Best Restaurants in Virginia Beach (2025)

A longtime fine‑dining benchmark near the Oceanfront, Terrapin crafts seasonal plates with house‑made pastas and a Josper charcoal oven for deep, elegant flavors. Frequently praised by regional critics and OpenTable diners for consistent service and a thoughtful wine list.

Family‑owned since 1939, this waterside landmark is a rite of passage for locals—think fried shrimp, steaks, and Chesapeake staples served in a historic setting. Celebrated by generations of Hampton Roads diners for gracious hospitality and timeless coastal fare.

Jerry Bryan’s neighborhood institution is known for blackboard specials and famous soft‑shell crabs. Consistently recommended by local critics and OpenTable for pristine seafood, polished service, and a loyal local following since 1989.

Chef‑owned and proudly Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Blue draws lines for crab cakes, tempura shrimp, and chocolate bread pudding. Named the nation’s top seafood spot by Yelp coverage and spotlighted by Coastal Virginia Magazine while keeping a casual, 60‑seat feel.

Set in a restored beach cottage, Tautog’s serves she‑crab soup, fresh local fish, and nightly specials that feel quintessentially Oceanfront. A perennial favorite cited by local guides for friendly service and a true sense of place.

An oyster‑centric raw bar and craft‑cocktail hub known citywide for its daily 3–6 p.m. happy hour and thoughtful wine pairings. Frequently highlighted by Coastal Virginia Magazine and the city’s tourism board for its bivalves and bustling Oceanfront energy.

South of the resort area, Heirloom turns local produce and seafood into refined, seasonal plates with Virginia wine front and center. OpenTable diners consistently rate it among the area’s best for creative farm‑to‑table cooking and attentive service.

The ViBe District’s farm‑to‑table pioneer mills local grains, bakes its own breads, and sources almost entirely from nearby farms. Featured by Condé Nast Traveler and praised by locals for daytime menus and new dinner nights that celebrate regional ingredients.

A polished neighborhood bistro blending coastal Virginia seafood with global accents. Recognized by the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association and Wine Spectator honors via the association for its wine program, plus one of the city’s better happy hours.

Housed in a preserved 1940s building with an on‑site garden, Esoteric pairs chef‑driven comfort food with one of the best craft‑beer selections around. Lauded by Visit Virginia Beach for its garden‑to‑glass and kitchen craftsmanship in the ViBe.

A Sandbridge staple since 1964 serving steamed blue crabs, fried platters, and hearty breakfasts. Frequently referenced in travel coverage of Sandbridge and endorsed by the city’s tourism site as a go‑to for classic, casual coastal fare.

This neighborhood Venezuelan spot brings arepas, cachapas, and parrillas to the Bayfront side of town. Loved by locals for generous portions, friendly hospitality, and many gluten‑free options—an energizing detour from the seafood‑only track.