Best Seafood in Virginia Beach (2025)

Family-run since 1939, Steiny’s is a rite of passage for its famous fried shrimp, riverfront lawn, and old-school service. Celebrated by Coastal Virginia Magazine and lauded by local critics, it’s where generations gather for Chesapeake staples and timeless hospitality.

Set in a restored cottage near the boardwalk, Tautog’s plates local oysters, she-crab soup, and seasonal fish in a laid-back beach house setting. Praised by the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association and countless travelers, it’s a beloved oceanfront standby for seafood done right.

A lively raw bar and cocktail spot championing regional watermen, The Atlantic turns out expertly shucked oysters, roasted bivalves, and seafood plates that lean bright and seasonal. Frequently recommended by local food writers and OpenTable diners, it’s a modern take on the city’s oceanfront bounty.

Chef-owned, 60-seat and fiercely local, Blue is known for crab soup, pristine daily fish, and unfussy, dialed-in flavors. Regulars and local critics praise its consistency and heart—all from a humble Red Mill strip-center address that puts food first.

Family-owned on Rudee Inlet since 1989, Rockafeller’s pairs marina views with Chesapeake standards—she-crab soup, crab cakes, and oysters. Recognized by Virginia Living and covered by local news for award-winning soup and oyster recycling, it’s a community-minded classic.

A locals’ hangout on the inlet from breakfast through late night, Big Sam’s serves raw-bar classics, Hatteras-style chowder, and fried seafood with an easygoing, boat-watching backdrop. It’s frequently praised by local guides for honest plates and waterfront grit.

Part fish market, part waterfront restaurant, Dockside embodies boat-to-plate dining—specials mirror the day’s catch that just hit their docks. Endorsed by Visit Virginia Beach and beloved by locals, it’s a quintessential Lynnhaven Inlet experience.

Once a bait-and-tackle shop, Bubba’s grew into a family-run seafood house overlooking the Lynnhaven. Known for she-crab soup, steamed crabs, and sunsets on the deck, it’s a shoreline standby recommended in city guides and local roundups.

A Sandbridge tradition since 1964, Margie & Ray’s serves steamed crabs, platters, and hearty she-crab soup amid Back Bay country roads. Featured by Southern Living and cherished by locals, it’s worth the scenic drive for a true coastal Virginia meal.

Since 1989, this Hilltop favorite has showcased soft-shell crabs, tuna, and blackboard specials with polished, unfussy execution. Highlighted by Visit Virginia Beach and applauded in local media, it remains a benchmark for Chesapeake seasonality and service.

Deep in Pungo, the Cleanthes family’s waterfront spot channels rural VB—crab-forward plates, brunch, and live music in a relaxed, marsh-side setting. Recognized by the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association, it’s a locals’ favorite after Sandbridge or Back Bay adventures.

On the Lynnhaven with tiki-bar energy, Chick’s shucks oysters, fries platters, and slings crushes to boaters and beachgoers. Named among dining highlights by Condé Nast Traveler and beloved by locals, it’s classic Shore Drive seafood with a party-ready deck.