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

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Updated September 05, 2024

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!


A photo of Mizuno Japanese Restaurant restaurant
Mizuno Japanese Restaurant
4.9
4.9 (656)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
Mizuno Japanese Restaurant is a family-run business that first opened in 1996. Located in Virginia Beach, Mizuno is embedded in a seafood hotspot, only 25 miles south of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay, and 158 miles south of Hatteras, North Carolina. Chef-owner Wataru Mizuno feels blessed to be a sushi chef in a culinary trifecta like Virginia Beach. Mizuno and his team take advantage of the restaurant's access to local sources by artfully composing daily specials that feature fresh shrimp, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, flounder, blue crabs and oysters, to name a few. The hook's simple. Mizuno resists complicated sauces and excessive ingredients. Instead, he flavors scallops from the world famous Chesapeake Bay, adding nothing more, at times, than a dash of citrus and a pinch of sea salt. Wataru Mizuno: Chef/Owner Born in Japan, Wataru Mizuno received his formal training in Tokyo, as an apprentice under master Teruo Sato.
Top review
Joy
Dined on Aug 14, 2024
Always a great experience! The food is super fresh and definitely the best sushi in VB!
A photo of The Melting Pot - Virginia Beach restaurant
The Melting Pot - Virginia Beach
4.9
4.9 (1768)
$31 to $50
Fondue
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
The Melting Pot offers an extraordinary dining experience that you won’t find at any other restaurant. Here you'll discover all of the ingredients to a perfect evening, including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and fabulous four-course fondue dinners. No matter what the occasion from a romantic date to get-togethers with friends, meetings or large groups, The Melting Pot is certain to please. Make reservations today and come dip into something different.
Top review
Bruce
Dined on Aug 31, 2024
We had a great time. We enjoyed the experience - it was our first time at the Melting Pot. I also thought the wine list was very reasonably priced. Our server was friendly and professional!
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Experience
NEW! Ultimate 5-Course Experience
A photo of Heirloom restaurant
Heirloom
4.9
4.9 (1965)
$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
Chuckvip
Dined 4 days ago
Everything was superb! the food, the service, everything!
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A photo of Heirloom Shrimp of a restaurant
Popular dish
Heirloom Shrimp
A photo of Whole Fried Snapper of a restaurant
Popular dish
Whole Fried Snapper
A photo of Southern Fried Chicken of a restaurant
Popular dish
Southern Fried Chicken
A photo of Terrapin Restaurant restaurant
Terrapin Restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1479)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant

WE OFFER A CASH DISCOUNT OF 3%
Beginning in 2006, we have been serving the finest quality food to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Our goal, from day one has been to make damn good food, with honest ingredients while being kind to those we meet along the way. 
We offer Terrace seating. Our Terrace is protected from inclement weather and heated for year round dining. It is NOT air conditioned. We do have ceiling fans and cooling fans for the warmer days.
We are proud to present our guests with a dinner menu free of hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup, yet full of flavor that only the freshest ingredients from local sources can provide.
At Terrapin restaurant, we are very passionate about supporting sustainable organic farmers and local watermen, as well as preserving the integrity of our menu and products.




Top review
Scott
Dined 2 days ago
Everything was superb! Service was excellent. Will definitely be back!
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A photo of Shortrib Rigatoni of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shortrib Rigatoni
A photo of Josper 6 oz Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Josper 6 oz Filet Mignon
A photo of Linguine & Clams of a restaurant
Popular dish
Linguine & Clams
A photo of The Veranda restaurant
The Veranda
4.9
4.9 (63)
$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
Katevip
Dined 2 days ago
It was our first time eating here and it did not disappoint in anyway. Everything was excellent, including the service. We had the shrimp appetizer and it was so good. I could literally eat that for my meal. My mother had a Caesar salad and she said it was great.  appetizer. We ordered several pasta dishes including the chicken Parmesan and the Bolognese. I am not sure the name of what my mother ordered, but she loved it. So glad we followed others recommendations, and came to this restaurant. It will definitely be on our list to return soon.
A photo of Gaston's Italian Steakhouse restaurant
Gaston's Italian Steakhouse
4.9
4.9 (222)
$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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 4 days ago
We love this new restaurant in our neighborhood! You won’t be disappointed.
A photo of Mannino's Italian Bistro - Kempsville restaurant
Mannino's Italian Bistro - Kempsville
4.9
4.9 (1299)
$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
Margaret
Dined 3 days ago
Great dinner. Never a bad meal. Service was excellent.
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A photo of Chicken Portafino of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chicken Portafino
A photo of Penne Alfredo of a restaurant
Popular dish
Penne Alfredo
A photo of Chicken Picotta of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chicken Picotta
A photo of Coastal Grill restaurant
Coastal Grill
4.8
4.8 (3812)
$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
Nanvip
Dined 1 day ago
Fantastic seafood! We had three different dishes--shrimp pasta, halibut and rainbow trout. All were perfectly cooked, flavorful and fresh. This is one of the best seafood places in VA Beach.
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A photo of Shrimp and Grits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shrimp and Grits
A photo of Wedge Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Wedge Salad
A photo of Grilled Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grilled Salmon
A photo of Aldo's Ristorante restaurant
Aldo's Ristorante
4.8
4.8 (4451)
$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
Michaelvip
Dined 5 days ago
We dine here every year on vacation. Best Italian in VB! Wes was our server - excellent job! Pear and Caesar salads were fresh and crisp with delicious dressings. Capellini marinara and Penne Mare e Monti entrees were perfectly cooked pastas with scrumptious sauces. The penne dish has tender chicken and nice sized shrimp that are tender and very tasty in a delectable rose sauce. The focaccia bread is a thinner version with nice seasoning. Too much food to have dessert this visit, but the case by the entrance makes it hard to resist them. If you are in the mood for Italian in VB then Aldo’s is a great choice!
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A photo of Lollipop Lamb Chops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lollipop Lamb Chops
A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Caesar Salad
A photo of Eggplant Stack of a restaurant
Popular dish
Eggplant Stack
A photo of Eat. An American Bistro restaurant
Eat. An American Bistro
4.8
4.8 (1239)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
*ONLINE RESERVATIONS FILL UP FIRST, PLEASE CALL RESTAURANT FOR IN HOUSE AVAILABILITY*

Parking is available, please see one of our team members with assistance on parking instructions.

Deemed "One of the 30 Places to Eat Before You Die" by writer Lorraine Eaton, this local gem converts first-time guests into long-time fans on a daily basis.

The intimate location (great for a date), tucked away at the north end of the Virginia Beach oceanfront, has become a local favorite. The eclectic menu has something for everyone, including creative renditions of steaks, fresh fish and seafood, possibly the best burger you'll ever have, vegetarian and more. Plus, there's a chalkboard of daily specials, and a full list of wines, craft beers and cocktails.

We apply a supplemental fee to credit card transactions*





Top review
lisa
Dined 2 days ago
We had a wonderful time as usual. The food was great and definitely a good value. Our server recognized us from a year ago! Always interesting. The inside seating is lovely, the outside is a little weird. We go every time we come to Virginia Beach.
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