live music.
While the list of incredible restaurants in Virginia Beach is endless, it’s safe to say you’re in good hands no matter where you choose. Enjoy fresh local fare served with friendly hospitality and get ready for unforgettable culinary experiences. After all, the dinner table is where some of the most cherished memories are made.
