From the bays and the inlets to the beaches, there are plenty of Virginia Beach restaurants serving delicious dishes with a side of spectacular scenery.
Dining at one of Virginia Beach’s Waterfront Restaurants
Virginia Beach is truly a coastal city, with 29 miles of scenic waterway. During your visit to Virginia Beach, be sure to eat at one of the fantastic restaurants right on the water. These restaurants range from casual beach bars and seafood joints to upscale restaurants. From the bays and the inlets to the beaches, there are plenty of Virginia Beach restaurants serving delicious dishes with a side of spectacular scenery.
Waterfront Restaurants at the Oceanfront
Virginia Beach’s three-mile boardwalk is populated with bars, restaurants and grills offering picturesque views and tasty eats. These spots are perfect to grab a bite to eat after lounging in the sun or enjoying a romantic evening out as the sun sets over the Atlantic.
Breakfast on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Begin your day with a filling breakfast right on the boardwalk. Katie’s 33rd Street Café and Belvedere Coffee Shop serve classic, diner-style dishes with an oceanfront view. Enjoy a stack of pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit and a fresh cup of coffee to kick off your day at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. These spots are also open for lunch.
Seafood Restaurants on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
For succulent seafood overlooking the boardwalk and beach, restaurants like Waterman’s Surfside Grille, Mahi Mah’s, RockFish Restaurant and Ocean House Waterfront Seafood Restaurant serve up local seafood with a view. Dine outside on their covered or enclosed patios that are right on the boardwalk. Pair your seafood with a local favorite, the Orange Crush, or another ice-cold adult beverage during happy hour.
Ocean Eddie’s Seafood Restaurant offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Situated right on the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, you know your seafood will be freshly caught as you dine at this seasonal restaurant.
Boasting fantastic views of the beach, boardwalk and Neptune Statue, Catch 31 Fish House & Bar is one of Virginia Beach’s more high-end seafood restaurants. Combining farm-to-table and tide-to-table, Catch 31’s chefs prepare the freshest, local produce and seafood. Take a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy live music with your meal.
Beach Bars on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
For a mix of classic American dishes, seafood and more, visit 11th Street Taphouse, Calypso Bar & Grill and Chix Seaside Grille. These casual beach bars embody Virginia Beach’s laid-back spirit, offering cold drinks overlooking the Virginia Beach boardwalk. Enjoy everything from chicken wings and juicy burgers to oysters, crab legs and blackened tuna.
Upscale Restaurants on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Treat yourself to a romantic evening out when you dine at one of these upscale restaurants with a waterfront view.
Salacia Prime Seafood & Steaks’ name says it all. Enjoy prime cuts of steak, along with Wagyu beef and your favorite offerings fresh from the coast. Pair your dinner with an award-winning fine wine as you enjoy an intimate evening overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The ocean is your backdrop as you enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at the north end of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. A private elevator takes you to the sixth floor where the Isle of Capri serves up traditional Italian dishes with panoramic views of the beach. Sip on a craft cocktail in the lounge then head to the dining room for spectacular views and a mouthwatering meal.
Restaurants at Rudee Inlet
Rudee Inlet, located at the southern end of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, is a popular spot for fishing, water crafts and waterside dining. Rudee Inlet has three restaurants all serving fresh, locally-caught seafood, sizzling steaks, sandwiches, pasta and more.
Big Sam’s Raw Bar, open from 7 a.m.–2 a.m., can satisfy your food and beverage cravings from breakfast to late into the night. Stop by for breakfast specials, happy hour and seafood on the dock overlooking the Inlet.
Just down the road from Big Sam’s is Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar. Known for its scenic views and fresh-caught seafood, Rudee’s Restaurant also offers burgers, steaks, overstuffed sandwiches and more. Dine on the outdoor patio or at the outdoor cabana bar, both providing a casual experience on the Inlet.
For a high-end dining experience on Rudee Inlet, visit Rockafeller’s Restaurant. This cottage-style restaurant is known for serving some of the finest seafood dishes in a casual setting. Stop by for brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert or just for drinks and take in Rockafeller’s casual elegance.
Chic’s Beach Waterfront Restaurants
Chic’s Beach is Virginia Beach’s bay-side retreat. A popular destination for locals, Chic’s Beach (also known as Chick’s Beach or Chesapeake Beach) has a number of restaurants right on the water, both on and off of Shore Drive.
Restaurants like Dockside Restaurant, Chick’s Oyster Bar, Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant, The Back Deck and Buoy 44 serve locally-caught seafood with views of the water. These seaside hangouts are known for their laid-back vibes, simple seafood fare and cold drinks.
For an elegant meal on the water, enjoy an evening at One Fish Two Fish. Located in a pier house along the Wolfsnare Creek, One Fish Two Fish blends upscale dishes and fantastic views with a welcoming, casual atmosphere. Fresh seafood is always on the menu, serving the best seasonal catches with fine wine.
Waterfront Restaurants in Sandbridge and Pungo
If you visit southern Virginia Beach, you’ll find yourself in Sandbridge and nearby Pungo. Sandbridge is known for its peaceful beaches while Pungo is Virginia Beach’s farming community. These more secluded locales also offer fantastic waterfront dining.
When you first drive into Sandbridge Beach, you’ll find parking and a restaurant serving classic American dishes and seafood. Sandbridge Island Restaurant has something the whole family will enjoy, from oysters and shrimp to burgers, pizza and tacos.
At the southern end of Sandbridge Beach, near Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, you’ll find Baja Restaurant and Cabana Bar & Grill.
Baja Restaurant serves surf and turf right along the bay. Stop by for a cup of coffee, brunch, dinner or drinks and stay for the live music and karaoke. Or, head to Cabana Bar & Grill right off the beach for a dip in the pool, a refreshing cocktail and a bite to eat.
Inland from the North Bay, along Muddy Creek, you’ll find Blue Pete’s Restaurant. Blue Pete’s is a secret among locals, tucked away in Back Bay. This casual eatery has something for everyone, from seafood and brisket to sandwiches, nachos and a kid’s menu. Travel by car or by boat for a delicious dinner on the water.
Virginia Beach Inland Restaurants on the Water
Don’t think that just because you’re inland in Virginia Beach that you can’t still dine by the water. Water flows through all of Virginia Beach, meaning you can still enjoy a waterside meal next to one of the shimmering creeks or streams in the area.
On the beautifully landscaped grounds of The Founders Inn and Spa, you’ll find two restaurants overlooking a serene lake. Hunt Room is the casual restaurant serving brick-oven pizza and juicy burgers. For an upscale experience, visit Swan Terrace Grill. This award-winning restaurant serves classic American fare, including steak and seafood using locally-sourced ingredients.
Tucked away in the Thalia Acres part of Virginia Beach, Steinhilber’s Restaurant serves fantastic seafood and traditional American dishes in a waterfront setting. Dine on the outdoor patio or inside by one of the large windows for a view of the Lynnhaven River.
