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

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance 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 (19)

$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

Ingrid

Dined 5 days ago

We love Press 626 One of favorite places to go for lunch or dinner. Jonathan and the staff are amazing. The food and drinks are to die for , no exaggerations. Thank you again for making my birthday dinner special. 🥂

Yiannis Wine and Food

4.8

4.8 (364)

$50 and over

Wine Bar

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

At Yiannis Wine & Food, we have a passion for delicious bites and even better wine. Founded by Ioannis Choutris in 2011, we carved out a niche for rare and hard-to-find labels from around the world. Over time, we grew into a full-service kitchen, specializing in premium seafood and steaks, always paired with the perfect wine.

Dining at Yiannis is an immersive experience—our wine-cellar-style space is lined floor to ceiling with exceptional bottles. Whether for an intimate dinner or lively gathering, our fine dining atmosphere and warm hospitality make every visit special.

Led by Head Chef Ben Field, our award-winning kitchen serves top-quality dishes, including our First Place-winning She Crab Soup (2024). With GM & Sommelier Chris Gray and CEO Josh Fisher curating unforgettable pairings, Yiannis offers wine dinners, tastings, and more. Join us and discover Virginia Beach’s best fine dining.

– The Yiannis Team

Top review

Patricia

Dined on Jul 11, 2025

From the moment we arrived at Yiannis, we were welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality. The customer service was nothing short of exceptional—attentive, friendly, and perfectly timed throughout the evening. The cuisine was absolutely fabulous. Every dish we tried was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and bursting with authentic flavor. It’s clear the kitchen takes pride in their craft, blending traditional favorites with elevated touches. A special highlight of the night was meeting the owner, who was incredibly gracious and clearly passionate about the restaurant. It’s always a joy to dine somewhere that not only delivers on food but also on heart and hospitality. Yiannis is a gem—we’ll absolutely be back!

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4.9

4.9 (2255)

$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

Amanda

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing food as always, I’ll definitely be back 😋

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4.8

4.8 (1374)

$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

Patti

Dined 5 days ago

Great location & always their menu makes it worth the trip,

Chef's Kitchen & Cocktails

4.8

4.8 (378)

$50 and over

American

Norfolk

About the restaurant

At only 65 seats, Chef's has an intimate but edgy ambiance and an eclectic dining experience. Located on Colley Avenue, Chef’s Kitchen & Cocktails offers an upscale but comfortable, quality dining experience.

Please leave children at home and enjoy the atmosphere.
(ADULTS ONLY!)

Top review

TimothyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Colbi was amazing. Appreciated her kindness, great service and awesome personality!

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4.9

4.9 (126)

$31 to $50

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Veranda Trattoria, where the warm embrace of traditional Italian hospitality meets the sun-kissed shores of Virginia Beach. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant coastal city, our trattoria invites you on a culinary journey that combines the richness of Italian flavors with the laid-back charm of beachside living
The atmosphere is a perfect blend of rustic elegance and coastal comfort, creating a welcoming space for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.
The Veranda Trattoria is not just a restaurant; it's a place where friends and family come together to savor exceptional food, share stories, and create lasting memories. Whether you're seeking a romantic date, a family celebration, or a casual dinner with friends, our trattoria is the perfect setting for every occasion

Top review

MelindaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful…delicious halibut potatoes and rocket salad…our absolute favorite salad. The salad dressing is so good…cocktails and wine. It’s a wonderful treat. Melinda Perkins

Gaston's Italian Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (388)

$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

LisaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Perfect birthday celebration From the moment we walked in, we were treated like special guests. Impeccable service and delicious food made it a night to remember..

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Popular dish

Shrimp Scampi

Orion's Roof Garden & Dining

4.5

4.5 (6488)

$31 to $50

Fusion / Eclectic

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

The rooftop of the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront boasts unparalleled views of the Atlantic & an open kitchen that allows energy & interaction to flow throughout. Orions menu of Asian-fusion, coastal, dishes & classic sushi paired with eclectic cocktails & a vast Sake & wine selection creates true umami. Orion’s Roof offers guests an upscale dining experience surrounded by arguably the most amazing views on the East coastline.

Top review

Jaden

Dined on Jul 21, 2025

Sean was an excellent server we had a wonderful evening

Zoes Steak & Seafood

4.9

4.9 (1693)

$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

barbaraVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Such a fun evening. Food is creative and amazing. Desserts are fantastic. The staff is the best. Professional and kind with attention to detail. A true gem!!

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7oz Creekstone Filet Mignon

Aldo's Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (4777)

$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

Charlena

Dined on Jul 21, 2025

Wonderful atmosphere, food and waiter (Pasqualle) was amazing!

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