Julie B
Google
Steinhilber’s is tucked away at the back of a neighborhood on the Lynnhaven Inlet. The setting is charming, and the restaurant looks like a converted historic home, which gave us high hopes for a special evening.
We had a 6 p.m. reservation for a birthday celebration. When we arrived, it was lightly raining and getting dark. The gravel parking lot had several uneven spots and potholes, which was a bit surprising for a place that appears to offer upscale dining. Inside, the host was kind and made note of our celebration, seating us by the window, which we appreciated. The dining area is quaint but very compact, and there’s only one small bathroom that could use a refresh.
Our server was friendly and professional, though the pacing of the meal was quite slow. We arrived at six and didn’t finish until around nine. The lamb lollipop appetizer was beautifully presented with a flavorful dipping sauce, small cheese balls, and sweet peppers. The texture of the lamb was a bit unexpected, but it was tasty overall.
For entrées, we shared because the portions are large, but we were surprised that sides were not included. My daughter ordered the Beef Wellington, which was very hot but not her favorite. I had the filet, which was tender and well-seasoned but arrived only lukewarm and with minimal presentation. The pear martini was excellent, and although my wine order got mixed up, our waiter was clearly handling multiple large tables and did his best.
Overall, Steinhilber’s has potential with its waterfront charm and history, but the experience didn’t quite live up to the expectation. The service was kind, but between the parking, the pacing, and the presentation, it fell short of what we hoped for.