Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Norfolk / Virginia Beach

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Norfolk / Virginia Beach? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Press 626 Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (11)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Norfolk

About the restaurant

Press 626 Wine Bar is a hidden gem in Norfolk, located in a charming 1906 Victorian home. Experience a unique blend of old-world charm and modern elegance, perfect for romantic evenings, friendly gatherings, or solo escapes with a good book and a glass of wine. Our extensive wine list, curated by experts, ensures you'll find the ideal pairing for your meal. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a novice, our knowledgeable staff is here to help. Enjoy elevated comfort food and small plates made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including Chef Leeroi Fonterela's delicious charcuterie board and grilled cheese. Don't forget to try our expertly crafted cocktails, which complement any dish. At Press 626, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy friendly service alongside delicious food and wine. Come as you are and make lasting memories with us.

Top review

Matt

Dined on May 30, 2025

The staff was incredible. Slight delay in our reservation but they communicated with us and took care of us during our very minor wait. We split a few of the small plates and were impressed with everything we got. Our server helped us with our wine selection and helped us try some new wines after describing what we normally like. Will be returning.

Leaping Lizard Cafe

4.9

4.9 (1354)

$30 and under

American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Situated under a canopy of old growth trees on Lake Joyce, this natural gem serves seasonal fare from tidal Virginia. The menu reflects freshness with a distinct emphasis on showcasing the inherent colors and flavors of the ingredients. The cafe's bakery provides all its breads and deserts and is open for retail on the weekends. This fresh approach to food done in a natural and unpretentious setting has been a local favorite for twelve years. If you don't see your desired time slot available give us a call.

Top review

Katherine

Dined 2 days ago

Leaping Lizard is such a quaint, fun place, and the food is excellent! Two friends and I ate lunch there this week, and all of the food was very good! We love the atmosphere.

Mannino's Italian Bistro - Kempsville

4.8

4.8 (1372)

$30 and under

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

The experienced Culinary team of Chefs John R. Mannino & John M. Mannino (Father & Son Respectively) have partnered with Sommelier Daris Gavin to open New "Olde World Style" Italian Bistros. The goal was to give patrons Great Italian food at a reasonable price point with wine choices to match. We… are sure that the Mannino’s Italian Bistro Family will work with great passion & attention to detail to try and ensure that our guest develop a sense of home and comfort while enjoying their dining experience. John R. spent time at many restaurants both locally (Nicholas’ at the Omni, La Bella Italia, Café Society {Executive Chef}, Bodegas & 456 Fish) and nationally (Lacey’s Restaurant/ Manhattan & East of Athens/ Long Island). John M Mannino is an Honors Graduate of Culinary Institute of America. He was the Executive Chef of Bodega & 4 5 6 Fish prior to opening Mannino's. John M also won the Inaugural 2012 Taste of Hamptonroads Iron Chef competition.

Top review

John

Dined 2 days ago

Great food and friendly attentive service. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

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4.9

4.9 (1673)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

AAA Four Diamond restaurant located at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Zoës originally opened in 2003, and re-opened under new ownership on March 16, 2009. Renowned sommelier Marc Sauter, as well as devoted restaurant goers Bill and Joni Greene, to continue the Zoës legacy with the same great location, friendly staff, soothing ambience, and award-winning food and spirits.

Together, their hope is to offer their guests a wonderful dining experience that has a comfortable, familiar atmosphere, yet that special touch of class that makes Zoës “the place to go when you absolutely must impress your guests.”

Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are always welcome.

Zoës is a completely non-smoking establishment.

Top review

Tiffany

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

We ate here as a party of 4, and it was fabulous! We had appetizers, salads, and entrees, steaks and seafood. Best scallops we’ve ever tasted. Steak was phenomenal. Everything was so fresh and delicious tasting. Sparkling Wine was also exceptional. Wonderful experience and food, we’ll be back.

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7oz Creekstone Filet Mignon

Heirloom

4.9

4.9 (2212)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Heirloom is a creative farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on elevated local recipes from Virginia.

We partner with local farmers and waterman to bring the freshest ingredients to our table. We offer seafood-driven and locally minded menus focused on quality and seasonality. Heirloom features a mindful bar program with classically influenced cocktails made with carefully selected ingredients and innovative technique. The wine program will be sourced from all over the world, with a spotlight on exciting Virginia wine. We are proud to possess an approachable and diverse list, with bottles for every palate and price point.

Top review

Karen

Dined 3 days ago

Appetizer of Corn Bread was really delicious and the group enjoyed the Heirloom Shrimp appetizer too. The Heirloom Burger and Truffle Fries are a must! Crab cakes were delicious too.

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Southern Fried Chicken

Leila International Cuisine

4.8

4.8 (29)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Norfolk

About the restaurant

Taste The World with Leila International Cuisine.
We are feature dishes from all over the world. We do offer Halal food, Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten free options!

Top review

Dale

Dined on May 31, 2025

Ever since our first visit, the food and service have been outstanding! We have brought family and friends many times and everyone agrees it was a great find. Do yourself a favor and check out this place. You won't be disappointed.

Aldo's Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (4737)

$30 and under

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Since 1988, Aldo's Ristorante is an Italian fine dining restaurant & wine bar located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Aldo's award winning wine bar & wine list has been thriving for over 32 years, receiving accolades from wine spectator and wine enthusiasts magazines. Offering locally sourced seafood and produce daily.

We feature delicious food (some gluten free), wonderful wines, superb service and excellent value!

Top review

VictoriaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The food and service was impeccable as always. We love Aldo’s and will be back!

Gaston's Italian Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (365)

$31 to $50

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Modern Italian Cuisine
Gaston’s Italian Steak House, the American Dream for Gaston, is where passion for food, comfort, and enjoyment are combined. Our neighborhood restaurant is casual- elegant and cozy, the perfect backdrop for a first date, anniversary dinner or warm family gathering with a beautiful private room available. Benvenuto!!

Top review

Chad

Dined on Jun 3, 2025

Very good quality of food for what they charge, I would have rather paid more and had bread with my dinner, the bread and tomatoes was okay, but I like a dinner roll with my pasta, also the chicken parm was a lot of chicken and very little pasta, again I would have rather paid more and had a larger portion, definitely good food and the waitress was the best we had in our vacation

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Popular dish

Shrimp Scampi

Mangia Qui Italian Bistro

4.9

4.9 (461)

$30 and under

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Mangia Qui Italian Bistro in Virginia Beach, VA wants to become your go-to spot for a fun atmosphere and delicious Italian food. You know, that place in the neighborhood where locals gather to kick back and take a night off from cooking.
If you can’t hop a plane to dine at a trattoria in Italy, the next best place is right here. We truly believe we’ve created something with this restaurant that you can’t get anywhere else in the area. From the pride we take in our kitchen preparing fresh to order authentic dishes like homemade lasagna and tiramisu, to our dedicated wait staff providing friendly and personalized service.

Top review

MikeVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The staff is 1st class. We dine here often. Austin waits on us most nights, he is professional and knowledgeable. We usually go on Wednesday nights, their pizza special is a real bargain, and the best part is it’s the best pizza in the area. In my humble opinion!!!

Coastal Grill

4.8

4.8 (4000)

$30 and under

Seafood

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Classic, consistent, upscale cuisine is offered in a well-appointed, unpretentious setting in this top-notch nosherie. The beautiful bar invites easy conversation and casual dining. Located on the affluent Great Neck corridor in Virginia Beach, just three miles from the Oceanfront, Coastal Grill is as famous for what isn't on the menu as for what actually is. Owner Jerry Bryan with Executive Chef Maureen Cucchiaro and Chef de Cusine Brad Bates at the stove, offer an extensive list of "blackboard specials," always with a nice assortment of freshly caught regional seafood. This locals favorite has received critical acclaim since its inception over 25 years ago, culminating in being voted the Number 1 Restaurant by Hampton Roads Magazine. With amazing food and exemplary service, Coastal Grill is a sure bet for business dinners, special occasions, or simply unwinding after a hard day. Come celebrate with us!

Top review

Robert

Dined 3 days ago

Always dependable good food. Had good wine and seared tuna is always good

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