Taste the Best of Virginia Beach: Our Top Restaurant Recommendations
Virginia Beach is a vibrant coastal city in Virginia that is famous for its miles of sandy beaches, lively boardwalk, and rich history. With such a diverse range of attractions and activities, it’s no wonder that this city has become a top tourist destination. But Virginia Beach is not just a beach town – it’s also a foodie’s paradise! From seafood shacks to fine dining restaurants, Virginia Beach has a lot to offer when it comes to delicious cuisine. If you’re into exploring different food scenes, you might also enjoy discovering restaurants in Boston, which offers a similarly rich variety of culinary options, especially when it comes to seafood.
We will take you on a culinary journey through Virginia Beach, sharing our top restaurant recommendations that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Waterman’s Surfside Grille is a beachfront restaurant that offers a unique blend of fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and breathtaking ocean views. The menu features a wide variety of seafood dishes, including jumbo lump crab cakes, tuna poke bowls, and lobster mac and cheese. They also offer a selection of burgers, salads, and sandwiches for those who prefer non-seafood options.
One of the standout dishes at Waterman’s is their seafood nachos, which are piled high with shrimp, crab, and scallops, and topped with a creamy cheese sauce and fresh salsa. The restaurant also has a rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning ocean vistas.
The Atlantic
The Atlantic is a modern seafood restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to create inventive dishes that are both delicious and sustainable. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the availability of ingredients.
One of the must-try dishes at The Atlantic is the tuna tartare, which is served with avocado, crispy quinoa, and soy ginger dressing. Another standout dish is the grilled octopus, which is served with roasted tomato, chorizo, and romesco sauce.
The Atlantic also has an extensive wine list, as well as a selection of craft beers and cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a night out with friends.
Commune
Commune is a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on serving fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers and producers. The menu changes frequently to showcase the best produce of the season, but you can expect to find dishes like smoked pork shoulder, roasted vegetables, and handmade pasta.
One of the standout dishes at Commune is the wood-fired pizza, which is made with locally sourced ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor patio, where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by lush greenery.
Esoteric
Esoteric is a trendy restaurant and bar that serves up inventive dishes and craft cocktails in a stylish setting. The menu features dishes like pork belly sliders, crispy duck confit, and roasted bone marrow.
One of the standout dishes at Esoteric is the grilled hanger steak, which is served with a chimichurri sauce and crispy fingerling potatoes. They also offer a selection of vegetarian and vegan options, like the smoked beet salad and the cauliflower steak.
The cocktails at Esoteric are also worth mentioning, with creative concoctions like the “Smoke and Mirrors” (made with mezcal, lime, and blackberry) and the “Bourbon Peach Tea” (made with bourbon, peach, and lemon).
Tautog’s Restaurant
Tautog’s Restaurant is a family-owned seafood restaurant that has been serving up delicious seafood dishes for over 30 years. The menu features classic dishes like shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and fried oysters, as well as non-seafood options like filet mignon and chicken parmesan.
One of the standout dishes at Tautog’s is the she-crab soup, which is a creamy soup made with crab meat, sherry, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning. Another must-try dish is the seafood platter, which comes with fried shrimp, scallops, oysters, and a crab cake.
Tautog’s also has a cozy and casual atmosphere, with nautical decor and friendly service. It’s the perfect spot for a family dinner or a laid-back night out with friends.
Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop
Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop is a Virginia Beach institution that has been serving up delicious breakfast dishes since 1974. The menu features a wide variety of pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast classics, like eggs benedict, omelets, and bacon.
One of the standout dishes at Pocahontas is the blueberry pancakes, which are fluffy and bursting with fresh blueberries. The restaurant also offers gluten-free pancakes and waffles for those with dietary restrictions.
Pocahontas has a cozy and vintage atmosphere, with booths and counter seating. It’s the perfect spot for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick breakfast before hitting the beach.
Doc Taylor’s
Doc Taylor’s is a popular breakfast and lunch spot that is known for its delicious sandwiches, salads, and breakfast dishes. The menu features a variety of omelets, eggs benedict, and pancakes, as well as sandwiches like the turkey club and the grilled cheese with tomato soup.
One of the standout dishes at Doc Taylor’s is the crab cake benedict, which features a perfectly poached egg and a juicy crab cake on top of an English muffin, all smothered in hollandaise sauce. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating on their charming patio, which is perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal in the sunshine.
Overall, Virginia Beach has a diverse and exciting culinary scene that is sure to satisfy any food lover’s cravings. From seafood shacks to farm-to-table restaurants, there are so many delicious options to explore. These seven restaurants are just a few of our top recommendations, but there are countless other hidden gems waiting to be discovered in this coastal city. So why not plan a foodie adventure in Virginia Beach and taste the best that this city has to offer?